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The Best Dresses for the Mother of the Groom

Vadym_Hunko/Shutterstock.com
🕚 Updated August 2023

As an important member of the wedding party, the mother of the groom deserves to have a special dress for the occasion. We've gathered some classy options that will look great on such a big day.

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  Best Overall Best Plus Size Best Knee-Length Best with Cap Sleeves Best with Jacket
 
  Ever-Pretty
Womens V Neck Chiffon Floor Length Dress
Ever-Pretty
Women's Plus Sized Maxi Dress
Alex Evenings
Women's Tea Length Dress
Ever-Pretty
Woman's Cap Sleeve Formal Evening Gown
R&M Richards
Women's Beaded Jacket Dress
 
Our SummaryThis stunning floor-length dress comes in 24 colors to match every occasion.This elegant A-line dress can be customized to fit perfectly.Get ready to dazzle in this stunning evening gown that flatters in all the right places.This elegant gown is ideal for warm weather.This beaded chiffon dress is perfect for a night wedding.
Pros✓ Comes in 24 colors and 17 sizes
✓ Beautiful empire waist
✓ Flutter sleeves
✓ Flattering ruching in bust area
✓ Offers size customization
✓ Fully lined
✓ 3/4 sleeve with lace top
✓ Floor-length elegance
✓ Available in petite and regular sizes
✓ 3/4 length sleeve
✓ Scalloped lace top
✓ Stunning fit
✓ Great for summer weddings
✓ Available in 20 colors and 17 sizes
✓ Rhinestone-adorned neckline
✓ Versatile style
✓ Flattering for many
✓ Versatile look
✓ 3/4 sleeve
✓ Open-front jacket
Cons✗ Quality issues✗ Sleeves may be tight✗ Can be scratchy✗ Can run small✗ Can run large
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16 Models Evaluated

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The Best Dresses for the Mother of the Groom

the groom hugs his mother and holds her hand.
Vadym_Hunko/Shutterstock.com

Buying Guide for Mother of the Groom Dresses

Mother is helping with a bow-tie to her son before wedding ceremony.
Natalia Kabliuk/Shutterstock.com

Why buy a mother of the groom dress?

As the mother of the groom, you hold a significant role in this joyous occasion, so you’ll be in lots of pictures with the bride and groom and other guests. This means you’ll want to pick a dress that’s a good fit for the celebration and that looks great in photographs.

What should you look for in a mother of the groom dress?

  • Comfort and Fit: Prioritize comfort and a flattering fit. A well-fitted dress will make you feel confident and at ease throughout the festivities.
  • Color Coordination: Consider the wedding’s color scheme and coordinate your dress accordingly. While it’s essential to avoid wearing the same color as the bride or bridesmaids, opting for complementary or contrasting shades is a great way to align with the wedding theme. Be sure to respect any specific color preferences from the couple or the wedding planner.
  • Appropriateness for the Venue and Season: Take the wedding venue and season into account when selecting your dress. For a formal indoor wedding, a floor-length gown may be ideal, while a knee-length dress can be suitable for semi-formal or outdoor celebrations. Pay attention to the fabric as well; lightweight and breathable materials work well for warm weather, while heavier fabrics like velvet or satin are suitable for cooler temperatures.

What color should the mother of the groom wear?

The color the mother of the groom should wear can vary depending on various factors, including the wedding theme, the bride’s preferences, and cultural traditions. Traditionally, the mother of the groom would avoid wearing white or any color that closely resembles the bride’s gown to avoid upstaging her. However, modern wedding etiquette is more flexible, and many colors are considered appropriate for the mother of the groom. Commonly, mothers of the groom opt for sophisticated and elegant colors like navy, deep shades of blue, silver, champagne, mauve, blush, or other pastel tones. Neutral colors like gray, taupe, or metallics are also popular choices. These colors generally complement the wedding color scheme without clashing with the bride or the bridal party. Ultimately, the best color for the mother of the groom to wear is one that makes her feel comfortable and confident and that aligns with the bride’s vision and preferences.

Our Picks for Best Mother of the Groom Dresses

Best Overall

Ever-Pretty Womens V Neck Chiffon Floor Length Dress

This stunning floor-length dress comes in 24 colors to match every occasion.

Pros: This lovely long dress has a glamorous v-neck, an A-line silhouette, and an empire waistline—three very flattering features for almost anyone. While the dress has a low stretch, the polyester fabric ensures comfort and durability. Its elegant flutter sleeves and ruching in the bust area add sophisticated detailing. The zipper closure provides a secure fit, and the dress comes fully lined.

Cons: Some experienced quality issues, such as a broken zipper, which impacted their overall experience and limited their ability to wear the dress as intended.

Bottom Line: This stunning evening dress captivates with its glamorous neckline, empire waistline, A-line silhouette, and floor-length skirt.

 

Best Plus Size

Ever-Pretty Womens Plus Size Maxi Dress

This elegant A-line dress can be customized to fit perfectly.

Pros: Crafted from 100% polyester, the Ever-Pretty Women’s Plus Size Maxi Dress dress promises both comfort and durability. The convenient zipper closure makes it easy to wear. The fully lined design provides a smooth and polished look. Featuring 3/4 sleeves, ruched detailing on the bust and waist, and a round neckline adorned with lace, this dress exudes sophistication and charm. Its maxi length makes it suitable for formal evening events, proms, weddings, cocktail parties, and more.

Cons: Some may find the sleeves too tight. In addition, some found the material cheap and were disappointed with rips and tears during normal use.

Bottom Line: This dress not only offers a perfect custom fit but also provides a chic and elegant look suitable for numerous special occasions. Its versatility, comfort, and exquisite details make it a standout choice for creating unforgettable and glamorous moments at any event.

 

Best Knee-Length

Alex Evenings Women's Tea Length Dress

Get ready to dazzle in this stunning evening gown that flatters in all the right places.

Pros: Crafted with the utmost care, the bodice of this dress blends nylon, polyester, and spandex for a perfect fit, while the skirt lining offers supreme comfort in 100% polyester. Whether you’re looking for regular, plus size, or petite options, this dress has you covered. The 3/4 length illusion sleeves add a nice modern touch, and the center back zipper ensures a great fit. Don’t miss out on the delicate scalloped lace edges that add a charming finishing touch to this enchanting ensemble. Treat yourself to a dress that will make you shine at any event, and step into elegance with every step you take.

Cons: Some found the top to be uncomfortable. Although beautiful, the lace can be scratchy. In addition, some noted issues with the zipper, namely that it had a tendency to jam.

Bottom Line: The bodice beautifully blends nylon, polyester, and spandex, ensuring a flawless fit that embraces curves. It’s a lovely dress that will be comfortable for an all-day event like a wedding.

 

Best with Cap Sleeves

Ever-Pretty Women's Cap Sleeve Formal Evening Gown

This elegant gown is ideal for warm weather.

Pros: This dress is as gorgeous as it is versatile. It is thoughtfully designed with padding, providing the option to go braless for added convenience and comfort. The open back and ruched bust design make it a show-stopping choice for any special occasion. Moreover, the lacy neckline adorned with rhinestones enhances the dress’s glamour and sophistication, adding a touch of sparkle to your look.

Cons: The material is thin, and some colors may be a bit sheer. Some were disappointed in the thin material, stating that it ripped easily. In addition, this dress may run small in sizing, so it is best to consult the size chart before ordering.

Bottom Line: This dress from Ever-Pretty is a versatile and stunning option that ensures a comfortable and flattering fit with its padded design. Its stylish open back, ruched bust, cap sleeves, and rhinestone embellishments make it perfect for those who want a great dress for warm weather.

 

Best with Jacket

R&M Richards Women's Beaded Jacket Dress

This beaded chiffon dress is perfect for a night wedding.

Pros: This dress is crafted with 100% polyester, both the dress and lining ensure comfort and quality. It has an open-front jacket featuring sheer 3/4 sleeves for a little more coverage and warmth. The dress’s beading adds a touch of sophistication to the slightly fitted bodice, and the pleated skirt hits just above the ankle.

Cons: Sizing runs large. It is advisable to consult a size chart or try it on before purchasing. Some felt that the material was too sheer and were disappointed in the coverage that this provides.

Bottom Line: This dress with a matching jacket is a classy option that provides a little more coverage for colder weather or more modest women. The beading is lovely, and the silhouette is flattering.

Final Thoughts

Mother of the groom dresses are designed to complement and celebrate the special role of the groom’s mother on the wedding day. From timeless and classic silhouettes to modern and chic designs, these dresses offer a wide range of options to suit every personal style and preference.

Meghan Herlihy Meghan Herlihy
Meghan Herlihy is a full-time writer for LifeSavvy and How-To Geek and has written across a wide variety of topics, genres, and formats, including radio talk shows, local sports journalism, and creative original fiction. She received her bachelor's degree in communications from Ithaca College and a master's in writing from Johns Hopkins University. When she's not writing, you're most likely to find her reading a book, petting every dog within eyesight, and indulging in her love of travel. Read Full Bio »
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