What kind of dress should the mother of the bride or groom wear?

The mother of the bride generally wears a dress that is more formal than other wedding guests, while still keeping the dress code in mind. There's no need to wear a black tie gown if the dress code is cocktail attire, but many mothers of the brides do like to wear full-length gowns.

Should the mother of the bride or groom match the bridesmaids?

The mother of the bride's dress does not need to be the same as the bridesmaid dresses. Moms can generally wear a different hue that complements the wedding colors, or a color that matches nicely.

Can the mother of the bride or groom wear a dress with long sleeves to a winter wedding?

The mother of the bride or groom can definitely opt for a dress with long sleeves, especially for a winter wedding. Not only is this practical in cooler weather, but it can also look very elegant.

The 18 Best Winter Mother of the Bride Dresses of 2023

bride and mother — Photo by Stanlo Photography

Dressing for a wedding that takes place in the middle of the winter is very different than dressing for summer nuptials. Since winter weddings are generally indoors, they tend to be more formal; and if you're in a place where the temperatures drop really low during the winter months, you'll want to find an ensemble that looks and feels seasonally appropriate.

As the mother of the bride or groom, looking your best is always a top priority, as is feeling comfortable all night long. So, donning a winter mother of the bride or groom dress that is warm, but doesn't leave you feeling overheated (you don't want to be sweating on the dance floor), is of the utmost importance.

You'll probably want to skip gowns made of light materials such as linen or chiffon, and instead look for dresses crafted from heavier fabrics. Velvet, a heavy crepe, satin, silk, and pique are all excellent choices that look just right for the season. As for colors, bright hues like turquoise or pastel pink may not fit in. Darker, more muted tones such as navy blue, burgundy, or dark green are always lovely choices, and even black can work. Of course, you'll want to make sure the color of your gown works well with the wedding colors that the bridal party is wearing.

What Should the Mother of the Bride Wear?

Heavy beading, like a dress with a lot of sequins or something with sparkly embellishments, can also suit a winter wedding better than a summer wedding. And while sleeveless or strapless is perfectly fine, you may want to opt for long sleeves or a dress with a matching capelet, especially if you'll be taking photos outside.

To help make this process a little bit easier, read on for the best mother of the bride dresses for every dress code and budget.

Courtesy of Nordstrom

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Size: 2-18 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund anytime

Rivers of sequins in different color metallics, like gold and bronze, make this shimmering winter dress so unique. Mixed with the glittering silver, it's a perfect look for a winter wedding.

Price at time of publish: $598

Courtesy of Nordstrom

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Size: 6-18 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund anytime

Lace, beading, and illusion netting make this dress feel just as glamorous as you want to feel on the day of your child's wedding. What's more, it comes in two different color options and an inclusive size range.

Price at time of publish: $298

Anthropologie

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Size: 0-19 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

When we say this is a simple dress, we mean that in the best way. A minimalist look with romantic touches—like the off-the-shoulder neckline—this velvet gown is a beauty and doesn't need much else to stand out.

Price at time of publish: $295

Courtesy of David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Size: 14-24 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days

A very traditional mother-of-the-bride look, this purple gown comes with a matching jacket. When the jacket is removed, this is just a sleeveless gown, but the added sparkle makes this one fun.

Price at time of publish: $200

Courtesy of Adrianna Papell

View On Adriannapapell.com View On Bloomingdales

Size: 0-20 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

This dusty blue color is so beautiful and is a great option if you want something lighter that doesn't feel too summery. The off-the-shoulder neckline is also very chic.

Price at time of publish: $249

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

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Size: XS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days | Price at time of publish: $700

This one-shoulder column gown is all about Grecian chic style, and we love that the dark gold hue works well for colder months. This is a lovely and unique choice.

Price at time of publish: $700

Courtesy of Adrianna Papell

View On Adriannapapell.com

Size: 0-20 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Glittering beads are hand-sewn all over this dress, making it look sparkly without being over-the-top. Between that and the long sleeves, this dress could really only be worn in the winter.

Price at time of publish: $349

Courtesy of Anthropologie

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Size: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

A beaded bodice and a floral skirt make this dress so feminine in a wintery way. It's a beautiful design in a classic silhouette.

Price at time of publish: $798

Courtesy of Adrianna Papell

View On Adriannapapell.com

Size: 0-20 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Flutter sleeves and a beaded floral design make this dress feel romantic and feminine. The silver/gray color is also perfect for winter.

Price at time of publish: $349

Anthropologie

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Size: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Metallics are a great shade for a winter wedding, and this silver one is a beautiful choice. Intricate details and a high neck make this so elegant.

Price at time of publish: $430

Courtesy of Adrianna Papell

View On Adriannapapell.com

Size: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

The champagne gold color and subtle shimmer throughout this dress make it a perfect option for a wedding taking place on New Year's Eve. Even better, the blousy sleeves give it a comfortable feel.

Price at time of publish: $199

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

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Size: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 90 days

This glittering dark silver dress is made more alluring thanks to the plunging neckline and high slit. It almost has a bit of a retro vibe to it as well, if you're into that look.

Price at time of publish: $475

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

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Size: UK 4-UK 16 | Length: Midi | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

A body-hugging silhouette and sequins make this gown glamorous and flattering. The deep green color is season-appropriate and eye-catching–and it's hard not to love the elegance of the one-shoulder neckline.

Price at time of publish: $555

Courtesy of David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Size: 14-24 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days

This is another classic mother-of-the-bride look. The sparkle embellishments on the cape add a cozy, but elegant, feel to the overall ensemble.

Price at time of publish: $200 for Missy

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

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Size: UK 6-UK 16 | Length: Tea-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

A sparkling sequin gown is already fun enough as it is, but when you add some feathers to the sleeves? It's even better. This is a glamorous showstopper for the mother of the bride who isn't afraid to make a statement.

Anthropologie

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Size: 0-26 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

This velvet maxi dress is both simple and effortlessly chic. It comes in several different dark hues and the plunging neckline gives it some sex appeal.

Price at time of publish: $295

Courtesy of David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Size: 14-24 | Length: Ankle-length | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days

We love everything about this dress, from the sequins and sparkling details to the cold shoulder and the cape-style bodice. All of these elements come together to create a really traditional mother-of-the-bride gown.

Courtesy of Adrainna Papell

View On Bloomingdales View On Lordandtaylor.com

Size: 0-20 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

This glittering gown is made even better with the long, flowing cape that can almost look like dramatic sleeves from the right angle. The illusion netting and beading are such a pretty mix, to boot.

Price at time of publish: $379

What to Look for in a Winter Mother of the Bride or Groom Dress

When looking for the perfect mother of the bride or groom dress for a winter wedding, you'll obviously want to keep the dress code in mind, and also consider the fact that your ensemble is generally a bit more dressed up than a typical wedding guest. For winter weddings, you may want to opt for a more formal full-length gown rather than something shorter, although you can, of course, wear a short dress if you want.

Long sleeves and capelets may be more comfortable if you're in a colder climate, and look for heavier fabrics like velvet, satin, or a thick crepe to keep you warm. As for colors, you may want to wear a darker hue that goes with the season. Always remember that your look should complement the bridal party rather than match exactly or clash completely.

FAQ

What kind of dress should the mother of the bride or groom wear?

The mother of the bride generally wears a dress that is more formal than other wedding guests, while still keeping the dress code in mind. There's no need to wear a black tie gown if the dress code is cocktail attire, but many mothers of the brides do like to wear full-length gowns.
Should the mother of the bride or groom match the bridesmaids?

The mother of the bride's dress does not need to be the same as the bridesmaid dresses. Moms can generally wear a different hue that complements the wedding colors, or a color that matches nicely.
Can the mother of the bride or groom wear a dress with long sleeves to a winter wedding?

The mother of the bride or groom can definitely opt for a dress with long sleeves, especially for a winter wedding. Not only is this practical in cooler weather, but it can also look very elegant.

Why Trust Brides

Jessica Booth is a journalist with over 10 years of experience and a freelance writer whose work has appeared on sites such as Bustle, Insider, and Refinery29.

The 20 Best Mother of the Bride Shoes for Style and Comfort of 2023