Stylish Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses from Real Weddings

bride with her mother in long sleeve floral dress — Photo by Alixann Loosle

The time has finally come: Your daughter is about to say “I do” to her person. It goes without saying that the wedding is a big day for her, but it’s also a momentous occasion for you. As the mother of the bride, you play a very important role in her nuptials. From expediting the planning process to imparting invaluable wisdom, the celebration wouldn’t be able to happen without you.

For such an important role, you’re probably feeling the pressure to wear something special while you stand by your daughter’s side. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect ensemble, the most important criteria is a design that complements your personal style. Instead of sporting a traditional dress, more and more mothers of the bride are having fun with their attire and infusing a little personality into their looks. Whether it’s a short hemline, a floral pattern, or sparkly accents, selecting an outfit that speaks to you and makes you feel confident will make your search less intimidating and make your responsibilities that much more fulfilling.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, there’s no better place to start than our Real Weddings. From glamorous sequined gowns to sleek silk dresses, these mothers of the bride showed up to their daughter’s wedding in serious style. Ahead, the most fashionable mother-of-the-bride looks from Real Weddings.

01 of 19

Pretty in Pink

Mother of the bride's baby pink dress with a cape and floral headband — Photo by Emily Melissa Photo

This mother of the bride’s baby pink dress was the perfect accompaniment to her daughter’s botanical wedding in Chicago. With a billowing cape, short hemline, and deep V-neck, the gown evokes a trendy-yet-timeless feel. This mom wasn’t afraid to show some skin, but she did so in a tasteful and elegant way. To pull her outfit together, she accessorized with a matching pink floral headband, a diamond necklace, a sequined handbag, and silver heels.

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02 of 19

A Fun Floral Pattern

Mother of the bride's floral dress — Photo by AGP Collective

The best way to dress for an outdoor summer wedding? Florals, of course! This navy dress with a colorful floral pattern by Lela Rose nodded to the nature surrounding the mountain wedding venue in Beaver Creek, Colorado and the couple’s vibrant color palette. To highlight the floral motif, the mother of the bride opted for simple earrings and white heels.

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03 of 19

Pops of Gold

Mother of the bride's navy dress with gold detailing — Photo by Sasithon Photography

For this lush wedding in Brooklyn, the mother of the bride chose an ensemble that made a statement without upstaging the bride. This navy Oscar de la Renta dress has a modest neckline and silhouette that’s effortlessly elegant, while the sparkly gold detailing gives it a glamorous edge. For a dress this show-stopping, you can go sans accessories.

04 of 19

Vibrant Hues

Orange and pink long-sleeve dress — Photo by Gracie Byrd Jones

Don’t be afraid to embrace color on your daughter’s big day! This long-sleeve pink and orange column dress coordinated with the wedding’s ombré theme. With quarter-length sleeves, this dress is practical for fall or winter weddings, and the vibrant shades will naturally bring the heat. Since the hues are bold enough, all you need are a pair of hoops to complete this look.

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05 of 19

A Sleek Silhouette

Victoria walking down the aisle in a blusher veil with both of her parents — Photo by Jana Williams Photography

Both classic and chic, this navy off-the-shoulder column dress is versatile enough for any season or aesthetic. Since floral decorations and bold graphics were the focal points at this Palm Springs wedding, a timeless hue and sophisticated cut blended seamlessly into the event without overpowering it. Pair it with a diamond tennis bracelet, and voila.

06 of 19

All the Glitz and Glam

Silver sequined MOB dress — Photo by Shannon Skloss

Sparkles are the only appropriate choice for a French chateau wedding with a glamorous reception draped in chandeliers. This silver sequined dress by Terani Couture not only matched the venue, but it also complemented the bride’s sparkly headpiece. Since the gown makes a statement on its own, you won’t need any jewelry.

07 of 19

A Timeless Look

Black MOB dress — Photo by Charla Storey Photography

You can never go wrong with a black dress. Whether it’s a spring garden soirée or a modern winter bash, the timeless hue fits any type of festivity. At this Austin wedding, the mother of the bride looked sophisticated in a black Chiara Boni La Petite Robe gown. A pearl necklace, gold hoops, and gold bracelets tied the ensemble together.

08 of 19

An Elegant Hemline

bride walks down the aisle with her parents — Photo by Studio This Is

As this mother of the bride escorted her daughter down the aisle during her waterfront Illinois wedding, an Oscar de la Renta red dress with bright florals popped against the organic backdrop. While the color and pattern brought the drama, the midi length and high neckline made it unassuming. This getup is perfect for spring or summer nuptials.

09 of 19

Sparkly Accents

Beige mother of the bride dress with sparkly top — Photo by Jacqueline Benét

If you want to add a touch of glam to your outfit, embrace sparkles. This mother of the bride dressed up her beige gown from JJ’s House with sparkly embellishments on top. With sheer sleeves, the glittering accents especially stood out. We love how this mom-and-daughter duo both incorporated glistening accents into their outfits at this Seattle wedding in autumn.

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10 of 19

A Romantic Fabric

Mother of the bride in a mint green lace dress with puff sleeves — Photo by Amanda K. Photography

Hands down, lace is the most romantic fabric out there, which is why it’s an ideal option for a wedding. This mint green Self-Portrait dress features puff sleeves and floral lace, which made it a delicate and playful choice for this beautiful celebration in the Berkshires. Consider beaded block heels and drop earrings to round off this whimsical look.

11 of 19

A One-Shoulder Wonder

Vanessa walking down the aisle with both of her parents — Photo by Megan Robinson

This mom was the epitome of style at her daughter’s fall wedding on a ranch in Utah. For the occasion, she chose a Michelle Mason original. The chic rose gold hue, luxurious silk fabric, and one-shoulder style are all trendy facets that are taking the wedding fashion world by storm. With a thigh-high slit and ruching detail, her outfit had a sultry flair. Sport the same shade of pumps for a cohesive look.

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12 of 19

Emphasis on Elegance

Francesca sharing a sweet moment with her mom while putting on her satin A-line dress — Photo by Adriana Rivera

Emphasizing color and fabric are two ways to make your outfit turn heads. This dress checked both boxes. At this fall Dominican Republic wedding, the MOB wore a stunning Marchesa number in a bold blue shade with a flattering cut and bow at the waist. Chic diamond drop earrings and an elegant updo were the perfect finishing touches to the look.

13 of 19

A Cheerful Shade

Strapless yellow mother of the bride dress with sequins — Photo by Stephanie Sunderland

To make your daughter’s big day even brighter, consider wearing yellow. For this summer wedding in Westhampton Beach, the vivid hue was a particularly viable choice. This mom’s strapless yellow dress by Jenny Packham also featured 3D sequins, which made the gown even more jaw-dropping. A yellow dress lends itself well to waterfront or garden weddings in the spring or summer.

14 of 19

Beaded Detailing

Even though this Cabo bash was wedding number two for the couple, the mother of the bride still dressed to the nines. Her vibrant blue column dress revealed subtle beaded accents across the waistband and neckline, which offered a bit of texture and refinement. The snazzy cape made her classy dress feel contemporary.

15 of 19

A Figure-Flattering Ensemble

Meghan walking down the aisle with both of her parents — Photo by Chris & Ruth Photography

A silhouette that flatters your body is a surefire way to feel confident walking your daughter down the aisle. For this celebration in Tulum, the bride’s mother graced the beach in an off-the-shoulder, body-skimming BHLDN dress in beige. The all-over lace amplified the romance of the gown. With a bare neckline, dangling diamond earrings are your best bet.

16 of 19

All-Over Sequins

Silver sequined ball gown on the mother of the bride — Photo by Kyle John Photography

If you want to channel your inner princess, a silver sequined ball gown with floral appliqués will deliver. Diamond earrings and a sparkly hair pin will be the cherry on top to the look. This mother of the bride’s deluxe Mac Duggal dress captured the same vibe as her daughter’s floral gown, which presented an adorable mother-daughter moment.

17 of 19

A Bold Color

Red mother of the bride dress — Photo by Erich McVey

Red is another striking shade that will cast a warm glow on your daughter’s big day. Since it’s the color of love, it’s also very appropriate for a wedding. This mom’s daring A-line dress with an asymmetrical hemline brought an upbeat atmosphere to this Cabo beach wedding. Strap on gold heels, and you’ll be ready to go.

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18 of 19

It’s All in the Details

Christina and her mom putting on her off-the-shoulder, long-sleeve wedding dress — Photo by Lara Rose Photography

Navy is such a classic color, but if you want to give your dress an ounce of drama, focus on the embellishments. Gold floral embroidery presented a stunning contrast to this mom’s navy number. The smuttering of blooms also matched the natural setting on a rooftop in Georgia.

19 of 19

A Garden-Inspired Overlay

Floral mother of the bride dress — Photo by Olivia Rae James

Layering is such a fun way to play around with different fabrics, textures, and details. And, it’s unexpected, especially for a mother of the bride dress. This Temperley London ensemble fused a blue gown with a sheer overlay that had touches of flowers and vines, a fitting choice for this vibrant Miami wedding.

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