Are you the mother of the groom looking for the perfect dress for your son’s big day? Look no further — I have got you covered!
With tons of generic advice on the internet as to what to wear and what not to, I am here to give you specific and detailed info on what you should go and just BUY.
Gone are the days when the mothers of the groom were fashionably neglected. Nowadays, their fashion choices are a point of critique and a notable illustration of their elegance and aura. So, skip the bland pieces in your wardrobe. Let’s help you get a timeless piece of clothing (without outshining the bride, of course!)
Style Inspirations for Mother of the Groom Dress
As a mother, your dress is going to leave a legacy behind. It should have a quiet luxury vibe with high-quality fabric and cuts. At least you’ve got to pass it down as a family heirloom to your daughter-in-law or grandchildren one day. Low-quality basic dresses are a part of fast fashion — not clothes that will be cherished for generations.
1. Spring Wedding Mother of the Groom Dress
If the wedding is a spring-formal affair, and the scene somehow looks like blooming gardens, pastel florals, and champagne toasts, choose the following:
Inspiration 1: The Caped Gown
A floor-length silk or crepe gown will be a statement piece in a formal setting. Add a detachable cape sleeve for subtle drama. The cape will add a touch of regal sophistication without overdoing anything. Both silk and crepe suit capes are the best.
• Shop: Veni Infantino and Karen Millen’s mother of the bride cape dresses.
• Styling Tip: Pair with pearl earrings and a sleek low bun.
Detachable Embellished Cape Dress
One-Sided Cape Dress for Petite Mothers
Inspiration 2: Silk Pleated Dress
A pleated silk dress looks perfect on every body type. It gives the outfit an oomph factor and an elegant silhouette. The silk pleats can be of any style, and it will look good. It is one of the most effortless and breathable yet refined outfit choices.
• Shop: Phase Eight’s pleated dress collection and Azazie’s structured pleats.
• Styling Tip: Add a gold-colored structured clutch to complete the look.
Both dresses are differently pleated with different silhouettes.
2. Mother of the Groom Beach Wedding Dress
For beach weddings, your choices must be different. As formal as the event is, the beach gives a flowy and casual vibe. So, skip the A-line silk gowns and choose something aligned with sunset vows and salt-kissed air.
Inspiration 1: Lace Midi Dress
Tea-length lace dress never goes out of style. Pair with elbow-length sleeves to have a more refined look. Some women prefer a sheath dress because it skims their figure. Others love a midi dress because of its feminine, elegant touch. Both styles are sophisticated and vintage-inspired lace whispers heritage, not frumpiness.
• Shop: Self-portrait’s lace midi dress collection.
• Styling Tip: Add a pearl necklace for a garden romance.
Inspiration 2: Silk Chiffon Cowl-Neck Gown
Nothing is more wonderful than an elegantly draped cowl neck. Choose a fluid chiffon gown with a cowl neck and elbow sleeves to be the most stylish mama at the event. It is effortless, chic, and luxurious at the same time.
• Shop: Reformation cowl neck silk dresses.
• Styling Tip: Pair with diamond studs and a top-handle clutch.
3. Rehearsal Dinner Dress for Mother of the Groom
The rehearsal dinner is an intimate family affair with candlelit laughter and heartfelt toasts to the bride and groom. Seize this tender moment to make a stylish statement — let your outfit speak for itself.
Inspiration 1: Lace Applique Dress
An impeccable old-money choice – minor lace applique. A structured dress with a tailored cut exudes quiet luxury, and it looks wonderful, especially on middle-aged women.
• Shop: Van Infertino’s elegant mother-of-the-bride and groom dresses.
• Styling Tip: Skip jewelry- let the fabric speak for itself. You can add a hat, as shown in the picture, but it is optional.
Offshoulder Lace Applique Dress
Inspiration 2: A Blazer Dress or Jumpsuit for Modern Matriarchs
A blazer dress exudes power. Any jumpsuit or silk dress paired with a blazer is the top choice for modern, bold mothers who dare to be different. These power suits are ideal for rehearsal dinners or garden parties.
Shop: Phase Eight, MyTheresa, or Catherine’s of Patrick blazer dresses and jumpsuits.
Styling Tip: Anchor with leather sandals and a shell necklace.
Peplum Jacket for Mother of the Groom
Heritage Mode Maison’s Top Picks
We love extra sophistication and charm when it comes to dresses. Our top pick for the next wedding season is the tailored cut strapless long dress from Mytheresa.
If your son’s wedding is planned for autumn, don’t miss our curated picks of the most elegant mother of the groom dresses for fall — perfect for crisp air and golden leaves.
People Also Ask
1. What color does the mother of the groom usually wear?
The mother of the groom should not wear one colour — white. She can wear other sophisticated colours like navy blue, emerald green, powder pink, and anything that suits her well. The best choice is to discuss with the bride and her side of the family if the wedding follows a particular theme.
2. What should a groom’s mother wear?
A groom’s mother should wear an elegant and timeless outfit without outshining the bride. Bridal colors like white should be avoided. The dress should align with the wedding formality and theme. Popular choices are a long gown, sophisticated cocktail dress, knee-length dress or a skirt/ blouse set with understated jewelery.
3. What does the groom’s mother wear to the rehearsal dinner?
A rehearsal dinner is typically less formal than a wedding. A groom’s mother can opt for:
- A chic cocktail dress or tailored separates.
- Fabrics like satin, crepe, or lightweight knits.
- Colors that are festive but not overly bold (e.g., navy, burgundy, or soft metallics).
- Comfortable yet elegant shoes (e.g., block heels or dressy flats).
4. What should the mother of the groom wear for a beach wedding?
For a beach wedding, the mother of the groom should opt for comfort. Flowy fabrics such as chiffon, lightweight cotton or linen can be worn. Lace is also preferred for a chic look. A beach wedding often inlcudes ocean-inspired colors (aqua, coral) and soft neutrals (ivory, sand) for day time. For night time event, darker colors can be chosen. A lace-midi dress or a cowl neck gown works perfect for this day.
