For too long mom of the bride-to-be has been told to experience down her outfit.

Having abandoned their original plans, scuppered by Covid, for any grand affair inside a country pile, they settled for any small register office service.

The bride wore a cream jumpsuit, her bridesmaids a mismatch of floral dresses. I, meanwhile, ditched my go-to wedding look of frills and flounces, and instead opted for any green wool coat-dress, letting my accessories — oversized pearl and emerald earrings, gold sequin shoes — perform the talking.

The mother-of-the-bride looked elegant inside a printed wrap navy mother of the bride dress with block heels, as did mom of the groom, inside a green floral silk Ghost dress, with blue stilettos.

Time, it appears, has finally been called around the classic mother-of-the-bride outfit: that elegant but predictable combo of boxy dress with matching jacket, hat, shoes, and bag in peach, pink, or baby blue.

Thankfully, statement dressing has arrived at a new level, and also the High Street has had notes.

A jumpsuit might seem a bold choice, but that one by Phase Eight is feminine having a twist, because of the pleats.

Remember, some from the classic guidelines do still make an application for mothers of the bride-to-be: nothing over the knee, sleeves (short or long), and heels are a must — but play the role of more original compared to the classic kitten.

Hats are a different matter. If it is a proper affair, a hat is important if you're part of the wedding party. But if the bride opts for a veil or headpiece, you can skip the headwear.

As for guests, you can wear white or cream if combined with darker separates, similar to this chic polka-dot shirt.

And bright is right, too: Mint Velvet's orange confection looks great with feeltimes' gorgeous yellow bag. Just fill with confetti and you're all set.