If you think finding the perfect bridal gown is tough, just think about your poor mother! She has to wade through a sea of beige looking for a dress that flatters her figure, fits her budget (which she has no doubt already blown your your wedding dress and fabulous set of jewelry!), suits the time and location of your wedding, and doesn’t clash with your wedding colors. That is a tall order! Luckily, help is here! Get inspired by these gorgeous mother of the bride dresses for all different types of weddings.
Stylish options for the modern mother of the bride. I love how the strapless sheath can be paired with the retro swing coat. Dresses by Siri.
Afternoon Wedding: For a wedding at a country club or other fairly classic location, a formal dress to the knee is ideal. I am crazy for these stylish sheaths by Siri that would be perfect for the modern mother of the bride. The one shoulder is incredibly elegant, and the shade of blus is gorgeous. I also love the idea of the strapless dress with the fabulous swing coat over it. The jacket will be perfect for a church ceremony, and then you have the option of removing the coat for dancing at the reception. The portrait neckline of the coat would be ideal for showcasing a really big set of pearls.
A floor length gown of with chic gathering will make the mother of the bride feel like a Grecian goddess. Plum JS Boutique Cutaway Shoulder Beaded Waist Gown via Nordstrom.
Formal Wedding: A floor length gown is a must for a formal or evening wedding. Deep colors convey a sense of richness and formality that suit an elegant reception, however black is still not considered the best choice for the mother of the bride (lest anyone think it implies you disapprove of the marriage!). This deep plum color is the perfect solution, as the hue is saturated enough that it will not look black in the photographs. I love the modern cutaway neckline with the keyhole slit. It isn’t overly revealing, yet it isn’t frumpy or too covered up either. The gathered fabric is elegant and forgiving. I would choose crystal or cz earrings for the mother of the bride jewelry set to pick up on the beaded waist of this beautiful dress. And if you are not comfortable baring your arms, you can always add a pretty chiffon wrap to your ensemble.
This romantic fluttery chiffon dress would be perfect for a garden wedding. Image via David’s Bridal.
Garden Wedding: Garden weddings are inherently romantic, and a feminine chiffon dress like the one above would be wonderful for the mother of the bride. The delicately layered chiffon cpa sleeves are fluttery and romantic, while the layered chiffon skirt is subtly reminiscent of flower petals. Even the lilac color is garden-worthy. Such a pretty dress!
A long ruffled chiffon dress in a summery floral would be a uniquely beautiful choice for the mother of the bride at a beach wedding. Dress by Carmen Marc Valvo.
Beach Wedding: In some ways, this is almost the most challenging category of mother of the bride dress. The dress needs to be both beachy and fancy at the same time – not the easiest combination. A long flowy dress can be the answer. The Carmen Marc Valvo dress above takes its beach credentials from the floaty fabric, summery print, and halter neckline. Yet the floor lenght and luxurious fabric definitely say special occasion. For a less formal beach wedding, you could opt for an embroidered linen, polished cotton, or shantung shift dress. Happy shopping!
