24 Essential Mother-of-the-Bride Accessories to Complete Your Wedding Look

Check out our curation of great purses and hair accessories for a mother-of-the-bride outfit.
Collage of Mother of the Bride accessories
Photos, from clockwise: Jennifer Behr, Azazie, Anthropologie, Azazie
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by
Shelby Wax
shelby wax headshot
Shelby Wax
The Knot Contributor
  • Shelby is a contributing writer for The Knot covering all things weddings.
  • Shelby is a freelance writer for publications including Vogue, Over the Moon and Allure. She previously served as Senior Editor at Brides and Editor at Lonny Magazine.
  • Shelby graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Scripps College.
Updated Jul 31, 2024
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If your child is getting married, you might be wondering what great mother-of-the-bride accessories you can include in your ensemble for the big day. While there is no special dress code for the mother of someone getting married, you may want to step up your look with jewelry and accessories for such a meaningful moment with your family. Wedding purses for a mother of the bride can be multipurpose—stylish enough for photos and large enough to stash Kleenex for the ceremony. Hair accessories for the mother of the bride can be chic and elegant to elevate your coif, but not so bold that they take focus away from the couple.

Ahead, learn everything you need to know about mother-of-the-bride wedding accessories and see some recommendations to accent your look.

What Mother-of-the-Bride Accessories Do I Need?

When considering your accessories for the celebration, you first need to think about the dress code. The more formal the wedding, the more formal your look should be. For black tie mother-of-the-bride accessories, consider metallic or rhinestone accents that would complement a chic, colorful gown. If you are wearing a more neutral color like black or navy, try wearing a fun print and color that pops or choosing a style that has a unique texture like beading. While whites and creams are pretty choices to pair with formal looks, be careful not to wear any accessories that feel too bridal. Of course, be conscious of how your accessories might pair with your shoes, too. You don't want anything to clash.

While accessories are just accents to your overall look, they can be quite essential. A mother-of-the-bride clutch will be appreciated so you won't be constantly holding your phone in photos or lose items throughout the night, and hair accessories can help lock in a style as you hit the dance floor.

Mother-of-the-Bride Hair Accessories

As you are imagining your wedding day hairstyle, it's a good idea to begin brainstorming what hair accessories could elevate your aesthetic. A headband can be a great option if you plan to wear your hair down or you want to add a classic touch to an updo. If you're wearing your hair up, metallic hair clips, barrettes and ties are absolutely chic when included as an unexpected accent. Or, consider choosing a bolder accessory to make your hairstyle really stand out.

Gold Pleated Headband

Gold pleated headband
Photo: Tuckernuck

This chic Loeffler Randall headband is designed with pleated lamé fabric in a trendy puffy shape. The hair piece can keep your style secure, lend some glam shine to your ensemble and add a touch of sophistication to your wedding day attire.

Black Satin Ruffle Hair Clip

Large black scrunchie
Photo: Jennifer Behr

Want to do something unexpected with your hairstyle? We love this satin ruffle hair clip by Jennifer Behr, which brings a fun amount of texture to your ensemble. The fabric also covers the clip, allowing you to have a fun illusion to your look.

Gold Mixed Metal Hair Tie

Black and gold hair tie
Photo: Anthropologie

If you are planning to wear your hair in a ponytail for the wedding day, a mother-of-the-bride hair accessory like this gold metal hair tie can absolutely step up your look. This chic yet well-priced accessory will lend a cool touch to your classic pony.

Black and Crystal Headband

Black studded headband
Photo: Bloomingdale's

Want to add a subtle accent of shine to your mother-of-the-bride hair accessory? Try out this Lele Sadoughi headband. With petite rhinestones throughout the acetate band, you can add a glam moment to your look without going too bold.

Printed Padded Headband

Floral headband for wedding guest
Photo: Hill House Home

We love Hill House Home for their array of classic hair accessories for a mother of the bride as well as for brides and guests. This printed headband from the brand can lend a feminine, floral pop to an all-black mother-of-the-bride ensemble.

Crystal Bow Hair Clip

Diamond bow clip
Photo: Revolve

If you love a bow moment, make the trendy style perfect for your wedding day look with this stylish crystal clip. This hair accessory can be pinned to hold a half-up, half-down style or even secure a more intricate updo.

Black Knotted Barrette

Black sleek hairclip
Photo: Nordstrom

If elegance is your goal for your mother-of-the-bride hair accessory, look no further than this stylish black barrette by Alexandre de Paris. The beautiful twisted design would be the perfect accent to a sleek chignon or bun for an upscale event.

Pearl Ponytail Wrap

Pearl hair tie for updos
Photo: ASOS

Pearls are another amazing option if you want to bring a classic air to your mother of the bride look. This ponytail wrap accented with faux pearls can tie up any updo in style, from a sleek ponytail to a tight ballet bun.

Gold Crystal Headband

Gold diamond headband
Photo: Nordstrom

If you love a glam look, don't be afraid to embrace crystals for your mother-of-the-bride hair accessories. This thin gold headband covered in the gems can easily integrate into your hairstyle whether you wear your hair up or down for the celebration.

Gold Mixed Enamel Barrettes

Gold clips with pearl details
Photo: Anthropologie

You can integrate some fun patterns into your hairstyle without opting for a fabric headband. These barrettes from Anthropologie are both a sleek fastener that can elevate your updo and an easy way to bring some personality to your beauty look.

Mother-of-the-Bride Purses & Clutches

Should a mother of the bride carry a clutch on her child's wedding day? Not necessarily, but there are some incredibly chic options available that can pull together a MOB's ensemble. Ahead, we round up some stylish picks from bold shoulder bags to classic clutches that can pair with a wide variety of personal styles.

Silver Beaded Clutch

Silver beaded clutch with strap
Photo: Lulus

A clutch is always an elegant option for a mother of the bride purse. This silver style has a scalloped envelope-like enclosure and a pretty beaded design full of movement. A chain also allows you to easily carry it through the night.

Gold Pleated Dinner Clutch Bag

Gold pleated clutch for wedding guests
Photo: Azazie

If gold is a better fit for your color palette, you might like this small embellished clutch from Azazie. With a unique pleated fabric design across the bag, this mother-of-the-bride clutch purse can work well for a black- or white-tie event.

Black Shoulder Bag With Beaded Handle

Unique black leather bag
Photo: Anthropologie

If you love to make a fashion statement, don't be afraid to have some fun with your mother-of-the-bride accessories. For a modern vibe, consider pairing your ensemble with this shoulder bag with a unique, multi-string handle with bold, black spheres.

Silver Crocodile Embossed Crossbody Bag

Silver crocodile embossed clutch
Photo: Nordstrom

Want to invest in a bag that you can use on date nights as well as formal events? We are fans of this silver croc-embossed bag by Rebecca Minkoff. The crossbody has a glitzy shine that can take you from the reception dance floor to a night out.

Black Pleated Bag With Bow and Gold Chain

Black pleated bag with gold chain
Photo: Bloomingdales

You can't go wrong with this Loeffler Randall purse inspired by their iconic bow shoe. Available in colors like black, champagne, gold and pearl, this versatile bag can hold a nice amount of essentials while bringing a lovely touch to your outfit thanks to its high quality pleating and hardware.

Beaded Mini Circle Bag

Black beaded circle bag
Photo: ASOS

One way to take your mother of the bride look to the next level is with a statement bag. Enter this chic beaded style from ASOS. The circular shape of the purse gives it a cool silhouette while the black beads amp up the elegance.

Gold Woven Clutch With Chain

Gold chain bag for guests
Photo: Anthropologie

If you love the woven purse aesthetic, you can make it part of your mother-of-the-bride accessories without breaking the bank. This golden clutch with an optional chain from Anthropologie is absolutely perfect for an evening look and has plenty of room to put in essentials to get you through the wedding day.

Black Velvet Clutch With Gold Rhinestone Embellishment

Black velvet clutch with gold detailing
Photo: Azazie

Need an accessory look for a formal winter wedding? Choose a mother of the bride purse designed with seasonal fabrics like velvet. This black velvet clutch with gold hardware and rhinestone embellishments feels tasteful, formal and perfect for a winter celebration.

Satin Rose Clutch with Crystal Lock

Rose gold clutch with gold chain
Photo: Revolve

Don't be afraid to choose a mother of the bride purse with color. This satin style by olga berg feels absolutely elegant thanks to its cool rose gold shade and crystal rosette closure at the top of the bag. The purse also has a chain if you want to easily carry it on the dance floor.

Black Beaded Clutch

Black beaded clutch
Photo: Lulus

If your style leans a bit more bohemian, you may be a fan of this beaded clutch from Lulus. The gold, silver and black design with cloud and diamond-inspired shapes is bold enough to complement a more simple gown to create a statement-making look.

Rhinestone Crystal Clutch

Large crystal purse
Photo: Revolve

If you're not shy with your accessory choices, consider purchasing this crystal-covered clutch for your wedding wardrobe. With large glass rhinestones that create a bold texture on the surface of the bag, the style is sure to glam up your mother-of-the-bride accessories.

Black Leather Crossbody With Gold Chain and Clasp

Sleek black leather back with gold strap
Photo: Bloomingdales

A mother-of-the-bride purse can be a sleek and classic style that you can wear every single day as well. While this Sandro style might be a bit more simple, the beautiful gold hardware and thoughtful construction makes it a beautiful design that can nicely pair with a formal gown.

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