Designer Mother of the Bride Dresses

How to choose a mother of the bride dress

Start with the dress code and the wedding palette, then choose a shape that is comfortable for a long day. For black tie and evening weddings, browse evening gowns; for daytime and garden ceremonies, an elegant midi works best. Guests can find more in wedding guest dresses.

Sleeves, capes and coverage

Most mothers of the bride want some coverage. Long and three-quarter sleeves, caped shoulders and higher necklines are the most requested details; see our guides to modest evening gowns, cape gowns and long sleeve dresses.

Mother of the groom dresses

The same edit works for the mother of the groom. Traditionally she chooses after the mother of the bride and picks a complementary colour; our mother of the groom dresses guide sets out the rules and the best colours.

Designer edits for the mother of the bride

For designer-by-designer ideas, see our edits from Safiyaa, Jenny Packham, Marmar Halim and Rebecca Vallance, and our trouser suits guide for an alternative to a dress.

Mother of the bride dresses: FAQs

What should the mother of the bride wear?

Match the formality of the wedding: a floor-length gown for black tie and evening weddings, and an elegant midi for daytime and garden ceremonies. Sleeves, a cape and a structured fabric look polished in photographs and through a long day.

What colour should the mother of the bride wear?

Choose a colour that complements the wedding palette without matching the bridesmaids. Navy, dusty blue, sage, champagne, blush and soft metallics are the classic choices; avoid white and ivory.

Can the mother of the bride wear black?

Black is more accepted than it was, especially at an evening wedding, but many families still see it as sombre for the day. Navy and deep jewel tones give the same elegance without the question.

Should the mother of the bride wear a long dress?

Follow the dress code and the bride’s wishes. A gown suits black tie and evening receptions; a midi suits daytime, garden and civil ceremonies. Most mothers of the bride choose a length that sits between the two.

What is the difference between mother of the bride and mother of the groom dresses?

There is no difference in style: both should match the formality of the wedding and avoid white. Traditionally the mother of the bride chooses first and the mother of the groom picks a complementary colour; see our mother of the groom dresses guide.

When should the mother of the bride buy her dress?

Allow time for alterations: most mothers of the bride shop a few months before the wedding, after the bride has chosen the bridesmaids’ colours.

Can the mother of the bride wear a trouser suit?

Yes. A tailored trouser suit in silk crepe and satin looks modern and elegant, particularly for a civil ceremony and a city wedding. See our mother of the bride trouser suits guide.

What sleeves suit the mother of the bride?

Cap, three-quarter and long sleeves all work, and a cape adds coverage with movement. Browse modest evening gowns and cape gowns for covered styles.