Mother of the Bride Dresses (2024)

FAQs

What color is the mother of the bride supposed to wear? ›

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.

While almost anything goes for mother-of-the-bride attire—so long as the bride approves—it is important to follow certain cues dictated by the venue. For example, it's probably best to wear a strapless dress to a beach ceremony rather than a church wedding.

A formal setting calls for a more upscale ensemble (like something floor-length), while a shorter, more casual wedding outfit is appropriate for laid-back celebrations. Take inspiration from the wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses, as these can help influence what dress length the mother of the bride should wear.

Don't Look Like You're Competing with the Bride

A basic rule of wedding etiquette is that the mother of the bride should not outshine her daughter. So, don't choose gowns or dresses that would overpower the bridal gown.

She can certainly find her way to her seat on her own but it's traditional for a male relative or friend walk her. Since the bride's father will be busy walking his daughter down the aisle, whose arm does she take? As it turns out, there are a number of different options.

Do the mother-of-the-bride and groom match? While mother-of-the-bride dresses are similar to mother-of-the-groom dresses, the moms don't need to match.

Updos are a mother-of-the-bride hairstyle favorite for a reason: they're timeless, they frame your face and they work with a wide variety of dress styles. Whether it's a beautiful braided bun, an elegant chignon or an updo with a few wispy tendrils, you really can't go wrong.

Consider when and where the event is taking place. For summer ceremonies abroad or in a marquee, lightweight chiffon or satin, pastel hued and floral print occasion dresses are the order of the day. Whereas winter weddings or formal venues call for jewel tones and more structured wool-silk fabrics.

The right detailing on mother of the bride dresses can work wonders in creating a slimming effect. Consider the following options: Vertical Embellishments: Dresses with vertical beading, embroidery, or sequins can create a lengthening effect, drawing the eye up and down and making you appear taller and slimmer.

A: Traditionally the Mother of the Bride chooses her dress first and notifies the Mother of the Groom so they can coordinate their outfits. You don't want the mothers looking at odds with each other because one is dressed more formally or they're wearing clashing colors.

Does the mother of the bride carry a purse down the aisle? ›

As the mother of the bride, you might be asked to hold many of the brides' trinkets and larger things like shoes. For that, we recommend a medium sized handbag such as the BRYANT MED or ADDIE MED.

Mother of the Bride & Groom

Both the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom are expected to pay for their own wedding attire. Typically, these gowns do not need to match the bridesmaid dresses, however, some brides prefer for the gowns to coordinate in some way.

Try blues, greens, purples, and neutrals such as navy, emerald, plum, or silver. These versatile – and universally flattering – palettes make it easy for mothers of the bride and groom to harmonize. With pale green and blue tints, we love silvery shades for Mum, while jewel tones pair well with other rich colours.

The length of the gown or dress is a personal choice, even for formal weddings. Long dresses and skirts are fine for any wedding from noon on. The mothers do not have to wear dresses of equal length, although many do, feeling that it creates a more harmonious look, especially in wedding photos.

The mother of the bride plays the role of hostess, meaning you should spend some time greeting guests during the reception. Although there are exceptions, other wedding-day duties may include sitting at the parents' table and dancing with the father of the bride to help warm up the dance floor.

A: The Mother of the Bride is special. She needs to stand out a bit from the bridesmaids, so her dress should complement rather than match the bridesmaid's dresses. For example, the MOB could wear a dress in a similar color to the bridesmaids but in a deeper shade.

It's best to steer clear of white and black – for obvious reasons. This season, sage green is the colour to be seen in, but if you'd prefer to go down a more traditional route, navy and blush are timelessly elegant.

We're sure this goes without saying, but white is reserved for the bride (or couple), and wearing this hue to a wedding is a fashion faux pas for any guest. This is also the case for white dresses with prints and patterns.

As the mother of the bride, it is one of your responsibilities to act as a hostess at the wedding and reception to make sure the guests are comfortable. So, on the day, make sure you welcome guests, ensure everyone is looked after.