Should the Mother of the Occasion Match the Bridesmaids?

 

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 may need some help with their wedding-day styling …

We’re talking about your moms!

Traditionally, the couple helps choose the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom's dresses. At the very least, they should provide input on them.

Yet even moms who are super fashionistas often have questions about what they should or shouldn’t wear to their son or daughter’s wedding, like:

Should the mothers of the occasion match the bridesmaids?

Should the MOB match the mother of the groom?

Can the mother of the bride wear black?

We’ll answer those questions and more, and recommend some gorgeous mother-of-the-occasion dresses for the big day!

What Dress Color 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 color scheme, wear the same silhouette, or wear the same sleeve length as the members of the wedding party. As long as her look goes with the overall wedding theme and vibe, 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 wedding photos will look much more balanced if 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 Dress 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 it a sign of disapproval when a mother of a spouse-to-be wears black. But that’s an outdated concept by today’s standards. If mom feels best in black, she should wear a black dress.

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 this 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 wedding, try a midi dress, a high-low gown, a tea-length design, or a knee-length cocktail dress with embellishments.

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

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-occasion dress begins here.

Before you take your mom dress shopping, consider these stunning outfit ideas to make her look incredible at your wedding:

Adrianna Papell Platinum Style 40438

 

Adrianna Papell Platinum Style 40438

The Adrianna Papell Platinum Style 40438 boasts an elegant 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 a variety of stunning colors, including navy blue, gunmetal, champagne, and bridal silver.

Teri Jon Dress 47240

 

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 has an off-the-shoulder bodice with a foldover neckline, cap sleeves, and a slit up the center back. Choose from a range of neutral colors and chic blue hues with a shimmering, lustrous finish.

Mac Duggal 12231 Dress

 

Mac Duggal 12231 Dress

The Mac Duggal 12231 dress features a faux-wrap silhouette, long sleeves, an off-the-shoulder bodice, and a high leg slit. Beaded cuffs add just the right amount of shimmer and shine.

Amsale Evening P439S Jumpsuit

 

Amsale Evening P439S Jumpsuit

The Amsale Evening P439S Jumpsuit proves that mom doesn’t have to wear a dress to look ultra-chic! This jumpsuit offers 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.

Sachin & Babi Serafina Gown

 

Sachin & Babi Serafina Gown

Sachin & Babi’s Serafina gown features an eye-catching silhouette. It also boasts sheer flutter sleeves, soft tiered ruffles, and a deep V-neck and V-back. The soft, flowy fabric gives a romantic look — perfect for celebrating your child’s wedding!

LulaKate Hannah Bodice with Dahlia Skirt Midi in Jacquard

 

LulaKate Hannah Bodice with Dahlia Skirt Midi in Jacquard

This LulaKate midi is perfect for cocktail attire & semi-formal weddings. It’s strapless, features a straight neckline, and has a subtle all-over floral pattern. Thanks to its figure-flattering silhouette, Mom will be one of the best-dressed attendees at her son’s or daughter’s wedding!

Sachin & Babi Zoe Gown

 

Sachin & Babi Zoe Gown

The Sachin & Babi Zoe Gown is an impeccable choice for the mom who wants to make a bold statement. With long puffed sleeves and a full skirt, this stunning silk and Mikado design is simply perfect for an upscale wedding celebration.

Mac Duggal Dress 11165

 

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.

Teri Jon 257049 Dress

 

Teri Jon 257049 Dress

The 257049 dress from Teri Jon boasts effortless elegance in floral metallic jacquard with a two-tone black amethyst hue. The structured silhouette, chic one-shoulder bodice, and full A-line skirt will make mom look radiant.

LulaKate Elizabeth Dress in Embellished Shantung

 

LulaKate Elizabeth Dress in Embellished Shantung

With subtle embellishments on luxurious shantung silk, the LulaKate Elizabeth dress impresses. It boasts a rich texture, a strapless column silhouette, and a long tie sash for added drama.

Teri Jon 246027 Dress

 

Teri Jon 246027 Dress

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

Amsale P787M Evening Dress

 

Amsale P787M Evening Dress

The Amsale P787M evening dress with its structured fit-and-flare silhouette is timeless. This dress features supportive straps, a flattering V-neckline, and a foldover bow detail. In elegant Mikado fabric, it’s perfect for the most formal, upscale wedding celebrations.

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 is to give her a sparkling diamond or gemstone statement necklace, bracelet, or earrings.

Another option is to give her a small, one-of-a-kind bouquet to carry as she walks 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 roles 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 big moment, but it’s as much of a celebration for her as it is for you.

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