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Weddings
Mother of the Bride Dresses: What to Wear, Colors and Etiquette
The mother of the bride usually wears a dress that matches the formality of the wedding, in a color that complements the wedding party without matching the bridesmaids exactly. For a black-tie or evening wedding, that means a floor-length gown; for a cocktail or daytime wedding, a cocktail dress, dressy midi or elegant pantsuit. Avoid white and ivory unless the bride asks, talk to the bride before you shop, and share your choice with the mother of the groom.
In This Guide
What Should the Mother of the Bride Wear?
- Match the dress code. Black tie calls for a floor-length gown. Formal or black tie optional means a gown or a very dressy cocktail dress. Cocktail and semi-formal mean a cocktail dress, dressy midi or pantsuit. See the wedding guest attire guide for every dress code.
- Talk to the bride first. Ask about the wedding colors, how formal the day will be and whether she has a look in mind for the family photos.
- Coordinate with the mother of the groom. Traditionally the mother of the bride chooses first and shares her color and length, so the two mothers look coordinated in photos without matching.
- Plan for a long day. You'll stand for photos, greet guests and dance. Choose a fit you can move and sit in, and shoes you can wear for hours.
What Color Should the Mother of the Bride Wear?
Choose a color that complements the wedding palette. A shade a little lighter or deeper than the bridesmaids' color, or a neutral from the same family, looks pulled together in photos. Navy, wine, emerald, dusty blue, soft pink and metallics like gold and silver are all popular. Avoid white, ivory and very pale shades that could be mistaken for bridal, and don't match the bridesmaids exactly unless the bride asks you to.
Black was once avoided at weddings, but it's now common at evening and black-tie weddings. If you're considering black, check with the bride first.
When Should the Mother of the Bride Shop?
Start after the bride has chosen her gown and the bridesmaids' colors, and ideally several months before the wedding. That leaves time to try on styles, for the store to check whether your color and size are available to order if they aren't in stock, and for alterations. Most formal dresses need some alterations, such as hemming for your shoes.
Formal Dresses for Women Over 60
There are no age rules for formal wear: wear the color and style you love and feel comfortable in. Many women look for a few of these features:
- Structure and support. A corset bodice with boning, or a structured fabric like satin, shapes and supports without feeling tight.
- Coverage you choose. Sleeves, off-the-shoulder necklines or a matching wrap or jacket if you prefer your arms covered. Off-the-shoulder styles show the collarbones while covering the upper arms.
- Stretch. Stretch satin and other stretch fabrics move with you through a long evening.
- A flattering line. A-line skirts, a defined waist and V-necklines suit most figures. See dresses for every body type.
- A comfortable heel. Block heels or a lower heel are easier to wear all evening, and you can have your gown hemmed to suit them.
What Should the Mother of the Groom Wear?
The same guidelines apply. Match the wedding's formality, choose a color that complements the wedding palette, and avoid white and ivory. Traditionally the mother of the groom follows the mother of the bride's lead on length and formality, then picks a different color so the two complement each other.
Sherri Hill Dresses for the Mother of the Bride
These gowns and one cocktail dress suit a mother of the bride or groom. Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers; use Find A Store to locate one near you. If the store doesn't have your color or size, the retailer can check whether it's available to order.
Style 57253
An off-the-shoulder gown in stretch satin on a corset bodice that laces at the back, with a slit. It comes in twenty-one colors, including burgundy, navy, dark emerald, gold and silver, in sizes 000 through 26. See style 57253.
Style 58042
An off-the-shoulder fitted gown with a lace corset bodice and a stretch satin skirt. It comes in ten colors, including navy, wine, emerald and brown, in sizes 000 through 26. See style 58042.
Style 56905
A fitted stretch satin gown with ruffle sleeves and a rosette, in seven colors including purple, red, bright pink and black. See style 56905.
Style 57782
For a garden or daytime wedding, a floral gown with lace details in six soft prints, including light yellow, periwinkle and light blue. See style 57782.
Style 58173
For an evening cocktail wedding, a fitted lace cocktail dress with long sleeves. It's made in black, so check with the bride first. See style 58173.
See more in mother of the bride dresses and evening dresses, and find your size with the Sherri Hill Size Guide. For seasonal ideas, see fall and winter wedding guest dresses.
Shop the Look
Your retailer can check whether a color or size is available to order.
Find A Store
Find a Sherri Hill Retailer
In the United States, Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color should the mother of the bride wear?
A color that complements the wedding palette, such as a shade lighter or deeper than the bridesmaids' color. Navy, wine, emerald, dusty blue, soft pink, gold and silver are popular. Avoid white and ivory, and ask the bride before you buy.
Can the mother of the bride wear black?
Yes, at many weddings, especially evening and black-tie weddings. Some families still prefer to avoid black, so check with the bride first.
Should the mother of the bride wear a long or short dress?
Follow the dress code. A floor-length gown suits black-tie, formal and most evening weddings. A cocktail dress, dressy midi or pantsuit suits cocktail, semi-formal and daytime weddings.
Who chooses a dress first, the mother of the bride or the mother of the groom?
Traditionally the mother of the bride chooses first, then shares her color and length with the mother of the groom so the two complement each other.
When should the mother of the bride buy her dress?
After the bride has chosen her gown and the bridesmaids' colors, ideally several months before the wedding, so there's time for ordering and alterations.
What should a 60-year-old woman wear to a formal wedding?
Whatever she loves and feels comfortable in, matched to the dress code. Many women choose a gown with a structured bodice, sleeves or an off-the-shoulder neckline, or a wrap, in stretch satin or another comfortable fabric, with a heel they can wear all evening.
