The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (2024)

  • Wedding Party Attire

By

Sophie Moore

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (1)

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

Updated on 09/11/23 11:43AM

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (2)

While the most raved about dress at your son's upcoming wedding is bound to be the bride's wedding dress, you still deserve to have your own fashion moment with a mother-of-the-groom dress that makes you feel stylish and confident.

When shopping for the perfect mother of the groom dress, it's important to keep in mind the dress code, venue, and color palette. From fashion-forward velvet to elegant necklines to body-hugging styles, you'll be dreaming up excuses to wear your ensemble again and again. Whether you're coveting glitz and glam for a black-tie affair or searching for light and effortless styles for a backyard wedding, we've researched and rounded up the best mother-of-the-groom dresses to suit any style, body type, and budget.

Our Top Picks

Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review

Size Range: 0-18 | Material(s): Polyester | Fit: Runs large, size down one size | Shade(s): Navy, champagne, silver

If you've tried on a few dresses in your lifetime, then we probably don't need to explain what a difference expertly placed ruching makes, but we can assure you that it does! This style from La Femme cinches you at the waist and falls effortlessly into a gorgeous, flowy hemline.

Size Range: 0-16 (regular and plus-size available) | Material(s): Polyester | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Multiple

Show off your shoulders with a gown featuring a halter-neck silhouette. This luxurious satin style from BHLDN exudes Old Hollywood glamour and is available in six colors to complement any wedding palette.

Best Metallic

Tadashi Shoji Odette Sequin Dress

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (5)

Size Range: 0-18 | Material(s): Cotton, nylon, sequins; stretch polyester lining | Fit: Fits large, size down one size; if you have broad shoulders, take normal size | Shade(s): Silver, gold

Shimmering metallics are always a good idea, especially for formal occasions like weddings. Whether you're attending a black-tie, winter, or New Year's Eve wedding, this dazzling number is a no-brainer.

Best with Jacket

Alex Evenings Scalloped Sequin Lace and Satin Jacket Dress

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (6)

ISize Range: 6-18 | Material(s): Polyester, nylon, spandex | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Eggplant and midnight

If you're look for a more conservative fit that still gives you the option to flaunt your arms, opt for a dress with a jacket. You can even use the jacket if the wedding is set on a chilly night or for an overall elegant look. This set is a great option for a more dressed-up New Year's Eve wedding.

Best Budget

AW Romula Dress

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (7)

Size Range: 0-14 | Material(s): Satin Charmeuse | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): 25

For less than $100, you can get a custom-made dress from AW Bridal. Just enter your measurements online and the dress will be made to size, at no extra cost. This pared-back, satin style is extremely elegant and a great option for those who rather skip beading and other embellishments. Instead, the jewel neckline beautifully shows off your accessories. Choose from 25 different shades to find the best one to compliment your skin tone and style.

Best for a Winter Wedding

Adrianna Papell MOG Dress

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (8)

Size Range: 0-20 (regular and plus size available) | Material(s): Polyester | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Taupe/pink, blue, black, twilight

In a shimmering and icy blue hue and dripping in crystal embroidery, this Adrianna Papell beaded gown was made for a winter wedding. Pair it with silver strappy sandals and chandelier earrings to complete your formal look.

Best Off-the-Shoulder

Amsale Pryce Gown

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (9)

Size Range: 0-16 | Material(s): 100% polyester | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): 9

What could be more sophisticated than an elongating, floor-length dress with an elegant neckline? Wear yours with a sleek updo to really show off those shoulders.

Size Range: 0-20 (regular and plus-size available) | Material(s): 100% polyester | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): 9

For the mother of the groom who loves a little vintage flair, this Adrianna Papell gown is for you. Designed with a supremely flattering blouson bodice and body-skimming skirt, this gown fits like a dream.

Best Pantsuit

Oleg Cassini Paintsuit

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (11)

Size Range: 4-16 (regular and plus-size available) | Material(s): Nylon, polyester, spandex | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Navy, juniper, taupe

We love a good three-piece set as it feels like two outfits in one. This chic and formal set from David's Bridal consists of a sheer jacket with medium coverage that's perfect for cooler weather and a sleeveless sequin top that is more than ready for the dance floor.

Most Elegant

Theia Valencia Flutter-Sleeve Satin Gown

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (12)

Size Range: 0-16 | Material(s): Satin | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Navy

If you combine flutter sleeves with expertly placed draping, you have yourself a very stylish and flattering dress. This stunning fluid gown also features a beautiful V-neckline and a ruffled hem with an elongating front slit.

Best Velvet

Jenny Yoo Issa Velvet Column Gown

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (13)

Size Range: 0-19 (regular and plus-size available) | Material(s): Velvet polyester, spandex; polyester lining | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Sage, red, dark green, blue, pink

Warm and comfortable, a velvet dress is perfect for a winter or holiday wedding. Accentuate this glamorous look with shoulder-grazing statement earrings and metallic accessories.

Best Plus-Size

Kiyonna Paris Pleated Sequin Gown

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (14)

Size Range: 0X(10-12)-5X(30-32) | Material(s): Spandex, polyester, nylon | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Navy and onyx

This polished number from Kiyonna (which is solely a plus-size brand) is one for the books, and will certainly turn heads at an evening and/or winter wedding. Pair with sequin heels to match the sparkly bodice and simple silver jewelry to complete the piece.

Best with Sleeves

Oleg Cassini Off-the-Shoulder Lace Gown

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (15)

Size Range: 4-22 | Material(s): Polyester, nylon, spandex | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): 4

Equal parts sophisticated and romantic, this formal dress features exquisite details like sheer sleeves adorned with 3D floral appliqués, a décolletage-baring neckline, and side ruching for a flattering fit.

Most Glamorous

Alex Evenings Long Fit and Flare Dress

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (16)

Size Range: 6-20, Petit and regular | Material(s): Polyester | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): 12

Go glam with this gorgeous rose gold gown—it also comes in a multitude of other colors depending on the wedding aesthetic. We love the sheer lace cap sleeves, shiny embroidery, and flattering fit-and-flare silhouette. Plus, it comes with a matching shawl.

Best Short

Pissaro Nights Beaded co*cktail Dress

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (17)

Size Range: 2-18 | Material(s): Rayon | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Silver, navy, red

A semi-formal wedding calls for a sophisticated but less dressy look than a black-tie wedding, and this beaded number more than fits the bill. Coming in three shades, this knee-length dress can be worn to a New Year's Eve wedding, a summer wedding, and everything in between.

Best Modest

Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman Floral Gown

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (18)

Size Range: 2-22 | Material(s): 73% polyester, 27% metallic; 100% polyester lining | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): 6

About as chic and refined as they come, this Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman gown is crafted from shimmering brocade and would be right at home at an elegant black-tie wedding.

Best Cape-Effect

Talbot Runhof Asymmetric Cape-Effect Gown

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (19)

Size Range: 2-20 | Material(s): Polyester | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Green

Glide down the aisle in this truly regal gown from Talbot Runhof. Crafted in a beautiful emerald hue, this statement-making gown is ideal for a fall or winter black-tie wedding. The metallic-stretch fabric will hug your curves while remaining comfortable.

Best Tea length

Oleg Cassini Tea Length Two-Piece

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (20)

Size Range: 2-24 | Material(s): Polyester | Fit: True to size | Shade(s): Lavender, blue, petal

We love this tea-length two-piece for a spring wedding. It comes in pretty pastel shades. The longer sleeves are ideal for seasonal weather that can easily go from warm to chilly.

What to Look For in a Mother of the Groom Outfit

Season

  • Season

The season and location of the venue will greatly impact what kind of outfit to wear. For fall or winter weddings, it's a good idea to stick to deep jewel tones and rich fabrics like velvet and satin. Jenny Yoo Velvet Gown comes in tonal shades and a cozy fabric for an autumn affair. For summer or a wedding taking place in a tropical destination, we recommend lighter fabrics and whimsical designs with ruffles and short sleeves. Ralph Lauren Floral Gown is fitting for a summer or destination wedding alike. And for anything in between, you might want to go with a style with a jacket, like Alex Evenings Two-Piece, in case you get chilly.

  • Dress Code

It’s also important to pick an outfit that not only showcases your personal style but follows the wedding’s dress code and color palette. If the wedding calls for black-tie attire, make sure you opt for a formal outfit like a floor-length gown or pantsuit. With its glamorous satin fabric and floor length skirt, La Femme Trumpet Gown is ideal for a black-tie wedding. If the wedding is more casual, you can go with a shorter dress like Pisarro Nights Beaded co*cktail Dress.

  • Shipping & Return Policies

Although online shopping comes with its many perks, it can be tricky to tell exactly what a certain dress will look like in person. The solution? Thoroughly read product descriptions–right down to the fabric type–and any customer reviews. And since so many retailers offer fast shipping and free returns, you can easily send back any dresses you don’t love–just make sure to always review a retailer's shipping and return policy.

FAQ

  • When should I start shopping for my mother of the groom outfit?

    To err on the safe side, we suggest that you start shopping for your dress six months before the wedding to allow for any shipping delays or alterations.

  • What colors should a mother of the groom avoid wearing?

    A good rule of thumb is to avoid wearing white or any hue that might resemble the bride’s wedding outfit or groom’s suit/tuxedo.

  • Do I have to run my mother of the groom outfit by the couple?

    While the couple will surely want you to feel your best in your dress, having a conversation with the couple beforehand can help set expectations and narrow down your options.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writerSophie Mooreis 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, bridal parties, and more.

The 18 Best Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses for Every Type of Wedding

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Last Updated:

Views: 5719

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Birthday: 1992-06-28

Address: Apt. 413 8275 Mueller Overpass, South Magnolia, IA 99527-6023

Phone: +6824704719725

Job: District Real-Estate Facilitator

Hobby: Letterboxing, Vacation, Poi, Homebrewing, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Mrs. Angelic Larkin, I am a cute, charming, funny, determined, inexpensive, joyous, cheerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.