It's no secret that moms come in all shapes and sizes, yet it often seems like mother-of-the-bride (and groom) dresses are designed with a one-size-fits-all approach. Most options seem as if they were created to fit a shapeless body type, or they're so demure that they almost look matronly. To ensure the most important women in your life look and feel gorgeous on the big day, we rounded up some of our favorite mother-of-the-bride dresses that are both flattering and stylish.
The important thing to remember when choosing a mom-appropriate dress is to be playful with elements like color, silhouette, or pattern, rather than something like length. Necklines are another great fashion detail that moms can have some fun with. But just as you would for any other occasion, you'll want to avoid anything too showy—off-the-shoulder sleeves and deep V-necks are sexy and elegant, so long as they're not too revealing.
No matter what style direction you're leaning towards, there are plenty of mother-of-the-bride dress options out there that are far from matronly—here is a selection we love right now.
The mock neck and spaghetti tie belt add just the right amount of flare to this pleated midi dress. Mothers of the bride will love this frock, which also has a chic flare hem and slip lining.
Lulus Floral "Dressed Up" Black Floral Print Midi Dress
For the mother of the bride who adores floral prints, this dress is for you. The free-flowing garment has a cream and black print with sheer decolletage, short sleeves, and a darted bodice for the perfect spring wedding attire.
Looking for a simplistic option that still has "wow" factor? Consider this sleek strapless dress that has both "liquid shine" and a form-fitting silhouette.
We love the sequin embellishments all over this long-sleeve midi dress, which also features a V-neckline and tulip hem. Can't you see yourself in this while sipping Champagne at a New Year's Eve wedding?
Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Two-Tone ¾-Sleeve Taffeta Shirtdress Gown
We looked up timeless in the dictionary and this black and white dress was there. Sumptuous taffeta, a tailored shirtdress top, and a darling bow detail. It's perfection.
Sparkling simplicity can be so glamorous. This sheath gown is covered head to toe in sequins, with elegant three-quarter sleeves and a gentle scoop in the back.
Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Taffeta Laser Cut Shirtdress
We're getting Oscars visions from this minimalist column dress. It's beautifully draped in a fluid silky fabric with an asymmetric off-the-shoulder neckline.
As the grown up version of a slip dress, this moody floral is the most gorgeous take on a classic navy and light blue color palette. The lace gown has a curve-hugging silhouette and a grosgrain sash along the waist.
This demure, sheath silhouette, covered in delicate crystal, sequins, and beading, is a lovely choice for a daytime ceremony and evening reception (truly, day to night!). The flutter sleeves add an exceptionally whimsical touch to the dress.
Mac Duggal Long-Sleeve Embellished Floral Midi-Dress
This floral piece punctuated with dainty beadwork, is equal parts garden party and glamor. Throw on this pretty, flowy dress for an evening on the dance floor.
Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Metallic Jacquard Off-The-Shoulder Dress
A sophisticated off-the-shoulder neckline in a gorgeous shade is the ultimate look for a classic mother of the bride. The twist-accented front adds the finishing touch on this gown.
This sleeveless, one-shoulder silhouette is sure to make a statement. The stunning asymmetric neckline gets a ruffle overlay on the right shoulder to complete the look.
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.
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.
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. It's safe to say that you should never wear white and shy away from the overall color family unless the bride instructs you to wear a certain shade. Traditionally, another color to avoid is red.
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.
While dressing in too revealing a style isn't advisable for any guest, you can dress to emphasise your assets - a sleeveless dress to show toned arms, belts to highlight your waist or a shorter length for great legs. Keep styling simple and avoid too much embellishment, which can look fussy in photos.
The MOTB can wear any color she wants, but it's better to avoid certain colors such as white, ivory, or champagne tones as they're considered bridal colors and may take attention away from the bride.
The mother of the bride plays the role of hostess, meaning you should spend some time greeting guests during the reception. Although there are exceptions, other wedding-day duties may include sitting at the parents' table and dancing with the father of the bride to help warm up the dance floor.
Updos are a mother-of-the-bride hairstyle favorite for a reason: they're timeless, they frame your face and they work with a wide variety of dress styles. Whether it's a beautiful braided bun, an elegant chignon or an updo with a few wispy tendrils, you really can't go wrong.
Fashionable, tasteful and age-appropriate are in. 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.
Because the mother of the groom isn't part of the bridal party, she should avoid choosing a dress in the same color as the bridesmaids' attire, the mother of the bride's dress, or the wedding gown.
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.
Dark florals in heavy fabrics can be worn during the cold weather months, while light, pastel florals in chiffon and similar breezy fabrics tend to work best during the spring and summer. If you're the mother of the bride or groom, you should certainly considering wearing a floral dress to the big day.
Knee-length dresses are perfect for more casual weddings, while midi-length dresses are a great choice for more formal events. For evening weddings, floor length mother of the bride gowns are the most traditional and formal option. These gowns exude elegance and sophistication, and are perfect for black-tie affairs.
Answer: Typically the mother of the bride's outfit is whatever fits her style. In terms of color, traditionally, attendants and the MOB would avoid white (upstaging the bride), black (it reminds people of mourning) and red (because it's flashy).
The MOTB's dress should be elegant, understated, and, above all, seasonally appropriate. Mother of the bride dresses for outdoor summer weddings should be lightweight and flowy. She should not be required to wear thick, lengthy, and heavy skirts.
Consider when and where the event is taking place. For summer ceremonies abroad or in a marquee, lightweight chiffon or satin, pastel hued and floral print occasion dresses are the order of the day. Whereas winter weddings or formal venues call for jewel tones and more structured wool-silk fabrics.
Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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