You’ve matched the bouquets to the napkin holders, you’ve secured the catering and the confetti, the DJ is booked and that first dance has been rehearsed. Now, it’s time to pick out your dress as the Mother-of-the-Bride.
We’ve compiled our list of the top 10 dresses for a proud parent this ceremony season, designed to be comfortable for sitting, dancing, and celebrating. Wherever the venue and whatever the weather, this will be a day to remember.
All of the looks in this style guide are designed to stun and highlight that proud parent glow.
What’s the best dress for a mother of the bride to wear?
A Dress That Matches
Weddings come in all shapes and sizes, making them one of the most special events to get to attend. Dressing to match the happy couple’s aesthetics and themes for their big day makes for an easy-to-style outfit that will look perfect in all the pictures. For a more formal event, try a refined fabric in a maxi style, whilst for more informal ceremonies, try something with a fun pattern and plenty of movement.
A Dress In A Unique Fabric
An easy way to elevate your mother-of-the-bride dress is to choose one in a fabric that offers a unique texture, feel, or appearance. We’d recommend lace, chiffon, satin, or crepe for something timeless and different.
A Dress With Sleeves
Sleeves are an easy way to slip elegant detail into your wedding-ready outfit, and that extra coverage is ideal for celebrations that last into the night.
A Dress With Subtle Embellishments
Finding a dress for a day that is entirely focused around another, particular dress, can be a tricky but important balance. We recommend picking a piece with subtle embellishments to give your look that special touch without going overboard: try embroidery, sequins, or metallic detailing.
Most Importantly: A Dress That Is Comfortable And Authentic
Today is a day to be proud as a parent and to celebrate your child. You’ll want a dress that reflects all of this: that genuine love paired with soft elegance.
1. The Dress And Jacket Duo
Our top choice for those wanting a look that exudes understated elegance is the classic dress and jacket duo. Not only is it a stylish, put-together choice, it also makes for a modest look that is perfect for ceremonies held in religious buildings.
For the perfect matching jacket and dress duo, we recommend our colourblock set. Featuring that flattering fit and flare style, these two pieces are the picture of elegance worn together and apart. That combination of blue and white is a classic colour choice for a wedding, looking both formal and stylish. Simple pair with heels and a clutch, and your entire outfit is sorted from morning to evening.
Pairing a blazer with a dress is an endlessly fashionable choice, too, for those that aren’t wanting the matching look. For events that last into the cooler night, a jacket that complements the dress is a must-have, and it’s a bonus that our range of blazers come equipped with side pockets, perfect for keeping a teary tissue.
2. Faithful Florals
Florals have earned their spot in our top 10 list of dresses ideal for a mother-to-the-bride; nothing says new beginnings and true love like a surplus of flowers. The easiest way to match a wedding will be to wear florals, especially if you can pick your print to suit the bouquets. At M&Co, we’ve got you covered, with an array of blooms to match any colour scheme.
Go for something green this season; this midi dress is a stunning choice for a summertime celebration. Those flutter sleeves give it something a little different, a delicate detail to stand apart from other wedding guest dresses.
Spot our ditsy floral print in a variety of different colours and forms, perfect for Summer events held outdoors.
Florals are an endlessly versatile dress choice, able to cover that sweet, summery look as well as this elegant, occasionwear style. Perfect for those warm, summer evening weddings, this mesh maxi dress exudes ease and sophistication. Ideal for making toasts and speeches in style and offering that dreamy movement for the dancefloor.
Which colours should I wear to a wedding?
For traditional weddings, guests are typically advised to save wearing white for the bride. This can differ across people, so our top recommendation would be to check in with the happy couple on what colours are an ‘I do’ and which are a ‘just don’t’.
Soft Pastels For A Special Day
Softer, muted shades will create that sweet look ideal for summer weddings. Try lavender, sage, or powder blue to match many classic wedding themes.
Neutrals For The Nuptials
Neutrals are a good alternative to pastels that go for a more understated, elegant look. Try champagne, tan, cream, and grey for versatile options that work beautifully, whatever the dress code.
Navy Blue For Their ‘I Do’
A classic navy is our go to for occasionwear, and wearing that ‘something blue’ is a timeless choice for a wedding. It’s a polished shade that is easy to style and remains suitable from day to night.
Tasteful Jewel Tones
Jewel tones are the best way to create a bold look for any event. Try an emerald , sapphire, or plum for that gorgeous richness, ideal for any venue.
Metallic Details For The Marriage Day
A dress with subtle metallic detailing, be this beading, stitching, or patterned, will add a touch of shimmer to any outfit. Pairing your jewellery with whichever tones you choose will add that luxurious feel to your outfit, best for evenings spent celebrating.
Pink For The Proud Parent
Pink is a classic go-to for the mother-of-the-bride: blushing, nostalgic, and feminine.
3. Head Turning Halter Necks
Choose one of our halter neck dresses for a Summer wedding. Breathable and flattering, they will ensure you stay feeling refreshed and refined. Our range varies in fit and shape; note that little neck detail that really makes the outfit. Go for one of our beaded looks for something down-to-earth and our metal-bar-embellished pieces for a look that catches eyes.
This mesh maxi dress is fit with a flattering tie waist fastening and features a romantic burgundy and natural brown colour scheme. Pair with heels and a clutch for a regal mother-of-the-bride look perfect for watching that walk down the aisle.
Our halter necks come in a petite range, too, ensuring a flattering fit for all. This floral look comes in a knot front design, with that stunning shape that suits the sleeveless look effortlessly.
Shop our range of mesh maxi halter necks in our array of colours, patterns, fits, and embellishments.
4. Lovely In Lace
Lace is a subtle way to complement the bride’s dress as a traditional wedding day classic. Sophisticated, detailed, and effortlessly flattering, the lace dress is an unbeatable look for our top 10 list.
For sophisticated, cocktail-inspired receptions, this sweetheart dress is an understated choice. Feel confident in this piece, we’ve got style covered so you can focus on enjoying a classy day of celebrating.
For a summery ceremony held outside, this lace skater dress is a go-to. Featuring that romantic burgundy shade paired with that gorgeous lacy overlay, pair this dress with heels, a clutch, and delicate jewellery for an outfit that will stun.
Find that same skater style in a range of colours, all an excellent choice for a summery wedding celebration.
What to wear to an outdoor wedding?
Lightweight Fabrics
For those summertime weddings held outside, a dress that is breathable and lightweight is a must-have. Avoid anything too heavy and try fabrics such as chiffon, crepe textured, and mesh.
Short Sleeves
Short sleeves keep things breezy and they’ll protect your shoulders from any particularly harsh sun. For a look that feels elegant, we would recommend finding something with angel, flutter, or flared sleeves. A subtle trim along a sleeve can also be an easy way to add soft detail to your outfit.
Comfortable Fit
You’ll want a dress that flows with the elements for an outdoor wedding. Try a wrap design, or a knot front style, or anything with a mesh overlay for a look that feels breathable and natural.
Match The Venue
The venue is a great place to start for outfit inspiration. Whether it’s a garden, beach or countryside spot, pick your outfit to match the venue’s aesthetics and energy.
Flattering Neckline
For outdoor weddings, v-necklines, boat necklines, and scoop necklines are great choices for a look that feels suited to the scene and remains flattering.
5. Midi Dresses For Milestones
Midi dresses are ideal for weddings, finding that balance between formal and fun, offering an array of different prints and designs. Whatever look you’re wanting, we’ll have the perfect midi dress for you.
For a graceful, formal look, we recommend this tab neck dress. Featuring a flattering keyhole neckline paired with delicate front ruching, this dress exudes elegance. Bring your something blue with that gorgeous navy tone.
The perfect look for showering the happy couple in confetti, this twist front dress offers a comfortable, complimentary fit that will keep you feeling stylish throughout the day. Pair with heels and a clutch for a classic wedding look, falling at that ideal midi length.
A midi dress can be dressed up and down with ease, try pairing a classic midi with the right accessories to elevate the look.
6. Doting In Dots
At M&Co, we love that classic polka dot pattern. Its versatility and timeless style have earned it a spot in our top 10 mother-of-the-bride dress looks. For those looking for a patterned outfit that isn’t florals, the polka dot look is a staple for your dress collection.
This maxi dress is an effortlessly elegant choice for mothers-of-the-bride looking for something chic and standout. The picture of elegance with those mesh sleeves, this piece is a must-have for those planning on making a sentimental speech to remember.
What to wear to an indoor wedding?
Structured Fabric For A Sleek Silhouette
Materials with a natural weight such as velvet, stretch fabric, and linen will fall over the figure with an effortlessly flattering shape. These fabrics work perfectly for indoor weddings held in religious buildings, manor houses, and ceremonial halls.
Elegant Details
Complement an indoor venue with lace accents and crochet trims, and catch the light with subtle sequin embellishments.
Timeless Colours For Indoor Venues
Controlled lighting in indoor venues is perfect for bringing deep shades out of your wardrobe. Try wearing navy, dark green, plum, or silver for a formal indoor ceremony.
Long Sleeves
Long sleeves look great on an occasion dress, and an indoor wedding is the time to bring them out. Try different shapes, fitted, frilled, or flared, or go for a dramatic flare with long angel sleeves.
A Tailored Dress For Timeless Sophistication
Features such as ruching, waist detailing and carefully placed seams work to enhance comfort and confidence, and create that smooth silhouette ideal for drifting through a gorgeous indoor venue.
Whatever venue the ceremony is set in, we can offer an array of dresses that will suit the scene.
7. Wrap Dresses For Rejoicing
Add a wrap dress to your occasionwear wardrobe for a flattering fit that is effortless to wear, a neckline that is easy to style, and an overall look that will blow you away with its simplicity and style. Ideal for taking a spin on the dance floor, wherever you’re celebrating.
The angel sleeves on this wrap dress really make the look, paired with that blurred floral print, it creates that dreamy look perfect for the happy couple’s dream day. This dress has that soft, floating movement to it, light and sophisticated, complete with a flattering leg slit.
Match the bride’s bouquet in this floral print wrap dress, complete with a tie waist fastening. Practically designed for an outdoor wedding, this midi dress brings a natural joy and a pretty, pastel colour palette to the event.
Our selection of wrap dresses come in a range of different prints, all with that same folded fit, designed to flatter.
8. Abstract Prints For The Perfect Day
For a more modern, less traditional wedding, you’ll want a variety of alternative patterns to pick from for your dress as mother-of-the-bride. Go for something more abstract to suit the happy couple.
The striking print on this wrap dress has that dynamic movement that still feels organised and put together, featuring a classic collar and a tie belt fastening. Wear it with heels for a dressy look that will carry you from day to night.
What to wear to a summer wedding?
Light, Airy Fabrics
Chiffon, mesh, and crepe textured dresses are a good go-to for warm Summer weddings, keeping things breathable and fresh.
All-Day Wear
With days being longer, Summer events will also be extended, so a dress you can rely on to stay comfortable for the entire ceremony is important. Go for something in a soft, lightweight fabric that can suit standing alone and with a jacket over the top for the cooler evenings.
Elegant Movement And Effortless Appearance
Go for fit and flare or maxi styles for a dress that remains breezy and light throughout the day. Or, opt for pieces in crepe, pleated, or mesh textures for light, summery movement.
Summertime makes for a wedding to remember, and you’ll want a dress to match.
9. Modish Maxi Dresses
A maxi dress is a classic choice for any event, and for a mother-of-the-bride it is an obvious classic. Shop our range of maxi dresses and find your perfect fit.
This maxi dress is a go-to for those jetting off to a destination wedding. Featuring a tropical print and a flattering twist front, complete with a back tie fastening, wear this dress to a beach-bound wedding.
Looking for more tropical-inspired wedding looks? Shop our range of patterns to find your perfect piece.
10. Jubilant in Jumpsuits
To finish up our top 10 best looks for the mother-of-the-bride, we recommend our best dress alternative: the jumpsuit. For those wanting to make a statement in something formal and elegant without having to worry over any skirts, our range of occasion jumpsuits are for you.
This wide leg jumpsuit is an effortlessly elegant choice for a wedding ceremony, featuring a tie waist belt and a wrap design. Made from a soft, stretch fabric, it makes for comfortable, all-day wear.
What can I wear to a chapel wedding?
For wedding ceremonies held in religious buildings, it is always best to respect the expectations and standards held by the owners of the building and the happy couple. For looks that prioritise modest beauty or formal fashion, we would recommend the following styles.
Elegant Details
Look for a dress that centres around elegant details such as intricate patterns, delicate trims, or pretty hem designs.
Modest Sleeves
Short, three-quarter, or long sleeves offer stylish coverage while maintaining that occasion-ready appearance.
High Necklines
Boat, slash, round, and high necklines are elegant options that will suit many religious expectations.
Lace Detailing
Delicate lace accents add texture to any look, often also complementing religious art and architecture.
Subtle Embellishments
Go for a look with delicate beading, embroidery, or sequin details for something fun and respectful.
Prioritise Comfort
Many religious ceremonies will involve periods of sitting and standing, and many revolve around dancing. You’ll want a dress that remains comfortable throughout the ceremony; we’d recommend breathable fabrics, plenty of space for movement, and fitted waistlines so the skirts can really swish.
Whichever dress you decide to wear as mother-to-the-bride, it will be a day to remember. Let us know what you’ll be wearing for their special day by commenting and tagging us on social media using the hashtag #MyMandCo.
