20 Best Mother of the Bride Dresses of 2021

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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

Show off your décolletage in this off-the-shoulder lace and satin cocktail 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.

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 Budget: Jersey Sheath Plus-Size Gown With Sequin Capelet

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

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Best for a Holiday Wedding: Alex Evenings Sequin 3/4-Sleeve Wrap Front Dress With Twist

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.

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 Allover Sparkle: Tadashi Shoji Off-the-Shoulder Plus-Size Gown

This allover silver sequins gown in classic navy is old-Hollywood glam at its finest. Available from petite to plus—all shapes and sizes will sparkle and shine down the aisle.

For a Formal Wedding: Pisarro Nights Beaded Sequin Gown

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

For a Black-Tie Wedding: Sachin & Babi Draped Satin Bodice Gown

For a black-tie wedding, this Sachin & Babi gown is a no-brainer. A flattering and fun bow bodice meets a body-hugging and smoothing column skirt for one utterly chic ensemble.

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 a Destination Wedding: Badgley Mischka Multi-Print Tiered Gown

For MOBs headed to a destination wedding where the dress code calls for casual attire, opt for this bright and cheery Badgley Mischka gown. If this style is not formal enough for the big day, it could easily be worn to the rehearsal dinner.

Best Jumpsuit: Tadashi Shoji Tuxedo Jumpsuit

MOB jumpsuit — Courtesy of Tadashi Shoji

If an impossibly chic and impeccably tailored tuxedo jumpsuit is more your speed, opt for this stunning style from Tadashi Shoji. Its gorgeous green hue is flattering on all skin tones and can easily be paired with gold or silver accessories.

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.

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.

Most Flattering: Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Faille Shirtdress with Lily of The Valley Embroidery

A structured shirt dress is undoubtedly one of the most flattering silhouettes out there. Delicate floral embroidery and a sash belted waisted set this navy number apart from the rest.

Best A-Line Silhouette: JS Collections Beaded Gown

long sleeve dress — Courtesy of Nordstrom

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.

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

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.

For a New Year's Eve Wedding: Lauren Ralph Lauren Sequin-Lace Sleeveless Dress

If the wedding calls for festive attire, consider donning a dress in allover sparkle. Dazzle all the way from the aisle to the after-party in this shimmering style from Ralph Lauren. Keep accessories simple or add a pair of shoulder-grazing earrings for added glamour.

Best Modest Neckline: BHLDN Boatneck Midi

If you're looking for a little more coverage on the bodice, opt for a boatneck silhouette. With a modest neckline and a swingy skirt, this midi strikes the perfect balance between conservative and playful.

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.

Final Verdict

For a formal wedding look that feels utterly sophisticated and polished, you can't go wrong with Pisarro Nights beaded mesh gown. If the dress code calls for festive attire, opt for Alex Evenings's gold sequin dress that will sparkle and shimmer all the way from the aisle to the dancefloor. And for those with minimalist tastes? BHLDN's satin charmeuse maxi dress is a simple yet striking choice.

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 my dress?

When shopping for a mother of the bride dress, 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 daughter 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, bridesmaids, and more.