You guys are going to think I'm nuts, but I need some advice on picking out a mother of the groom outfit for a formal, afternoon wedding that will take place in February in the Caribbean (i.e., should be very warm, despite February). I guess I've never paid much attention to what the mothers of the grooms were wearing in weddings I've attended. Is floor-length too much for afternoon? What about a suit? ALL ADVICE APPRECIATED!

Aderyn

I don't think you're nuts at all! Your son's wedding is a big event. Here's what I would do:
I would call the bride's mother and ask her what she is wearing. If you are both wearing the same type thing, you'll look right. Find out the wedding colors and find something complimentary.
Plan B: In most formal weddings I've catered, the mothers usually wore a long, jacketed dress. Kind of a suit, kind of a dress, the best of both. Plus, you can take off the jacket at the reception if it is too warm. A long dress won't look too formal for afternoon if you stay away from sparkle.
Let me say that I am certainly no fashion expert, but I do tend to notice what other people wear. ( a jeans-and-sneaks girl, myself)

HTH,
Trina

Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy.
And cooking done with care is an act of love.
- Craig Claiborne

Believe it or not, when I asked the mother of the bride what she was planning to wear, she said, "Probably a pantsuit, and probably one I've already got." She is very resentful of having to pony up the $$$ to travel for this wedding, so she does not mean she has a closet full of dressy pantsuits; she means she doesn't want to spend any more money than she has to. I think I'm just going to pick my outfit, then let her know style/color, and leave it up to her to coordinate or not. The wedding colors are totally easy to work with; the bride is wearing off white, the bridesmaids taupe.

Aderyn

Hmmm...a pantsuit? Interesting choice...(meow )

In any case, I would probably wear a knee-length suit or jacketed dress in a neutral or pastel color...cool, comfortable, and classy. No matter what, I'm sure you'll look great.

BTW, just curious (nosy, really): about where in Northern Mi are you? My family is from the UP...I grew up in Detroit.

Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy.
And cooking done with care is an act of love.
- Craig Claiborne

Here, check this out. I think this sort of design is so pretty and looks cool enough for the tropics. (3 of the four colors available would probably coordinate with (but not lump you in with) the bridesmaids. Maybe something along these lines.

http://www.discountdressup.com/georfabhalja.html

Maggie
5'1" ~~ Atkins since '98 (160)/Maintaining nicely (110) ~~ Redhead until further notice!

Ooohh, Maggie, that dress is beautiful! That whole site looks promising, and I see they have sizes to 5X (GOOD FOR THEM!) Trina, I am in the northern lower peninsula, about 20 miles south of Alpena. Used to live in da Soo, though!

Aderyn

Hi Aderyn -

I'm assuming the wedding is outdoors? We are living in the tropics now (hot all year!) and that dress Maggie sent you a link for would be great. The rayon type materials are have a nice drape but are cool as cotton is. And a dress is actually cooler and more comfortable in the tropics than pants or shorts. I love that jacket!

Connie

[img]//www.lowcarbeating.com/lcesupporter.gif[/img]

Hi Connie--Yes, the wedding is outdoors; in a large gazebo facing the Caribbean, not on the beach or anything. Do you guys think floor-length is "too much" for an afternoon, outdoor wedding? I'm thinking I might be better off with midcalf or knee length.

Aderyn

Aderyn - sounds like a fabulous time! I do thing floor length is too formal for an afternoon wedding - you may want to consider tea length (off the shoulder or v neck would be fine too) instead and since it's an outdor wedding, you won't have to worry about dragging the dress in the sand. Silk works well in that kind of weather (I grew up in FLA and spend summers in the Bahamas). I LOVE the color taupe - a great coordinating color would be a deep coral, if it's a color you can wear. And of course, strappy sandals. Keep in mind that even though it's February, it will not be scorching, so you may want to consider a wrap (fringed silk scarf would be neat) as the evening wears on. Too bad the mother of the bride is not as excited as you are - afternoon weddings are the best IMHO, as you can usually find another occasion to wear the dress.

Jen
175/130/120

The dress that Maggie has linked would be entirely suitable (and it is beautiful.) I was married in an afternoon ceremony and both moms wore tea-length dresses in colors that complimented the wedding scheme. Jen's advice is right on the money.

Esther