Mums on theme – matching your outfit to the wedding
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Claire Muir talks to Scotland’s top occasionwear suppliers who share their tips for coordinating your style with the wedding vibe…
What you wear should always be a meaningful representation of your identity and individuality.
But when it comes to weddings (especially ones where you’re part of the bridal party) there are some unwritten rules – and opportunities to get inspired.
Are they tying the knot in a grand city venue? Or will it be an intimate outdoor affair where you’re enveloped by glorious green space?
Are the bridesmaids going bold or understated? Matchy-matchy or mismatched chic?
PHOTO | Laura A. Tiliman Photography
Information gathering about all the above and more can be very helpful before you hit the boutiques.
In fact, at Frox of Falkirk, Natalie suggests gently quizzing the couple to pick up some tips for what to consider (and what to avoid) when you start outfit shopping,
“It’s important to know where the wedding is going to be but also ask if there’s going to be a theme,” she advises.
“Depending on your relationship with them, you may even want to ask if they have any colours or styles they’d prefer you to wear.
“Once you have all this information, you can discuss it with your consultant at your appointment.”
At Rachel Scott Couture, which now has a dedicated occasionwear store, Rachel agrees that it’s worth having a pre-shopping chat with the to-be-weds.
“Remember you’ll be in photos with the wedding party. So, as much as you don’t need to match the bridesmaids’ colours or the tableware, you don’t want to clash either!” she says.
That said, Rachel reminds mothers-of-the-bride/groom (MOBs and MOGs) that even though it’s the couple’s big day, you’ll remember the occasion for the rest of your life – and you’re likely to see a lot of photos of yourself afterwards.
As such, she and the team reckon that feeling like “your best and most iconic self ” in your chosen outfit is a must.
Similarly at Catwalk in Falkirk, Louise underlines the importance of mums feeling confident and elegant in their chosen look.
“Whatever the venue, theme or time of year, there are a diverse range of styles for every preference.
“You’re guaranteed to find something that complements the surroundings and lets you shine on this special day.”
“Jane decided to work with designer Suzanne Neville to create the perfect outfit for her son’s country estate wedding.
“She opted for a bespoke gown with silk chiffon sleeves, a corseted bodice, and an elegant crepe skirt in vibrant orange.
“This was just the right look for a celebration at a stately home because it’s classic and understated – whilst still being totally showstopping with a vibrant injection of colour.
“We just love working with Suzanne because she is great at creating one-off designs.
“That means MOBs and MOGs can have an outfit made exactly how they’d like it and to their exact measurements too.
“Fit and design are extremely flexible so there’s no need for compromise!” – Rachel, Rachel Scott Couture
Recreate this look – Bespoke gown by Suzanne Neville, (POA).
“If you’re a mum looking for an outfit for your daughter or son’s church wedding, it’s crucial to strike a balance between elegance and modesty.
“This means your attire will align with the sanctity of the occasion and reflect a sense of respect for the religious setting.
“At Catwalk our top tip would be to opt for an ‘appropriate’ neckline and hem length, and one style we’d strongly suggest is the A-line dress.
“It gently flows from the bodice, creating an elegant and timeless look.
“The A-line also offers ease of movement, which is perfect for navigating church aisles with grace and poise.
“That said, floor-length gowns bring an undeniable sense of grandeur and formality, and they’re a popular choice for traditional church ceremonies.” – Louise, Catwalk
Recreate these looks: Left: John Charles floor length dress, £665 | Hat, POA
Right: John Charles A-line dress, £689 | Hat, POA
Destination wedding
“This dress is from the new 2025 Couture Club collection.
“It’s ideal for a wedding abroad as it’s sleeveless and lightweight.
“That’s not all, though.
“The bright and bold floral fabric makes it the perfect dress for a wedding in the sunshine too!
“It’s worth noting that opting for a smaller headpiece is often easier for a destination wedding because the hatbox needs to be hand luggage and taken on the plane.
“If the wedding is taking place on a beach, you might want to choose shoes with a closed toe to avoid unwanted sand!
“Remember, some shoes and bags can be dyed to any colour so that they complement an outfit perfectly.” – Natalie, Frox of Falkirk
Get the look: Dress by Couture Club (£575).
When Taylor Sommerville and Gary Martin married at Drumtochty Castle last year (check out their beautiful wedding here), it was time for MOB Judith Sommerville to find an outfit…
“I knew I wanted something different and modern but it was really difficult to decide.
“There is so much choice out there and I tried on so many outfits.
“In the end I had my outfit made, which was absolutely the right choice for me.
“I came across a video of an outfit I loved on Instagram and shared it with Taylor.
“She mentioned she’d seen a similar look on an Edinburgh designer’s Instagram page and this was when I connected with Carolyn Baxter who created and made
my outfit.
“The whole experience was great and the end result was fabulous.
“It worked so well for Taylor and Gary’s classic, romantic castle wedding – and for dancing in the evening because the skirt came off, turning the outfit into a jumpsuit!
“With such a striking colour, I didn’t want to over-accessorise so I wore the beautiful pendant Taylor bought me as a wedding gift.
“Then I added matching shoes and a bag.
“I’d have only made one change and that would have been taking a shawl or pashmina for the church and photographs – it was early May and I’d underestimated the temperature!”
