Here's what I have to consider: the wedding ceremony is at 2. The reception is immediately after. It's at a firehall that they're renting, though imho, they're paying way too much for that. Be that as it may. So it's a firehall-turned-wedding-party scene (it'll be decorated nicely, I'm sure, but it's still a firehall). What should I wear? All that said. My instincts are always to wear basic black, but since it's my son's wedding (first child to get married; I have NO idea what to do here), AND since I'm divorced and my ex (his father) is now remarried to a Dominican woman who dresses-to-the-nine's....what should I wear? Please advise as to: length, glam-factor (sequins? no sequins? fluffy chiffon? not? dress, fancy skirt'n'top, pants-dress/suit, what?). And remember, please...I have absolutely NO fashion sense. That is, I dress ok professionally (always wearing basic black, basically and minimally accessorized); I dress ok when I go out (wearing basic black, etc etc as before mentioned), and around the house and about town I am sweatpants (sometimes velour:-) and comfy cozy clothes. I don't want to look out of place, be that overly or underly dressed. If it makes a difference: they are living together, but were engaged long before; they have a child (my precious grandson!!!!!), and they are throwing this wedding by themselves, with a little "help" (i.e. potluck food) from their friends. SOS as to clothing for me. Thanks in advance.

This is an opportunity to add a touch of pizzaz/creativity and sharpness to your usual "professional" subdued look (I'm assuming here since we don't know you at all.)

Sequins? Well, is that your normal dressy style? If it isn't, then you won't look comfortable in those wedding group photos..which will be around for next few decades (hopefully).

It maybe worth buying a pair of sharp looking shoes in a colour/material/style which are comfortable and match other non-party outfits in future. Also a chic haircut that becomes you, it be worth the money (and excuse) for a new look you know you would look well but haven't tried.

This is me..2 years ago. I'm 50 now. This is what I wore at my partner's son's wedding.
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=23707&highlight=wedding&page=2 I originally bought this strapless dress (for $50.00 on sale) for a dressy Christmas party (hosted by a law firm, a former employer) but I never went after all. So I hunted around for the pink scarf ($22.00) to cover up myself abit.

Conincidentally later I found out the bridesmaids wore black and fuschia pink accent dresses also, of different styles. Oh well. My excuse was that we lived 4,000 kms. away from the happy couple.
No, they had rented a hall, well, it's a faux medieval theme that people use for similar

His ex (mother of groom) wore a medium baby blue chiffon dress. She has reddish-brown short hair.

Whatever you do: don't dress too dowdy professional. You are the happy mother of the groom.

(I agree if the firehall is too expensive. That's just wrong. The building is owned/managed by a municipal dept. But hey, that's the couple's problem.)

So I probably should not wear black. That eliminates all of the dresses I have in my closet lol But someone mentioned a tux in a thread on the picture-post. Would it be appropriate for the mother of the groom to wear a tux (LUV that idea!!!). Length should be somewhere bt knee and ankle, yes?

Ok,...I just realized that your son and bride is organizing the wedding and reception themselves with potluck meal.

If you wore a tux..and have the party personality or humour to carry it off.... I would know of 1-2 women who could swing such a thing and still be gracious to be in the background for the bride and groom.

I agree that black would be too formal. Still think a nice haircut on yourself would be great, nice shoes and lovely feminine oriented dress/top (if with pants).

Just remember....................pictures. You will be looking at these pictures for years and years to come. So will many, many people. I'm humorous by nature, but even I would not try and make a statement wearing a tux because the day belongs to the happy couple and to me, it would draw the attention back on to myself.

Be you. Wear what makes you comfortable and yet tasteful. Have it say, "this is who I am." Most mother-of-the brides were pastels, but that CERTAINLY does not say you have to do the same.

Today's weddings are wide open as a case knife. And this particular one sounds informal and fun. I commend the couple for doing it themselves and picking up the tab. Good for them!

So who's to say what to wear? I know for me it would be something I would not mind the world seeing, something that would not call attention to me, necessarily, but if it did, I would be okay with it.

Just some thought...

You know, a picture truly is worth a 1,000 words...

Is there any way to check with the bride-to-be as to what she'd like? Maybe a colour preference (so as not to clash with her own mother or the bridesmaids), or style.

I agree with JJ on two counts - pictures and focus - wear something that will look gracious 20-50 years from now, and something that will not detract in any way from the bride.

I'm all for the classic, traditional look. I wouldn't do anything funky that you might regret later.

What color make you feel great? What length? Pants or shirt? tops, fitted or lose? I'd go with whatever you feel good in.

Why not go out and try a bunch of different clothes on, and see what makes you feel the best.

And let us know cara how you did dress up.

Congratulations Cara on your sons big day!

I agree with JJ. Wear what you like, what makes you feel the most
comfortable. Nowadays they wear just about anything, anywhere.
So make yourself happy!