21 Beautiful Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses for Every Type of Wedding (2024)

If your child is getting married, you've likely been busy helping solidify the guest list, sending out invitations, planning the timeline, and offering moral support. But when the big day comes, it's time to take a backseat and enjoy the happy couple's union. Of course, you want to look your best while doing so. To help you choose a mother-of-the-bride or mother-of-the-groom dress that fits the occasion (as well as your personal style), we've rounded up a few beautiful options. Whether vows are being exchanged oceanside at a destination wedding or at a formal black-tie event, these dresses are the perfect fit.

8 Best Places to Shop for Stylish Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

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Sachin & Babi Kayla Gown

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The stitched-on pleated waistband on this elegant silk number hits at the true waist for a flattering shape. The high neck ties into a beautiful bow that cascades elegantly down the side of the dress.

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Aqua One Shoulder Ruffle Crepe Gown

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This sleeveless, one-shoulder silhouette is sure to make a statement. The stunning asymmetric neckline gets a ruffle overlay on the right shoulder to complete the look.

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Amsale Draped Satin One Shoulder Dress

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This minimalist column dress has an Old Hollywood elegance. It's beautifully draped in a fluid silky fabric with an asymmetric off-the-shoulder neckline.

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Lulus Floral Dressed Up Black Floral Print Midi Dress

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For the mom who adores floral prints, this dress is for you. The free-flowing garment has a cream-and-black print with a sheer décolletage, short sleeves, and a darted bodice for the perfect spring wedding attire.

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Sachin & Babi Brooke Gown

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The most exciting feature of this dress? It has pockets! Beyond that, it boasts a V-neck with box pleats and a packed waist seam for a flattering fit. The floral print pattern makes it a wonderful choice for a spring or summer wedding.

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La Femme Ruched Twist Column Gown

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We'll never say no to ruching. Add in a gorgeous gathered V-neck and sheer lace sleeves, and this is a timeless look.

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BHLDN Leila Deep-V Flutter-Sleeve Satin A-Line Gown

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Timelessly elegant, this satin gown has a subtle V-neck design that pairs gracefully with a draped bodice with soft sleeves and a flowing skirt. It's available in 10 colors, so you can find a shade that suits the occasion.

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Oleg Cassini Off-the-Shoulder Crepe Sheath Dress

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A beautiful option for a black tie or formal wedding, this satin off-the-shoulder dress is accented with crystal buttons that add sophisticated flair.

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Mac Duggal Beaded Feather A-Line Gown

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Beading is already fabulous, but add in feathers and a sparkly belt, and this A-line gown is perfect for the mother who loves a statement piece.

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Theia Three-Quarter Sleeve Sequin Sheath Gown

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This sheath gown is covered head to toe in sequins, with elegant three-quarter sleeves and a gentle scoop in the back. The fabric is luxurious, while the silhouette gives the dress an understated look.

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Xscape Ruffle Off the Shoulder Crepe Column Gown

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A beautiful number for a black tie wedding, this black crepe gown features a ruffled off-the-shoulder neckline for a silhouette that is sophisticated, but never boring.

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Eliza J Floral Ruffle Strap Gown

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Perfect for the mom who is attending an ocean-side wedding, this breezy dress showcases a pleated bodice and waist with a flowing skirt that's easy to move around in. The blue-and-white floral pattern sets a lighthearted tone.

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Oleg Cassini Embroidered Off-the-Shoulder Satin A-Line Dress

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A classic mother-of-the-bride or mother-of-the-groom look, this regal dress features a satin A-line silhouette that's detailed with beautiful embroidery around the waist. The off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline will perfectly highlight your décolletage.

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Mac Duggal Floral Embroidered One-Shoulder Midi-Dress

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For an outdoor spring wedding, this number will make mom feel as beautiful as the floral arrangements. Embellished with bright floral embroidery, this tulle midi dress features a one-shoulder neckline and short cape sleeve.

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ZBYES High Low Chiffon Scoop Neck Formal Evening Dress

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Available in more than two dozen colors, this dress from Amazon makes it easy to find a hue that goes along with the wedding's color palette. The tea length, high-low silhouette is easy to move around in, while the intricate appliqué top gives it a formal look.

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AW Bridal Adina Dress

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You will be the portrait of elegance in this dress, which has a vintage-inspired look and classy bateau neckline. It's made from chiffon and designed to be comfortable and easy to move around in.

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Sachin & Babi Bonnie Gown

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This column dress features a sleeve of double-face stretch Mikado with an asymmetric neckline that boasts an oversized bow at the shoulder. Note that this style runs large, so if you want a closer fit it's best to size down.

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Adrianna Papell Hand Beaded Short Sleeve Floral Godet Gown

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This long, romantic gown features all-over hand-sewn beading in a beautiful floral pattern that catches the light, so it's perfect for a daytime soiree. A streamlined silhouette transitions into a loose and flowy mermaid skirt.

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Oleg Cassini Embellished Velvet Sheath Dress With Keyholes

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Any mother will feel beautiful in this elegant velvet look, which is perfect for a winter wedding. The deep maroon hue and soft fabric look timeless, while keyhole details and waist embellishments give the dress a modern twist.

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DCMall V Neck Long Mother-of-the-Bride Dress

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With a classic A-line design, this dress bunches at the waistline for a flattering fit. It has a corset lace-up back, so you can tie it as loose or tight as you like.

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Tadashi Shoji Sleeveless Mock-Neck Bow Crepe Gown

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A best-selling mother-of-the-bride dress, this sleek black gown flows beautifully to the ground. The high neckline boasts a silk white bow that sweeps down to thigh level.

21 Beautiful Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses for Every Type of Wedding (2024)

FAQs

What is the mother of the bride suppose to wear? ›

Try greys and neutrals such as charcoal, champagne, blush, or a metallic. When the palette is light and airy, Mom can strike a sophisticated balance in deeper, earthier shades. With brightly colored bridesmaid dresses, a shimmering metallic dress is a brilliant choice.

What is the most popular Colour for mother of the bride? ›

Typically the Mother of the Bride's dress should complement the bridal party's color palette. Not necessarily match with the bridesmaids, but choose a color in the color family. The most popular color for the mother of the bride to wear is navy or a royal blue, followed by blush or a shade of nude.

How to look slim as mother of the bride? ›

Ruching and draping are design techniques that can create a slimming effect. Look for wedding dresses for the mother of the bride with strategic ruching or draping around the midsection or waistline. These details can help camouflage any problem areas while accentuating your curves flatteringly.

Does mother of the bride wear a full length dress? ›

DOES THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE HAVE TO WEAR A LONG DRESS? The length of the dress is entirely up to you. Some mothers of the bride and groom choose to wear dresses of similar length to create a more harmonious look.

What colour should the mother of the bride not wear? ›

Answer: Typically the mother of the bride's outfit is whatever fits her style. In terms of color, traditionally, attendants and the MOB would avoid white (upstaging the bride), black (it reminds people of mourning) and red (because it's flashy).

What should a mother of the bride not wear? ›

There are certain colours that the mother of the bride should not wear. Unless otherwise instructed, is to never wear white or any colour close to what the bride has chosen to wear. Other standard colours to avoid include ivory, white and champagne. Another colour to avoid is black.

Which colour is lucky for bride? ›

While you'll see different colors all around, yellow and red are considered the luckiest colors. Yellow signifies purity and red signifies fertility and prosperity. Those two colors are the most prominent at Indian weddings. Many Indian brides will wear these colors on their big day.

Should the mother of the bride and groom wear the same colour? ›

But if no one has asked the mother of the groom to match the bridal party, it's best to choose a different color, but not one that clashes." Wearing variations of the same color that coordinate with the rest of the wedding party is a great way to complement the color scheme without being too matchy-matchy.

Should the mother of the groom wear the same colour as the mother of the bride? ›

Because the mother of the groom isn't part of the bridal party, she should avoid choosing a dress in the same color as the bridesmaids' attire, the mother of the bride's dress, or the wedding gown.

How can I look stunning as mother of the bride? ›

While dressing in too revealing a style isn't advisable for any guest, you can dress to emphasise your assets - a sleeveless dress to show toned arms, belts to highlight your waist or a shorter length for great legs. Keep styling simple and avoid too much embellishment, which can look fussy in photos.

When should the mother of the bride get her outfit? ›

The important thing is to keep her involved, so you're both happy with the final look. Ideally, it's best to start looking for a mother of the bride outfit six to eight months before the wedding date.

What is the role of mother of the bride? ›

It's an important duty of the mother of the bride to share any special family traditions with her daughter leading up to the wedding day. It's also a time to share any heirlooms for a “something old” or “something borrowed” that she can incorporate into her ceremony.

Does mother of the bride have to wear a hat? ›

Traditionally a mother of the bride will wear her hat from the start of the proceedings through until the end of the wedding breakfast (the formal part of the proceedings). That said ultimately it is your choice what you decide to do but I would recommend at least until after the photographs have been taken.

Do mother of the bride wear flowers? ›

They do, however, need something that makes them stand out from the other guests and shows that they're a big part of your day. And the way that most couples choose to honor mom is with a wedding corsage.

Is the mother of the bride supposed to wear the wedding colors? ›

She can choose a dress that complements the wedding colors or goes with a completely different style - whatever makes her feel fabulous on the big day! The mother of the bride doesn't need to match colors with anyone else. She can choose her color after discussing it with the bride.

What is expected of the mother of the bride? ›

It's an important duty of the mother of the bride to share any special family traditions with her daughter leading up to the wedding day. It's also a time to share any heirlooms for a “something old” or “something borrowed” that she can incorporate into her ceremony.

Does the mother of the bride get dressed with the bride? ›

Generally if you choose to have bridesmaids they will get ready with you along with of course, the Mother and Father of the bride and any sibilings.

Do mother of the bride and mother of the groom wear the same color? ›

While mother-of-the-bride dresses are similar to mother-of-the-groom dresses, the moms don't need to match. Both are encouraged to wear outfits that represent their personal style. If the couple does prefer to have the moms wear complementary outfits, try to find colors or silhouettes that look great together.

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