Attire & Accessories Forum

FMIL wedding attire

Hello!

I am getting married this June.  We are having a semi-formal classic/vintage wedding.  The bridal party, my mom, and my grandmothers are all wearing classy, semiformal dresses for the occasion.
My fiance's mother absolutely refuses to wear a dress.  She is older and doesn't always understand my fashion views or where exactly I am trying to go with the wedding.  We get along perfectly, and I want her to be completely comfortable for the wedding, but I don't want her to feel or look underdressed compared to the others in the bridal party.  She crocheted herself a white vest that she plans to wear along with a pair of lace flats. 
I'm trying to find a blouse and slacks that she will be comfortable in, but will also match the formality of the day.  Any suggestions??  She is planning on wearing light blue.  I was thinking maybe a light blue blouse and charcoal blousy slacks to make it appear closer to a dress?  They also need to be light enough that she won't overheat at the outside evening reception.

Thanks!

Re: FMIL wedding attire

  • I think wide-legged slacks and a blouse or jacket would look just fine.  Maybe something like this from Macy's (clicky)?

    Bottom line is that she shouldn't wear a dress if it would make her uncomforable.  It doesn't have anything to do with "understanding fashion."    If she has asked for your help, then I think it's okay to get involved.  If she hasn't asked for your help, then I think the most you should do is say something like, "Slacks sound awesome!  In fact, I saw some nice women's evening slacks on Macy's website" then let her go from there.
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  • I agree with PPs - if she hasn't asked for your help, I'd let it be.  She's a grown woman and I don't think she'd appreciate being told what to wear.

    If she has asked, maybe I'd show her photos of the dresses the other girls are wearing so she can get a feel for the formality.  Then maybe you guys could go shopping together for a nice pants & blouse she'd be comfortable in.
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  • Unlike other posters, I kind of feel your pain. My FMIL doesn't really know much about weddings or what to wear to them, so I offered to help. 

    Since you've talked about what to wear to the wedding with her previously (I'm assuming) I would maybe show her some pictures of what Mother of the Bride/Groom dresses look like (just to show her the style you're looking towards. Perhaps show her what your mom is wearing? I think slacks and a nice shirt would be just fine, I don't think you have to wear a dress. 

    Just be very "tip toe" around her, but still let her know what you mean and you want your wedding to look right.
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  • Question.  Are you paying for her wardrobe?  If not then you should just let her decide what she wants to wear and let her be comfortable.  
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_fmil-wedding-attire?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:2f366338-c349-4ca6-bd4d-5094427518f3Post:1c46f12e-8cae-4ab1-8d1a-f9a2a66e8682">Re: FMIL wedding attire</a>:
    [QUOTE]Question.  Are you paying for her wardrobe?  If not then you should just let her decide what she wants to wear and let her be comfortable.  
    Posted by Ginabean42712[/QUOTE]

    Agree with this, but also feel your pain.  I know you just want her to look nice on such a special day.  Maybe see if she wants to check out Macy's?  There are some nice pant suits...I think that is a compromise??<a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/tahari-by-asl-suit-ruffled-textured-seamed-jacket-bootcut-pants?ID=644367&CategoryID=39096&LinkType=PDPZ1" rel="nofollow">http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/tahari-by-asl-suit-ruffled-textured-seamed-jacket-bootcut-pants?ID=644367&CategoryID=39096&LinkType=PDPZ1</a>
  • Just to clarify, she has asked me to help her find something because she is nervous about not matching the other moms/grandmas.  As for the fashion comment, I meant to say that when I try to describe what the theme of the wedding is, and what others are wearing she doesn't really understand. Trying to learn her lingo is all.
    And I don't plan at all on asking her to wear a dress.  I was just explaining what the others are wearing and trying to find something similar so she feels comfortable.
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