Mother of the Bride Dresses and Gowns
Celebrate your child’s wedding day in a dress that’s stunning, sophisticated, and unique. Whether you’re the mother of the bride or the mother of the groom, the right dress not only fits the couple’s vision for their wedding, but helps you feel confident, beautiful, and ready to party!
The right mother of the bride's dress is made from a beautiful array of fabrics, silhouettes, and show-stopping colors. At David’s Bridal, we make it easy for you to find the perfect dress that matches the bridal party, or you can get a different color the couple requests. Whichever direction you go, know that David’s Bridal offers a vast collection of dresses that you can sort with ease by size, silhouette, color, dress length, and more. With no shortage of hues and an extended size range, you’re bound to find a one-of-a-kind dress that elevates the wedding.
What are the most popular colors for mother of the bride dresses?
When searching for the perfect mother of the bride dress for your daughter’s wedding, there are a few different routes you can go. One classic option is to choose a neutral hued dress such as taupe, gray, or beige. These colors are elegant and classy, but aren’t too close to white where you’ll take away from the bride.
The other route you can choose is to wear a color that complements the bridesmaid dresses or groom’s tuxes. For example, if the wedding party is wearing navy blue, you could opt for a light blue dress. This way, you’ll match the theme without looking like you're a part of the bridal party. Before you begin your search, make sure you discuss with your daughter what color she prefers.
Your kids may ask you to go in a different direction altogether! That’s totally fine, of course. Just be sure to check in with the couple before you shop so you can make sure the dress you fall in love with fits their vision.
Discover your perfect mother of the bride dress at David's Bridal
Whether the wedding is on the beach, at a resort, or a classic catering hall, the right mother of the groom’s dress is classy, sophisticated, and elevates the overall theme. David’s Bridal carries a variety of mother of the bride dresses in both midi and floor length styles. Shop by sleeve length, dress length, fabric, color, or silhouette to find your dream mother of the bride dress today.
David’s Bridal mother of the bride dress shipping options
Mother of the bride and mother of the groom dresses can ship standard, expedited, or express so you don’t need to worry about your dress not arriving on time. Plus, if you spend more than $175, you’ll receive free standard shipping throughout the U.S. (except Alaska and Hawaii). Head to the David’s Bridal Order FAQ page to learn more.
Mother of the bride dress tips and FAQs
Choosing the perfect mother of the bride or mother of the groom dress should be a fun experience. Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about wedding attire for the mothers of the bride and groom so you can enjoy this special time. Discover everything you need to know about what the MOB and MOG traditionally wear, as well as modern options and styles for other family members.
What does the mother of the bride wear?
There's no strict guide for mother of the bride attire. Think about what makes you feel comfortable and beautiful, as well as the aesthetic of your daughter's wedding, and simply follow your style. If you're not sure where to start, let the season, venue, and wedding color palette guide your search and then consult with the bride for her opinion. Both gowns and separates are appropriate, so choose whatever feels right for you! Pair your pick with mother of the bride shoes to complete your ensemble.What does the mother of the groom wear?
Similar to the mother of the bride, the mother of the groom style is open to your personal preference. It may help to reach out to the couple to understand if they have a vision for their guests' attire and talk to your future in-laws to see what the mother of the bride will wear. Traditional courtesy advises that the MOB gets to pick her dress first, so you can coordinate plans with her, and then let your taste lead you through our collection of elegant dresses and two-piece ensembles.Do the mothers of the bride and groom wear the same color as the bridesmaids?
You don't need to match the bridesmaids, however, wearing a dress in the same color palette can create a beautiful, coordinated look! An easy approach is to choose the same hue in a slightly lighter or darker shade or explore other complementary hues so the colors pair effortlessly together.Should the mothers of the bride and groom wear the wedding colors?
When browsing colors for your MOB or MOG attire, aim to complement the wedding party with a shade that subtly stands out while still meshing with the overall color scheme of the event. Our Mother of the Bride color-coordinating guide offers a look at which colors pair best with different bridal party palettes, so you can find the perfect hue to wear.Do the mother of the bride and mother of the groom match each other?
It's best to be on the same page about the formality and general color palette of your style, but you can also follow your individual tastes. Don't worry about creating a matched look, but do aim for dresses or outfits in a similar color family so that everyone looks beautiful together in pictures.Are there colors the mother of the bride shouldn’t wear?
Although mothers of the bride or groom don't have a specific color they need to wear, there are a few colors they should avoid.- White. Let the bride have her special moment in her gorgeous white gown. A blush pink or beige would be a good alternative that will match the bride, without too closely relating to her dress color.
- The color of the bridesmaid dresses. The couple may want you to wear a dress in the same color range as the bridesmaid dresses, but not a precise match. They may not want you to match at all. Double check before you start shopping!
- Black. This one may surprise people, considering that black is a very common color! In some communities, though, black is associated with mourning. If you and your guests associate black with somber occasions, you may want to consider trying on a different color.
What is the normal price range for a mother of the bride dress?
Mother of the bride dresses typically range from $120 to $350. You’ll find options in all price options at David’s Bridal, and you can sort your dresses by price range, too, so you find some amazing options within your budget.What should the grandmother of the bride or groom wear?
You'll want to think about both comfort and style when shopping for grandmother of the bride and groom outfits. As with mother of the bride attire, aim for colors that pair with the wedding palette without directly matching. Two-piece sets and dresses are both beautiful options, so choose whichever option is the most comfortable to sit, walk, and celebrate in.Can the mother of the bride wear separates or a pantsuit with a jacket instead of a dress?
Absolutely! Elegant separates and pantsuits are a beautiful, modern alternative to classic gowns and are perfectly appropriate for mother of the bride and groom attire. Separates can often feel more comfortable to walk and move in, particularly for outdoor ceremonies and longer events, and come in plenty of options with pants, skirts, and jackets to suit any venue.What are modern mother of the bride dress trends? Can she wear something unique and non-traditional?
Don't worry about being tied down by traditional stylesWhat color should the mom of the quinceañera wear?
The mother of a quinceañera typically wears a dress or pantsuit that matches or complements the quinceañera's ensemble. For example, if the quince chose a navy dress with gold accents, the mother of the quince could wear a gold, champange, or navy dress.What dress should the mom of the quinceañera wear?
Traditionally the mom of the quinceañera wears something formal, complementing her daughter's elegant quinceañera dress. Most quince moms wear floor length A-line gowns or pantsuits with matching accessories and shoes.Where to buy mother of the bride petite, tall, plus size, A line dresses?
Mothers of the bride or groom can find petite, tall, and plus size dresses at David's Bridal stores or online anytime. With the largest assortment of mother of the bride or groom dresses available in a variety of silhouettes, sizes, and colors, finding the perfect dress has never been easier!What color dress should the mother of the bride wear?
Unless there's a specific shade preferred by the bride, the mother of the bride can wear the color dress she feels best in! Navy and gold are two of the most popular colors for mothers of the bride or groom for their subtle glamour factor that won’t distract.When should the mother of the bride buy her dress?
The mother of the bride or groom should buy her dress at least six months prior to the wedding to ensure enough time for any last-minute alterations.What length should mother of bride dress be?
Take the wedding’s dress code into consideration when deciding the length for a mother of the bride dress. Floor-length gowns are typical favorites, but co*cktail and tea length dresses are always a good option. Pantsuits have also become incredibly popular among fun-loving moms!Do mother of the bride dresses have to be long?
Mother of the bride dresses do not need to be long. Shorter mother of the bride or groom dresses have become increasingly more popular, including pantsuits for those that do not feel comforable in a longer dress or prefer pants.FAQs
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 is the mother of the groom supposed to wear? ›
According to Mara Urshel of Kleinfeld Bridal, a dress shop in New York City, pale pinks, greens, and blues are all popular colors; black is appropriate for only the fanciest weddings.
What color is the mother of the bride supposed to wear to the 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.
Are mother of the bride and groom dresses supposed to match? ›
Traditionally, the mother of the bride has been the first to choose her dress. The color of the mother of the groom's dress should complement, but not match it. This is easier than it sounds because no two hues are exactly alike. To augment the distinction, you can choose different accessories.
What does the groom's mother give to the bride? ›
These items can include jewelry, watches, or a personalized handkerchief. Family heirlooms are warm tender gestures that symbolize the true delight that the mother of the groom feels about having her daughter-in-law marry into the clan.
What not to wear as mother of the groom? ›
As with any wedding guest, it's best to avoid wearing white or any color that resembles the bride's wedding outfit.
What does the mother of the groom pay for? ›
According to traditional etiquette, the groom's family is responsible for paying for the bride's rings, the groom's and groomsmen's attire, the rehearsal dinner, gifts for the groomsmen, some personal flowers, the officiant's fee, the marriage license fee, certain aspects of transportation, and the honeymoon.
What should I wear to my son's wedding? ›
Elegant evening gowns, lace midi dresses and chic jumpsuits are all fab options for moms. Use the couple's set wedding dress code as a guide to finding the color and formality of your fit. Formal weddings require an upscale dress or pantsuit, while the outfit can be more relaxed for a casual wedding.
Does the mother of the groom get ready with the bride? ›
She can spend a little time with both the bride and groom.
Some women choose to spend part of the morning with their son and part with their future daughter-in-law. If that's the case, she may want to start her morning with the bride and her group, then leave once she has her hair and makeup done.
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.
Don't be brow beaten into a colour theme or a hat that doesn't suit you. While politely acknowledging the theme of the wedding, wear what makes you happy and you feel comfortable in. If you dresses really aren't your vibe then consider a beautifully tailored trouser suit or jumpsuit instead.
Does the mother of the bride carry a purse down the aisle? ›
The mother of the bride can wear a handbag or opt out of it, the choice is her own! However, some brides might ask their mothers to bring a bigger handbag to help them store some of the bulkier items they might need throughout the day.
Is it OK for the mother of the groom to wear the same color as the bridesmaids? ›
Some may think it's gauche for a mother of the bride or groom to too closely match the bridesmaids, but tradition actually dictates that the moms should wear attire that complements what your bridal party will be wearing.
Who walks the mother of the bride down the aisle? ›
If the mother of the bride is taking part in the wedding processional, she is traditionally escorted by a close male relative like a son or brother or may enter alone. If the parents are divorced, she may be escorted by her partner. In some cases, a groomsman or best man will escort her down the aisle.
How should the mother of the groom wear her hair? ›
Consider Your Dress – Your hairstyle should match your dress. If you're wearing a simple dress, you might opt for a more intricate updo or a half-up style with waves. If your dress is more elaborate, consider going for a sleek updo with a bun or chignon on your nape.
What should a mother wear to her son's wedding? ›
Dress Style And Comfort
Look for styles that flatter your body shape and allow you to move freely throughout the event. Whether you prefer an elegant sheath dress, a classic A-line, or a petite mother of the groom dress, ensure that the dress reflects your personal style and sits comfortably on your body.
What do I wear to my daughter's wedding? ›
Mothers of the bride can certainly wear patterned dresses. In fact, a wedding in the spring or summer is a perfect time to pick out a floral mother-of-the-bride dress. However, as with wearing black or white, share your plans with your daughter.
What should my mom wear to my 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.
Should the mother of the bride or groom wear the same color as the 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.
