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The Best Dresses for the Mother of the Bride

Bondar Yuliia/Shutterstock
🕚 Updated March 2023

It's an incredible day when your child gets married. As the bride's mother, you'll star in wedding pictures and cruise around the dance floor. We've recommended mother-of-the-bride dresses that fit the special occasion beautifully.

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  Best High-Low Choice Best Classy Look Best Mid-Length Option Most Glamorous Gown Best with Jacket
 
  Bdcoco
Women's Floral Lace Hi-Low Cocktail Party Dress
Ever-Pretty
Women's Round Neck Sequin Maxi Dress
Alex Evenings
Women's Tea-Length Sequin Mock Dress
Alex Evenings
Women's Long Sequin Dress with Flutter Sleeves
R&M Richards
Women's Beaded Chiffon Jacket Dress
 
Our SummaryIf you love your legs and want to cover your arms, check out this elegant lace and taffeta high-low cocktail dress option.This stylish and affordable dress has a unique yet simple design that you can wear again and again.With a design that looks fabulous on many different figures, this easy-to-wear two-piece dress is a fantastic option for the big day.With a striking floral pattern and flutter sleeve detail, this beautiful full-length gown is an elegant choice.For a modest look at a cool-weather wedding, this is a great choice that will fit most body types beautifully.
ProsGorgeous jewel-toned colors, two style options, fantastic value.Flattering for most, multiple sizes, well-placed waistline, color variety.Luxurious look and feel, rich colors available, great midi length.Flatters the curves, modern and sleek with a retro vibe, comfortable.Pretty, comfortable, good length, well-made.
ConsPotential zipper issues.Sequins may catch.Tough wrinkles.Sizing runs large.V-neck may be too low for some.
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The Best Dresses for the Mother of the Bride

Bride on wedding day holding her mother's hands
Bondar Yuliia/Shutterstock

Buying Guide for Dresses for the Mother of the Bride

Indian bride's mother helping her to get ready.
SyedAliAshraf/Shutterstock.com

Why buy a dress for the mother of the bride?

If that special day is soon approaching for your daughter, you may want to stop obsessing over the bride and start thinking about your attire for that special day. It’s okay for you to glow, too. There are so many things that determine what kind of dress will work for you—your style, the location, the theme or color scheme of the wedding, and your cultural background. We’re featuring a variety of patterns, fabrics, colors, and shapes on our list of favorites to give you an idea of what might work for you.

What should you consider in a dress for the mother of the bride?

  • Length: Many dresses for the bride’s mother are either tea-length or knee-length. However, there are longer and shorter options. As a mother of the bride, you should determine how much of your gorgeous figure you’d like to show off.
  • Color: These dresses can come in many colors; however, it is best to steer clear of white unless the bride chooses it. The color scheme of the wedding and bridesmaid dresses may also influence the color of your dress.
  • Location/Time of Year: The location of the wedding is a key factor to keep in mind while choosing a dress. Be sure you’re choosing something weather-appropriate to be comfortable on the big day. Add a jacket or shawl to your selection if you’re unsure what the weather may be, especially if the wedding is in cooler weather areas. The location and theme of the wedding will also help determine the formality of your dress.

Are there alternatives to a traditional dress for the mother of the bride?

If you’re one to eschew tradition, then go for it. Some mamas strut their stuff in a stylish pants suit or jumpsuit instead of a traditional dress. A beautiful blouse and a wrap skirt might make an excellent outfit for casual beach weddings. Although the mother of the bride dress is the go-to, there are no rules set in stone on how to celebrate your child’s special day.

Our Picks for the Best Dresses for the Mother of the Bride

Best High-Low Choice

Bdcoco Women's Floral Lace Hi-Low Cocktail Party Dress

If you love your legs and want to cover your arms, check out this elegant lace and taffeta high-low cocktail dress.

Pros: This dress will fit most weddings beautifully because of the gorgeous jewel-toned colors. Another great thing about this dress is that there are two style options: a low-cut top and a more modest top. You can choose what’s suitable for your figure with the two style options. It’s a fantastic value for the formal look and elegant style that may seem expensive on the outside.

Cons: Some women have had issues with the zipper.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a glamorous budget dress that will make you look amazing on your kiddo’s big day, this may be a great selection. The high-low style makes it easy to move around the dance floor easily, and you can wear it repeatedly for multiple occasions.

 

Best Classy Look

Ever-Pretty Women's Round Neck Sequin Maxi Dress

This stylish and affordable dress has a unique yet simple design that you can wear again and again.

Pros: This dress is designed to look fabulous on various figures, and it comes in many sizes, too. The waistline is flattering, falling slightly above the natural waist, and the variety of color choices makes it easy to match just about any wedding color scheme.

Cons: The sequins on the sleeve may catch on the sequins on the bodice.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking to glam it up at a wedding, this may be an excellent choice. It’s full-length and comfortable for most people to have fun and move around on the dance floor.

 

Best Mid-Length Option

Alex Evenings Women's Tea-Length Sequin Mock Dress

With a design that looks fabulous on many different figures, this easy-to-wear two-piece dress is a fantastic option for the big day.

Pros: This dress has a luxurious look and feel, making it an excellent fashion choice for your upcoming special occasion. The color choices are rich and accurate to the product descriptions. Plus, it’s fit to that exact midi length if you want to show off your gorgeous gams.

Cons: It may take extra effort to get the wrinkles out.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a comfortable yet luxe dress for your child’s big day, this dress is a great choice. It’s an understated yet elegant fit that will keep you comfortable. Plus, it’s durable and made out of high-quality material so that you can wear it for future events.

 

Most Glamorous Gown

Alex Evenings Women's Long Sequin Dress with Flutter Sleeves

With a striking floral pattern and flutter sleeve detail, this beautiful, full-length gown is an elegant choice.

Pros: For most women, this dress flatters their curves. While modern and sleek, this dress also gives off cool vintage vibes with the fluttered-cut short sleeves. It’s also stretchy for ultimate comfort and offered in multiple floral patterns to make a statement.

Cons: The sizing can run large.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a glam gown for the big day, this is a fantastic choice. It’s available in standard, petite, and plus sizes, and the color choices are luxurious and sleek.

 

Best with Jacket

R&M Richards Women's Beaded Chiffon Jacket Dress

For a modest look at a cool-weather wedding, this is a great choice that will fit most body types beautifully.

Pros: This dress is as pretty as it is comfortable with beautiful flowy sleeves from the jacket, and the bodice hugs the body in the right places, making for a flattering silhouette. The length hits at the ankles, making it great for dancing as it isn’t too long to catch on your shoes or trip over the skirt.

Cons: The v-neck may be too revealing for some women, and it may run large, so you’ll want to size down.

Bottom Line: If you want something that gives you more coverage with a matching jacket, this is a great pick. There are color choices to complement most wedding colors and schemes, and the beading on the front gives it a nice touch.

Final Thoughts

Being the mother of the bride is a beautiful and memorable experience, so rise to the occasion on your child’s wedding day and look your best. It will only add to how special it is for your family as you dress up to celebrate. With stylish and flattering options out there, you are sure to find the exact dress you are looking for to suit your taste.

Stacy Rounds Stacy Rounds
Stacy is a freelance writer. She has created a variety of web and print copy, from lifestyle and dating advice to small business reviews and short stories. She has a degree in business and marketing and has worked for several years as a social media manager. Through writing creative fiction, satire, and advertisements, she developed a passion for the written word. She enjoys cooking and painting in her free time. Read Full Bio »
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