What to Look For in Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses for an Outdoor Wedding, Plus 18 Styles that Fit the Bill

Before you can think about mother-of-the-bride dresses for an outdoor wedding, you need to think about the role of the ​​mother of the bride. "We like to think of the mother of the bride's role as the 'queen of the family,'" says Slisha Kankariya, SVP of e-commerce and digital marketing at Adrianna Papell, a go-to label for mothers of the bride. "She's the stately, elegant matriarch, and her look should reflect that maturity and refinement."

The rule applies to all types of weddings, but for outdoor weddings in particular, Kankariya notes a few elements to look for in mother-of-the-bride dresses. "Hemlines shouldn't be full length because you don't want the dress to drag in the dirt or trip you on uneven terrain," she says. Plus, "a higher hem is a great way to adapt the mother-of-the-bride look for an outdoor venue. Look for a midi or a tea-length dress instead of a full-length gown." (She suggests suiting, too; a polished and unique alternative to a dress.)

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As for color, don't be afraid to go bold in outdoor wedding attire. "Deep greens are a major color story right now and will also look fantastic in an outdoor setting," Kankariya says. "Another great option is to match the scenery in florals and botanical-inspired patterns." Beyond that, though, think simple. "Lots of embellishments like a fully beaded or sequined dress would look out of place in an outdoor setting," Kankariya says. (Pro tip: Remember that the mother of the bride will be in group photos, so her look should also coordinate—or at least not clash—with the rest of the wedding party.)

Finally, consider fabrication—especially when dealing with seasonal shifts. "Chiffon and lace are light and airy, which make them classic choices for warm weather weddings; for autumn and winter mother-of-the-bride dresses, we like heavier-weight fabrics like velvet and jacquard," Kankariya suggests.

Once you have your perfect look squared away, focus on the finishing touches. Make sure you have your dress in hand at least one month before the wedding so there's time for alterations—and in the meantime, focus on accessories. "Buy a matching shawl, wrap or jacket," Kankariya says, "and a matching umbrella to keep at the ready in case of unpredictable weather."

Below, we've considered all this and more for you, curating a list of 18 shoppable styles that check all the outdoor boxes.

The Best Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses for an Outdoor Wedding

Considering the expert advice offered by Kankariya, we rounded up 18 pretty mother-of-the-bride dresses for outdoor weddings that are sure to shine (including a handful of Kankariya's picks from Adrianna Papell). Enjoy the shopping process and find something you love—but be sure to check in with the to-be-weds. "It's always a good idea to get approval for your mother-of-the-bride look from the happy couple before purchasing," Kankariya recommends. "Avoid any issues by going straight to the source."

1. Adrianna Papell Sleeveless Mikado Fit and Flare Midi Dress in Luxe Plum

Photo: Adrianna Papell

Tailoring is key to making any garment look elevated and sophisticated. This Adrianna Papell dress is a perfect example. "This style uses expert tailoring to create a flattering and forgiving fit; there's no horizontal waist seam, so it lays flat in the front, " says Kankariya. "Princess seams in the front and back meet with the skirt pleats to craft that perfect fit-and-flare silhouette. Plus—pockets!"

Size Range: 0-20 | Colors: 7

2. Tuckernuck Baroque Floral Irina Dress

Photo: Tuckernuck

Rustic mother-of-the-bride dresses for an outdoor wedding can be like needles in a haystack—pun intended—as it can be difficult to strike a balance between casual and sophisticated. This style from Tuckernuck, however, toes the line beautifully, with a nature-inspired print in earthy tones, half-length sleeves and a V-neckline. Pair it with wedges or boots for a barn or backyard wedding.

Size Range: XXS–XXXXL | Colors: 1

3. AW Bridal Keira Dress in Sage Garden Party

Photo: AW Bridal

Springtime weddings call for floral infusions—and we're not just talking about the decor. Botanicals are a great print option for garden mother-of-the-bride dresses at an outdoor wedding (though note this chic style comes in dozens of solids for other seasons, as well!). Pro tip: Make sure you know what surface the aisle will be made of before choosing a dress, as you'll want to avoid dragging a long hemline through dirt if possible.

Size Range: 0–30, custom sizing available | Colors: 33

4. Staud Millie Dress in Navy

Photo: Saks Fifth Avenue

Who doesn't love a shirtdress? The style gets an elevated twist in this daytime mother-of-the-bride dress for an outdoor wedding and yet still screams summer. Pair this with statement diamond pieces—a tennis necklace or sizable studs—to dress it up, or colorful and whimsical accessories to dress it down. Either way, you'll be a stunning "something blue."

Size range: 00–10 | Colors: 1

5. Adrianna Papell Velvet Tie Front Sheath Dress With Bell Sleeves in Dark Brown

Photo: Adrianna Papell

Kankariya recommends heavier-weight fabrics—like velvet or jacquard—for fall and winter outdoor weddings. "This dress balances wearability and sophistication in an on-trend chocolate brown color," she says. "Plush velvet with a touch of stretch adds a little give to the smart sheath silhouette."

Size Range: 0–20 | Colors: 1

6. Pomander Place Blue Blossom Samantha Dress in Blue Jacquard

Photo: Tuckernuck

Above-the-knee hems are totally acceptable—sometimes even encouraged!—at outdoor weddings, and styles like this prove that a shorter hemline can still read sophisticated and mature. The heavy jacquard fabric provides a nice contrast to bare legs and the puff sleeves are a modern and elevated detail.

Size Range: XXS–XXXL | Colors: 5

7. Sachin & Babi Kayla Gown in Campo Di Fiore

Photo: Sachin & Babi

Rendered in a lightweight crinkle georgette, this floaty floral maxi has destination mother-of-the-bride vibes (we're envisioning it at an outdoor wedding in Lake Como or along the Amalfi Coast). As noted by Kankariya, though, MOBs should look cohesive with the rest of the wedding party as they may appear in photographs together; make sure to get sign-off from the to-be-weds for boldly patterned looks like this one.

Size Range: 0–22W | Colors: 1

8. Rickie Freeman Teri Jon Formal Metallic Jacquard Floral Evening Gown in Charcoal Gold

Photo: Teri Jon

The idea that outdoor weddings call for a casual dress code has gone out the window; now, even black-tie affairs are sometimes held outdoors. If that's the case, opt for something full-length and in a darker color or rich jewel tone—but with a nod to nature. This statement style features metallic florals and is ideal for an evening event.

Size Range: 0–22 | Colors: 1

9. Adrianna Papell Floral Sequin Ankle Dress in Black Multi

Photo: Adrianna Papell

Though Kankariya leans toward shorter hemlines for an outdoor wedding, ankle-length or maxi mother-of-the-bride dresses for an outdoor wedding are a great alternative, especially for evening affairs. "For a more formal evening look, this style has tons of sparkle while still fitting into an outdoor setting," she says. "The timeless V-neck and A-line silhouette create exceptionally balanced proportions."

Size Range: 0–20 | Colors: 1

10. City Chic Enya Faux Wrap Dress in Spiced Plum

Photo: Nordstrom

If "figure-flattering" is high on the checklist, start with wrap-dress styles, a silhouette well known for enhancing all body types. This plus-size mother-of-the-bride dress for an outdoor wedding includes a sparkly belt, ruffle sleeves and a keyhole back design.

Size Range: 14–24 | Colors: 2

11. Sachin & Babi Alta Gown and Arteth Coat

Photo: Sachin & Babi

Outdoor cool-weather weddings call for darker tones—and coats! Look for a matching set to truly elevate your look, like this combination from Sachin & Babi. The coat can be worn for the outdoor elements, such as the ceremony and then removed once you hit the dance floor.

Size Range: S/M–L/XL (coat); 0–14 (gown) | Colors: 1

12. Amsale Floral Hand-Beaded Appliqué Dress in Lime

Photo: Amsale

A summer stunner and, yes, a major splurge, this handmade dress is worth the hype, with intricate beaded appliqués and a perfectly tailored fit made to order. Long known for its stunning bridal gowns, AMSALE has put a fresh focus on eveningwear and become one of our mother-of-the-bride go-tos. Plus, notes Kankariya, "A light touch of embellishment, like ruffles or a beaded accent, can set apart an evening look from a day look."

Size Range: 00–28 | Colors: 1

13. Azazie Naomi Dress in Terracotta

Photo: Azazie

This half-sleeve mother-of-the-bride dress is available in an astonishing 38 different colorways; for outdoor weddings, we recommend something earthy, like this reddish terracotta hue or a trending forest green. Regardless of color, you'll be comfortable in the floaty chiffon fabric.

Size Range: 0–30, custom sizing available | Colors: 38

14. Adrianna Papell Metallic Floral Lace Midi Dress With Illusion Neckline in Hunter Gold

Photo: Adrianna Papell

The best mother-of-the-bride dresses have a unique element that sets them apart from the sea of wedding guest dresses. Here, that's a cutout illusion lace at the neckline and hem. "Botanical inspiration and a touch of shimmer make this cocktail dress perfect for an outdoor wedding," Kankariya says. "It strikes the balance between upscale and easy to wear."

Size Range: 0–20 | Colors: 1

15. Simkhai Amory Cutout Cape Sleeve Gown in Midnight

Photo: Neiman Marcus

The epitome of elegance, this stunning Simkhai gown is as pretty as it is practical for a mother of the bride at an outdoor wedding. The hemline hovers above the floor at ankle length so it won't drag across the elements, the sleeves make a statement while providing warmth and the high-neck keyhole cape is a fashion moment all its own.

Size Range: 0–14 | Colors: 1

16. Destree Amoako Smart Jacket and Yoshi Smart Pants in Beige

Photo: Tuckernuck

Suiting is having a major moment in bridal and across the fashion board, and mothers of the bride are no exception. Look for something unique that sets each piece apart from the norm: Here it's the expertly tailored ankle-length pants and high-collar puff sleeve silhouette of the jacket. Pair the look with a statement shoe and pearl-embellished clutch.

Size Range: 34–42/US 2–10 (pants) XS–XL (jacket) | Colors: 1

17. Mac Duggal Empire Rosette Midi Dress in Midnight

Photo: Nordstrom

This stellar dress combines the look of eveningwear with an outdoor-appropriate tea-length hemline, making it a mother-of-the-bride option that checks all the boxes (and with a deep midnight or blushy rose colorway option, it fits into any season). The oversized rosette detail at the shoulder makes a statement that you're an important figure in the wedding.

Size Range: 0–16 | Colors: 2

18. Shoshanna Carlotta Dress

Photo: Rent The Runway

This is one of our favorite mother-of-the-bride dresses for an outdoor wedding in the spring or summer—it transitions seamlessly from a daytime garden ceremony to an alfresco evening reception. The piece is lined in pretty sky blue except for at the high neck, where cutout lace adds visual interest. Little to no accessorizing is needed, just add a cool clutch to carry the essentials.

Size Range: 0–12 | Colors: 1