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 should I consider when shopping for mother of the bride outfit?

When shopping for a mother-of-the-bride outfit , you should take into consideration, the dress code, season, and wedding venue. And while your outfit should always be season-appropriate and complement the wedding color palette, it’s also important to pick a silhouette that flatters your body type and celebrates your unique personal style.

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.

While your look should complement the wedding color palette, season, and venue, today's mother of the bride shouldn't feel restricted to traditional attire. In fact, 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. No matter your style, there's a dress out there that will make you feel beautiful and confident on your child's big day.

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. For those who aren't afraid of bold colors and prints, the Tadashi Shoji Floral Cap Sleeve Chiffon Dress will do your stand-out style justice. Want something utterly elegant? Opt for the Marchesa Notte Embroidered Velvet Gown or the Reem Arca Embellished Tulle and Satin-Piqué Gown.

Read on for the best mother-of-the-bride dresses for every style and season.

Our Top Picks

Best Allover Beading:

Pisarro Nights MOB Dress at Nordstrom

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Best Off-the-Shoulder:

Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon MOB Dress at Neiman Marcus

Jump to Review

Best V-Neckline:

Reem Acra MOB Dress at Net-a-Porter

Jump to Review

Best for a New Year’s Eve Wedding:

Tadashi Shoji MOB Dress at Dillards.com

Jump to Review

Best Floral:

Adrianna Papell MOB Dress at Adriannapapell.com

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Best Wrap-Style:

Talbot Runhof MOB Dress at Net-a-Porter

Jump to Review

Best Ruched Skirt:

La Femme Evening Dress at Nordstrom

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Best for the Minimalist:

Pryce Off-the-Shoulder Column Dress at Bhldn

Jump to Review

Best Sequin:

BHLDN MOB Dress at Bhldn

Jump to Review

Best with Cape-Effect:

Talbot Runhof MOB Dress at Net-a-Porter

Jump to Review

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Lordandtaylor.com

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

Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Jacquard Off-Shoulder Dress with Twist

Neiman Marcus

View On Neiman Marcus

As versatile as is elegant, this pretty periwinkle 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: $580

Size Range: 2-18 | Fit: Runs small, order one size up | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: Periwinkle

Reem Acra Embellished Tulle and Satin-PiquÃ© Gown

Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Net-a-Porter View On Saks Fifth Avenue

The epitome of elegance, this understated yet eye-catching Reem Acra gown is perfect for a formal wedding during spring or summer. Our favorite detail is the bodice adorned with shimmering beads and sequins. Plus, the feminine blush hue and V-shaped neckline are sure to make you feel beautiful as you accompany your child to the altar.

Price at time of publish: $2,995

Size Range: XS-XL | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: Blush

Dillard's

View On Dillards.com

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: $508

Size Range: 2-18 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Nylon, cotton, polyester | Shades: Navy/nude

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

Talbot Runhof Wrap-Effect Metallic Voile Midi Dress

Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Dazzle all the way from the aisle to the after-party in this shimmering frock from Talbot Runhof. The wrap silhouette is supremely flattering and a short hemline offers the opportunity to show off a fun pair of shoes. When you make your way to the dance floor, the rose gold voile will shimmer perfectly under the venue lights.

Price at time of publish: $2,160

Size Range: 2-16 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): 75% polyester, 25% metallic fibers; lining: 85% cupro, 15% elastane | Shades: Rose gold

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

Amsale Pryce Off-the-Shoulder Column Dress

Anthropologie

View On Bhldn View On Anthropologie

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: Neutral, green, blue

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

Talbot Runhof Off-the-Shoulder Cape-Effect Metallic Voile Gown

Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter View On Bergdorfgoodman.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Calling all the chicest mothers of the bride! This stunning gown is for those who don't think twice about making a bold fashion statement. Cut from luminous metallic voile and featuring a sophisticated and billowing cape, this gown was born to make a jaw-dropping entrance.

Price at time of publish: $2,750

Size Range: 2-16 | Fit: True to size, slim | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: Pink

Needle & Thread Aurelia Long Sleeve Sequin Dress

Needle and Thread

View On Needleandthread.com

Embellished with beautiful ornate beading, this gown will catch the light from every angle. Its bateau neckline, three-quarter length sleeves, and full A-line skirt make it ultra-flattering and incredibly chic for any kind of wedding.

Price at time of publish: $769

Size Range: 0-16 | Fit: True to size, form-fitting | Material(s): Polyester | Shades: Coral, pink, champagne, green, red

Farfetch

View On Net-a-Porter View On Farfetch.com View On Marchesa.com

For the mother of the bride who loves velvet and a little sparkle, this midi dress offers flattering and elegant draping. Complete with clusters of gold flowers, this is the ultimate winter wedding ensemble. It also makes for a festive 'fit for any wedding celebrations throughout the holiday season.

Price at time of publish: $1,115

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

Talbot Runhof Draped Metallic Voile Jumpsuit

Net-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: $1,475

Size Range: 2-16 | Fit: True to size | Material(s): 59% polyester, 41% metallic polyester; lining: 97% polyester, 3% elastane | Shades: Black

JJ's House

View On Jjshouse.com

At under $200, this JJ's House chiffon dress comes with all the right details: an a-line skirt, lace scoop neck, and half sleeves. It is perfect for the mother-of-the-bride who prefers a modest fit, but wants a frock that leans on the contemporary side.

Price at time of publish: $162

Size Range: 0-26, custom and plus sizing available | Fit: True to size | Material(s): Chiffon | Shades: Multiple

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

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

Pisarro Nights Illusion Sleeve Beaded A-Line Gown

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom

Another option from Pisarro Nights, 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 beaded hem so you can twirl all night.

Price at time of publish: $238

Size Range: 2-18 (regular and petite) | Fit: Runs large, order one size down | Material(s): Rayon | Shades: Silver, blush, steel

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

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 wedding venue, color palette, and dress code for inspiration and direction. For example, floor-length gowns in jewel tones are always appropriate for formal fall and winter weddings while shorter dresses in light lace or soft pastels are more fitting for casual spring and summer weddings. Next, consider what silhouettes work best for your body type and what features you'd like to highlight. Keep in mind that many websites allow you to filter dresses by color, silhouette, length, and neckline.

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 should I consider when shopping for mother of the bride outfit?

When shopping for a mother-of-the-bride outfit, you should take into consideration, the dress code, season, and wedding venue. And while your outfit should always be season-appropriate and complement the wedding color palette, it’s also important to pick a silhouette that flatters your body type and celebrates your unique personal style.
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.