What to Wear to a Bridal Shower as the Mother of the Bride

A stylist gives tips on finding the perfect outfit for this special event.

Three mother-of-the-bride outfits for bridal showers

Photos, left to right: Eloquii, Ralph Lauren, Talbots

Updated Sep 26, 2024

In the midst of all the planning, it's easy to get confused about the proper mother-of-the-bride bridal shower attire. As the mom of the guest of honor, you're going to be chatting with just about everyone, taking part in tons of photos, and maybe even making a speech or hosting games. Whatever the bridal shower vibe or theme, you will want to look polished and put together in a look that stands out (without overshadowing the bride, of course). It can be hard to figure out what to wear to your daughter's bridal shower, no matter if it's formal, casual or somewhere in between. Read on for tips and outfit ideas you'll want to shop now.

In this article:

What is Mother-of-the-Bride Bridal Shower Attire?
25 Dresses for a Bridal Shower for the Mother of the Bride

What is Mother-of-the-Bride Bridal Shower Attire?

Finding a dress or outfit first means having a good idea of what mother-of-the-bride attire should be. "Whether opting for a tailored dress or a more loose, flowy style, the look should feel polished yet relaxed, embracing the joyful spirit of the bridal shower while remaining comfortable and photogenic," says stylist Olivia Dicopoulos, co-founder and chief creative officer of Fytted.

Fortunately, there aren't a ton of rules to follow. The biggest thing to remember is that you should avoid anything white since that's typically reserved for the bride. Dicopoulos recommends staying away from very bold prints or overly eye-catching styles, which may draw too much attention away from the bride. "However, this doesn't mean you can't express your personal style or take fashion risks," she says. "You should feel free to wear something that makes you feel confident and reflects your excitement." She says you can still opt for vibrant colors and pretty patterns, just be sure it doesn't feel overwhelming, especially compared to the bride's look.

The appropriate attire ultimately depends on the bridal shower itself. You want to keep the theme, location and any dress code in mind when looking for an outfit. "The goal is to complement the event and enhance the overall atmosphere," Dicopoulos says. To stand out from other bridal shower guests, pick an outfit that directly relates to the theme or that is maybe a bit more formal than what everyone else would wear.

Your mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress also doesn't need to be too much like the dress you're wearing to the wedding. In fact, it should be pretty different. "The bridal shower dress can be lively, while the wedding day dress should maintain an understated elegance," Dicopoulos says. Don't feel pressured to wear the same color or the same style, and instead have fun with this more casual vibe.

25 Dresses for a Bridal Shower for the Mother of the Bride

When shopping for a bridal shower dress, you want something you feel comfortable and confident in—don't select something you dislike wearing just for the sake of impressing others. "Comfort is essential, so choose fabrics like chiffon, silk or lace that feel both luxurious and breathable," Dicopoulos advises. She also recommends choosing colors that complement your personal color palette. And, of course, try to make sure your look works with the theme or colors. "The key is to balance style with appropriateness of the occasion," she says.

Tuckernuck Navy Elsa Dress

Tuckernuck navy mother-of-the-bride dress for bridal shower

Keep your look simple and effortlessly chic with this knee-length navy blue dress. Features like puff sleeves, a waist tie and a gathered ribbed neckline make it anything but boring, but it's still versatile enough to be worn elsewhere. You can also easily dress it up more with accessories.

Size Range: XXS–XXXL

$198 | Tuckernuck

Adrianna Papell Knit Crepe Bow Sheath Dress

Adrianna Papell blue knit mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

Classic and a bit on the formal side, this sheath dress is both versatile and minimalist. It's made of a thick crepe with a stretchy compression feel and three-quarter sleeves, so it's comfortable and fitted. The self-tie at the waist can be done in a pretty bow and is adjustable.

Size Range: 0–26

$129 | Adrianna Papell

Eloquii Cross-Front Flutter Sleeve Dress

Eloquii blue mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

Made of a soft, stretch-knit fabric, this mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress is comfortable and chic all at once. It has a tie detail at the waist for some dimension and loose, elbow-length sleeves.

Size Range: 14–32

$100 | Eloquii

Chico's Ponte Rib Trim Maxi Dress

Chico's blue maxi mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

If you're keeping things more casual but still want to look chic, opt for this low-key maxi dress. Dicopoulos recommends A-line silhouettes like this one for a classic and easy look because they're so versatile and never go out of style. This one can easily be dressed up or down as needed.

Size Range: 02/XS–20/22 XXL in regular or petite

$159 | Chico's

Dress the Population Livia Fit & Flare Dress

Dress the Population fuchsia mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

This fit-and-flare dress has a simple and timeless silhouette and is a versatile option that can work for almost any theme, venue or time of year. It's available in a few different bright colors, with a high neck and a pretty scoop back.

Size range: XXS–XXL

$198 | Nordstrom

Lauren Women Floral Metallic Chiffon Cocktail Dress

Ralph Lauren floral mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

If the bridal shower calls for a cocktail attire dress code, this metallic floral dress is a beautiful option. Dicopoulos encourages playing around with floral prints, especially if they fit in with the shower's theme, and this one is very pretty without being too bold. The pleated skirt and wrap-style bodice are beautiful details.

Size Range: 14–24

$295 | Ralph Lauren

Talbots Luxe Ponte Belted Midi Dress

Talbots black midi mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

This black midi dress offers sophistication and elegance all while keeping things clean and simple. The included belt adds some shape, but this is otherwise a very versatile shift dress that you can wear way beyond the bridal shower.

Size Range: 2–24, also available in petite

$179 | Talbots

Antoni Melani Christina Lace Square Neck Maxi Dress

Antoni Melani pink lace mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

If you're looking for something more unique, this bright fuschia dress is a great option. With the all-over lace, square neck and longer length, this is a feminine option that is especially perfect for a spring or summer event.

Size range: 0–14

$209 | Dillard's

Karen Millen Bobble Detail Balloon Sleeve Cable Knit Midaxi Dress

Karen Millen red mother-of-the-bride knit bridal shower dress

If you're throwing your daughter a bridal shower in the middle of winter, when it's cold and you just want to be cozy, this dress is a beautiful choice. It's made with a thick, comfortable cable knit viscose, with a chunky turtleneck and waist-cinching detail.

Size Range: XS–L

$339 | Karen Millen

Shoshanna Addison Ribbed A-Line Midi Dress

Shoshanna Addison flared mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

There's a lot to love about this feminine midi dress. The jewel neckline, flared skirt and tie waist belt make it feel sophisticated, while the ribbed texture and pistachio color make it interesting and stylish. It would look pretty during the spring, summer or fall as mother-of-the-bride bridal shower attire.

Size Range: XS–XL

$460 | Neiman Marcus

Lulu's Let Me Entertain You Dark Green Satin Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

Lulus satin mother-of-the-bride bridal shower jumpsuit

If dresses aren't your thing, an elegant jumpsuit is a great alternative. This one features a relaxed wide leg, with a shimmering fabric and a tie at the waist. It's lightweight and comfortable and would work great for the spring, fall or winter.

Size Range: XS–XXL

$69 | Lulu's

Tuckernuck Midnight Garden Lyles Dress

Tuckernuck floral mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

Available in two different pretty floral prints, this midi dress is a good mix of casual and slightly more formal. The sash around the waist comes in a contrasting color that looks nice against the print and many will appreciate the warmth of longer sleeves.

Size Range: XXS–XXXL

$298 | Tuckernuck

Mac Duggal Ieena Long Sleeve Pant Suit

Mac Duggal pink mother-of-the-bride bridal shower pantsuit

This crepe jumpsuit is another good alternative to a dress. It feels dressed up enough for a more formal bridal shower and is made of a comfortable crepe fabric. The long statement sleeves make it feel more stylish and it comes in a pretty soft pink shade.

Size Range: 0–10

$458 | Macy's

Talbots Mockneck Sweater Dress

Talbots mock neck sweater mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

A more casual shower calls for a more casual dress. This sweater dress features a longer length, a mock neck and pretty details like buttons down the back that make it feel dressed up enough without leaving you feeling overdressed. Plus, the mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress is cozy and comfy and is available in plus and petite sizes.

Size Range: XS–3X regular and petite

$159 | Talbots

Maggy London Metallic Floral Tiered Ruffle Asymmetric Dress

Maggy London floral mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

With a unique floral pattern, ruffles and an asymmetric hem, this dress is a beautiful choice for a spring or summer bridal shower. It would look so pretty with a pair of sandals and the pattern means you can keep it simple with accessories.

Size Range: 0–14

$168 | Nordstrom

DKNY Round Neck Ruched Crepe Short-Sleeve Sheath Dress

Navy round neck short sleeve dress for mother of the bride bridal shower attire

It's hard to go wrong with a classic sheath dress, whether you're dressing it up to be more formal or keeping it more laid-back. Pair the spring navy shade with a bright pop of color or low-key accessories.

Size Range: 4–14

$129 | Dillard's

Sachin & Babi Anaisha Tiered Floral Print Midi Dress

Sachin & Babi floral midi mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

The front cut-out and gathered detail on this dress make it stand out among other floral options. In the darker shade of blue, it feels more subtle and also makes it a lot more versatile—you could easily wear this at any time of year.

Size Range: 0–14

$425 | Neiman Marcus

Kiyonna Vienna Maxi Dress

Kiyonna green mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

Simple and casual, this maxi dress is one you'll wear to the bridal shower and beyond. It's great for a low-key backyard affair and is available in solid shades and prints. It's soft, lightweight and airy, and looks great with flats or heels.

Size Range: X–5X

$138 | Kiyonna

Steve Madden Bei Smocked-Waist Tiered High-Low Dress

Steve Madden tiered mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

With blouson sleeves, a tiered ruffle skirt and a flowy feel, this mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress is great for more of a boho vibe. You can easily dress it up with heels and nice jewelry, or keep it more simple and casual with boots.

Size Range: XS–XL

$139 | Macy's

Banana Republic Crepe Deep V-Neck Jumpsuit

Banana Republic mother-of-the-bride bridal shower jumpsuit

Chic and sophisticated, this V-neck jumpsuit comes in a deep red wine color and is made of a soft crepe fabric. It has a more relaxed fit that looks great and will also leave you feeling comfortable when you're setting up and cleaning up.

Size Range: XS–XL

$160 | Banana Republic Factory

MSK Plus-Size Printed Split-Neck Smocked-Waist Dress

MSK floral plus-size mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

What makes this plus-size mother-of-the-bride bridal shower attire stand out is the floral ombré design and flattering smocked waist. The pink shade and flowers make it the perfect dress for a spring event.

Size range: 1X–3X

$109 | Macy's

BHLDN Lucia Corset Tie Stretch Crepe Midi Dress

BHLDN pink midi mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

Opt for something feminine and delicate with this stretch crepe dress. It has a classic straight silhouette, with trendy details like bow ties on the straps and a corset-like bodice. The pink is really pretty, but you can also opt for a more simple black.

Size range: XXS–3X

$198 | Anthropologie

Socialite Crinkle Tiered Sleeveless Midi Dress

Socialite green midi mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

The crinkly texture and tiered skirt of this midi dress give it a low-key and relaxed vibe. It's great for a more casual bridal shower where you still want to look and feel nice. It's available in a few different colors and the lightweight fabric and sleeveless look make it great for summer events.

Size Range: XS–XL

$98 | Nordstrom

Adrianna Papell Lace Sleeveless Midi Dress

Adrianna Papell green lace mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

This floral lace dress would fit right in at a bridal shower that takes place outside in the spring or summer. The bright green is different without being too bold and the sheer neck and hem are nice details.

Size Range: 0–20

$199 | Adrianna Papell

Kiyonna Mademoiselle Lace Cocktail Dress with Sleeves

Kiyonna black lace mother-of-the-bride bridal shower dress

This simple lace dress is ideal for chillier weather, like a shower during the fall or winter. It has elbow-length sleeves, with all-over lace and a swingy skirt. It's also available in several darker hues that fit those seasons. And while it has a bit of a formal feel, it's not too formal to wear to a bridal shower.

Size Range: XS–XL

$168 | Macy's