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What to Wear to a Wedding: Mother of the Bride Edition
Your complete mother of the bride style guide from JD Williams. Discover what to wear, which colours to choose, and the elegant outfit ideas for a confident wedding day look.
They’ve popped the question, the invites have been sent, and the big day is on its way! OK, it’s not exactly your big day, but it’s still a big day - watching your daughter tie the knot is a huge milestone. The pride, the joy, the sense of letting go as your little girl starts a family of her own…
The wedding day is just as momentous for you, so of course you want to look (and feel) the part in an outfit that’s flattering, stylish, and ready for the spotlight. Make JD Williams your plus one, and we’ll set you up with the elegant look that’ll bring out your best for walking down the aisle or taking centre stage with a first dance.
Keep reading for colour guidance, age-inclusive styling tips, and outfit inspiration for all shapes, sizes and styles, from timeless looks to more modern alternatives.
What Should the Mother of the Bride Wear?
Gone are the days of conservative dressing or boring beige looks (phew!). Mothers of the bride now have more options than ever, and while this gives you lots more room to be creative and self-expressive, it can give a lot more room for confusion, too. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
When you’re deciding what to wear, check in with the happy couple first. Get an idea of how formal the wedding will be and take any dress code notes they might have. Many brides like their mother to wear an outfit that complements the bridesmaids, so maybe wait until their outfits have been chosen before you start shopping.
Make sure you consider the venue and season too. You’ll want to dress more formally for a church ceremony in spring than at a barn wedding in autumn, for example. This might also affect your choice of fabrics - a lightweight chiffon dress would be great for a beach, but we recommend something thicker for a grand winter wedding mother of the bride look.
Now to the big question - colour. You can’t go wrong with classic shades like navy, sage green and burgundy. But, for a more modern look, keep an eye out for blush colours and floral prints, or flattering pastels, metallics and jewel tones.
When it comes to monochrome colours, always check with the couple first. Ideally, stay clear of white altogether - yes, that includes champagne and ivory shades too. Black is great for a timeless look, though, especially for a black-tie wedding - as long as the bride has given you the go-ahead.
Since you have such an important role on the day, take this as your chance to go all-out - and remember, it’s better to show up overdressed than underdressed. Whatever style you choose, make sure to pick a silhouette that flatters your figure so you’ll feel your best all day.
Ultimately, the outfit choice is yours (with a little input from the bride, of course), so don’t be afraid to go with a trouser suit, jumpsuit or blouse and skirt if dresses aren’t your thing. In the end, the best look is the one that makes you feel comfortable and confident, ready for the occasion of a lifetime.
Elegant Mother of the Bride Dresses
For black-tie weddings and formal ceremonies, an elegant mother of the bride dress is the first thing that’ll spring to mind. A long flowing gown will be the go-to choice for many, but some might want to coordinate with the rest of the bridal party in a dress that’s a similar length - again, it’s always best to check with the bride in case she has a preference.
Make sure you give some thought to the cut and silhouette too. For classic elegance, choose a dress with simple lines and a structured fit. A-line styles are perfect here - they gradually widen towards the hem to help balance proportions. For a more modern look, experiment with unusual shapes - something like an asymmetric dress is great for making an entrance.
It’s important to understand your figure so you can choose a dress that’s flattering for your shape. Empire waistlines, for example, sit just under the bust and are perfect for those who want a lengthening effect. Wrap styles, on the other hand, are great for those who want to accentuate the waist. Think about which areas you want to highlight, and use that to help dictate which style you choose.
When you’re looking at fabrics, chiffon and linen dresses will effortlessly create that floaty, elegant look - these airy materials are great for keeping you cool at a summer wedding, too. For something more decorative, drape yourself in a gorgeous lace dress and you’ll look just as refined - if not more so.
At the end of the day, whichever elegant dress you choose, just make sure it’s comfy enough to keep you looking chic all day and all night.
Curvy Mother of the Bride Dresses & Outfits
Whatever your shape and size, every mother of the bride deserves to look and feel fabulous. Choose your outfit by putting comfort and style first, and your confidence will naturally shine through, no matter what you’re wearing.
Beyond the Dress – Alternative Mother of the Bride Outfit Ideas
We get it - a long dress might be the immediate go-to when you’re thinking about your mother of the bride outfit. Yes, it’s elegant, formal and flattering, so it’s always a good choice. But it’s important to remember that’s not your only option!
For a chic, contemporary outfit, try a suit or jumpsuit - they’re comfy and stylish, modern and elegant, and they’re sure to stand out from the rest of the wedding party. A super chic way to express your unique style, they’re a gorgeous alternative for those who aren’t a huge fan of dresses.
If you like the traditional look but want a modern twist, you can always keep the dress and add a chic jacket on top. By adding an extra layer of texture, colour and detail, it’ll take your look to a whole new level.
Trendy Mother of the Bride Dresses for 2026
If you’re a mother of the bride who likes to be up-to-date, this one’s for you.
Today’s spotlight-ready looks range from bold florals to metallic accents, and cape dresses to modern tailoring. Putting a contemporary spin on formal dressing, these styles are a far cry from frumpy old-school mother-of-the-bride looks, in the very best way!
We’d always recommend dressing for comfort rather than the latest trends, but you’ll be happy to know that we pride ourselves on making modern looks easy to wear. Explore our huge mother of the bride range and discover the chic pieces that’ll take you from aisle to dancefloor in style.
Accessories & More
Once you’ve decided on the main outfit, it’s time to turn your attention to accessories. Focus on picking pieces that you’ll love to wear so they bring out your confidence on the big day.
Dial up your look with a diamond necklace, a clutch bag or chic heels. But stick to just one or two pieces so you don’t distract from your main outfit - for example, colourful shoes and stud earrings are perfect for the more casual end of the spectrum, while a diamond bracelet and metallic clutch would add the chic finish to a black-tie look.
If you want to go all-out with a hat or fascinator, we recommend a medium-width style if you have longer hair, or a hat with a short, upturned brim if you have shorter hair. Make sure the colour complements the rest of your outfit and, most importantly, that it’s comfy enough to wear all day - you don’t want to be pulling it off halfway through the first dance! For something more understated, a simpler hair accessory will be the perfect amount of glam without being quite so intrusive.
Remember, the day is about celebrating, not conforming. Choose the accessories you love, and use them to show your unique style.
Say ‘Yes’ to our Mother of the Bride Outfits
Whether you’re over 50 or under, plus size or petite, searching for something traditional or modern, there’s an elegant mother of the bride outfit for every woman.
Explore our gorgeous mother of the bride range and find the styles worth celebrating. After all, your look should reflect the joy of the day, so make it comfortable, confident and uniquely ‘you’.