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There are few occasions when mothers will feel more on display than at their son or daughter's wedding. For some, shopping and choosing what to wear will be a joy but, for others, the prospect is quite daunting. Here leading image consultant Lynsey Hakin offers her style tips and suggests you take a deep breath, count to ten and don't panic!

The first point to be considered when choosing your wedding outfit is the type of wedding. For example, is it going to be Black Tie or more traditional? Black Tie means formal or eveningwear and decrees a dress code of dinner suits for men and full length dresses for women. Traditional means dresses or suits with the option of hats or fascinators, while a more casual wedding will give more flexibility and freedom of style. However regardless of the type of wedding the mothers of both the bride and groom must look wellgroomed and stylish.

Next the wedding colour scheme must be taken into consideration. Some years ago there was a tradition for the bridal party to keep their colour scheme highly secret from everyone, including the groom's mother, but happily that tradition has fallen by the wayside. Both mothers of the bride and groom will usually want to complement the general colour scheme of the bridal party. More importantly, both mothers should wear colours that complement their personal colouring as the effects of this will be amazing. The style and colour of an outfit must complement the shape and colouring of the individual. If you are unsure of which colours or styles work best for you, a colour and/or style consultation could be a good idea.

Fashion FirstReviewing the catwalk looks for Spring/Summer 2010 I noted a return to classically elegant fashions that hark back to the 1930's to 1950's. This is a great look for both mothers of the bride and groom. Collections that come to mind especially are those by Christian Dior and Donna Karan - variations on which will undoubtedly be seen in all the shops. But fashion trends aside, knowing your own body shape and what works for you is vital. There is much emphasis on the waist this season, so if you have a waist, show it off! If you have more fullness in the middle, steer more towards a softly draping look that will flow and elongate. Remember the golden rule: if you don't want to draw attention to it, don't decorate it! Also avoid cutting yourself off at your widest point, either with the hem of a skirt or a jacket.

Personal Style Style personality is also a factor for consideration. This is about how you translate your own personality through how you choose to dress. For example, there is little point in a very natural woman who is happiest in casual clothes opting to wear a fussy dress with an overly elaborate hat or fascinator! She simply won't feel comfortable dressed in this way. This type of person will look and feel much better in a more simple two-piece, i.e. dress and jacket, skirt and jacket, or if preferred, elegant trousers and jacket. These teamed with a striking piece of jewellery and/or pashmina can look fabulous. Also, if you prefer a less traditional look then go with this. I have seen both mothers of brides and grooms age themselves by going for an "outfit" because they feel that a certain type of look is required. Do let the sales assistants know what the occasion is that you are shopping for.

Mix and Match The versatility of an outfit may also be a consideration for some. Many mothers will spend more money on an outfit for their son's/daughter's wedding than any other outfit, so will naturally want to get more than one wear from it. A way to do this could be by going for a two-piece such as a jacket and skirt that could be matched up with other pieces in your wardrobe to make them suitable for more casual dressing. Even an elaborate silk dress could be dressed down with thick tights and flat boots with either a long, chunky cardigan or a leather jacket.

Essential Accessories Headwear and accessories are also vital. If you want to go for a hat, take your face shape and body scale into consideration. The fabric of the hat should also echo the fabric of your outfit. For example, if your outfit is in a soft and draping fabric, then your hat should be in a softer style. Likewise, if your outfit is more constructed, a more geometric hat will work better. Hats do not usually work with trousers and do NOT go with eveningwear! Also, a hat is usually better in a contrasting colour to the outfit as this looks much more interesting. Fascinators are another great option and can be easier to wear because they tend to be less interfering with your hairstyle. Going for a fascinator can also be a cheaper option for those who are on a tight budget. Finally, do watch your accessories! As they are dressing for such an important occasion, many women sometimes feel that they have to pile on the jewellery. Stop and think. If you are wearing a very elaborate headpiece, or have a lot of detail at your waist, do you really need that necklace/earrings? Make-up is also important.

Many mothers will want to have a make-up trial with the bridal make-up artist if they are not confident enough to do their own make-up. It is worth taking your outfit to the make-up trial so as you know which make-up colours will work best for eyes and lips. Waterproof mascara is recommended! The only further advice I can give is simply to relax and enjoy the day!

Lynsey Hakin is a Colour Me Beautiful UK trained Image Consultant based in Holywood, County Down. Her services include colour analysis, style consultations, make-up applications, personal shopping and bridal consultations.

You can contact her at Image Confident, tel: 07517198766, email: imageconfident@mail.com