As the mother of the bride, your role comes withsignificant responsibilities. You've likely been by the bride's side, helping with unique details,planning events, and lending invaluable advicealong the way. So, when securing the perfect mother-of-the-bride dress, you deserve to find one that truly celebrates you and your style.
To help narrow down your search, we sifted through our favorite fashion retailers to find the perfect dresses for every season, body type, and silhouette. We found a range of styles that are size-inclusive, come in various colors, andare madefrom high-quality materials that suit a range of venues and seasons. We also tapped stylist and creative designerStephanie Rodriguezfor some insight. When looking for a mother-of-the-bride dress, she advisesgoing fora gown that feels extra special but also ensures comfort. "Is it a garden gala or a swanky soirée? Opt for a silhouette that embraces her curves and moves with her dance-floor finesse," shares Rodriguez.
Our Top Picks
Best Allover Beading:
Best Embroidered:
Adrianna Papell Floral Gown at Adriannapapell.com (See Price)
Best Colorways:
Best Off-the-Shoulder:
Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Fishtail Gown at Saks Fifth Avenue ($747)
Best for the Minimalist:
Best Sequin:
Best Allover Beading
Pisarro Nights Beaded Mesh Dress
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Allover beading adds dimension and sophisticated sparkle to this flattering mesh column gown. It comes in several pretty shades (including a soft blue and pastel violet). Still, we especially like the gray version—a sophisticated neutral that works with many skin tones. Style this with simple silver sandals for an impeccably polished wedding day look.
Size Range: 2-18 (regular and petite) | Fit: Runs large; order one size down if in-between sizes | Materials: Rayon | Shades: 4
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This intricately embroidered gown perfectly matches a backyard or garden wedding. Pair this stunning floral ensemble with delicate accessories and a strappy block heel (a stylish and practical solution for outdoor events).
Size Range: 0-20 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Polyester | Shades: 1
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You don't have to compromise quality or style with this dress. The cape top is a regal way to stay a little more covered, while the A-line skirt helps to lengthen the silhouette. We love that this dress comes in 42 different colors from biscotti to sage green, and the size can be customized with your measurements for free.
Size Range: 0-30 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Chiffon | Shades: 42
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This fishtail-hemmed number is nothing short of elegant. With a wrapped cape-like bodice and drop sleeves, you'll look and feel great in this gown. The column silhouette is made with super-comfortable stretch fabric, so you'll be able to stay on the dance floor for even longer.
Size Range: 2-16 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Polyester | Shades: 5
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Both effortless and refined, this draped gown is the ideal soft hue for a fall or spring wedding. Featuring a gentle tucked fit at the hips, the design flatters and smooths in all the right places. We also love the comfortable silky fabric and modern, off-the-shoulder neckline.
Size Range: 0-16 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Polyester | Shades: 9
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Kiyonna offers plus-size dresses between a 10 and a 32 for all of their selections, including this high-quality embroidered evening gown. The floral pattern is perfect for any spring or summer wedding—it blends in and feels distinct from other pastel and light-colored dresses.
Size Range: 10-32 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Nylon; lining: polyester | Shades: 1
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A little sparkle—or, in this case, a lot of sparkle—is a must when celebrating such a joyous event. This timeless gown is all shimmering sequins with a bold, eye-catching flower appliqué accent. Wear yours with neutral heels and delicate shoulder-grazing chandelier earrings to subtly elevate the final look.
Size Range: 0-14 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Silk, Polyester | Shades: 2
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Embellished with ornate beading, this gown catches light from every angle. A full A-line skirt makes it ultra-flattering and incredibly chic for any wedding. It also comes in two different lengths—tea and floor—so you can pick the best style.
Size Range: 0-18 | Fit: True to size, form-fitting | Materials: Recycled Polyester | Shades: 4
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This A-line style features a retro-inspired sweetheart neck and a gold and black colorway that can work easily for any season. This dress feels classic and modern with metallic touches, mesh sleeves, and a twisted accent on the bodice.
Size Range: 0-16 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Polyester, Metallized Polyester | Shades: 1
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Amazon is always a great place to start if you're unsure where to look for affordable dresses. This gown from Alex Evenings is available in regular and petite sizing for each of its 10 colors. Besides the bonus coordinating shawl, the dress also has floral, sequin detailing and a flowing flare skirt.
Size Range: 4-20 (regular and petite) | Fit: True to size | Materials: Polyester | Shades: 10
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This column dress offers flattering and elegant draping for those who love velvet and a little sparkle. Available in black and six jewel tones, this is the ultimate winter wedding ensemble. Best of all, you can customize it to fit your measurements for free.
Size Range: 0-30 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Velvet | Shades: 7
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From spring garden celebrations to woodsy outdoor ceremonies, this exquisite floral silk number would complement any nature-inspired wedding perfectly. The self-tie closures and halter neckline is flattering, while the silk drapes perfectly down for a smoothing effect.
Size Range: XS-L | Fit: True to size | Materials: 100% Silk | Shades: 1
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This flattering V-neck is adorned with intricate floral sequin embellishments throughout for a dramatic, glamorous look. Featuring a full tulle skirt and an embroidered belt design, this one is a great choice for any season.
Size Range: 2-20 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Polyester | Shades: 2
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If strapless is your vibe or you need a summer wedding guest dress, this fun floral dress might be your name. The seamed bodice and soft pleats made it feel streamlined and modern, but the print is all about romance. The cherry on top? It has on-seam pockets.
Size Range: 2-16 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Polyester, Metallic Fibers | Shades: 1
Best for a Black-Tie Wedding
ML Monique Lhuillier Floral Embroidered Mesh Gown
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With its illusion neckline, all-over floral detailing, and flowing floor-length style, this gown will flatter any mother of the bride. We love it for a formal wedding. The empire waist and loose-fitting sleeves keep it comfortable and elegant, too.
Size Range: 0-14 | Fit: Runs long | Materials: Nylon, polyester | Shades: 2
Best for a Winter Wedding
JJ's House A-line Scoop Floor-Length Chiffon Mother of the Bride Dress
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In a striking emerald hue that invokes fall and winter wedding vibes, this jewel-tone, flowing chiffon dress is a perfectly suitable and stunning look for a mother of a bride. It comes in 59 color options and is an affordable pick, making it a winner for many different kinds of weddings and bridal party color schemes. The asymmetric, flowing hem adds visual interest while the long sleeves keep you covered during a chilly outdoor ceremony.
Size Range: 0-26 | Fit: True to size | Materials: Chiffon | Shades: 59
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If sleek and sophisticated is your style, this little black number will be the mother-of-the-bride dress for you. The gathered, one-shoulder silhouette and side-vented skirt make it an on-trend option that also feels totally timeless in black satin. The size range is on the smaller side, and as this runs small, it's a great option for a petite mother of the bride. Keep in mind the brand notes you should order one size up.
Size Range: 0-8 | Fit: Runs small | Materials: Polyester | Shades: 3
What to Look for in a Mother-of-the-Bride Dress
- Dress Code & Theme: Shopping for a mother-of-the-bride outfit is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. If you don't know where to start or you're having trouble narrowing down your options, it's always helpful to look at the color palette and dress code for inspiration and direction. For formal dress codes like black-tie, you'll want to stick to full-length gowns with opulent details. A more casual dress code calls for simpler silhouettes.
- Season & Fabric: Floor-length mother-of-the-bride gowns in jewel tones are always appropriate for formal fall and winter weddings. Lighter fabrics, shades, and shorter dress silhouettes are best for spring or summer weddings (add a jacket for chilly evenings).
- Personal Style: Mother-of-the-bride dress etiquette has changed over the years, allowing mothers to spotlight their personal style and have fun with their unique looks. Endless options abound if you love sparkle and intricate beading, seek shorter hemlines, or lean toward off-the-shoulder necklines. No matter your style, there's a dress out there that will make you feel beautiful and confident on your child's big day.
FAQ
When should I start shopping for my mother of the bride outfit?
To be on the safe side, we suggest that you buy your mother-of-the-bride dress six months before the wedding to allow for any delays or alterations. If you’re in a pinch, many e-commerce sites like Net-a-Porter or Nordstrom offer rush shipping.
What colors should I avoid wearing?
Although not all brides choose to wear white, it's best to avoid wearing white or any color that resembles the bride's wedding outfit. We are partial to burgundy, rose gold, and silver looks.
Do I have to run my dress by the bride?
While your child will undoubtedly want you to look and feel your best on the big day, having a conversation with the couple before you start shopping can help set expectations and narrow down your options.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writerSophie Mooreis a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, and bridal parties.
Bridescontributor Dagmara Cintron is an NYC native living in Los Angeles. She contributes to several publications covering emerging Latina artists, fashion, local LA stories, and more. Working in the fashion digital space for over seven years, she has scoped top products across the fashion, beauty, and home decor space. She has also worked extensively as a fashion copywriter and has a special passion for shopping and finding the best deals.
- Stephanie Rodriguez is the Senior Content and Creative Designer at Kids Foot Locker Inc. and stylist behind The Thrifted Estilista.
