Mother of the Bride Dresses and Gowns
Celebrate your child’s wedding day in a dress that’s stunning, sophisticated, and unique. Whether you’re the mother of the bride or the mother of the groom, the right dress not only fits the couple’s vision for their wedding, but helps you feel confident, beautiful, and ready to party!
The right mother of the bride's dress is made from a beautiful array of fabrics, silhouettes, and show-stopping colors. At David’s Bridal, we make it easy for you to find the perfect dress that matches the bridal party, or you can get a different color the couple requests. Whichever direction you go, know that David’s Bridal offers a vast collection of dresses that you can sort with ease by size, silhouette, color, dress length, and more. With no shortage of hues and an extended size range, you’re bound to find a one-of-a-kind dress that elevates the wedding.
What are the most popular colors for mother of the bride dresses?
When searching for the perfect mother of the bride dress for your daughter’s wedding, there are a few different routes you can go. One classic option is to choose a neutral hued dress such as taupe, gray, or beige. These colors are elegant and classy, but aren’t too close to white where you’ll take away from the bride.
The other route you can choose is to wear a color that complements the bridesmaid dresses or groom’s tuxes. For example, if the wedding party is wearing navy blue, you could opt for a light blue dress. This way, you’ll match the theme without looking like you're a part of the bridal party. Before you begin your search, make sure you discuss with your daughter what color she prefers.
Your kids may ask you to go in a different direction altogether! That’s totally fine, of course. Just be sure to check in with the couple before you shop so you can make sure the dress you fall in love with fits their vision.
Discover your perfect mother of the bride dress at David's Bridal
Whether the wedding is on the beach, at a resort, or a classic catering hall, the right mother of the groom’s dress is classy, sophisticated, and elevates the overall theme. David’s Bridal carries a variety of mother of the bride dresses in both midi and floor length styles. Shop by sleeve length, dress length, fabric, color, or silhouette to find your dream mother of the bride dress today.
David’s Bridal mother of the bride dress shipping options
Mother of the bride and mother of the groom dresses can ship standard, expedited, or express so you don’t need to worry about your dress not arriving on time. Plus, if you spend more than $175, you’ll receive free standard shipping throughout the U.S. (except Alaska and Hawaii). Head to the David’s Bridal Order FAQ page to learn more.
Mother of the bride dress tips and FAQs
Choosing the perfect mother of the bride or mother of the groom dress should be a fun experience. Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about wedding attire for the mothers of the bride and groom so you can enjoy this special time. Discover everything you need to know about what the MOB and MOG traditionally wear, as well as modern options and styles for other family members.
What does the mother of the bride wear?
There's no strict guide for mother of the bride attire. Think about what makes you feel comfortable and beautiful, as well as the aesthetic of your daughter's wedding, and simply follow your style. If you're not sure where to start, let the season, venue, and wedding color palette guide your search and then consult with the bride for her opinion. Both gowns and separates are appropriate, so choose whatever feels right for you! Pair your pick with mother of the bride shoes to complete your ensemble.What does the mother of the groom wear?
Similar to the mother of the bride, the mother of the groom style is open to your personal preference. It may help to reach out to the couple to understand if they have a vision for their guests' attire and talk to your future in-laws to see what the mother of the bride will wear. Traditional courtesy advises that the MOB gets to pick her dress first, so you can coordinate plans with her, and then let your taste lead you through our collection of elegant dresses and two-piece ensembles.Do the mothers of the bride and groom wear the same color as the bridesmaids?
You don't need to match the bridesmaids, however, wearing a dress in the same color palette can create a beautiful, coordinated look! An easy approach is to choose the same hue in a slightly lighter or darker shade or explore other complementary hues so the colors pair effortlessly together.Should the mothers of the bride and groom wear the wedding colors?
When browsing colors for your MOB or MOG attire, aim to complement the wedding party with a shade that subtly stands out while still meshing with the overall color scheme of the event. Our Mother of the Bride color-coordinating guide offers a look at which colors pair best with different bridal party palettes, so you can find the perfect hue to wear.Do the mother of the bride and mother of the groom match each other?
It's best to be on the same page about the formality and general color palette of your style, but you can also follow your individual tastes. Don't worry about creating a matched look, but do aim for dresses or outfits in a similar color family so that everyone looks beautiful together in pictures.Are there colors the mother of the bride shouldn’t wear?
Although mothers of the bride or groom don't have a specific color they need to wear, there are a few colors they should avoid.- White. Let the bride have her special moment in her gorgeous white gown. A blush pink or beige would be a good alternative that will match the bride, without too closely relating to her dress color.
- The color of the bridesmaid dresses. The couple may want you to wear a dress in the same color range as the bridesmaid dresses, but not a precise match. They may not want you to match at all. Double check before you start shopping!
- Black. This one may surprise people, considering that black is a very common color! In some communities, though, black is associated with mourning. If you and your guests associate black with somber occasions, you may want to consider trying on a different color.
What is the normal price range for a mother of the bride dress?
Mother of the bride dresses typically range from $120 to $350. You’ll find options in all price options at David’s Bridal, and you can sort your dresses by price range, too, so you find some amazing options within your budget.What should the grandmother of the bride or groom wear?
You'll want to think about both comfort and style when shopping for grandmother of the bride and groom outfits. As with mother of the bride attire, aim for colors that pair with the wedding palette without directly matching. Two-piece sets and dresses are both beautiful options, so choose whichever option is the most comfortable to sit, walk, and celebrate in.Can the mother of the bride wear separates or a pantsuit with a jacket instead of a dress?
Absolutely! Elegant separates and pantsuits are a beautiful, modern alternative to classic gowns and are perfectly appropriate for mother of the bride and groom attire. Separates can often feel more comfortable to walk and move in, particularly for outdoor ceremonies and longer events, and come in plenty of options with pants, skirts, and jackets to suit any venue.What are modern mother of the bride dress trends? Can she wear something unique and non-traditional?
Don't worry about being tied down by traditional stylesWhat color should the mom of the quinceañera wear?
The mother of a quinceañera typically wears a dress or pantsuit that matches or complements the quinceañera's ensemble. For example, if the quince chose a navy dress with gold accents, the mother of the quince could wear a gold, champange, or navy dress.What dress should the mom of the quinceañera wear?
Traditionally the mom of the quinceañera wears something formal, complementing her daughter's elegant quinceañera dress. Most quince moms wear floor length A-line gowns or pantsuits with matching accessories and shoes.Where to buy mother of the bride petite, tall, plus size, A line dresses?
Mothers of the bride or groom can find petite, tall, and plus size dresses at David's Bridal stores or online anytime. With the largest assortment of mother of the bride or groom dresses available in a variety of silhouettes, sizes, and colors, finding the perfect dress has never been easier!What color dress should the mother of the bride wear?
Unless there's a specific shade preferred by the bride, the mother of the bride can wear the color dress she feels best in! Navy and gold are two of the most popular colors for mothers of the bride or groom for their subtle glamour factor that won’t distract.When should the mother of the bride buy her dress?
The mother of the bride or groom should buy her dress at least six months prior to the wedding to ensure enough time for any last-minute alterations.What length should mother of bride dress be?
Take the wedding’s dress code into consideration when deciding the length for a mother of the bride dress. Floor-length gowns are typical favorites, but co*cktail and tea length dresses are always a good option. Pantsuits have also become incredibly popular among fun-loving moms!Do mother of the bride dresses have to be long?
Mother of the bride dresses do not need to be long. Shorter mother of the bride or groom dresses have become increasingly more popular, including pantsuits for those that do not feel comforable in a longer dress or prefer pants.FAQs
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.
What color is the mother of the groom supposed to wear? ›
The Best Colors for Mothers of the Groom to Consider
In general, jewel tones and earthy hues, like emerald green and burgundy, work well, in addition to universally flattering colors like black and navy. Valiente also adds, "Wear a flattering color that compliments the color palette of the wedding."
Should mother of the bride and mother of the groom dresses be the same length? ›
Dress Length
This is one element of the dresses that do not have to match, as long as the formality is coordinated. For example, if the mother of the bride dress consists of a floor-length gown for an evening affair, the mother of the groom may decide to wear a knee-length co*cktail dress.
Is it okay for the mother of the bride and mother of the groom to wear the 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 does the groom's mother give to the bride? ›
These items can include jewelry, watches, or a personalized handkerchief. Family heirlooms are warm tender gestures that symbolize the true delight that the mother of the groom feels about having her daughter-in-law marry into the clan.
What color do mother of the brides wear? ›
Typically the Mother of the Bride's dress should complement the bridal party's color palette. Not necessarily match with the bridesmaids, but choose a color in the color family. 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.
What not to wear as mother of the groom? ›
What shouldn't the mother of the groom wear? Avoid any shade of white, off-white, cream, beige, etc. Anything in the world of white, just avoid it. Some people also say to avoid black unless it's a formal wedding; however, that isn't a hard and fast rule.
What does the mother of the groom pay for? ›
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.
What should I wear to my son's wedding? ›
Opt for colours that complement the wedding palette. Jewel tones, pastels, and navy are popular choices that photograph well and add a touch of sophistication.
Is the mother of the groom as important as the mother of the bride? ›
The mother of the bride takes care of many things, but the mother of the groom has a few responsibilities as well. Traditionally, the groom's mother will take care of the rehearsal dinner arrangements and help prepare the guest list for the groom's side of the family.
Consider Your Dress – Your hairstyle should match your dress. If you're wearing a simple dress, you might opt for a more intricate updo or a half-up style with waves. If your dress is more elaborate, consider going for a sleek updo with a bun or chignon on your nape.
Does the groom's mother get ready with the bride? ›
For starters, it is quite common for the groom's mom to be with the bride the morning of the wedding. "Most often times we see the mother of the groom getting ready with the mother of the bride in the bridal suite," says Manda Worthington, event planner, founder, and CEO of Mae&Co.
What should a mother of the bride not wear? ›
There are certain colours that the mother of the bride should not wear. Unless otherwise instructed, is to never wear white or any colour close to what the bride has chosen to wear. Other standard colours to avoid include ivory, white and champagne. Another colour to avoid is black.
What does the mother of the groom wear to the rehearsal dinner? ›
There must be respect for any dress code or theme specified in an invitation for a wedding and rehearsal dinner. A full-length gown should be worn by the mother of the bride (and mother of the groom) if the fine print specifies 'black tie'.
What should the mother of the groom wear on his wedding day? ›
The setting will largely dictate the appropriate style and formality of your outfit. For instance, a long, flowing gown might be perfect for a formal evening wedding, while a knee-length dress in a lighter fabric would be a more suitable mother of the groom dress for an outdoor wedding or a daytime affair.
What should my mom wear to my wedding? ›
Working within the wedding color palette is our recommendation. Pick a dress color that is similar to what the bridesmaids, groomsmen, or what the accent colors are for the wedding design. Anything neutral is also going to be a good color choice as an alternative.
What should the mother of the bride not wear to the wedding? ›
There are certain colours that the mother of the bride should not wear. Unless otherwise instructed, is to never wear white or any colour close to what the bride has chosen to wear. Other standard colours to avoid include ivory, white and champagne. Another colour to avoid is black.
Should the mother of the bride or groom wear the same color as the bridesmaids? ›
In short, no, the mother of the bride dress doesn't have to match the bridesmaids. However, this is a very subjective topic so it is completely up to you and your mum how you want her dress to be and whether it will resemble the bridesmaid dresses in any way.
