Help your mum get wedding ready

Credit: 70994N Navy/Cream CondiciSue Ross of long-established Cream occasion wear specialists shares her top tips for helping mothers-of-the-bride and -groom look and feel their big-day best on the wedding day.

The mums play a star role in the bridal party and want to shine on the big day too, many agonise about what to wear, the right colours to choose, hat or fascinator, killer heels or comfy flats? The choice can be overwhelming, especially if you're not used to shopping for special occasion wear.

Sue's been trading for more than 40 years and knows a thing or two about dressing for the big day. Her shop in Royston, just south of the Cambridgeshire border, has become a destination hotspot for those on the hunt for the perfect wedding outfit with the right lingerie and accessories to match; everything from handbags and shoes to hats and fascinators to complete the look.

To help plan ahead she advises:

• It's always a good idea for the mums to liaise with one another to avoid turning up in similar outfits.
• Many choose something to complement the rest of the bridal party but at the end of the day, the colour has to suit you.
• The ideal outfit is when everything gels and gives you the wow factor.
• A stand-alone dress is a good choice with a statement headpiece. A dress and jacket is slightly more formal and the jacket can be taken off for the evening celebration.
• Hatinators are very popular at the moment and are available in different sizes on a band; very stylish and they won't mess up your hairdo either.
• Hats work well for a church wedding and fascinators are another option if you want that special finishing touch.
• Make sure your shoes not only look good but are comfortable too as you'll be wearing them all day. Heels do give an outfit that extra lift and you can always take flats for the party afterwards.