Mother of the Bride or Groom Dresses for a Wedding: Elegant Styles for Every Celebration
Dress from Lisa Moran
Ah, weddings — they’re emotional, joyful, and, let’s be honest, a tad stressful! But as the mother of the groom, not that much planning needs to be done. Although the thoughtful bride has included me in various events such as “She said yes to the Dress,” there isn’t much involvement, especially since I live six hours away. However, there’s generally one thing that should be exciting, not overwhelming, and something I have a definite say in: finding the perfect dress.
Whether you're walking down the aisle behind your child, greeting guests, or dancing the night away, your outfit should make you feel confident, beautiful, and completely at ease. But with so many styles, traditions, and trends out there, where do you even begin?
Don’t worry — we’ve got your back. Let’s break it down!
What to Consider Before Choosing a Dress
Before you hit the shops or start scrolling online, here are a few key things to keep in mind:
The Wedding Dress Code: Black-tie? Beach casual? Garden party? Your dress should align with the theme. Our son jokingly wanted to say the dress code is James Bond Casual, but that didn’t go very far.
Season & Venue: Outdoor in summer? Indoor ballroom? Fabric and cut matter. I always freeze, so finding the dress for the season is critical to me.
Color Coordination: You want to complement, not clash with the bridal party. In our case, there isn’t a bridal party, but the overall color scheme is blue. I also want to ensure that my dress complements my son’s jacket for the “mother-son dance.”
Your Personal Style: You’re not a mannequin — pick something that feels you. If you don’t have a personal style, like me, you might need some advice from your spouse or a friend. I just know I don’t typically do trending clothing. Pictures of me 40 years ago could have been taken today. With the exception of the big hair era.
Popular Styles for Mother of the Bride or Groom Dresses
As far as fashion goes, I am a novice. I never had daughters to help me with styling, and although I am the youngest of five girls, my focus growing up wasn’t on fashion. We had uniforms until I went off to college, then I couldn’t afford expensive fashions. Besides, I went to Georgia Tech, and if you wore anything but a T-shirt and shorts, you would stand out amongst the sea of nerdy engineering boys. So, falling into that nerdy stereotype, I did research. Here are some of the popular styles for dresses.
1. A-Line Gowns
Flattering on most body types, A-line dresses are timeless and classy without being too formal.
2. Tea-Length Dresses
Perfect for semi-formal or daytime weddings, especially spring and summer ones.
3. Sheath Dresses
Sleek, elegant, and perfect for modern weddings — add a jacket or shawl for a polished look.
4. Fit and Flare
Fitted at the top and flared at the bottom — great for showing off curves in a tasteful way.
5. Jumpsuits and Pant Sets
Yes, you can ditch the dress! Stylish and modern, these are a hot trend for fashion-forward moms.
Okay, my research showed a jumpsuit which I would never recommend. I am still confused by that trend. And a pants set? I would pass on that, too. But remember, I don’t do the trends, so if that is your style, go for it. You should choose what is comfortable for you.
Best Colors for Mother of the Bride or Groom Dresses
Avoid wearing white (reserved for the bride!) or exactly matching the bridesmaids, unless requested. I think of the movie, Monster-In-Law, where the groom's mom comes out in a white gown. If you saw the movie, you know it didn’t go over well. But great color choices include:
Navy Blue: Classic and elegant.
Champagne or Taupe: Subtle and sophisticated.
Dusty Rose or Mauve: Soft, romantic hues.
Emerald or Burgundy: Perfect for fall and winter weddings.
Slate Gray or Charcoal: Understated and sleek.
Pro Tip: Talk to the bride about color palettes to ensure harmony in photos.
Dress from Lisa Moran
Ranked number one in popularity, and from personal observations, navy blue is a winner. It adds sophistication without choosing black. Although I list dusty rose or mauve, that color scheme evokes memories of the 80s. However, I have attended several weddings where the bride has chosen a pink hue, often referred to as blush. My own wedding, which took place in December, featured bridesmaids in burgundy, which I loved.
Dress Etiquette & Coordination Tips
Coordinate with the other mother. Traditionally, the bride's mother chooses her outfit first, but this varies. Communication is key!
Avoid upstaging the bride. You're important, but it’s her day — think elegant, not extravagant.
Cover-up options. Sleeves, shawls, or jackets are great if the ceremony is in a church or during cooler months.
With our couple not wanting to have a wedding party, and the mother of the bride being flexible on what we wear. I feel fortunate that the options are unlimited. The problem is that the options are unlimited. Now that feels overwhelming. Yikes, what now?
Where to Shop for Mother of the Bride or Groom Dresses
Here are some reliable and stylish options:
Nordstrom – A wide range of sizes and designers.
BHLDN by Anthropologie – Romantic, trendy, and wedding-focused.
David’s Bridal – Affordable and convenient.
Macy’s – Great for in-person trying and classic brands.
Azazie – Budget-friendly and customizable.
Neiman Marcus or Saks – For luxe options if you’re ready to splurge.
Lisa Moran - When it comes to the mother of the bride and groom, no one does it better.
Need tailoring? Don't be afraid to alter! The perfect fit can elevate any dress.
Since we live in the countryside on a farm, our shopping options are limited. Ordering online could certainly be an option, but I have also tried that as a wedding attendee, with not much luck. Instead, I am relying on the bride and her mother to recommend local places to help with the task at hand. That way I can coordinate with the bride’s mom and make sure above all else, the bride is happy. Don’t want to be the Monster-In-Law.
Trends for 2025 Wedding Season
Floral Appliqués & Embroidery – Romantic textures are in.
Metallics – Gold, silver, and rose gold add sparkle without going overboard.
Sleeve Drama – From flutter sleeves to bishop sleeves, a little flair adds elegance.
Velvet & Satin – Luxe fabrics are making a comeback, especially for fall weddings.
Dress from Lisa Moran
From some of the shopping that I did, florals seemed to be prevalent. Some were just gorgeous, but I go back to how they will look in pictures. I am reminded of a family portrait of my sisters, parents, and myself. I wore a solid color, while the others wore more trendy florals. But put together, it looked like a flower power overload.
FAQs
Q: Can I wear black as the mother of the bride or groom?
A: Absolutely, if it's appropriate for the setting and the couple is cool with it. Pair it with sparkling accessories to soften the look.
Q: Should my dress match the bridesmaids?
A: Not exactly. Complement the colors, but stand out just enough. Coordination is better than matching.
Q: What if the wedding is outdoors or on the beach?
A: Think lightweight fabrics like chiffon or jersey. Choose breathable styles and comfy shoes (hello wedges or flats!). I made that mistake and attended an outdoor wedding in stilettos. The result was an air-rated lawn and shoes that ended up in the garbage.
Q: Can I wear white or ivory?
A: That’s usually a no-no unless the bride says otherwise. Respect tradition — there are plenty of other elegant options.
Final Thoughts: Own Your Look, Mama!
Your child’s wedding day is just as much about celebrating your love and support as it is about new beginnings. Whether you're standing by your daughter or son, your outfit should reflect the joy of the day and your unique spirit.
Pick a dress that flatters you, fits the vibe, and most importantly — makes you feel fabulous. Because confidence? That’s always in style.
