A Guide on What the Mother of the Bride or Groom Should Wear

Are you going to be the mother of the bride or groom in an upcoming ceremony? 

Congratulations! On your child's big day, your role is important. In preparing for your son’s or daughter’s celebrations, it can be difficult to know what the mother of the bride or groom should wear. While your children are figuring out the details of their wedding planning checklist, it is up to you to find the perfect ensemble to celebrate the day.  

When deciding on an elegant mother-of-the-bride dress, there are a few things to keep in mind. Below is a list to consider as you begin hunting for your gown.

Selecting the right silhouette

Creating the perfect mother-of-the-bride or groom outfit for your child’s ceremony starts with deciding on the shape of your dress. From fitted designs to simple short styles, complement your figure and capture your taste by choosing the right one for you.

Fitted mother-of-the-bride outfits 

Pick out one of our mermaid formal dresses as a glamorous, elegant mother-of-the-bride look. The design contours your body with a snug fit over the bodice and hips before gently flaring into     the skirt. Dress up a minimalist mermaid dress with statement jewelry, or for something more feminine, choose one with lace applications.  

For those who prefer a more modern ensemble, consider a mother-of-the-bride suit, pairing an elegant skirt with a structured blazer or opting for chic trousers for more casual ceremonies.  

Short yet classy mother-of-the-bride outfits 

A shorter dress captures your modern taste with its structured silhouette. Select a style with a V-neckline for a youthful look that showcases your collarbones. For a contemporary twist, slip on our square-neck short cocktail dress that elegantly frames your décolletage. Alternatively, our high-neck designs complement your refined taste and suit more conservative venues. 

Long mother-of-the-groom gowns 

A floor-length gown creates a glamorous and elegant sartorial statement. Choose a style with a fitted bodice and draped skirt for the most flattering silhouette. Browse our array of lace details, subtle silky shines, or lightweight tulle dresses to arrive to your son’s wedding in a stunning design that captures your taste. 

Adhering to your son or daughter’s dress code 

Another important aspect of knowing what should the mother-of-the bride wear is making sure your ensemble suits the wedding’s dress code.  

Simple for more casual weddings 

For more casual venues, consider picking out a simpler dress. A short design with stunning lace detailing on the sleeves is ideal as a modern mother-of-the-bride outfit for outdoor weddings. For civil ceremonies, a satin, black wrap dress for the mother of the groom exudes timeless elegance suited to the relaxed atmosphere.

Styling for Black tie attire 

Enhance the glamour of your ensemble by accessorizing your longer gown with drop earrings and a stunning jeweled necklace. Alternatively, to elevate your evening ensemble, pair your ball gown with chic heels for a breathtaking mother-of-the-groom outfit.  

Picking the right shade 

It can be hard to know what color dress the mother of the bride wears, so coordinating with your son’s or daughter’s ceremony colors as well as the time of year is a good place to start. 
In general, it is best to steer clear of the bridal party colors, unless the bride wishes for your dress to complement the bridesmaids. Always check with her leading up to the special day. Whether it’s going shopping with her or sending her photos, sharing your potential outfits helps ensure you select the right dress for her ceremony. 

Florals and lighter shades for spring and summer 

Capture the vibrant color palette of spring or summer by picking out a gown in a stunning shade. Consider pastels in lightweight tulle that complement the changing seasons, or instead incorporate bold floral patterns for a unique look. 

Cooler tones for fall and winter 

Deeper shades can best complement the atmosphere of a winter or fall wedding. Browse our array of winter cocktail dresses, choosing from refreshing blue tones to classic black for timeless versatility. 

The attire of the mothers of the bride and groom should reflect your elegance and style while complementing the wedding’s overall theme. From selecting the right silhouette for you to adhering to your son or daughter’s dress code, picking out the best mother-of-the-bride or groom outfit can take some time. By following these helpful tips and checking in with the soon-to-be newlyweds, you can ensure you find a design tailored to your taste and celebrate your child’s special day in a stunning look.