Nigel Rayment Boutique

Nigel Rayment has worked as a milliner for 36 years, and the Nigel Rayment brand is stocked by more than 700 retailers worldwide. He and Caroline opened their first London boutique four years ago.

The shop focuses only on mother of the bride and groom occasionwear, offering a complete outfit from dress to hat, shoes and handbag. The stylists are mothers themselves, and many customers spend two to three hours trying ten or more styles in a relaxed setting.

More than ten designer collections are stocked in sizes 6 to 26, with one piece held in every size, giving around 700 outfits at a time. Labels include Ian Stuart, John Charles, Condici, Dress Code, Ann Balon, Teresa Ripoll, Carmen Melero, Olvis Lace and Paule Ka.

Every outfit comes with a matching hat or headpiece trimmed with details taken from the dress. The main delivery arrives in January and February, with a smaller one in May and June, so shopping early gives the widest choice.

The boutique opens seven days a week and no appointment is needed. Personal stylists put together outfit suggestions once they know what a customer is looking for.