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

To be 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. 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.

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.

The 18 Best Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses of 2023

bride and mother of the bride on balcony — Photo by Sasithon Photography

As the mother of the bride, your role comes with big responsibilities. You've likely been by the bride's side helping with special details, planning events, and lending invaluable advice along the way. So, when it comes to securing the perfect mother-of-the-bride dress, you deserve to find one that truly celebrates you and your personal style.

To help narrow down your search, we sifted through top-rated fashion retailers to find the perfect dresses for every season, body type, and budget. We paid special attention to look for styles in wide size ranges, colors, and high quality materials that suit different venues and seasons.

Read on for the best mother-of-the-bride dresses.

Our Top Picks

Best Allover Beading:

Pisarro Nights MOB Dress at Nordstrom

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Best Ruched Skirt:

La Femme Evening Dress at Nordstrom

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Best Off-the-Shoulder:

Teri Jon Yvonne Dress at Neiman Marcus

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Best Floral:

Adrianna Papell MOB Dress at Adriannapapell.com

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Best Budget:

AW Adina Dress at Awbridal.com

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Best for the Minimalist:

Amsale Pryce Off-the-Shoulder Column Dress at Bhldn

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Best with Jacket:

Le Bos Lace and Chiffon A-Line Jacket Dress at David's Bridal

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Best Plus-Size:

Kiyonna Embroidered Elegance Evening Gown at Kiyonna.com

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Best for a NYE Wedding:

Tadashi Shoji Odette Sequin Dress at Bhldn

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Best Short:

Oleg Cassini Knee Length Lace Dress at David's Bridal

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Nordstrom

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Gray is an elegant neutral that flatters every skin tone. Beading in tones of beautiful blue, gray, and silver add dimension and sophisticated sparkle to this flattering mesh column gown. Style this with simple silver sandals for an impeccably polished wedding day look.

Price at time of publish: $238

Size Range: 2-18 (regular and petite) | Fit: Runs large, order one size down if in-between sizes | Material(s): Rayon | Shades: Navy and plum

La Femme Embroidered Bodice Satin Evening Dress

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Lordandtaylor.com View On Lordandtaylor.com

Show off your figure in this body-hugging gown featuring an incredibly flattering wrap skirt with expertly placed ruching. A lace bodice with subtle sparkle details makes this dress feel all the more special. This style is also available in a rich navy blue hue, giving you two elegant options for the big day.

Price at time of publish: $568

Size Range: 4-20 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: Champagne

Teri Jon

View On Neiman Marcus View On Anthropologie View On Terijon.com

As versatile as is elegant, this frock is the perfect transition piece to take you from the ceremony to the reception. Plus, the off-the-shoulder neckline effortlessly highlights your décolletage for some subtly sexy flair.

Price at time of publish: $750

Size Range: 2-20 | Fit: Runs small, order one size up | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: Periwinkle, Lavender, Champagne

Adrianna Papell

View On Adriannapapell.com

This beautifully embroidered gown is the perfect match for a backyard or garden wedding set among romantic flowers and rich greenery. Pair this stunning floral ensemble with delicate jewelry accessories and a strappy block heel–a stylish and practical solution for an outdoor wedding.

Price at time of publish: $229

Size Range: 0-20 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: Navy multi

AW Bridal

View On Awbridal.com

You might not want to spend a fortune on your dress, and with this style from AW Bridal, you don't have to compromise quality or style. The cape top is a regal way to stay modest while the A-line skirt lengthens your silhouette. We love how this dress comes in 42 different colors and you can customize the size with your measurements for free.

Price at time of publish: $90

Size Range: 0-30 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Chiffon | Shades: 42

Amsale

View On Bhldn View On Anthropologie View On Saks Fifth Avenue

At once effortless and refined, this beautifully draped gown is the perfect hue for a fall wedding. With a gentle fit at the hips, this dress is designed to flatter you in all the right places. With silky smooth fabric and an off-the-shoulder neckline, you're sure to turn heads from the ceremony to the reception.

Price at time of publish: $495

Size Range: 0-16 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: 9

Le Bos Tea-Length Lace and Chiffon A-Line Jacket Dress

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Opt for a dress with a jacket if looking for a more conservative mother-of-the-bride dress option, or in case of a chilly wedding night. This one from Le Bos has a removable jacket that shines just as much as the rest of the dress with its all-over lace and sequin details.

Price at time of publish: $130

Size Range: 8-18 (regular and plus) | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: Deep rose and sage

Kiyonna

View On Kiyonna.com

Kiyonna is a plus-size brand offering a broad size range between a 10 and a 32 for all of their selections, including this high-quality embroidered evening gown. The floral embroidered pattern is perfect for any spring or summer time wedding, as it will stand out against any bright pastels and light colors.

Price at time of publish: $328

Size Range: 10-32 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Nylon; lining: polyester | Shades: Black floral

Anthropologie

View On Bhldn View On Anthropologie View On Anthropologie

A New Year’s Eve wedding calls for endless glitz and glam. Step into head-to-toe sparkle in this all-over sequin stunner. Keep accessories simple, as this dazzling gown does all the talking. Layered with intricate embroidery and shimmery patterns, the timeless glamour of this gown will help you ring in the new year at the reception in style.

Price at time of publish: $430

Size Range: 0-18 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Nylon, cotton, polyester | Shades: Silver, Gold

Oleg Cassini Off-the-Shoulder Knee Length Lace Dress

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

If you prefer a shorter dress, this design from Oleg Cassini still feels formal enough for the special day. Hitting right at the knee, it shows just the right amount of a leg. Ruching at the waist gives you the extra confidence you need.

Price at time of publish: $120

Size Range: 2-16 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: Wine, Marine, Quartz

Anthropologie

View On Bhldn

A little sparkle is a must when celebrating such a joyous occasion. This timeless navy blue gown is flocked with shimmering sequins and eye-catching beadwork. Wear yours with heels in a neutral tone and delicate shoulder-grazing earrings to subtly elevate the final look.

Price at time of publish: $350

Size Range: 0-18 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: Neutral, blue

Needle & Thread

View On Needleandthread.com

Embellished with beautiful ornate beading, this gown will catch the light from every angle. Its full A-line skirt make it ultra-flattering and incredibly chic for any kind of wedding. It also comes in two different lengths — tea and floor length — so you can pick the best for your style.

Price at time of publish: $769

Size Range: 0-18 | Fit: True to size, form-fitting | Material(s): Recycled Polyester | Shades: 4

Rivet Utility Flirt One-Sleeve Silk-Blend Satin Jumpsuit

Ret a Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Attention, all fashion-forward mothers of the bride! This seriously chic jumpsuit is an undeniably striking choice for a formal wedding. Pair this stunner with matching black shoes and a clutch for a sophisticated monochromatic look.

Price at time of publish: $550

Size Range: XS-XL | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Silk, Lycra | Shades: Black

Alex Evenings Women's Long V Neck Fit and Flare Dress with Shawl

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

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

Price at time of publish: $269

Size Range: 4-20 (regular and petite) | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: Multiple

Alex Evenings Petite A-line Cascade Dress with Beaded Sleeves

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Another option from Alex Evenings, but with sizing options for petites. With its a-line skirt, this dress hugs the silhouette by enhancing your curves, and ends with a beautiful cascading hem so you can twirl all night.

Price at time of publish: $219

Size Range: 6-16 petite | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester, Spandex | Shades: Navy, Black

AW Bridal

View On Awbridal.com

For the mother of the bride who loves velvet and a little sparkle, this column dress offers flattering and elegant draping. Coming in six different jewel tones, this is the ultimate winter wedding ensemble. Best of all, you can customize it to fit your measurements for free.

Price at time of publish: $100

Size Range: 0-30 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Velvet | Shades: 6

Oleg Cassini Halter Jersey Knit Gown with Rhinestone Waist

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Whether your daughter is saying "I do" in Europe or a tropical resort, this halter dress is the perfect style for a destination wedding. Not only is the jersey fabric soft and lightweight, but it's easy to travel with since its wrinkle-resistant. A row of rhinestones add just the right amount of sparkle.

Price at time of publish: $110

Size Range: 2-24 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester, Spandex | Shades: Juniper, Navy, Wine

Mac Duggal Emery A-Line Hand-Embroidered V-Neck Gown

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

From spring garden celebrations to woodsy outdoor altars, this exquisite floral frock would make the perfect complement to any nature-inspired wedding. The cap sleeves and plunging neckline is flattering while the tulle skirt is appropriate for any warm-weather nuptials.

Price at time of publish: $798

Size Range: 4-20 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: Pink, Grey

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

Dress Code & Theme

Shopping for a mother-of-the-bride outfit is exciting but it can also be overwhelming at the same time. 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, like Le Femme Satin Evening Dress. For more casual dress weddings, you can go with a gown with no embellishments, like AW Adina Dress.

Season

Floor-length gowns in jewel tones are always appropriate for formal fall and winter weddings. AW Rosemary Dress is a great choice for colder settings with its velvet design. Lighter fabrics, shades, and even shorter silhouettes are ideal for spring or summer weddings. Coming in a light green or dusty rose, David's Bridal Tea Length Chiffon Dress has the perfect palette for a spring wedding. Plus, you can throw on the jacket if it gets chilly.

Personal Style

Mother-of-the-bride dress etiquette has changed over the years, offering mothers the opportunity to spotlight their personal style and have fun with their own unique looks. Whether you're a lover of sparkle and intricate beading, seek shorter hemlines, or lean toward off-the-shoulder necklines, endless options abound (Oleg Cassini Knee Length Lace Dress checks off all the above). 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 start shopping for your dress six months before the wedding to allow for any shipping 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.
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, bridal parties, and more.

The 15 Best Mother of the Bride Pantsuits of 2023