Mother of the Bride outfits for 2023 weddings: Go big or go home?

But there is one matter that exercises MoBs and MoGs even more than the choice of flowers or the colour of napkins - what they themselves will be wearing on the Big Day. Surely this is enough to keep them occupied and away from becoming full-on wedding planners (and no, I don’t mean wedding planners in a good way)?

Well, yes and no. Because, as every thoughtful (or anxiety-laden) mother knows, you can't simply rock up in the outfit of your dreams. It is not Your Big Day. You don’t want to overshadow the bride, or have all eyes on you and your spectacular outfit as the happy couple make their way down the aisle and float about later at the reception.

Nor do you want to seem at odds with the occasion, with your look a complete contrast to the themes and tones of the day. You are a mother and, as such, part of the wedding party, so you should not come dressed like an evil fairy godmother (no matter how glamorous) who looks as if she has turned up chiefly to launch a curse along with the confetti (I am a MoB-to-be myself, and have been giving much thought to the politics and implications of eye-catching attire, possibly too much).

So listen to the bride and groom, paying particular attention to what sort of wedding they want it to be, how formal or informal, the colours and styles they want for attendants, flowers and accessories. They might want a beach wedding or a church hall do (I wish) with the bride wearing white Doc Martens and a cool floaty maxi dress. Or they might want a black tie affair at a stately home with the bride slinking about in bias-cut pearly-silk couture, or trussed up in what basically amounts to little more than underwear, or sailing down the aisle in billowy puffs of lace meringue (whatever, it’s her choice).

Tradition has it that the outfit of the mother of the bride should complement the wedding party tones so, if your bride cares for this tradition, it makes sense to wait for the bridesmaids' dresses to be chosen before deciding on your own look.

But what to wear in 2023? For many modern MoBs and MoGs, the standard MOB and MoG uniform of wedding days gone by - sheath dress and bolero jacket in a pastel tone - does not cut it any more (if indeed, it ever did). And it is probably fair to say that what most brides and grooms want more than anything else is that you come as you, whatever that may be. Within reason.

So here are some tips from three Yorkshire specialist boutique regarding what super-stylish mothers are wearing this year:

Gini Palm of Julie Fitzmaurice in Harrogate:

“This year we are finding that both Mothers of the Bride and Groom are wanting elegant styles and colours that compliment their figures, but mainly they are looking for something which stands the test of time after the occasion.

“Julie Fitzmaurice offers a bespoke service, and we’ve found that our tailored Italian wool crepe coats and jackets, from petite to larger sizes, are becoming more sought after, paired with matching tonal silk or wool dresses. This is partly because women are inspired by the Princess of Wales and her impeccable style (and often come to us with her in mind), but also because a stunning wool crepe coat can be worn after the event with a shirt, casual trousers and footwear, or with a flowing skirt and jumper. The same goes for our wool crepe, lace or embroidered tulle dresses. We like to call it “investment dressing.

“The moment a Mother of the Bride or Groom walks through our door, we guide them through fabrics, style, fit and colour. We are with them every step of the way, to make their experience as smooth, exciting and truly memorable.”

Emma Morris of Yasmine of Bawtry

“This season we have noticed the wedding look incorporating pretty floral prints and sheer overlays into collections, which helps to combat the issue of arms being covered without having to wear a bolero or jacket, as it's always one of the areas of concern.

“They like colour, and this season there are soft neutrals such as champagne, opal and mother of pearl from Joseph Ribkoff, while Frank Lyman adds vibrancy with tropical prints, tangerine orange and cerise pink.

“We get requests for outfits to go to weddings at various venues, from enchanted forests, wanting a more boho look, to a sun-kissed beach setting which suits a more floaty, less structured outfit.

“Sequins and crystal trims add a touch of glamour and detail, making a change from just seeing them in the Christmas party collections.”

Rachel Atkinson of Snooty Frox in Harrogate:

“We are seeing a trend for MOBs and MOGs going for florals, maxi dresses and floaty styles. Those looking for alternative looks are going for stand-out florals and striking prints.

“We sell a stunning collection by Olvi’s Lace, which offers colourful, hand-painted lace and this brand is incredibly popular because it is unique, and truly beautiful.

“We are still seeing plenty of weddings abroad which call for our lighter, feminine, floaty styles.

“Bold colour is in - we are seeing lime greens, strong yellows and cobalt blues. MOBs and MOGs this year are ready to make serious style statements.”