Watch with mother-in-law

But rivalry can be so great between prospective mothers-in-law, many become embroiled in a bitter battle for style supremacy.

A staggering 15 per cent of mothers of the bride and groom have fallen out over their outfits.

Some use what should be a celebration of two families coming together as a way of getting one over on the other mother. A new survey has revealed that 31 per cent of women admit they purposely chose an outfit to try and outdo their future son or daughter-in-law's mum.

A selfish five per cent said that was all they were worried about.; so much for all eyes being on the bride on her big day.

'The shopping process needn't be stressful though'

Kaleidoscope spokesman

Grabbing the limelight ranged from one respondent who went all the way to Bangkok to have her outfit specially made, to buying the biggest and most striking hat they could lay their hands on in order to stand head and shoulders above the crowd.

A quarter of the 1,000 women polled by ladies' mail order catalogue Kaleidoscope said they had used a flamboyant hat in an attempt to win the battle.

And how self-centred can you get? The survey also revealed that despite it being the first rule when it comes to picking a wedding outfit, nine per cent of mothers wore white.

Almost half DO liaise with each other about what they are planning to wear. But mostly they're doing it so as to avoid wearing colours that clash!

But it's not surprising mothers are so concerned about their outfits; a lot of hard work goes into choosing them. It takes them a total of ten hours on four different shopping trips to find one they like, say Kaleidoscope.

If you're a shopaholic, that probably sounds like bliss but one in ten mums say they hated the experience because it proved to be so difficult to find something suitable.

A spokesman for Kaleidoscope said: "Although everyone knows the bride's dress is the most important outfit, it seems someone forgot to tell the mothers this.

"But a son or daughter's wedding is a big day for them as well and they obviously want to look their best. The shopping process needn't be stressful though - buying online is a great way to choose an outfit. There's no pavement traffic or fitting room nightmares!"

It needn't be expensive, either.

The survey discovered that mothers spend an average of 222 on their outfit. And one in ten splashed out over 500 - which is more than many a wedding dress costs.

We found a great selection of outfits - ranging from the traditional suit with matching hat ensemble through to more useful dresses with that extra touch of glamour about them.mum's who didn't compete to look good

"Mums falling out about their wedding outfits? How sad," says Anouska's down-to-earth mother-in-law.

By her own account, she and in-law Kathryn Semp are "like chalk and cheese". And they don't mind a bit.

Barnsley mum of two Norma Cooper feels not the least bit threatened by the glamorous Kathryn.

"She's a lot younger than me and still a busy career woman who loves her high heels. I'm a retired social worker and very happy in my comfortable flat shoes," laughs the 67-year-old from Barugh Green.

When my son Andrew married Anouska there was never any rivalry between Kathryn and I. We're both from Barnsley and we get along very well - we consulted each other on what we were going to wear.

"It was very important to me that I felt right for the big day. I went on a diet especially. But I was happy to go to my favourite boutique in Huddersfield.

"Anouska's mum looked stunning, but it was never about competing with each other. Anyway, my husband thought I looked gorgeous."

To order from Kaleidoscope, call 0844 5564100 or go to www. kaleidoscope.co.uk.

Avorio can be contacted on 0114 2724772 or at avorio.co.uk