Take your place at the top table with our selection of glamorous looks for mother of the bride and VIP wedding guest
Versatility and style are the order of the day with our pick of 10 glamour fixes for mother of the bride and VIP guest. With everything from tailored and chic two-pieces to flowing gowns and simple summer shifts, there’s an option to suit every style of wedding and location. All these outfits are perfect for guests at the top table but, like any good investment pieces, can easily be dressed down or adapted after the big day so they earn their keep at parties or events. And, we’ve even included the place to find your perfect wedding-day hat or fascinator.
Sassi Holford – Cape glamour
This smart cape dress is from the new Sassi Holford occasion collection, available at her Fulham Road, Chelsea flagship. The neat tailored dress is topped with an elegant capelet to add formality and give you extra coverage. It’s in a lovely shade of wine red with a hint of sparkle in the weave, making it perfect for day-to-evening dressing when the capelet could be swapped for a simple silk wrap. sassiholford.com
Joyce Young – 25 years Young
Celebrating her 25th anniversary this year, Glasgow and London designer Joyce Young is always a go-to for chic and event appropriate outfits for mother of the bride and groom, as well as glamorous gowns for brides. We love this smart suit, in one of this season’s strongest colour stories. The simple shift is topped with a flattering buttoned coat with wide neckline and shorter length sleeves. joyceyoungcollections.co.uk
Lalage Beaumont – Check mate
This flattering and on-trend checked two-piece features a boatneck tailored dress and a lovely wide-collar jacket with turned up cuffs. Perfect for a smart summer gathering, it’s also a versatile combination as each piece could be worn individually. Available from Lalage Beaumont’s Chelsea store, the design can also be made up in other fabrics. lalagebeaumont.com
John Charles – Dress up
This elegant café and blue floral print dress has a slimline cut and features a soft illusion undertop with bead trim for subtle sparkle. This undertop adds coverage at the neckline and also the top of the arms, with sleeves ending just above the elbow. The dress is easy to accessorise with a plain jacket or cashmere wrap. johncharles.co.uk
Joyce Young – Full glamour
Perfect for a day-to-evening wedding, or for the mother of bride who wants a change of outfit for the after party, this lovely aqua silk full-length gown has a flattering wide v neckline, wide sash at the waist and slouch pockets. It can be worn in multiple ways – as a plain dress, with one of Joyce Young’s elegant beaded overtops or with a soft cardigan to keep the look glamorous and not too structured. joyceyoungcollections.com
Sassi Holford – Blue note
This edgy cocktail suit with neat tailored and belted jacket with peplum has a flattering wide v neckline and turned collar for a dash of attitude. The suit is perfect for a formal ceremony and can be dressed down to take you on to the celebration afterwards. sassiholford.com
John Charles – Fine finish
This smart two-piece from John Charles is made of a lavish textured fabric with a soft sheen. The neat short jacket with elbow-length sleeves has a matching cocktail dress with lace illusion panel at the neckline, taking you effortlessly from ceremony to evening gathering. johncharles.co.uk
Edwina Ibbotson – Get ahead
If you need or want to wear a hat for the wedding, head to Edwina Ibbotson for design advice and a wide range of flattering and comfortable designs. Her Battersea, London atelier is paradise for hat lovers and she can help you get ahead with a design that adds style to your ensemble. We love this chic fascinator – perfect for adding height and allure. edwinaibbotson.co.uk
Lalage Beaumont – Royal silk
This lovely Leila dress-coat is a wardrobe classic that will earn its keep at parties and events for season to come. It’s made of a beautiful cobalt-blue raw silk, ensuring it hangs beautifully, and has a soft sheen. It’s worn here with a high-waisted raw silk dress with a scroll pattern and elbow-length sleeves. lalagebeaumont.com
Sassi Holford – Lace luxe
Pared back and glamorous, this sophisticated cocktail dress with cape-effect lace sleeves and lace neckline detailing is by Sassi Holford. It’s the perfect choice for a smart day-to-evening wedding and is great option for the mother of the bride who wants to feel ‘dressed up’ without opting for a jacket. sassiholford.com
