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.

18 Best Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses of 2022

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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Most Versatile:

Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon MOB Dress at Neiman Marcus

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Most Formal:

Reem Acra MOB Dress at Saks Fifth Avenue

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Most Timeless:

BHLDN Beckett Satin Charmeuse Maxi Dress at Bhldn

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For a New Year’s Eve Wedding:

Tadashi Shoji MOB Dress at Bhldn

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Best Floral-Inspired:

Adrianna Papell MOB Dress at Bhldn

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Best Subtle Sparkle:

Talbot Runhof MOB Dress at Net-a-Porter

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Best Ruched Skirt:

La Femme Evening Dress at Nordstrom

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For the Minimalist:

Amsale Pryce Off-the-Shoulder Column Dress at Bhldn

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For a Formal Wedding:

BHLDN MOB Dress at Bhldn

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Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom

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

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

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

BHLDN

View On Bhldn

If you're looking for an elegant dress that's both timeless in photos and easy to wear again for any special events to come, consider this impossibly chic gown from BHLDN. Crafted from luxurious satin and featuring a sophisticated V-back, you'll be sure to stun at the wedding and all future formal events.

Price at time of publish: $220

BHLDN

View On Bhldn

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

BHLDN

View On Bhldn

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

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

Nordstrom

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

BHLDN

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

BHLDN

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

BHLDN

View On Anthropologie

Fall and winter weddings call for chic muted tones like silvery gray. This deco-inspired gown will shimmer in photos, twirl effortlessly on the dance floor, and leave a lasting impression on every wedding guest.

Price at time of publish: $308

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

This sheath dress and sequin capelet combination boasts a modest neckline and high-slit skirt, making it sophisticated and sexy all at once. The flowy florals combined with the body-skimming skirt make it a worthy choice for any black-tie wedding.

Price at time of publish: $120

BHLDN

View On Bhldn

A structured dress will always be flattering, especially one that nips you at the waist like this chic frock from Amsale. Impressive beading and an alluring neckline make this style worthy of even the fanciest of events. And the crystal embellishments add understated shine to an incredibly polished look.

Price at time of publish: $695

Tadashi Shoji

View On Nordstrom View On Dillards.com

From spring garden celebrations to beachside summer ceremonies to woodsy outdoor altars, this exquisite floral frock would make the perfect complement to any nature-inspired wedding. The twisted bodice is comfortable and flattering while the free-flowing skirt is appropriate for any warm-weather nuptials.

Price at time of publish: $328

Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

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

Needle & 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

Net-a-Porter

View On Farfetch.com View On Marchesa.com View On Verishop.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

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

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.