What not to wear as mother of groom?

The main thing to avoid is any outfit that could upstage the bride or look like bridal wear. White, ivory, cream and pale champagne are off limits, even in a different style. Black is generally fine for evening weddings but can feel heavy for a daytime ceremony unless the couple has asked for formal wear.

You should also avoid looking like a member of the bridal party. If the bridesmaids are wearing a specific colour, choose something distinct so you do not appear in the group shots by mistake. Extremely short hemlines, sheer fabrics or very deep necklines are usually too much for a wedding, especially one held in a place of worship.

• Skip heavy sequins or anything that distracts from the couple.
• Do not wear the same colour as the mother of the bride if the couple prefers contrast.
• Avoid casual items like jeans, trainers or sundresses for a formal wedding.

The couple's wishes come first. If they have shared a dress code or colour palette, follow it and ask the register office or place of worship about any specific rules.