How do you style a gold mother-of-the-bride dress?

It should come as no surprise that gold dresses and gold jewelry work exceptionally well together, but you shouldn't feel limited to just one shade. Rose gold or mixed metals can also pair beautifully with a gold dress, and when it comes to footwear, nude or black heels are a classic pairing as well.

Can I wear a gold dress to a daytime wedding?

While gold gowns are most common at evening weddings, they're also perfectly acceptable at a daytime affair. Look for dresses with floral embellishments, and style your look with neutral-toned accessories to make your ensemble more daytime appropriate.

Where can I buy a gold mother-of-the-bride dress?

All of your favorite formal retailers more than likely have gold gowns that are perfect to wear to a wedding. For us, some of our favorite places to shop include Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, David's Bridal, BHLDN, Betsy & Adam, Dillard's, Macy's, Camille LaVie, Sachin & Babi, Bloomingdale's, Lulus, and Farfetch, among others.

What color should a mother of the bride not wear?

A mother of the bride should not wear a white dress. She should avoid off-white tones like ecru and eggshell as well. Gold is an excellent choice for a mother of the bride dress, as it's elegant and eye-catching and distinct enough from white tones to let the bride own that color palette on her wedding.

What color should a mother of the bride not wear?

Most dress colors aren't off limits for mothers of the bride these days. But unless the bride requests it specifically, it's best to steer clear or white, ivory, and off-white gowns. Champagne is a color that could go either way, so keep this in mind when buying a gold (or gold-adjacent) dress, and don't hesitate to check with the bride if you're unsure.

15 Best Gold Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses of 2024

father and mother walking their daughter down the aisle — Photo by Kaley from Kansas

As the mother of the bride (or groom), you play a significant role in this celebration, and many moms choose to show off their V.I.P status by shining bright in a gold ensemble. A gold mother-of-the-bride dress is truly a lovely choice as it fits nicely into many wedding color palettes, and works for a variety of seasons and locales. Gold also glistens on all skin tones, for just the right amount of sparkle—depending on the intensity of the hue.

What's more, gold has forever been a popular hue for mother-of-the-bride dresses, so you'll have many options to choose from, in varying styles like formal designs, A-line silhouettes, and tea-length hemlines.

As with any wedding shopping experience, however, be sure to think about how the silhouette, color, and fabric will pair with the venue, season, and overall wedding style. It also goes without saying that your outfit should be a reflection of your own personal style, and should make you feel comfortable and confident all day long.

To help you find the best gold outfit for the big day, we sourced dresses from some of the most trusted brands, in a variety of fabrics, styles, and formality levels. Read on for the best gold mother-of-the-bride dresses for every style, body type, and budget.

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom $99

If comfort is your main concern, we recommend this pleated dress from Connected Apparel. This ankle-skimming dress has a long column silhouette, and features a V-shaped neckline and empire waistline that enhances your natural figure.

Price at time of publish: $99

Sizes: 2–16 | Material: Polyester and metallic fibers | Length: Ankle

gold Cap Sleeve Allover Sequin Sheath Dress

Courtesy of David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

This stunning cap sleeve dress is a fresh option for any wedding. The head-to-toe sequins will catch the light from any angle, and the daring skirt slit will allow you to put your best foot forward.

Price at time of publish: $68 (originally $200)

Sizes: 2–16 | Material: Polyester, spandex | Length: Floor

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Amazon $225 View On Nordstrom $288 View On Neiman Marcus $131

For a tea-length option, we're loving this embellished number from Dress the Population. The textural pattern of the shimmering sequins adds structure and definition, while the flattering fit-and-flare silhouette hugs you in all the right places.

Price at time of publish: $269

Sizes: XXS–XXL | Material: Nylon | Length: Calf

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

View On Bloomingdales $550

Enter the room dripping in gold in this show-stopping, off-the-shoulder metallic gown. The shine is produced from the fabric alone–not by additional beaded embellishments—which means this dress is a lightweight option that will keep you comfortable.

Price at time of publish: $550

Sizes: 0–18 | Material: Metallized polyester | Length: Floor

Courtesy of David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

An eye-catching color and figure-loving fit will always make for an undeniable fashionable combo, and this dress has both in spades. The drape of the ruching is a show-stopper for sure, but we also love the beautiful bronze shade of the fabric.

Price at time of publish: $36 (originally $190)

Sizes: 2–16 | Material: Polyester | Length: Floor

Courtesy of Retailer.

Courtesy of Azazie

View On Azazie.com

For that classic mother-of-the-bride look, you can't go wrong with this sequin floral lace gown. The bateau neckline is a classic style and pairs well with simple, understated accessories.

Price at time of publish: $200

Sizes: 0–30 | Material: Sequin floral lace | Length: Floor

LONG FLORAL BEADED GOWN WITH FLUTTER SLEEVES IN ROSE GOLD

Courtesy of Retailer.

Courtesy of Adrianna Papell

View On Adriannapapell.com

From its elbow-length flutter sleeves to its soft mermaid skirt, this exquisite hand-beaded gown by Adrianna Papell is full of chic details. What's more, this stunning dress is embroidered with delicate florals for an elegant, yet elevated, mother-of-the-bride look.

Price at time of publish: $329

Sizes: 0–20 | Material: Polyester | Length: Floor

METALLIC EMBROIDERED MINI SHEATH DRESS IN BLACK GOLD

Courtesy of Adrianna Papell

View On Adriannapapell.com

For a cocktail-length gold dress, our pick is this black and gold metallic sheath from Adrianna Papell. Pair this look with bold statement gold jewelry and metallic heels to really make it pop.

Price at time of publish: $179

Sizes: 0–20 | Material: Polyester and nylon | Length: Above the knee

Courtesy of Farfetch

View On Farfetch.com $448

There's something about a pleated one-shoulder dress that feels incredibly royal and grand. This gown is sure to command attention, as the long draped sleeves trail behind as you walk, in addition to the full-length pleated skirt that adds movement to the overall look.

Price at time of publish: $376 (originally $895)

Sizes: 0–16 | Material: Polyester | Length: Floor

gold foil flower print jacquard maxi dress

Courtesy of Trouva

View On Farfetch.com $534 View On Trouva.com

For mothers of the bride looking to make a stylish statement at a destination wedding in a warm-weather locale, check out this jacquard maxi dress with a metallic gold finish. It adds an evening-appropriate twist, to an otherwise relaxed silhouette, by showcasing a golden multi-color floral print pattern.

Price at time of publish: $762

Sizes: S–XL | Material: Silk, lurex | Length: Floor

Courtesy of Mac Duggal

View On Macduggal.com

For the mother of the bride who'd like a little bit of drama, opt for a gown with a daring slit like this one from Mac Duggal. The flowy, draped skirt provides a trendy design, and the pleated bodice and one-shoulder sleeve allow for a flattering fit.

Price at time of publish: $498

Sizes: 14W–24W | Material: Metallic organza | Length: Floor

Sequin V-Neck Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress in Gold

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom $398 View On Lordandtaylor.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue $298

Get dressed up in glitter and gold in this eye-catching cocktail dress. From the floral embroidery to the fitted bodice and above-the-knee cut, every inch of this look is covered in sequins, ensuring you'll sparkle from all angles.

Price at time of publish: $398

Sizes: 2–16 | Material: Polyester | Length: Above the knee

Courtesy of Nordstrom.

View On Nordstrom $498 View On Saks Fifth Avenue $498 View On Lordandtaylor.com

If the wedding will be held in the winter or is a formal black-tie affair at an indoor venue, consider a long-sleeve gown. We love this one from Mac Duggal, with its flattering trumpet skirt, wrap-style top, modest V-neckline, and slightly puffed shoulders.

Price at time of publish: $498

Sizes: 2–18 | Material: Polyester | Length: Floor

Courtesy of Kiyonna.

View On Nordstrom $188 View On Kiyonna.com

For garden weddings and events held in the spring or summer, consider a shorter cut with a botanical print or floral lace, like Kiyonna's Camille Dress. The calf-length style leans slightly more casual while still being modest, and the flowy elbow-length sleeves offer just enough coverage on top.

Price at time of publish: $188

Sizes: 0X–5X | Material: Nylon, spandex | Length: Calf

Off-the-Shoulder Embroidered Sparkle A-Line Dress

Courtesy of David's Bridal.

View On David's Bridal

This gown by Oleg Cassini flaunts a romantic off-the-shoulder neckline and a simple A-line skirt that'll flatter any mother of the bride. The delicate embroidery adds three-dimensional texture and a hint of sparkle to the soft golden hue.

Price at time of publish: $210 (originally $300)

Sizes: 2–14 | Material: Nylon | Length: Floor

What to Look For When Shopping for a Gold Mother-of-the-Bride Dress

With an unlimited number of gold dresses available today, it may be overwhelming to find a gold mother-of-the-bride gown that's perfect for you. So, when shopping for your look, consider the season, venue, and formality of the wedding first.

For example, full-length gold gowns (like the Azazie Porcelain A-Line Dress) are more appropriate for a formal wedding in the winter. Meanwhile, cocktail-length options (like the Mac Duggal Sequin V-Neck Fit & Flare Tulle Cocktail Dress and the Kiyonna Camille Lace Midi Dress) are a match for a daytime, semi-formal spring or summer celebration.

Once you've figured out the style that works best for the season and wedding dress code, the rest is all about personal preference. Choose a dress that will make you feel confident and comfortable all night long, and one you'll love years after your child has said "I do."

FAQ

How do you style a gold mother-of-the-bride dress?

It should come as no surprise that gold dresses and gold jewelry work exceptionally well together, but you shouldn't feel limited to just one shade. Rose gold or mixed metals can also pair beautifully with a gold dress, and when it comes to footwear, nude or black heels are a classic pairing as well.
Can I wear a gold dress to a daytime wedding?

While gold gowns are most common at evening weddings, they're also perfectly acceptable at a daytime affair. Look for dresses with floral embellishments, and style your look with neutral-toned accessories to make your ensemble more daytime appropriate.
Where can I buy a gold mother-of-the-bride dress?

All of your favorite formal retailers more than likely have gold gowns that are perfect to wear to a wedding. For us, some of our favorite places to shop include Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, David's Bridal, BHLDN, Betsy & Adam, Dillard's, Macy's, Camille LaVie, Sachin & Babi, Bloomingdale's, Lulus, and Farfetch, among others.
What color should a mother of the bride not wear?

A mother of the bride should not wear a white dress. She should avoid off-white tones like ecru and eggshell as well. Gold is an excellent choice for a mother of the bride dress, as it's elegant and eye-catching and distinct enough from white tones to let the bride own that color palette on her wedding.
What color should a mother of the bride not wear?

Most dress colors aren't off limits for mothers of the bride these days. But unless the bride requests it specifically, it's best to steer clear or white, ivory, and off-white gowns. Champagne is a color that could go either way, so keep this in mind when buying a gold (or gold-adjacent) dress, and don't hesitate to check with the bride if you're unsure.

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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.