Wedding Dress Etiquette: What the Mother of the Bride or Groom Should Wear

The wedding day is all about the bride and groom, but the mothers play an equally important role and deserve special attention when it comes to choosing their attire. A mother’s dress should reflect her significance in the celebration, complement the wedding theme, and make her feel confident and elegant.

Whether you’re the mother of the bride or the groom, this guide will help you navigate colors, styles, shopping tips, and even where to find affordable, high-quality options through Wholesale Dress Outlet. 

1. What Color Should the Mother of the Bride Wear?

When choosing a dress, the mother of the bride should coordinate with the wedding color palette without matching the bridesmaids. For example:

• If bridesmaids wear lavender, a mother-of-the-bride dress in lilac, silver, or soft mauve works beautifully.
• Avoid colors that are too close to white, ivory, or champagne unless the bride approves.
• Jewel tones, pastels, and neutrals are classic choices that convey elegance and sophistication.

Your dress should be tasteful, age-appropriate, and refined. While you want to look beautiful, avoid overly flashy, revealing, or attention-grabbing designs—the bride should remain the focal point.

2. What Color Should the Mother of the Groom Wear?

The mother of the groom should complement the wedding color scheme and coordinate with the bride’s mother, without matching exactly. For instance:

• If bridesmaids wear blush pink, consider silver, navy, or dusty blue for a sophisticated look.
• Like the bride’s mother, your dress should reflect the formality of the event—whether a garden wedding or a black-tie affair.

Communication is essential. Traditionally, the groom’s mother waits until the bride’s mother selects her dress to ensure coordination and harmony.

3. Fabrics & Fit: Comfort Meets Elegance

Choosing the right fabric and fit is just as important as selecting the color:

• Lightweight fabrics like chiffon, georgette, or tulle are ideal for outdoor or daytime weddings.
• Structured fabrics such as satin or silk work well for ballroom or evening events.
• Stretchy materials or gowns with a flexible fit provide comfort for long hours of dancing and socializing.

At Wholesale Dress Outlet, we offer a variety of options, including Long Mother Of Bride Formal Dress Wholesale, Plus Size Long Mother Of The Bride Dress, and Long Formal Stretch Evening Long Sleeve Dress Wholesale, ensuring every mother can find the perfect combination of style and comfort.

4. Where to Shop for Mother-of-the-Bride or Groom Dresses

You don’t need to spend a fortune to look stunning. Here are some great options:

• Wholesale Dress Outlet: Shop an extensive collection of elegant gowns at wholesale prices. Perfect for finding long mother-of-the-bride formal dresses or plus size options.
• Department stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s offer a wide range of formal dresses.
• Online retailers like Amazon, JJ’s House, and The Dress Outlet provide styles for every budget.
• Designer dress rental services like Rent the Runway allow you to wear high-end gowns without the full price tag.
• Consignment shops or thrift stores are ideal for lightly used formalwear at lower costs.

Tip: Order your dress at least 8–12 weeks before the wedding to allow time for alterations.

4. Accessorizing Your Look

Accessories can elevate your outfit without overshadowing the bride:

• A delicate shawl or bolero adds sophistication and warmth for evening events.
• Subtle jewelry, like pearl earrings or a simple bracelet, complements most gown styles.
• Comfortable, elegant heels or dressy flats keep you dancing all night.
• Consider a coordinating clutch to complete your ensemble.

5. Style & Etiquette Tips

Keep these essential pointers in mind:

• Harmonize your outfit with the wedding party’s colors and formality.
• Consult the bride about hair, makeup, or any specific preferences.
• Choose a dress that looks good and feels comfortable for a long day.
• Consider the venue—light fabrics for garden weddings and structured gowns for ballrooms.
• Remember, modern weddings allow more personal style, but classic etiquette still applies: don’t compete with the bridal party, and respect the wedding theme.

Why Choose Wholesale Dress Outlet

At Wholesale Dress Outlet, we specialize in elegant, affordable gowns for mothers of the bride and groom. With a wide selection of long formal dresses, including plus sizes and stretch evening gowns, you can look your best without breaking the bank. Shop our collection today and find a dress that reflects your important role in the wedding celebration.