19 Stylish Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses from Real Weddings (2024)

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    19 Stylish Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses from Real Weddings (1)

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    These are the most fashionable moms to date.

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    Lilly Blomquist

    19 Stylish Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses from Real Weddings (2)

    Lilly Blomquist

    Lilly is the assistant editor at Brides. She joined the staff in 2021 and covers real weddings, wedding decor, wedding news, and more.Her work is also featured in The Knot, The Bash, and Tracy Anderson's The Edit and Tracy Anderson Mind, Body, and Soul.

    Brides's Editorial Guidelines

    Updated on 10/25/22 12:19PM

    The time has finally come: Your daughter is about to say “I do” to her person. It goes without saying that the wedding is a big day for her, but it’s also a momentous occasion for you. As the mother of the bride, you play a very important role in her nuptials. From expediting the planning process to imparting invaluable wisdom, the celebration wouldn’t be able to happen without you.

    For such an important role, you’re probably feeling the pressure to wear something special while you stand by your daughter’s side. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect ensemble, the most important criteria is a design that complements your personal style. Instead of sporting a traditional dress, more and more mothers of the bride are having fun with their attire and infusing a little personality into their looks. Whether it’s a short hemline, a floral pattern, or sparkly accents, selecting an outfit that speaks to you and makes you feel confident will make your search less intimidating and make your responsibilities that much more fulfilling.

    If you’re looking for more inspiration, there’s no better place to start than our Real Weddings. From glamorous sequined gowns to sleek silk dresses, these mothers of the bride showed up to their daughter’s wedding in serious style. Ahead, the most fashionable mother-of-the-bride looks from Real Weddings.

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    Pretty in Pink

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    This mother of the bride’s baby pink dress was the perfect accompaniment to her daughter’s botanical wedding in Chicago. With a billowing cape, short hemline, and deep V-neck, the gown evokes a trendy-yet-timeless feel. This mom wasn’t afraid to show some skin, but she did so in a tasteful and elegant way. To pull her outfit together, she accessorized with a matching pink floral headband, a diamond necklace, a sequined handbag, and silver heels.

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    A Fun Floral Pattern

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    The best way to dress for an outdoor summer wedding? Florals, of course! This navy dress with a colorful floral pattern by Lela Rose nodded to the nature surrounding the mountain wedding venue in Beaver Creek, Colorado and the couple’s vibrant color palette. To highlight the floral motif, the mother of the bride opted for simple earrings and white heels.

    The 18 Best Summer Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses of 2023 for Any Sunny Celebration

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    Pops of Gold

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    For this lush wedding in Brooklyn, the mother of the bride chose an ensemble that made a statement without upstaging the bride. This navy Oscar de la Renta dress has a modest neckline and silhouette that’s effortlessly elegant, while the sparkly gold detailing gives it a glamorous edge. For a dress this show-stopping, you can go sans accessories.

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    Vibrant Hues

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    Don’t be afraid to embrace color on your daughter’s big day! This long-sleeve pink and orange column dress coordinated with the wedding’s ombré theme. With quarter-length sleeves, this dress is practical for fall or winter weddings, and the vibrant shades will naturally bring the heat. Since the hues are bold enough, all you need are a pair of hoops to complete this look.

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    A Sleek Silhouette

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    Both classic and chic, this navy off-the-shoulder column dress is versatile enough for any season or aesthetic. Since floral decorations and bold graphics were the focal points at this Palm Springs wedding, a timeless hue and sophisticated cut blended seamlessly into the event without overpowering it. Pair it with a diamond tennis bracelet, and voila.

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    All the Glitz and Glam

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    Sparkles are the only appropriate choice for a French chateau wedding with a glamorous reception draped in chandeliers. This silver sequined dress by Terani Couture not only matched the venue, but it also complemented the bride’s sparkly headpiece. Since the gown makes a statement on its own, you won’t need any jewelry.

    07of 19

    A Timeless Look

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    You can never go wrong with a black dress. Whether it’s a spring garden soirée or a modern winter bash, the timeless hue fits any type of festivity. At this Austin wedding, the mother of the bride looked sophisticated in a black Chiara Boni La Petite Robe gown. A pearl necklace, gold hoops, and gold bracelets tied the ensemble together.

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    An Elegant Hemline

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    As this mother of the bride escorted her daughter down the aisle during her waterfront Illinois wedding, an Oscar de la Renta red dress with bright florals popped against the organic backdrop. While the color and pattern brought the drama, the midi length and high neckline made it unassuming. This getup is perfect for spring or summer nuptials.

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    Sparkly Accents

    19 Stylish Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses from Real Weddings (12)

    If you want to add a touch of glam to your outfit, embrace sparkles. This mother of the bride dressed up her beige gown from JJ’s House with sparkly embellishments on top. With sheer sleeves, the glittering accents especially stood out. We love how this mom-and-daughter duo both incorporated glistening accents into their outfits at this Seattle wedding in autumn.

    The 15 Best Fall Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

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    A Romantic Fabric

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    Hands down, lace is the most romantic fabric out there, which is why it’s an ideal option for a wedding. This mint green Self-Portrait dress features puff sleeves and floral lace, which made it a delicate and playful choice for this beautiful celebration in the Berkshires. Consider beaded block heels and drop earrings to round off this whimsical look.

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    A One-Shoulder Wonder

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    This mom was the epitome of style at her daughter’s fall wedding on a ranch in Utah. For the occasion, she chose a Michelle Mason original. The chic rose gold hue, luxurious silk fabric, and one-shoulder style are all trendy facets that are taking the wedding fashion world by storm. With a thigh-high slit and ruching detail, her outfit had a sultry flair. Sport the same shade of pumps for a cohesive look.

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    Emphasis on Elegance

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    Emphasizing color and fabric are two ways to make your outfit turn heads. This dress checked both boxes. At this fall Dominican Republic wedding, the MOB wore a stunning Marchesa number in a bold blue shade with a flattering cut and bow at the waist. Chic diamond drop earrings and an elegant updo were the perfect finishing touches to the look.

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    A Cheerful Shade

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    To make your daughter’s big day even brighter, consider wearing yellow. For this summer wedding in Westhampton Beach, the vivid hue was a particularly viable choice. This mom’s strapless yellow dress by Jenny Packham also featured 3D sequins, which made the gown even more jaw-dropping. A yellow dress lends itself well to waterfront or garden weddings in the spring or summer.

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    Beaded Detailing

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    Even though this Cabo bash was wedding number two for the couple, the mother of the bride still dressed to the nines. Her vibrant blue column dress revealed subtle beaded accents across the waistband and neckline, which offered a bit of texture and refinement. The snazzy cape made her classy dress feel contemporary.

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    A Figure-Flattering Ensemble

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    A silhouette that flatters your body is a surefire way to feel confident walking your daughter down the aisle. For this celebration in Tulum, the bride’s mother graced the beach in an off-the-shoulder, body-skimming BHLDN dress in beige. The all-over lace amplified the romance of the gown. With a bare neckline, dangling diamond earrings are your best bet.

    16of 19

    All-Over Sequins

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    If you want to channel your inner princess, a silver sequined ball gown with floral appliqués will deliver. Diamond earrings and a sparkly hair pin will be the cherry on top to the look. This mother of the bride’s deluxe Mac Duggal dress captured the same vibe as her daughter’s floral gown, which presented an adorable mother-daughter moment.

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    A Bold Color

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    Red is another striking shade that will cast a warm glow on your daughter’s big day. Since it’s the color of love, it’s also very appropriate for a wedding. This mom’s daring A-line dress with an asymmetrical hemline brought an upbeat atmosphere to this Cabo beach wedding. Strap on gold heels, and you’ll be ready to go.

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    It’s All in the Details

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    Navy is such a classic color, but if you want to give your dress an ounce of drama, focus on the embellishments. Gold floral embroidery presented a stunning contrast to this mom’s navy number. The smuttering of blooms also matched the natural setting on a rooftop in Georgia.

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    A Garden-Inspired Overlay

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    Layering is such a fun way to play around with different fabrics, textures, and details. And, it’s unexpected, especially for a mother of the bride dress. This Temperley London ensemble fused a blue gown with a sheer overlay that had touches of flowers and vines, a fitting choice for this vibrant Miami wedding.

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    19 Stylish Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses from Real Weddings (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the best Colour to wear as mother of the bride? ›

    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.

    What should a modern mother of the bride wear? ›

    "We've seen mothers of the bride and groom moving away from the traditional two-piece outfits, in favour of a more contemporary look that can be worn again. An elegant well-cut dress with sleeves and minimal detail is the most requested look, with a great shoe and bag.

    What should a mother wear to her daughter's wedding? ›

    These days, virtually anything goes—formal gown, short or long dress, skirt-and-jacket ensemble—so long as it matches the style of the wedding. Brides can be very helpful by encouraging "the moms" to work together in choosing their outfits.

    How much should the mother of the bride spend on a dress? ›

    Budgets are very personal and there is no right answer to how much to spend on dresses for the moms. Mother of the bride and groom dresses have a wide range of prices. On-line stores can range from $100 to $600 and department stores (e.g. Dillards, Neiman Marcus) can charge from $200 to $2,000.

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

    Don't: Wear Bold Colors

    You'll be taking lots of pictures and videos of the happy occasion so stay away from colors that can draw attention away from the bride and bridal party. Wearing colors like bright orange and red is considered excessively bold, flashy, and attention-getting so they're best avoided.

    What should the mother of the bride not do? ›

    Mother of The Bride: How to Avoid Upstaging or Upsetting the...
    • Consult with The Bride. ...
    • Avoid Being Too Casual. ...
    • Don't Make the Wedding About You. ...
    • Don't Be Pushy. ...
    • Don't Tell Her Who Should Be Her Bridesmaids. ...
    • Don't Compare Her Wedding to Others. ...
    • Don't Be Too Critical. ...
    • Don't Make Empty Offers.

    Should mother of the bride wear hair up or down? ›

    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.

    How to look slim as mother of the bride? ›

    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.

    How not to look matronly as mother of the bride? ›

    What we recommend you wearing for a daytime wedding, is a swing or tea dress. As we mentioned earlier, this style of dress is one sure to stand the test of time, while ensuring you look quite the opposite of matronly.

    Who pays for mother of bride makeup? ›

    Who Pays for the Mother-of-the-Bride and Groom's Beauty Team? As with most beauty questions, there is no hard-and-fast rule. Some brides may offer to cover hair and makeup services in order to thank the wedding party for being a part of their special day.

    What length dress is best for mother of the bride? ›

    Should a Mother of the Bride or Groom wear Cocktail or Full-length? Unless the wedding is directly on the beach or is a brunch time wedding, I recommend wearing a long dress.

    Who pays for mother of the bride outfit? ›

    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.

    Should the grooms mother wear the same color as the brides mother? ›

    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.

    Does mother of bride wear the same color as bridesmaids? ›

    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.

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

    While the mother of the bride, mother of the groom, and special guests always have the option to match the bridal party or wear a similar shade, we created this handy guide to make further color-coordination effortless. Try greys and neutrals such as charcoal, champagne, blush, or a metallic.

    What color does the parents of the bride wear? ›

    The color purple is associated with richness, luxury and royalty. The mother of the bride can coordinate her dress in colors that add to the luxury of the event by choosing plum, lavender, eggplant, silver, navy and gold.

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