Mother of the Bride Dresses: How to Choose an Elegant Gown

Your child is getting married, and after the bride and groom, every camera in the room will find you. A mother of the bride or groom dress has a delicate job. It should feel elegant and photograph beautifully, and it needs to carry you comfortably through a long day of hugs, speeches and dancing, all without competing with the wedding party. Here is how to choose a gown you will love, and look back on fondly in every album.

Start with the wedding's formality

Before you shop, ask the couple about the dress code and venue. An evening ceremony in a ballroom calls for a floor-length gown. A garden or daytime celebration can be softer, with flowing chiffon or pleats and lighter colors. When in doubt, choose a long dress. For mothers of the couple, a full-length silhouette is almost always the most graceful choice.

Black tie and evening weddings

Satin, lace and subtle embellishment set the tone. A column gown has a sleek, modern line, and the One-Shoulder Bow Satin Column Maxi Gown does it with a sculptural bow at the shoulder that feels couture without trying too hard. If you love texture, the One-Shoulder Lace Column Gown pairs a lace bodice with a pleated skirt that moves beautifully.

Garden, daytime and destination weddings

Lightness is key. Look for pleats, chiffon and gentle draping that won't cling in the heat. The Boat-Neck Sleeveless Pleated Maxi has a refined boat neckline and a soft pleated skirt. It is elegant, easy to wear and lovely in natural light.

Choosing your color

Traditionally, the mothers coordinate with the wedding palette rather than match the bridesmaids exactly. A good rule is to stay a shade deeper or more muted than the bridal party, and to talk with the other mother so your colors complement each other in photos.

• Champagne, taupe and soft gold: timeless and flattering on nearly every skin tone.
• Navy, emerald and burgundy: rich and polished, perfect for fall and winter weddings.
• Black: chic and completely acceptable at an evening wedding today. Soften it with lace or jewelry.
• Avoid: white, ivory and anything that could be mistaken for bridal.

Silhouettes that flatter

Off-shoulder and draped necklines frame the face and collarbones beautifully. The Off-Shoulder Pleated Maxi Dress Evening Gown is a standout, with a sculpted off-shoulder neckline and a softly pleated mermaid skirt in rich, photograph-ready tones. For a bit more coverage on the arms, the Off-Shoulder Draped Sleeve Gown adds draped sleeves that feel graceful and relaxed.

A-line and column shapes skim the body without clinging. They are comfortable from the ceremony to the last dance.

Subtle sparkle is wonderful for an evening reception. The Sequin Mermaid Formal Gown has embroidered tulle with soft sequins that glimmer in candlelight without overwhelming.

Our favorite gowns for mothers of the couple

• Off-Shoulder Pleated Maxi Dress Evening Gown – $160
• One-Shoulder Bow Satin Column Maxi Gown – $215
• One-Shoulder Lace Column Gown – $195
• Boat-Neck Sleeveless Pleated Maxi – $66
• Off-Shoulder Draped Sleeve Gown – $65
• Sequin Mermaid Formal Gown – $98

See every style in our Gowns & Long Formal Dresses collection, hand-picked for mothers of the bride and groom, wedding guests and black-tie events. Many of these styles are part of our Holiday Sale right now.

Finishing touches

Keep accessories refined. Pearl or crystal drop earrings, a slim bracelet and an elegant evening clutch are all you need. Choose shoes you can stand in for hours, such as a block heel or a low, elegant sandal. For a winter or outdoor ceremony, bring a wrap or tailored coat in a neutral shade.

Plan ahead

Start shopping three to four months before the wedding. That leaves time for delivery, a try-on with your shoes and any tailoring. Check the measurements on each product page carefully. Many of our gowns follow Asian sizing, so ordering one to two sizes up is often best.

Frequently asked questions

Can the mother of the bride wear black?

Yes, especially at an evening or formal wedding. Check with the couple first, and soften black with lace, satin or sparkling jewelry so it feels celebratory.

Should the mother of the bride wear a long or short dress?

For most weddings, a floor-length gown is the most elegant choice. For a casual daytime or beach wedding, a polished midi can work, but a long dress is never wrong.

Should both mothers wear the same color?

They don't need to match, but their colors should complement each other and the wedding palette. A quick conversation before shopping makes the photos look beautifully coordinated.