Watching your child get married is a major milestone event, comparable to watching your child take their first steps or graduate from high school and college. While the event itself is a joyous occasion, it does require some planning and preparation on your part as the mother of the bride, including choosing what to wear. Wedding day family photos are some of the most treasured mementos for any married couple, so you want to ensure you look your best (but not upstage the bride, of course).
One style we recommend for most mothers of the bride is floral prints. They're perfect for any wedding, no matter the season or level of formality. These brightly colored patterns are versatile and come in a variety of hues and styles, including ones that you might associate with black-tie, formal, and semi-formal dress codes. Floral prints are also known to add a stylish flair to most modest looks—ideal for a mother-of-the-bride or mother-of-the-groom outfit.
To help you discover a dress that suits any celebration, we’ve rounded up the best floral mother-of-the-bride or groom looks, sourced from our favorite retailers. From vibrantly colored midis to formal floral gowns, these looks will make you feel confident and ready to dance the night away.
Best Jacquard Floral
Lulus Exquisite Elegance Blue Jacquard One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Runs: A Little Large | Size: XS-XL | Materials: Woven jacquard fabric
This floral print dress is totally flaunt-worthy. It boasts a fitted bodice with a flattering pleated silhouette and a gorgeous A-line skirt. Pair with dainty silver jewelry and high heels to complete the look.
Best One-Shoulder
Sachin & Babi Aubrey One-Shoulder Floral Satin Charmeuse Body-Con Gown
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-12 | Materials: Satin charmeuse
This stunning one-shoulder satin charmeuse gown is the perfect marriage of classic and contemporary. A cascade of florals—set against a black backdrop—makes for an elegant and timeless print, while an oversized one-shoulder bedazzled brooch adds a modern and stylish twist.
Best Sequin
Naeem Khan Floral Sequin Twist-Back Velvet Column Gown
Runs: Slightly Small | Size: 4-12 | Materials: Velvet with floral sequin
Make an entrance in this velvet fitted gown embroidered with head-to-toe sequins. Top with dainty silver jewelry for an overall chic look.
For a Winter Wedding
Lulus Romance in the Making Slate Blue Floral Print Velvet Maxi Dress
Runs: True to Size | Size: XS-XL | Materials: Rayon, nylon, polyester
Now this is how you do a winter floral print. The figure-skimming silhouette and cowl neckline adds an eye-catching appeal to this slate blue velvet gown. Style with a pair of velvet heels and a faux fur pashmina for the perfect blend of cozy and cool.
Most Affordable
Lulus Stunning Elegance Black Floral Print Organza Maxi Dress
Runs: True to Size | Size: XS-XL | Materials: Rayon, nylon, and polyester
If velvet isn't your thing, but you still want to wear florals to your daughter's fall or winter wedding, we recommend this flowy number. Made from elegant woven organza fabric, this floral maxi features a square neckline and a flirty thigh-high slit to help elongate your figure.
For a Garden Wedding
Lulus Feeling Like Forever Rose Jacquard Organza Lace-Up Midi Dress
Runs: True to Size | Size: XS-XL | Materials: Lightweight chiffon
A floral midi is one of our favorite styles for a daytime spring wedding. We love the high fitted waist and two-tiered skirt in this one, and the rose embroidery is a sweet, feminine touch.
Best Mermaid
Marchesa Guipure Mermaid Gown
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-18 | Materials: Embroidered guipure
The mermaid silhouette of this Marchesa gown is a sexy and modern option for mothers of the bride attending a formal celebration. This maxi is flattering on most body types, thanks to the corset bodice and fit-and-flare design.
Best Silk
Naeem Khan Floral-Print Scarf-Neck Silk Trumpet Gown
Runs: True to Size | Size: 2-14 | Materials: Silk
Florals for spring may not be groundbreaking, but they are always a gorgeous go-to pick for a spring wedding. The high neck and long sleeve silhouette of this Naeem Khan gown ensure a comfortable fit, especially during transitional temperatures.
Best Beaded
Mac Duggal Beaded Floral A-Line Cocktail Dress
Runs: True to Size | Size: 2-20 | Materials: Polyester
Go for a twirl in this beaded floral A-line dress by Mac Duggal. The mauve color is stunning for any season, and the tea length is super on trend right now. To complete the look, wear nude pumps to give the illusion of longer legs.
Best Halter
Ieena for Mac Duggal Floral Print Halter Neck Chiffon Maxi Dress
Runs: True to Size | Size: 2-16 | Materials: Chiffon
Forget-me-not in this floral print halter neck maxi dress. With several tiered layers of chiffon, romantic ruffles at the waist, and an oversized bow at the neck, this gown is equal parts soft, sweet, ethereal, and chic.
Best A-Line
Kay Unger Austin Floral Bateau Neck A-Line Gown
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester and Nylon
For mothers of the bride looking for a vintage-inspired dress, you may want to check out this elegant gown featuring a bateau neckline, coordinating belt, and full skirt. The silhouette provides a retro vibe, but the floral print is decidedly modern.
Best Embroidered
ASOS Design Floral Embroidered Long Sleeve Gown
Runs: True to Size | Size: 4-10 | Materials: Polyester
From the colorful floral embroidery to the surprising open-back design, we're loving everything about this floral frock. The sheer long sleeves give this dress an airy, breezy feel that feels right at home at a formal event.
For a Pop of Color
Kay Unger Kali Balloon Sleeve One-Shoulder Gown
Runs: True to Size | Size: 4-14 | Materials: Polyester
If you're looking for a floral dress to wear to a spring or fall wedding, look no further than this one-shoulder number. The mossy green hue allows it to work for multiple seasons, and the empire waist will guarantee a flattering fit.
Best Tulle
Mac Duggal Embellished Illusion Butterfly Sleeve V-Neck Gown
Runs: True to Size | Size: 2-20 | Materials: Tulle fabric with floral embroidery and sequin detail
This show-stopping tulle gown is perfect for the fall and winter seasons. We love how the floral embroidery and sequin details add just enough sparkle without being too over the top.
Best Maxi
Bronx and Banco Megan Maxi Dress
Runs: True to Size | Size: XS-XL | Materials: Tulle fabric with floral embroidery and lace accents
Stun from every angle in this rose-colored gown with floral embroidery and eye-catching lace accents. The wide straps are supportive while also showing off your figure, and the empire waist is exceptionally forgiving.
For a Fall Wedding
Shona Joy Palermo Low Back Midi Dress
Runs: True to Size | Size: 2-10 | Materials: Linen and viscose
It doesn't get much better than a floral dress with pockets. We can't get enough of this fall-themed print and ultra-flattering sheath silhouette.
Best Plus-Sized
Reformation Winslow Dress Es
Runs: True to Size | Size: 1x-3x | Materials: Viscose
Bloom in style any time of year with this versatile wrap dress from Reformation. It features an adjustable waist tie, so you can adjust the size depending on your personal preference. The loose-fitting sleeves and high slit also provide exceptional comfort and style.
Best Metallic
Tanya Taylor Annika Dress
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-14 | Materials: Silk, metallic, polyester
Floral print and metallic shine go hand-in-hand in this long-sleeved midi gown. The puff sleeves add something unexpected to the classic, feminine silhouette.
What to Consider Before Buying a Floral Mother-of-the-Bride Dress
The first thing to keep in mind is that floral is a timeless print. You can wear florals 365 days a year, but the color and fabric play a major role in what you can wear per season. For example, floral dresses in shades of pastels are best reserved for a spring or summer wedding, while shades of navy, mustard, and maroon are great for the fall and winter. Additionally, before you purchase a dress, take into consideration the location, venue, and formality of the event. It's also wise to ask the couple if they would like you to adhere to a specific color palette. You can find a floral mother-of-the-bride dress in any color, so luckily, this won't limit your options in any way. When in doubt, ask your daughter or a member of the wedding party for input and advice before you actually pull the trigger.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Cristina Montemayor has been writing for Brides for over two years, covering beauty, fashion, and relationships. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more.