I am thinking the same thing for our son's wedding in September of 2012. They are getting married in Big Sur, on a property overlooking woods and river and maybe ocean too. The property owners say no high heels, which suits me fine. It will be chilly too, I am suspecting, so I will want a wrap of some kind. A glittery pant suit of some kind ought to do it for me too. I will check out what others recommend to you.

For something so important, I'd really want to try the outfit on, before buying. Aren't there any nice department stores in your area? I'd also check with shops that sell mother-of-the-bride outfits. You and I can't be the ONLY mothers who prefer pants. I plan to wear pants no matter where my dd gets married (and knowing her? the bride may wear a pantsuit herself! We're just not dress folks).

What I've been thinking of--if this helps you--is getting a pair of dark, dressy slacks. Something in brown or blue--definitely not black for a wedding. And then adding a pretty, tunic-type top. Something possibly chiffony, that would be almost dress-like.

But here's the most important advice--why don't you invite your future dil out to lunch and for an afternoon of shopping, getting her to offer her advice on your final choice. It would be a great way to bond, and she's the one single person who's opinion matters here.

I like Azzalea's ideas, but here are a few to look at.

I always thought Drapers was a place for old ladies, but sometimes I do shop there now.

Here is a link that might be useful: Drapers

Just an opinion, but there would be nothing wrong with black slacks for a wedding. Have been to some pretty fancy weddings where the bridesmaids wore black gowns.

I went to a recent wedding of a friend who is in her 40's. Her mother wore the most amazing green and rose dress with a jacket. It had wonderful cut-out embroidery, just stunning.

many sites have a special occasions section and even a wedding party section
Roamans has both here is a link to see those.

Here is a link that might be useful: wedding party

you might want to try this type of google search for more
Mother of the Bride Pant Suits.

I too have seen many wear dressy black at weddings, my niece had her bridesmaids in beautiful black with white accents it looked fabulous.
What I have heard is you do not wear white to compete with the bride, but I doubt with a pants suit that would be a worry.

Glenda posted pictures of the pants outfit she wore to her son's wedding a few years back. It was really pretty. Where are you Glenda, gal? She can probably direct you to some good places to look.

I just went through the process of looking for a mother of the groom dress. Through my searching I found that Macy's and Nordstrom in the special occasion departments have black chiffon pants and also skirts (long and short). They also carry beautiful tops and jackets. For my sons wedding I bought a long chiffon skirt and a beaded top. You might also be able to find the pants online at both stores, but the tops and jackets are limited. The chiffon pants and skirts are very figure friendly :)

I just did this! I attended a wedding this past Saturday and I was determined to wear a dressy pants suit. Macy's and Nordstrom's did have black chiffon pants and skirts. I ordered several from Macy's along with some of the dressy tops. I was very disappointed in the jackets, when I took them out of the bag all the little sparkly things fell on the floor. I could just imagine them dropping all over the table. They weren't sewn on like a regular sequin, they were more like glitter that was glued.

The more I thought about I realized that I didn't really want to wear black to the Mass which was at 2 in the afternoon. So I ended up with this skirt from Orvis. It's $98 in the catalog but only $69 in the store. I paired it with a cream tank that had tiny folds around the neck and a cream open front jacket that I found at Coldwater Creek two day before the wedding on sale at $57.00.

What's neat is the skirt is reversible. One side is taupe with cream ovals (sesame seeds) and the other is paisley in black, green, and taupe on a cream background. I'm short so the skirt is long and comes to just above my ankles, which is fine with me - I'd rather cover my legs. The paisley side looks sharp with a black tank and sweater.

Several friends complimented me and the skirt was perfectly appropriate for this wedding. If I were the Mother of the Bride or Groom I would have selected something dressier.

Here is a link that might be useful: Orvis reversible skirt

I have one similar to the one at this site:

http://www.boscovs.com/StoreFrontWeb/Product.bos?rch=Y&quantity=1&itemNumber=41407

I can also wear this pant to church. I top it with either a silky top or a sparkly top, depending on the occasion - love it!

Here is a link that might be useful: Wedding coulottes

WOW, thanks everyone! Great suggestions.
Azzalea....I live on the Cape in Massachusetts and my future DIL lives in Oregon, so as much as I would love to take her out to lunch, that's not possible! She did ask that I wear blue (for my blue eyes) but she left the style up to me.
Since this is the first non-traditional wedding I will be going to AND being the mother of the groom, I am freaking out about looking appropriate.
I am off to look at the suggested websites! Thanks again!

My daughter got married June of 2010 and I wore a pantsuit also. The pants were chiffon with a satiny material lining. Had a satin top and the jacket had lace all over it with tiny little rhinestones all over it. I got it at Boscovs, $130. watch for sales and get them even cheaper. I shopped for so long in stores and online it was to the point of ridiculous, lol.

It was so much more comfortable than wearing a dress. It's probably a shame to admit but I do not own a dress. My daughter was completely fine with me wearing a pant suit.

Don't know how to post a pic within my message or I would show it to you. It was champagne color.

I think this one is really elegant and classy.
Chiffon Mother Of The Bride Pantdress

they have some nice choices there and looks like good color choices.

Katlan, Boscov's is my favorite store. Got the dress I wore to my granddaughter's wedding at Boscov's. It'd been $120 and I got it for around $80. It was cute, fit and the price was right. Can't beat Boscov's.

Plus I'm out of state so there's no sales tax.

P.S. They have great sales on their kitchen items, too!

Do check out Boscov's, declansmom!

A word to the wise, something with wide legs and filmy fabric may not be best for a wedding "in the woods" or any other natural setting. I'd look for something with less chiffon and more tailored, personally. And forget the heels, too.

This is the one I wore to my son's outdoor wedding, Oct. 5 years ago.

This is closeup and the purse I bought.

I was teary after finding out my sister was there.

The earrings and pin were my mothers. Wore them in remembrance of her. And they went perfect with the outfit.

Aww...thanks glenda. You looked beautiful. The pin and the earrings are absolutely gorgeous. It's always nice to wear something of your Mom's whenever the occasion arises.
I suppose I am just accustomed to traditional weddings. My son and his fiancee are so sweet telling me to wear whatever I want, but I am still having a tough time deciding.

I hope this works. From left to right, our son Nick, me, new son-in-law Danny, our daughter Amanda, my husband Randy and my in-laws. I hope you can see the pant suit o.k.

Lovely family and pretty pants suit! CONGRATULATIONS to the happy couple!!!

Aw thanks kayjones. I admit to being a very proud mom!

katlan, beautiful picture! Love your outfit.

Thanks Glenda!