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.

15 Best Mother of the Bride Dresses of 2022

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As the mother of the bride, your role comes with big responsibilities. You've likely been by the bride's side helping, planning, 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 (and mother of the groom!) 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 look. Love allover sparkle and intricate beading? Endless options abound! Coveting shorter hemlines? We've got you covered! Searching for off-the-shoulder necklines or long sleeves? We've got those, too! No matter your style, there's a dress out there that will make you feel beautiful and confident on your daughter's big day.

Read on for the best mother of the bride dresses for every season, body type, and budget.

Best Allover Beading: Pisarro Nights Beaded Mesh Dress

Gray is an elegant neutral that flatters every skin tone. Beading in tones of blue, gray, and silver add dimension and sophisticated sparkle to this flattering mesh column gown.

Best Body-Skimming: La Femme Sparkle Lace Trumpet Gown

body hugging dress — Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

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.

Most Timeless: BHLDN Satin Maxi Dress

If you're looking for an elegant dress that will not only look timeless in photos but can be worn again, consider this impossibly chic gown from BHLDN. Crafted from luxurious satin and featuring a sophisticated V-back, you'll be sure to stun at your daughter's wedding and all future formal events.

Best Jewel Metallic: Tadashi Shoji Sequin Gown

Shimmering metallic tones are perfect for a fall or winter wedding. This glamorous gown in warm and rich gold complements all skin tones and pairs beautifully with gold and silver accessories.

For a Garden Wedding: Tadashi Shoji Floral Dress

This exquisite floral frock would make the perfect complement to any nature-inspired wedding. Wear yours with grass-friendly shoes like block heels or woven wedges.

For the Minimalist: Amsale Off-the-Shoulder Gown

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.

Best Floral-Inspired: Adrianna Papell Lace Gown

We are picturing this beautifully embroidered gown for a backyard or garden wedding set among romantic flowers and rich greenery. Wear yours with a strappy block heel–a stylish and practical solution for an outdoor wedding.

Most Versatile: Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Sleeveless Surplice Drape Jacquard Dress

Woman in a light blue formal dress — Courtesy of Teri Jon

As versatile as is elegant, this icy blue frock is the perfect transition piece to take you from the ceremony to the reception. Follow the styling lead and pair yours with silver sandals and a berry lip.

Best for a Formal Fall Wedding: BHLDN Beaded Maxi Dress

Fall and winter weddings call for chic muted tones like silvery gray. This deco-inspired gown will shimmer in photos and stun on the dance floor.

Best for a Holiday Wedding: Oleg Cassini Allover Sequin A-Line Gown

sequin dress — Courtesy of David's Bridal

Don't be afraid to make a statement in head-to-toe sparkle. Whether the wedding is around the holidays or calls for a formal dress code, add some serious glitz and glam to your look in this gown adorned with allover sequins.

For a Spring Wedding: Jenny Packham Belted Embellished Chiffon Gown

The epitome of elegance, this mint gown is perfect for a formal wedding during the spring or summer months. Our favorite detail? The crystal and bead-embellished yoke.

For a Formal Wedding: Pisarro Nights Beaded Sequin Gown

sparkle dress — Courtesy of David's Bridal

A little sparkle is a must when celebrating such a joyous occasion. This gown in timeless black is flocked with shimmering sequins and eyecatching beadwork. Wear yours with heels in a neutral tone and delicate shoulder-grazing earrings.

Best Budget: RM Richards Sequin Capelet Jersey Sheath Dress

Caplet Dress — Courtesy of David's Bridal

This sheath dress and sequin capelet combination boasts a modest neckline and high-slit skirt making it at once sophisticated and sexy.

20 Dream Wedding Dresses All Under $1,000

Most Romantic: Dolce & Gabbana Lace Dress

Looking for a dress that will never go out of style? This lovely lace number is perfect for a spring, summer, or daytime wedding and is a timeless option for the mother of the bride with a romantic aesthetic.

Most Seasonless: Needle & Thread Embellished Gown

beaded dress — Courtesy of Needle & Thread

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 flattering, to boot.

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 to the wedding's 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.

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, wedding parties, and more.