Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Baton Rouge  | Jennie Tewell

You’ve bought THE DRESS and found the perfect suit or tux. You know exactly what your bridesmaids and groomsmen will wear on the big day. You’ve even picked out the shoes, the earrings, the ties, and the socks to go with your ensembles.

But two other wedding VIPs might need some help with their wedding day styling … 

We’re talking about your moms!  

Most couples help choose mother-of-the-groom dresses and mother-of-the-bride gowns. Or, at the very least, offer input on them. Even if mom’s a super fashionista, there’s a good chance she’ll at least want to get your approval before she makes the final decision on her look.

But should the mother-of-the-bride match the bridesmaids?

Should the MOB match the mother-of-the-groom? 

Are there colors she should or shouldn’t wear? 

We’re about to answer those questions about dress etiquette and more and recommend some gorgeous mother-of-the-occasion dresses for the big day! 

What Color Dress Should the Mother-of-the-Bride Wear?

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Raleigh | Ally & Bobby

Mothers of the bride and groom should complement the wedding party, but they don’t have to match the color of your bridesmaid dresses. 

In fact, these VIPs should stand out! 

There’s no need for mom to match your wedding colors, wear the same silhouette, or wear the same sleeve length as members of the wedding party. As long as her look goes with the overall vibe and theme of your wedding, she’ll look amazing!  

The MOB and MOG don’t have to match each other, either. Yet, they should wear complementary colors and styles, if possible.

For example, your photos will look much more balanced if they both wear evening dresses. Compare that to one wearing a long gown with beading and the other wearing a short sheath dress in a bright floral print.

Read: 15 Elegant Mothers of the Bride and Groom Corsages & Alternatives

Mother-of-the-Bride Attire Etiquette FAQs

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Philadelphia  | Source

Can the Mother-of-the-Bride Wear Black? 

Except for white, ivory, or the color of the bride’s dress, the MOB can wear any color she wants, including black. 

Some traditions consider a mother of a spouse-to-be wearing black a sign of disapproval of their child’s choice of who to marry. But that’s an outdated concept by today’s standards. If mom feels best in black, she should wear black. 

Can the Mother-of-the-Groom Wear Black?

It’s perfectly fine for the mother-of-the-groom to wear black or any other color that contrasts with the bride’s wedding dress. You’ll be good to go if you don’t wear white, ivory, off-white, or any shade similar to the bride’s gown!

Can the Mother-of-the-Bride Wear the Same Color as the Mother-of-the-Groom? 

The MOB and MOG do not have to wear the same color, but they can if they want to! Both moms should feel comfortable and confident on the special day. If they have the same color choice in mind, so be it. 

There’s No Need for Mom to Wear a Stodgy Suit!

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Philadelphia | Source

Now that we’re well into the 21st century, there’s no need for the bride’s mother to feel the need to wear some stodgy two-piece jacket and skirt set. 

Of course, if that’s what she feels comfortable in, then, by all means, that’s what she should wear. But you might want to remind her that her fashion options are endless!

Even though they’re not technically "in" the wedding party, the MOB and MOG play an important role on your wedding day. Each mom deserves a look that makes her feel absolutely gorgeous and makes it clear that she’s not just another wedding guest.

As long as they don’t upstage the bride, moms can wear almost any look nowadays.

For a black-tie event, she may want to wear a short-sleeve dress with a high scoop neckline or a long-sleeve gown with a deep V-neck. 

For a semi-formal celebration, a midi dress, a high-low gown, a tea-length design, or a knee-length cocktail dress with some shine or embellishments are all stylish options.

She can even step out of the box in a super chic jumpsuit or a modern pantsuit if that’s her jam!

Here’s the point:

Encourage mom to wear something stylish that flatters her figure and makes her feel like a showstopper. Don’t push her too far out of her comfort zone, but encourage her to entertain options she may not have considered.

Gorgeous MOB Dresses to Flatter Mom

Your quest for the perfect mother-of-the-bride dress begins here. Before you take your mom dress shopping, these stunning outfit ideas will make her look incredible at your wedding!

Adrianna Papell Platinum Style 40438

The Adrianna Papell Platinum Style 40438 is elegant in a beaded sheath silhouette with a bateau neckline, sheer cap sleeves, and a front slit. Detailed with a draped cowl back for added drama, this evening gown is perfect for a black-tie wedding. It’s available in various stunning colors, including navy blue, gunmetal, champagne, and bridal silver. 

Teri Jon Dress 47240

If mom loves a slim A-line fit in a tailored silhouette, the Teri Jon Dress 47240 may be exactly what she needs. This gorgeous floor-length gown features an off-the-shoulder bodice with a foldover neckline, cap sleeves, and a slit up the center back. Choose from various neutral colors and chic blue hues with a shimmering, lustrous finish. 

Amsale Evening P439S Jumpsuit

The Amsale Evening P439S Jumpsuit proves that mom doesn’t have to wear a dress to look ultra-chic! This one-piece jumpsuit features flattering wide-leg pants and a draped bodice with slouched shoulders. Plus, its contrasting fabrics make it even more eye-catching. 

Choose from pretty jewel tones for winter weddings or soft pastels for summer wedding celebrations. 

LulaKate Hayes Bodice with Straight Skirt Midi in Jacquard

Strapless with a scalloped neckline, this LulaKate midi is the perfect dress for cocktail attire weddings and semi-formal events. It boasts a pretty allover floral pattern and figure-flattering silhouette. No question, mom will be one of the best-dressed attendees at her son’s or daughter’s wedding! 

Mac Duggal Dress 11165

The exquisite beading, metallic appliques, and embroidery make the full-length Mac Duggal Dress 11165 a showstopper! This long dress features a slim A-line silhouette with sheer long sleeves, a deep V-neckline, and a bra-friendly bodice. Rich in texture, it’s ideal for the proud mom ready to shine on the big day. 

Sachin & Babi Serafina Gown

The Sachin & Babi Zoe Gown is an impeccable choice for the mom who feels most confident in black. With ruffle accents and flutter sleeves, this stunning design features a tiered skirt, a plunging V-neckline, and a low V-back. 

It’s simply perfect for an upscale wedding celebration.

Teri Jon 246027 Dress

With shimmering silver embroidery, the Teri Jon 246027 Dress is a stunning option for a black-tie or formal wedding celebration. This gown boasts a flattering A-line silhouette with an allover floral motif, sheer elbow sleeves, and a sheer illusion neckline for a bit of added coverage.

Shop our mother-of-the-occasion dress collection!

More Ways to Make Mom Shine

Aside from her fabulous outfit, there are other ways to make your mom shine on your wedding day.

One way to help her shine is to give her a sparkling diamond or gemstone statement necklace, bracelet, or earrings.

Another way is to give her a small, one-of-a-kind bouquet to carry when she makes her way down the aisle at the start of the ceremony.

You can also give her a unique corsage, a distinctive hair accessory, or an eye-catching brooch. Any of these finishing touches will make her already gorgeous look even more memorable.

Shop our full bridesmaids dress collection!

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Brides and grooms play the lead role in every wedding celebration, but if it weren't for mom, neither of you would be here to revel in this moment!

Make mom feel as special on your wedding day as you do on Mother’s Day. It might be your day, but it’s as much of a celebration for her as it is for you.  

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