MOTHER OF THE BRIDE DRESSES (2024)

FAQs

What color is the mother of bride supposed to wear? ›

Neutrals. Neutrals like taupe, gray, or beige are a traditional choice for mother of the bride dresses; they feel classy, elegant, and sophisticated—and they're understated enough that they won't take any attention from the bride's attire.

The MOTB can wear any color she wants, but it's better to avoid certain colors such as white, ivory, or champagne tones as they're considered bridal colors and may take attention away from the bride.

Lots of mother of the bride (MOB) and mother of groom (MOG) dresses are very similar. Plus, the formality of the wedding will dictate how dressy you decide to go. However, one main difference between MOB and MOG shopping is timing. Tradition states that the mother of the bride should choose first.

While mother-of-the-bride dresses are similar to mother-of-the-groom dresses, the moms don't need to match. Both are encouraged to wear outfits that represent their personal style. If the couple does prefer to have the moms wear complementary outfits, try to find colors or silhouettes that look great together.

Answer: Typically the mother of the bride's outfit is whatever fits her style. In terms of color, traditionally, attendants and the MOB would avoid white (upstaging the bride), black (it reminds people of mourning) and red (because it's flashy).

The bride's walk down the aisle can take up to one minute of that time. Who escorts the mother of the bride down the aisle? If the mother of the bride is taking part in the wedding processional, she is traditionally escorted by a close male relative like a son or brother or may enter alone.

Mother of the Bride & Groom

Both the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom are expected to pay for their own wedding attire. Typically, these gowns do not need to match the bridesmaid dresses, however, some brides prefer for the gowns to coordinate in some way.

Seating married parents

The parents of the bride always sit in the first pew or row on the left, facing where the ceremony will be held; the groom's parents sit in the first row on the right.

A: The Mother of the Bride needs to coordinate with the Mother of the Groom and decide whether they will be wearing long or short dresses, but both are acceptable.

Because the mother of the groom isn't part of the bridal party, she should avoid choosing a dress in the same color as the bridesmaids' attire, the mother of the bride's dress, or the wedding gown.

What color dress should the mother of the groom not wear? ›

The Top Colors for Mothers of the Groom to Avoid

As with any wedding guest, it's best to avoid wearing white or any color that resembles the bride's wedding outfit. You may also want to steer clear of blush, beige, or other light neutral tones that may appear lighter on camera.

For a Non-Denominational or Secular Wedding

The groom might opt to escort his mother down the aisle and to her seat in the front row, followed closely behind by the groom's father. This gives the groom an opportunity to give his parents a hug before taking his place at the altar.

The mother of the bride can wear a handbag or opt out of it, the choice is her own!

The groom's family traditionally paid for all costs associated with the rehearsal dinner and honeymoon, wedding day transportation, and the officiant. The groom paid for the bride's engagement ring, wedding ring, and groomsmen gifts. It is also common for the groom's family to pay for the alcohol at the reception.

Formality and Color Coordination

Unless the bride asks both Mothers to wear the same color, make sure you avoid wearing the same color on the occasion. The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom's outfits must complement each other, especially for photos.

A: The Mother of the Bride is special. She needs to stand out a bit from the bridesmaids, so her dress should complement rather than match the bridesmaid's dresses. For example, the MOB could wear a dress in a similar color to the bridesmaids but in a deeper shade.

Avoid Matching with the Bride

Remember that mother of the bride should not wear the same color or even shade of the bride's wedding dress. The bride's gown is usually in shades like ivory or champagne, so make sure that you don't choose any shade of white.

Like white, red might take attention away from the bride and her wedding dress. But if the bride doesn't mind there is nothing that says you can't wear a red dress. Red is a bold and beautiful statement color most appropriate for fall or winter weddings.