Question 1

My mum wears trousers daily but feels like she must wear a dress on my wedding day. What would you suggest?

Accepted Answer

A wedding is an extraordinary occasion for the wedding party, especially when getting the outfit right for mother-of-the-brides. Here at Charisma, we pride ourselves on giving a one-to-one personal service to assist our ladies through trying different styles and outfits. We suggest coming out of their comfort zone, away from their usual style, to try something different to get that wow factor. Some customers wish to have their legs covered and feel more comfortable in a trouser suit, which is great, but try a tea-length style dress such as the Condici Balmoral with its three-quarter length soft and feminine look, which can be dressed up with a fantastic hatinator for a church wedding or down with a simple flower for more relaxed weddings. We've had so many customer reviews telling us how they came into our boutique with style in mind but went out with something different and always had terrific comments on the day.

Question 2

My mum is looking for an outfit for our winter wedding, what's stylish and will keep her warm?

Accepted Answer

Dressing for a winter wedding can be a more challenging compared to spring/summer weddings, but you can still look stylish and keep warm. We can experience some freezing weather, so opt for thermal undergarments which are available in various shades and styles. Thanks to the different thicknesses available, the pieces can be worn underneath your outfit without becoming too tight and uncomfortable. Once the formal proceeding is finished, you'll inevitably go to a heated venue – even garden marquees can have heating provided. If you're worried that you'll be too hot for the reception, a quick change at the venue is easily done.

Question 3

My mum wants to wear something age appropriate for my wedding while still looking stylish and sexy. How can she achieve this?

Accepted Answer

Many things have changed over the years, except that our mums want to look and feel amazing for our daughter or son's wedding. We as a nation tend to dress younger than our parents did at similar ages. When it comes to our mother-of-the-bride/groom outfits, we want to dress appropriately but not old and dowdy. Luckily, the majority of designers have realised this and make stunning outfits that are bang on trend while not being too revealing. We have people of all shapes and sizes visit our store; they all want to look and feel a million dollars. Remember that it's about choosing the right style for your body shape if you want to look and feel incredible. Looking stylish and sexy is not all about ultra-fitted, short and low-cut outfits. We have many designers that will fit the criteria while keeping your modesty intact. Condici has some beautiful shift dresses that will complement your shape and are available in sizes six to 28. The classic designs are made to emphasise our good points and are cleverly tailored to disguise trouble areas. Veni Infantino is also an excellent designer that creates great shapes to flatter body types with cutting edge designs. Here at Charisma, we work with your shape and desires until we're satisfied that you look and feel amazing; after all, you only get one chance to make a first impression!

Question 4

My mum wants to wear something on-trend. What's popular in the world of weddings right now?

Accepted Answer

Weddings come in all shapes and sizes, one size does not necessarily fit all. Many mums want an outfit suitable for the formal part of the proceedings as well as the evening reception; this beautiful John Charles dress with a sheer cape definitely fits the bill. Match this with a fabulous hat, and it immediately becomes formal – perfect for a church wedding. If you pair down the millinery to something a little more subtle, it will then be suitable for a garden or beach wedding. The look is super smart, bang on trend and the cape is removable, so you'll have a great dress for dancing the night away in. Come and see us here at Charisma of Fawley and tell us your wish list – we'll find you something to make you look and feel incredible.

Question 5

My daughter is getting married in early May and the only rule is that there are no rules! She's happy for me to wear what I like but I want something special. What would you suggest that's suitable not only for her relaxed boho theme but the spring weather too?

Accepted Answer

Debbie says: In springtime, with all the array of emerging colours, it's an ideal opportunity to add an extra splash with floral prints, either bold or something more subtle. The boho theme is great for more relaxed weddings and can look just as stunning as more formal attire. Stand-alone dresses are the way to go, with or without sleeves, so long as it's soft and flowing – no structured shift dress for this theme I'm afraid. How daring you want to go depends wholly on your individual style and personality. As this is a more informal type of wedding, to make yourself stand out from other guests as mother-of-the-bride, why not finish your outfit with an amazing hat? Should the weather be a little chilly and you feel the need to add layers for warmth, make sure that they are soft and flowing too, no stiff jackets! Don't forget no one sees what you have on underneath, so if you do feel the cold wear some thermal underwear and if the weather warms up during the day, it can easily be removed and no one will know any different. Just remember it's meant to be all about about relaxing and having fun!

FAQs and expert advice about mother of the bride