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A Guide to Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses
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A variety of Mother of the Bride dress
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The 15 Best Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses for Every Type of Wedding

By
Sophie Moore
Sophie Moore
Sophie Moore

Sophie Moore is a former Brides editor and current contributing writer. With over five years of experience in bridal, she is an expert on all things fashion.

Brides's Editorial Guidelines
and
Dagmara Cintron
Dagmara Cintron
Dagmara Cintron
Dagmara 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.
Brides's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on September 04, 2024 04:15PM
A variety of Mother of the Bride dress

Brides / Kevin Liang

As the mother of the bride, you have significant responsibilities. You've likely been by the bride's side, helping with unique details, planning events, and lending invaluable advice. 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 silhouette. We found a range of size-inclusive styles of high-quality materials that come in various colors and suit different venues and seasons. We also tapped stylist and creative designer Stephanie Rodriguez for some insight. She advises a gown that feels extra special and ensures comfort when looking for a mother-of-the-bride dress. "Is it a garden gala or a swanky soirée? Opt for a silhouette that embraces her curves and moves with her dance-floor finesse," shares Rodriguez.

Our Top Picks
Best Allover Beading:
Pisarro Nights Beaded Mesh Dress at Nordstrom
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Best Colorways:
AW Adina Dress at Awbridal.com
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Best Off-the-Shoulder:
Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Fishtail Gown at Saks Fifth Avenue
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Best for the Minimalist:
Amsale Pryce Gown at Anthropologie
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Best Plus-Size:
Kiyonna Embroidered Elegance Evening Gown at Amazon $328
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Best Sequin:
The Bar Grayson Gown at Saks Fifth Avenue
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Best A-Line:
Theia Floral A-Line Dress at Saks Fifth Avenue
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Best on Amazon:
Alex Evenings V Neck Fit and Flare Dress with Shawl at Amazon
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Best Velvet:
AW Rosemary Dress at Awbridal.com
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Best Strapless:
Kay Unger FloralStrapless Gown at Neiman Marcus
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Best Allover Beading

Pisarro Nights Beaded Mesh Dress

Pisarro Nights Beaded Mesh Dress
PHOTO: Nordstrom
View on Nordstrom View on Lordandtaylor.com View on Lyst.com

Allover beading adds dimension and sophisticated sparkle to this flattering mesh column gown. It comes in several pretty shades (including a soft blue and pastel violet). Still, we especially like the gray version—a sophisticated neutral that works with many 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 between sizes | Materials: Rayon | Shades: 4

Best Colorways

AW Adina Dress

Woman wearing blue AW Adina Dress on a beige background
PHOTO: AW bridal
View on Awbridal.com

You don't have to compromise quality or style with this dress. 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, from biscotti to sage green, and the size can be customized with your measurements for free.

Size Range: 0-30 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Chiffon | Shades: 42

Best Off-the-Shoulder

Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Fishtail Gown

View on Saks Fifth Avenue

This fishtail-hemmed number is nothing short of elegant. With a wrapped cape-like bodice and drop sleeves, you'll look and feel great in this gown. The column silhouette is made with super-comfortable stretch fabric, so you'll be able to stay on the dance floor even longer.

Size Range: 2-16 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Polyester | Shades: 5

Best for the Minimalist

Amsale Pryce Gown

Amsale Pryce Off-Shoulder Satin Column Gown
PHOTO: Amsale
View on Anthropologie View on Saks Fifth Avenue

Both 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 smoothes 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 | Materials: Polyester | Shades: 9

Best Plus-Size

Kiyonna Embroidered Elegance Evening Gown

Woman wearing Kiyonna Embroidered Elegance Evening Gown
PHOTO: Kiyonna
$328 at Amazon View on Kiyonna.com

Kiyonna offers plus-size dresses (sizes 10 to 32) for all of its selections, including this high-quality embroidered evening gown. The floral pattern is perfect for any spring or summer wedding—it blends in and feels distinct from other pastel and light-colored dresses.

Size Range: 10-32 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Nylon, polyester | Shades: 1

Best Sequin

The Bar Grayson Gown

View on Saks Fifth Avenue

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 chandelier earrings to subtly elevate the final look.

Size Range: 0-14 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Silk, polyester | Shades: 2

Best A-Line

Theia Floral A-Line Dress

View on Saks Fifth Avenue

This A-line style features a retro-inspired sweetheart neck and a gold and black colorway that can work easily for any season. This dress feels classic and modern with metallic touches, mesh sleeves, and a twisted accent on the bodice.

Size Range: 0-16 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Polyester, metallized polyester | Shades: 1

Best on Amazon

Alex Evenings V Neck Fit and Flare Dress with Shawl

Woman wearing Alex Evenings Women's Long V Neck Fit and Flare Dress with Shawl
PHOTO: Amazon
View on Amazon View on Nordstrom View on Macy's

Amazon is always a great place to start if you're unsure where to look for affordable dresses. This gown from Alex Evenings is available in regular and petite sizing for each of its 10 colors. Besides the coordinating shawl, the dress also has floral, sequin detailing and a flowing flare skirt.

Size Range: 4-20 (regular and petite) | Fit: True to size | Materials: Polyester | Shades: 10

Best Velvet

AW Rosemary Dress

Woman wearing AW Rosemary Dress
PHOTO: AW Bridal
View on Awbridal.com

This column dress offers flattering and elegant draping for those who love velvet and a little sparkle. Available in black and six 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 | Materials: Velvet | Shades: 7

Best Strapless

Kay Unger FloralStrapless Gown

View on Neiman Marcus View on Saks Fifth Avenue

If strapless is your vibe or you need a summer wedding guest dress, this fun floral dress might have your name on it. The seamed bodice and soft pleats make it feel streamlined and modern, but the print is all about romance. The cherry on top? It has on-seam pockets.

Size Range: 2-16 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Polyester, metallic fibers | Shades: 1

Best for a Black-Tie Wedding

ML Monique Lhuillier Floral Embroidered Mesh Gown

ML Monique Lhuillier Floral Embroidered Mesh Gown
PHOTO: Saks Fifth Avenue
View on Saks Fifth Avenue

With its illusion neckline, all-over floral detailing, and flowing floor-length style, this gown will flatter any mother of the bride. We love it for a formal wedding. The empire waist and loose-fitting sleeves keep it comfortable and elegant, too.

Size Range: 0-14 | Fit: Runs long | Materials: Nylon, polyester | Shades: 2

Best for a Winter Wedding

JJ's House A-line Scoop Floor-Length Chiffon Mother of the Bride Dress

JJ's House A-line Scoop Floor-Length Chiffon Mother of the Bride Dress
PHOTO: Courtesy of JJ's House
View on Jjshouse.com

In a striking emerald hue that invokes fall and winter wedding vibes, this jewel-tone, flowing chiffon dress is a perfectly suitable and stunning look for a mother of a bride. It comes in 59 color options and is an affordable pick, making it a winner for many different kinds of weddings and bridal party color schemes. The asymmetric, flowing hem adds visual interest while the long sleeves keep you covered during a chilly outdoor ceremony.

Size Range: 0-26 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Chiffon | Shades: 59

Best Petite

Amsale Gathered One-Shoulder Satin Gown

Amsale Gathered One-Shoulder Satin Gown
PHOTO: Courtesy of Nordstrom
View on Nordstrom View on Lyst.com

If sleek and sophisticated is your style, this little black number will be the mother-of-the-bride dress for you. The gathered, one-shoulder silhouette and side-vented skirt make it an on-trend option that also feels totally timeless in black satin. The size range is on the smaller side, and as this runs small, it's a great option for a petite mother of the bride. Keep in mind the brand notes you should order one size up.

Size Range: 0-8 | Fit: Runs small | Materials: Polyester | Shades: 3

Best Lace-Up Style

Adrianna Papell Tiered Floral Print Lace-Up Chiffon Gown

Adrianna Papell Tiered Floral Print Lace-Up Chiffon Gown
PHOTO: Courtesy of Nordstrom
$161 at Nordstrom $172 at Bloomingdales View on Lyst.com

This figure-cinching floral gown creates an hourglass silhouette without looking too revealing or clingy. The tiered skirt flows nicely, balanced by the flutter cap sleeves. The all-over floral print is perfect for a garden ceremony.

Size Range: 4-16 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Polyester | Shades: 1

Best Dramatic

Mac Duggal Floral Appliqué Mix Media A-Line Gown

Mac Duggal Floral Appliqué Mix Media A-Line Gown
PHOTO: Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
$598 at Saks Fifth Avenue View on Bloomingdales View on Macduggal.com

This sweeping gown is perfect for a winter or black-tie wedding. With a simple A-line silhouette, the focal point is the floral appliqué at the shoulder. It has long sleeves and a round neckline, so you'll be covered and comfy if the temperature dips.

Size Range: 4-18 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Polyester | Shades: 1

What to Look for in a Mother-of-the-Bride Dress

  • Dress Code and Theme: Shopping for a mother-of-the-bride outfit is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. If you don't know where to start or you're having trouble narrowing down your options, it's always helpful to look at the color palette and dress code for inspiration and direction. For formal dress codes like black tie, you'll want to stick to full-length gowns with opulent details. A more casual dress code calls for simpler silhouettes.
  • Season and Fabric: Floor-length mother-of-the-bride gowns in jewel tones are always appropriate for formal fall and winter weddings. Lighter fabrics, shades, and shorter dress silhouettes are best for spring or summer weddings (add a jacket for chilly evenings).
  • Personal Style: Mother-of-the-bride dress etiquette has changed over the years, allowing mothers to spotlight their personal style and have fun with their unique looks. Endless options abound if you love sparkle and intricate beading, seek shorter hemlines, or lean toward off-the-shoulder necklines. No matter your style, there's a dress out there that will make you feel beautiful and confident on your child's big day.
FAQ
  • When should I start shopping for my mother of the bride outfit?

    To be on the safe side, we suggest that you buy your mother-of-the-bride dress six months before the wedding to allow for any 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. We are partial to burgundy, rose gold, and silver looks.

  • 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.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is 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, and bridal parties.

Brides contributor Dagmara Cintron is an NYC native living in Los Angeles. She contributes to several publications covering emerging Latina artists, fashion, local LA stories, and more. Working in the fashion digital space for over seven 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.

  • Stephanie Rodriguez is the senior content and creative designer at Kids Foot Locker Inc. and the stylist behind The Thrifted Estilista.
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A Guide to Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

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