Mother of the Bride Dresses & Style Guide - All Questions Answered! (2024)

Gone are the days of matronly MOB dresses, and we're so thankful for the wild and free modern times. Mums are now free to express their sartorial elegance without the barriers of washed-out beiges and Easter-egg pastels. Although the dress styles are endless and there's something for every mum on the vast internet, determining what to wear can be difficult. So many fashionable options can be overwhelming too! Thankfully, our style experts penned down a few pointers to help materfamilias find the perfect look.

Whether you're a bride looking to stylize her mum or the lucky lady herself, here's what you need to keep in mind while looking for mother of the bride outfits:

1. What Style?

Seek Inspiration from the Bride

You have been her guide throughout these years and will forever continue to be. But, on your daughter's big day, she and the groom will set the theme. Seeking inspiration and suggestions from her will be the best idea. Take notes from her dress selection. It will give you a starting point. You'll know the degree of formality, as well as styles and hues to stick to. DO NOT go for the same color as the bride's or her maids'. Let them (and yourself) stand out.

2. What Color?

Let the Wedding Theme Be Your Cue For Hue

Follow the theme of the wedding party. You're a very significant part of the bride's life, and you should look like one. It's not necessary to match with the colors because you also want to stand out. Harmonizing with them is the key! While selecting mother of the bride gowns, see if you can get a swatch of the bridesmaids' outfits, and use it to find a complementing color. For instance, if the bride wants them to dress in pink, peach will be a great pick. And if they choose to wear navy blue, royal blue will be the perfect hue for you.

3. What's "Appropriate"?

Anything That's Understated

Gone are the days when the mother of the bride wedding dresses were uniform. A sheath or co*cktail knee-length dress with a jacket is not the only option that modern mums have. Today, as long as it's understated, it works. You should consider the weather, religious or cultural customs, and your comfort. For instance, an open back or strapless gown might not be the best pick for a church wedding, but it's perfect for a beach one. However, to be chapel ready, you can add a lovely jacket or a wrap, and you'll be good to go.

4. When to Begin Shopping?

Ideally, No Later Than 3 Months

As per the customs, you'll be expected to share your dress choice with the mother of the groom so she could pick hers accordingly. You'll be clicking lots of pictures together so sticking to harmonizing hues is always a better idea. Of course, your dresses don't have to match, but they can be similar to look good in a frame. Also, three months will leave you enough bracket for alterations, fittings, and final touches.

5. When & How to Get Ready for the Big Day?

Just Before the Wedding & Independently

You don't have to depend on the bride to help you doll up. Let it be her choice. If she wishes to get ready with her bride tribe, don't take it personally. Instead, invite the groom's mother, your sisters, friends, and other family members for your own little glam up sesh. Get your mani and pedi done a day before the wedding, and have your makeup and hair done a couple of hours prior to the ceremony. Do not overlook yourself and only trust a professional for the job.

Also, while selecting mother of the bride dresses, trust the best designers only. We highly recommend Mon Cheri, Jovani, Alyce Paris, and Soulmates. These designers have stunning options for mums. It's your special day too so remember to look your best!

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Mother of the Bride Dresses & Style Guide - All Questions Answered! (2024)

FAQs

What color should the mother of the bride dress be? ›

The most popular color for the mother of the bride to wear is navy or a royal blue, followed by blush or a shade of nude. It's safe to say that you should never wear white and shy away from the overall color family unless the bride instructs you to wear a certain shade. Traditionally, another color to avoid is red.

What is appropriate to wear as mother of the bride? ›

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.

How far in advance should mother of the bride get her dress? ›

Generally, we recommend giving yourself 6-8 months to shop for the right dress.

Should mother of the bride and mother of the groom dresses be the same length? ›

The mothers do not have to wear dresses of equal length, although many do, feeling that it creates a more harmonious look, especially in wedding photos.

What color should a mother of the bride not wear? ›

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).

Who brings the mother of the bride down the aisle? ›

She is often escorted by a son or another male relative, but may also be escorted by the father of the bride, who returns to the ceremony venue entrance to escort his daughter down the aisle. Once you've reached the end of the aisle, you'll take a seat to the left of the aisle in the front row.

Should mother of the bride dress be long or short? ›

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.

Should mother of the bride wear floral dress? ›

Consider when and where the event is taking place. For summer ceremonies abroad or in a marquee, lightweight chiffon or satin, pastel hued and floral print occasion dresses are the order of the day. Whereas winter weddings or formal venues call for jewel tones and more structured wool-silk fabrics.

Is it OK to wear the same color dress as the mother of the bride? ›

To augment the distinction, you can choose different accessories. It's best to stay away from white or any shade matching the dress of the bride unless you have her explicit consent. The good news is that MOB and MOG dresses are not relegated to the realm of boring colors any more.

What does mother of bride pay for? ›

The bride's parents pay for the wedding dress. They also pay for any other elements of the bride's outfit, such as shoes, veil, hair accessories and jewellery. It's also the responsibility of the bride's mother to accompany her while dress shopping, and help her choose a gown.

Does mother of bride give speech? ›

While every wedding is different, the mother of the bride typically delivers their speech during the wedding reception following the father of the bride's speech. In some instances—whether the father is deceased or unable to attend—the mother of the bride will kick off the wedding toasts by going first.

Who pays for the bride's dress? ›

Who traditionally pays for the wedding dress? One of the most closely stuck-to traditions is that the bride's family will pay for the wedding dress. This also includes any accessories the bride may wear, such as a veil, a bag and shoes. For modern weddings, the bride may want to pay for her own dress.

Is it okay if mother of the bride and mother of the groom wear same color? ›

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 should the mother of the groom not wear? ›

Traditionally, the mother of the groom should avoid wearing white, black, or the same colour as the bridal party. However, modern weddings are more flexible, and it's always best to discuss preferences with the couple.

Is the mother of the bride dress supposed to be the same color as the bridesmaids? ›

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.

Does the mother of the bride wear a different color dress? ›

The mothers' dresses don't have to match (unless that's what the bride wants), but they should complement each other.

Does the mother of the bride wear the same color as the mother of the groom? ›

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.

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