To avoid colour clashes, it’s well worth both mothers making time to discuss with each other what they are planning to wear and, to confer with the bride. The important thing is that mothers feel happy with their choice and do not fall into the trap of wearing what others think they should wear. This is where expert advice is essential.
- Depend on the specialist High Street retailers. They have expert knowledge and the time to give you unbiased opinions and advice. Plus, they want you to be happy, shop there again and recommend your friends.
- Be brave and open to suggestions; try new colours and styles.
- Love the outfit first and then accessorize.
- Simplicity is elegance in itself - add your accessories then eliminate one.
- If you are wearing pastel shades, a beige handbag and shoes are better than white.
- Scarves, stoles and pashminas are perfect accessories.
- Keep to just two colours except when two of them are black and white.
- If you are very suntanned, best to avoid wearing black or navy.
- Earrings may be "too much" worn with a chunky necklace.
- Costume jewellery is far better than fake jewellery.
- Wear no more than one ring on each hand (wedding and engagement ring counts as one).
- A string of pearls is an indispensable piece of jewellery in every woman’s wardrobe, especially worn with dark colours.
- If you need to hitch up your skirt to sit down, it’s because it is too tight. Try sitting in a new outfit before buying.
- Choose the right size heel for the length of your skirt.
- A well cut, simple dress or suit can be changed completely with the right accessories.
- Gloves are chic but only if good quality.
- If shoes or handbags are too noticeable they are never elegant.
- Divide the cost of an outfit by the number of times you are likely to wear it and you have the real value to your wardrobe.
- Gloves are not
essential, but they do add an elegant finishing touch, especially for
an autumn or winter wedding.
- If a
hat is not an option consider a feather fascinator.
Think Audrey Hepburn, Diana, Jackie Kennedy, Princess Grace and you won’t go far wrong!
Even the most expensive and beautiful outfit can be ruined by the wrong choice of underwear. Bras for example, should not only give support but should also follow the shape of the bodice of the outfit, the usual bra may not do this effectively. Again, this is where specialist shops can offer invaluable advice.
- A dress rehearsal in the complete outfit, including the underwear and shoes is essential to ensure everything looks well together and that bra straps or underskirts do not show and consequently spoil the whole effect.
You’ll spend much of the day on your so it’s essential you find shoes that fit well and are comfortable. 
If you’ve not had your feet measured for years, this may be the time to do so. Also, even if you know your foot size, the size and fit of shoes can differ considerably – both between different styles and between different brands. Don’t forget to try out shoes wearing whatever hosiery you’ll be wearing on your wedding day. The fit can be vastly different if you’ve got bare feet.
If you intend wearing then it may be wise to buy two pairs of shoes. Although it will cost more money in the first instance, it would at least mean that you’ve got something more comfortable to put on later in the day especially if you intend dancing the night away.
TIPS
- Break new shoes in by wearing them around the house
- If you will be walking on lawns or on a beach, stilettos should be avoided
- A decorated hemline calls for a simpler shoe style and visa versa
- Avoid wearing hosiery with open toed shoes
- Higher heels can aid posture
- Buy shoes in the afternoon when your feet have warmed up
The night before the wedding, soak your feet in warm water with Tea Tree or Peppermint oil and use a good foot cream.
On the day, stand with your feet together and, whilst holding on to a support, hubbie maybe, rise slowly up and down on to your tiptoes. Or, whilst sitting down, lift and stretch your legs in a straight line in front of you and at the ankle, rotate one foot at a time slowly as if drawing a large circle with your big toe, first in one direction then the other. Then, with your feet resting flat on the floor, move your toes up and down.
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