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Photo by Kaley from Kansas
A wedding is always a special occasion worth dressing up for, and if it's your child's big day, that's all the more reason to dress your best! As the mother of the bride (or groom), you play a significant role in this celebration, and many moms choose to show off their V.I.P status by shining bright in a gold ensemble. A gold mother-of-the-bride dress is truly a lovely choice as it fits nicely into many wedding color palettes, and works for a variety of seasons and locales.
What's more, gold has forever been a popular hue for mother-of-the-bride dresses, so you'll have many options to choose from, in varying styles like formal designs, A-line silhouettes, and tea-length hemlines.
As with any wedding shopping experience, however, be sure to think about how the silhouette, color, and fabric will pair with the venue, season, and overall wedding style. It also goes without saying that your outfit should be a reflection of your own personal style, and should make you feel comfortable and confident all day long.
To help you find the best gold outfit for the big day, we sourced dresses from some of the most trusted brands, in a variety of fabrics, styles, and formality levels. Read on for the best gold mother-of-the-bride dresses for every style, body type, and budget.
Most Comfortable
Connected Apparel Pleated Twist Front Dress
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Runs: True to size | Sizes: 2-16 | Material: Polyester and metallic fibers
If comfort is your main concern, we recommend this pleated dress from Connected Apparel. This ankle-skimming dress has a long column silhouette, and features a V-shaped neckline and empire waistline that enhances your natural figure.
Best Sheath Dress
David’s Bridal Cap Sleeve Allover Sequin Sheath Dress
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Courtesy of David's Bridal
Runs: True to Size | Sizes: 2-16 | Material: Polyester, spandex
This stunning cap sleeve dress is a fresh option for any wedding. The head-to-toe sequins will catch the light from any angle, and the daring skirt slit will allow you to put your best foot forward.
Best Fit and Flare
Dress the Population Blair Embellished Fit & Flare Dress
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Runs: Runs small; order one size up | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Material: Nylon
For a tea-length option, we're loving this embellished number from Dress the Population. The textural pattern of the shimmering sequins adds structure and definition, while the flattering fit-and-flare silhouette hugs you in all the right places.
Best Metallic
Aidan Mattox Metallic Off-The-Shoulder Gown
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Courtesy of Bloomingdale's
Runs: True to size | Sizes: 0-16 | Material: Metallized Polyester
Enter the room dripping in gold in this show-stopping, off-the-shoulder metallic gown. The shine is produced from the fabric alone–not by additional beaded embellishments—which means this dress is a lightweight option that will keep you comfortable.
Best Floral
BHLDN Rosie Sequin Dress
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Runs: True to size | Sizes: 0-18 | Material: Polyester
We love how the golden floral embellishments cascade from the top of the neckline down to the hem of the skirt. This dress looks beautiful on its own, but can be accessorized with delicate gold jewelry for a look that is both stylish and elegant.
For a Touch of Gold
Marchesa Notte Foiled Blouson-Sleeve Pleated Gown
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Runs: True to size | Sizes: 0-16 | Material: Chiffon
For just a touch of gold, take a look at this glamorous chiffon gown from Marchesa Notte. The blouson sleeves and A-line skirt provide great movement, while the gold foil accents will allow you to stand out in the best way possible.
Most Flattering
DB Studio Cap Sleeve Ruched Gown
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Courtesy of David's Bridal
Runs: True to size | Sizes: 2-16 | Material: Polyester
An eye-catching color and figure-loving fit will always make for an undeniable fashionable combo, and this dress has both in spades. The drape of the ruching is a show-stopper for sure, but we also love the beautiful bronze shade of the fabric.
Best Black and Gold
Pissaro Nights Sequin Bodice Gown
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Runs: Runs large; order one size down | Sizes: 2-18 | Material: Polyester and nylon
This sequin A-line gown is sure to steal the show at your next special event. The top of the dress is beaded with sparkling gold embellishments and sheer three-quarter sleeves. Additionally, the belt is adjustable (and removable) providing the opportunity to cinch in the waist for a perfect fit-and-flare look.
Most Classic
Azazie Porcelain Mother-of-the-Bride Dress
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Courtesy of Azazie
Runs: True to Size | Sizes: 0-30 | Material: Sequin floral lace
For that classic mother-of-the-bride look, you can't go wrong with this sequin floral lace gown. The bateau neckline is a classic style and pairs well with simple, understated accessories.
Best Beaded Gown
Adrianna Papell Long Floral Beaded Gown With Flutter Sleeves in Rose Gold
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Courtesy of Adrianna Papell
Runs: True to Size | Sizes: 0-20 | Material: 100% Polyester
From its elbow-length flutter sleeves to its soft mermaid skirt, this exquisite hand-beaded gown by Adrianna Papell is full of chic details. What's more, this stunning dress is embroidered with delicate florals for an elegant, yet elevated, mother-of-the-bride look.
Most Timeless
Tadashi Shoji Odette Sequin Dress
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Runs: A little large; take one size smaller than normal | Sizes: 0-18 | Material: Cotton, nylon, sequins
Tadashi Shoji's Odette gown has exquisite allover floral embroidery, set against a luxurious honey-colored canvas that has the ability to elevate any mother of the bride. Crafted with a boatneck and slight cap sleeves, the fit-and-flare silhouette is timeless, yet distinctive, and perfect for a special occasion like a wedding.
Best Embroidered
Adrianna Papell Metallic Embroidered Sheath Dress
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Courtesy of Adrianna Papell
Runs: True to Size | Sizes: 0-20 | Material: Polyester and nylon
For a cocktail-length gold dress, our pick is this black and gold metallic sheath from Adrianna Papell. Pair this look with bold statement gold jewelry and metallic heels to really make it pop.
Best Splurge
Marchesa Notte Pleated One-Shoulder Gown
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Courtesy of Farfetch
Runs: True to size | Sizes: 0-16 | Material: Polyester
There's something about a pleated one-shoulder dress that feels incredibly royal and grand. This gown is sure to command attention, as the long draped sleeves trail behind as you walk, in addition to the full-length pleated skirt that adds movement to the overall look.
For a Destination Wedding
Hayley Menzies Jesse Jacquard Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of Trouva
Runs: True to size; cut for a loose fit | Sizes: S-XL | Material: Silk, lurex
For mothers of the bride looking to make a stylish statement, check out this jacquard maxi dress with a metallic gold finish. It adds an evening-appropriate twist, to an otherwise relaxed silhouette, by showcasing a golden multi-color floral print pattern.
Best Slit
Mac Duggal Ruched One Shoulder Soft Tie Draped A-Line Gown
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Courtesy of Mac Duggal
Runs: True to size | Sizes: 14W-24W | Material: Metallic organza
For the mother of the bride who'd like a little bit of drama, opt for a gown with a daring slit like this one from Mac Duggal. The flowy, draped skirt provides a trendy design, and the pleated bodice and one-shoulder sleeve allow for a flattering fit.
Most Contemporary
Floret Studios Open Back Metallic Plissé Dress
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Runs: True to size | Sizes: S-XL | Material: Polyester
Modern meets classic in this open-back, V-neck dress. The fabric sparkles like nothing you've ever seen before, and the tiered skirt silhouette is equal parts old-world glamour and contemporary fashion.
Best Cocktail Dress
Mac Duggal Sequin V-Neck Fit and Flare Cocktail Dress
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Runs: True to size | Sizes: 2-16 | Material: Polyester
Get dressed up in glitter and gold in this eye-catching cocktail dress. From the floral embroidery to the fitted bodice, every inch of this look is covered in sequins, ensuring you'll sparkle from every angle.
Most Affordable
Oleg Cassini Pleated Metallic Off-the-Shoulder Dress
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Courtesy of David's Bridal
Runs: True to Size | Sizes: 4-18 | Material: Polyester, metallic
Simple, classic, and timeless, this golden off-the-shoulder column gown is as glamorous as it is comfortable. Style with sparkling gold or diamond jewelry for a one-of-a-kind look.
What to Look for When Shopping for a Gold Mother-of-the-Bride Dress
With an unlimited number of gold dresses available today, it may be overwhelming to find a gold mother-of-the-bride gown that is perfect for you. So, when shopping for your look, consider the season, venue, and formality of the wedding first. For example, full-length gold gowns are more appropriate for a formal wedding in the winter, while cocktail-length gowns are a match for a daytime, semi-formal spring celebration.
Once you've figured out the style that works best for the season and wedding dress code, the rest is all about personal preference. Choose a dress that will make you feel confident and comfortable all night long, and one you'll love years after your child has said "I do."
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Cristina Montemayor has been writing for Brides for over two years, covering beauty, fashion, and relationships. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more.