Need help with MOB Outfit

BostonGIrl4732

My mother is currently on medication that makes her bruise all over.  She had cuts and bruises all down her arms and legs that won't go away and probably won't before the wedding.  She loves dresses and wants to wear a dress to the wedding, however, we (my dad and I) are concerned that she might trip in a longer dress (her balance is awful).  She's also on the larger side now thanks to the same medication and hates the way she looks in everything.

I mentioned wearing a pant suit to her and she freaked out because she wants to wear a dress.  I personally don't care about the bruises showing, but my dad feels very strongly that they shouldn't (and I see his point - she'll be upset when she looks at the pictures later).  My mom can't always verbalize what she wants (she has brain cancer - not cool).

I personally don't care if she shows up in a brown paper bag.  I'm thrilled my mother is going to be attending my wedding at all.  However, I want her to feel comfortable.

I figured I'd post here and see what you talented ladies think.  Any good suggestions?  The only thing I can think of is having her wear thick tights or something with a dress that falls just below her knees.  Or a pant suit (which she doesn't really want).

krispi921

Maybe a tea length dress with a light weight jacket or shrug? My mom is looking for that length because she is self conscious about her legs.

Maggie0829

If she wants to wear a dress then let her wear a dress.  I understand your Father's concerns but he needs to back off.

With your Mother's condition (I am very sorry to hear that), is she capable of going out shopping with you?  If not, could the two of you look at pictures online and then once you get a feel for what she likes, you could go out and purchase a few different outfits for her to try?

I think a long dress would be just fine, just make sure that the hem line is altered so that it does not drag on the floor when she is in her shoes.

There are beautiful options at department stores that either come with a jacket/bolero/shrug or a jacket/bolero/shrug could be added to the dress separately.

I think the best thing is to get an idea of what your Mom would like first and then go from there.

BostonGIrl4732

Wow, sort of feel like an idiot now.  I never thought to ask the makeup artist if she could cover the ones on her legs!

My mom can't go shopping right now (I think that's ticking her off more than anything), but maybe I can pull up pictures and see what she thinks.

[Deleted User]

Sorry to hear about your mom's condition but I agree with pp that I think you can find ways to make mom happy and have you and dad feel ok. I agree, let her have a long dress, you can get it altered if necessary to tea length of even around ankel length. This way she is less likely to trip on the dress. Not sure what time of year or what your wedding colors are but if she can get a dark dress where maybe some black tights would work, that would help hide any bruising on her legs that might show. I would try to find her some nice flats, that might also help with any sability issues. If she insists on heels, try to get her to go for wedges or something with an ankle strap so easier to keep on & then have flats to wear at reception for "more comfort, all the girls will do it."  I saw lots of great MOB dresses while shopping w/my mom that might be able to fit any size issues she has. Many of those outfits came w/jackets.  Here is a link of a style of dress that might work nicely for her. It's an easy length to shorten slightly.  Not that David's bridal is only shop that has dresses like this but check out their special occasion for some ideas. They have several that range from 2-24W. I think you'll get some great ideas for options that you hopefully will all be comfortable wearing. Maybe before going dress shopping you can treat your mom to some special pampering and do her hair for her or take her some where to have it done up pretty. That may help her to feel pretty when trying on dresses.

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Glitter-Jacket-Dress-with-Long-Satin-Skirt-749377D_Special-Occasions-Shop-By-Occasion-Mothers-Special-Guests

Good luck with everything!!

MobKaz

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_need-help-with-mob-outfit?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:57a93640-4f4d-41fd-9976-358e468d4aabPost:0e7cdeb4-755e-46bc-a7a1-90f1578d6053">Re: Need help with MOB Outfit</a>:
[QUOTE]Wow, sort of feel like an idiot now.  I never thought to ask the makeup artist if she could cover the ones on her legs! My mom can't go shopping right now (I think that's ticking her off more than anything), but maybe I can pull up pictures and see what she thinks.
Posted by BostonGIrl4732[/QUOTE]

<div>If she is having trouble getting out of the house at the moment, suggest shopping on line from stores that have worry free return/exchange policies, such as Nordstrom's.  In that way, she can actually try on some outfits to get a better idea of what may or may not work.</div>

CrazyCatLady3

There is special makeup made to cover scars and bruises on the body.  Here is one example:

http://www.smartcover.com/varicose-veins.html