As the mother of the bride, your role comes with significant responsibilities. You've likely been by the bride's side, helping with special details, planning events, and lending invaluable advice along the way. So, when securing the perfect mother-of-the-bride dress, you deserve to find one that truly celebrates you and your style. To help narrow down your search, we sifted through our favorite fashion retailers to find the perfect dresses for every season, body type, and budget. We paid special attention to look for styles in wide size ranges, colors, and high-quality materials that suit a range of venues and seasons. We also tapped stylist and creative designer Stephanie Rodriguez for some insight. "The bride holds a special wand of influence, but you can’t forget the importance of the mother of the bride," she says. When looking for a mother-of-the-bride dress, she advises going for a gown that feels extra-special (for such an important event) but also ensures comfort and affordability are top considerations. "Finding the right balance between budget and style is key," she adds. Our Top Picks Best Allover Beading: Best Embroidered: Adrianna Papell Floral Gown at Adriannapapell.com (See Price) Best Budget: Best Off-the-Shoulder: Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Fishtail Gown at Saks Fifth Avenue ($747) Best for the Minimalist: Best for a NYE Wedding: Best Sequin: Allover beading add dimension and sophisticated sparkle to this flattering mesh column gown. It comes in several pretty shades (including a soft blue and pastel violet), but we especially like the gray version—it's a sophisticated neutral that works with many different skin tones. Style this with simple silver sandals for an impeccably polished wedding day look. Size Range: 2-18 (regular and petite) | Fit: Runs large, order one size down if in-between sizes | Material(s): Rayon | Shades: Navy and plum This intricately embroidered gown is the perfect match for a backyard or garden wedding. Pair this stunning floral ensemble with delicate jewelry accessories and a strappy block heel (a stylish and practical solution for outdoor events). Size Range: 0-20 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: Biscotti Multi, Blue Breeze You might not want to spend a fortune on your outfit—with this dress, you don't have to compromise quality or style. The cape top is a regal way to stay a little more covered, while the A-line skirt helps to lengthen the silhouette. We love that this dress comes in 42 different colors and the size can be customized with your measurements for free. Size Range: 0-30 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Chiffon | Shades: 42 This fishtail-hemmed number is nothing short of elegant. With a wrapped cape-like bodice and drop sleeves, you'll both look and feel great in this gown. The column silhouette is made with a super-comfortable stretch fabric so you'll be able to stay on the dance floor for even longer. Size Range: 2-16 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: 5 including Azalea Pink, Black, and Blue Notte At once effortless and refined, this draped gown is the ideal soft hue for a fall or spring wedding. Featuring a gentle tucked fit at the hips, the design flatters and smooths in all the right places. We also love the comfortable silky fabric and modern, off-the-shoulder neckline. Size Range: 0-16 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: 9 20 Coral Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses for a Vibrant Look Kiyonna is a plus-size brand that offers a broad size range between a 10 and a 32 for all of their selections, including this high-quality embroidered evening gown. The floral pattern is perfect for any spring or summer wedding—it both blends in and feels distinct against other pastel and light colored dresses. Size Range: 10-32 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Nylon; lining: polyester | Shades: Black floral 18 Best Plus-Size Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses A New Year’s Eve wedding calls for endless glitz and glam. Step into head-to-toe sparkle in this all-over sequin stunner, and keep accessories simple—this dazzling gown does all the talking. Layered with intricate embroidery and shimmery patterns, this one feels extra-special for the occasion. Size Range: 0-18 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Nylon, cotton, polyester | Shades: Silver, Gold A little sparkle—or in this case, a lot of sparkle—is a must when celebrating such a joyous event. This timeless gown is all shimmering sequins with a bold, eye-catching flower appliqué accent. Wear yours with neutral heels and delicate shoulder-grazing earrings to subtly elevate the final look. Size Range: 0-14 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Silk, Polyester | Shades: Espresso, Ruby Embellished with ornate beading, this gown catches light from every angle. A full A-line skirt make it ultra-flattering and incredibly chic for any kind of wedding. It also comes in two different lengths—tea and floor length—so you can pick the best for your style. Size Range: 0-18 | Fit: True to size, form-fitting | Material(s): Recycled Polyester | Shades: 4 This A-line style features a retro-inspired sweetheart neck and a gold and black colorway that could work easily for any season. With metallic touches, mesh sleeves, and a twisted accent on the bodice, this dress feels both classic and modern. Size Range: 0-16 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester, Metallized Polyester | Shades: Gold and Black Attention, all fashion-forward moms! This seriously chic jumpsuit is an undeniably striking choice for a formal wedding. Pair this stunner with matching black shoes and a clutch for a sophisticated monochromatic look. Size Range: XS-XL | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Silk, Lycra | Shades: Black If you're unsure where to look for dresses and are on a budget, Amazon is always a great place to start. This gown from Alex Evenings is available in both regular and petite sizing for each of its 10 colors. Besides the bonus coordinating shawl, the dress also comes with floral, sequin detailing and a flowing flare skirt. Size Range: 4-20 (regular and petite) | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: Multiple For the mother of the bride who loves velvet and a little sparkle, this column dress offers flattering and elegant draping. Available in six different jewel tones, this is the ultimate winter wedding ensemble. Best of all, you can customize it to fit your measurements for free. Size Range: 0-30 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Velvet | Shades: 6 From spring garden celebrations to woodsy outdoor ceremonies, this exquisite floral silk number would make the perfect complement to any nature-inspired wedding. The self-tie closures and halter neckline is flattering, while the silk drapes perfectly all the way down for a smoothing effect. Size Range: XS-L | Fit: True to size | Material(s): 100% Silk | Shades: Rose Garden This flattering V-neck is adorned with intricate floral sequin embellishments throughout for a dramatic, glamorous look. Featuring a full tulle skirt and an embroidered belt design, this one is a great choice any season. Size Range: 2-20 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: Midnight, Blush If strapless is your vibe or you're going to a summer wedding, this fun floral dress might calling your name. The seamed bodice and soft pleats made it feel streamlined and modern, but the print itself is all about romance. The cherry on top? It has on-seam pockets. Size Range: 2-16 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester, Metallic Fibers | Shades: Tulipwood Whether your daughter is saying "I do" in the Amalfi Coast or at a tropical resort, this halter dress is the perfect style for a destination wedding. Not only is the jersey fabric soft and lightweight, but it's easy to travel with since it's wrinkle-resistant. A row of rhinestones add just the right amount of sparkle. Size Range: 2-24 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester, Spandex | Shades: Juniper, Navy, Wine For a winter wedding or a more modest mother-of-the-bride dress option, opt for a gown with a matching jacket. With allover lace and sequin details, this style's removable jacket shines just as much as the rest of the dress. Size Range: 8-18 (regular and plus) | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: Deep rose and sage FAQ When should I start shopping for my mother of the bride outfit? To be on the safe side, we suggest that you start shopping for your mother-of-the-bride dress six months before the wedding to allow for any shipping delays or alterations. If you’re in a pinch, many e-commerce sites like Net-a-Porter or Nordstrom offer rush shipping. What colors should I avoid wearing? Although not all brides choose to wear white, it's best to avoid wearing white or any color that resembles the bride's wedding outfit. Do I have to run my dress by the bride? While your child will undoubtedly want you to look and feel your best on the big day, having a conversation with the couple before you start shopping can help set expectations and narrow down your options. Contributing writerSophie Mooreis a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, bridal parties, and more. Bridescontributor Dagmara Cintron is an NYC native living in Los Angeles where she is a contributing writer for several publications covering emerging Latina artists, fashion, local LA stories, and more. Working in the fashion digital space for over 7 years, she has scoped top products across the fashion, beauty, and home decor space. She has also worked extensively as a fashion copywriter and has a special passion for shopping and finding the best deals. The 15 Best Mother-of-the-Bride Pantsuits of 2024 :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BRI-mother-of-the-bride-dresses-buy-online-edit-0d8807ff6797437991cc6511a3e7650b.jpg "18 Best Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses for Every Size, Style, and Season (1)")
Best Allover Beading
Pisarro Nights Beaded Mesh Dress
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Best Budget
AW Adina Dress
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Best on Amazon
Alex Evenings V Neck Fit and Flare Dress with Shawl
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What to Look for in a Mother-of-the-Bride Outfit
Why Trust Brides
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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 style of dress is most flattering for plus size? ›A-line dresses flare out at the waist in a triangular fashion enabling you to create the perfect hourglass body shape. While this dress style is perfect for many body types, it's the perfect slimming dress for plus size. Whether size 12, size 14, or size 16, A-line dresses will fit plus-size women perfectly.
How far in advance should the mother of the bride look for a dress? ›Ideally, it's best to start looking for a mother of the bride outfit six to eight months before the wedding date. This should give you enough time to try on a few different options, find something you love and allow for any alterations that need to be made.
What does the 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 the mother of the bride not do? ›So, 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. Also, try to avoid loud patterns that will overwhelm in photos and make you stand out from the rest of the wedding party.
What color should the 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.
What style dress for a big belly? ›Choose pleats, ruching or excess fabric
Pleated dresses are a seriously flattering addition to any wardrobe. They immediately draw the eye away from the tummy area and give you a loose fit that ensures you feel relaxed and unrestricted, for easy movement.
Any dress that does not have a belt — a shift, fit and flare, empire, raised waist, trapeze — is going to be more body-friendly to you now than separate tops and bottoms since there's no break at the waist. One-piece dresses glide over curves and balance body proportions, so you look more “even,” too.
How to dress classy when overweight? ›- Give your body, psyche and wardrobe a boost.
- Dress to elongate your body.
- Show off your shape.
- Define your waist.
- Or wear dresses and tunics that flow.
- Work with your personal proportions.
- Opt for relaxed pieces.
- Add jackets and cardigans.
Should the mother of the bride and mother of the groom wear different colors? Generally yes, according to Valiente. "Open communication is key to nailing the color selection," she says.
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.
Does the mother of the bride pick her dress color first? ›"Etiquette says that the mother of the bride picks their dress and color first," says Sabatino. "You don't want to match, but you do want to coordinate so that you're not totally out of scope." You should start shopping for your MOB dress around six to eight months before the wedding date.
How to look classy as 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.
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.
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.
What color should a mother wear to her daughter's wedding? ›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.
Should the mother of the bride wear the same color as the bride? ›"Etiquette says that the mother of the bride picks their dress and color first," says Sabatino. "You don't want to match, but you do want to coordinate so that you're not totally out of scope."
What jewelry should the mother of the bride wear? ›Shopping for Mother of the Bride Jewelry
Choose jewelry that complements the dress without overpowering it. Choose a necklace that complements the neckline of the dress. Consider a classic pendant, a string of pearls, or a delicate chain for an elegant touch. Select earrings that enhance the overall look.
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.