Keep It Cool With the 18 Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Summer

Even moms deserve to keep cool while looking hot.
Three mother of the groom dress ideas
Photos, from left to right: Sachin & Babi, Anthropologie, Mac Duggal
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by
Lauren Whalley
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Lauren Whalley
Fashion Editor, Beauty & Inclusivity
  • Lauren writes and edits articles for The Knot Worldwide, with a specialty in fashion, beauty and size inclusivity.
  • Prior to The Knot Worldwide, Lauren worked in wedding editorial for Brides, Style Me Pretty and Enaura Bridal.
  • Lauren studied public relations and advertising at the University of Central Florida.
Updated May 07, 2024
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Let's be honest: picking out mother-of-the-groom dresses for summer feels a tad more complex than selecting an outfit for just any other wedding. Finding that dream dress is a balancing act. You want to stay cool but still look dressed up for the occasion. You want to shine but not overshadow. You also want to honor the couple's color palette while expressing your personality. So yes, there is much to account for but here's the good news: this is an exciting experience where fashion, function and festivity meet. So, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of making sure you stand out for all the right reasons at your son's summer wedding.

In this article:

What Should the Mother-of-the-Groom Wear to a Summer Wedding?

For summer weddings, mother-of-the-groom want to wear lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, silk, or linen, which are ideal for staying cool and comfortable. Opt for dresses or outfits that offer a bit of airflow without compromising on formality, especially if this summer wedding takes place outdoors or in a tropical destination. If the wedding dress code isn't black-tie or formal, you can opt for a tea-length or midi dress that keeps it elegant without compromising comfort in warmer temps.

It's also proper mother-of-the-groom dress etiquette to avoid white, cream or anything too close to the bride's dress color. Luckily, summer is the perfect time to lean into bold colors and fun prints. Vibrant florals are a big yes for this time of year, given that they're both joyful and sophisticated. If bold isn't your thing, intricate lace in a soft color can be incredibly flattering and never goes out of style. If you're daring, a sleek jumpsuit is en vogue and ideal for a chic, modern look that gives serious summer style.

The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Summer Weddings

Selecting the best dresses for the mother-of-the-groom attending a summer wedding requires the perfect blend of style, comfort, and formality. Here are some of my top editor-picked recommendations for dresses that will check off all the boxes:

AW Bridal Pine Dress

AW Bridal Pine mother of the groom Dress
Photo: AW Bridal

This tea-length mother-of-the-groom dress for summer is effortlessly elegant thanks to its soft, flowing silhouette. Available in 25 gorgeous hues, this dress has more than a few shades that are perfect for summer while remaining classy. It features a flattering knee length, ensuring you stay comfortable throughout the ceremony and reception. From beachfront vows to a chic city affair, its classic design allows for versatile styling. Pair with minimal jewelry and sleek heels for an effortlessly sophisticated look.

Size range: 0-30; Custom Sizes Available

Azazie Endora Chiffon Asymmetrical Dress

Blue Chiffon Asymmetrical mother of the groom Dress
Photo: Azazie

This blue mother-of-the-groom dress is like a breath of fresh summer air in its ethereal dusty hue and lace chiffon fabric. The asymmetrical cut adds a modern twist to traditional elegance, suitable for formal and semi-formal wedding codes. Accessorize with silver or pearl details to enhance its charm, creating a memorable look that you'll be happy you went with far beyond the wedding day.

Size range: 0-30; Custom Sizes Available

Lane Bryant V-Neck Elastic-Waist Dress

Lane Bryant Floral V-Neck Elastic-Waist mother of the groomDress
Photo: Lane Bryant

You'll feel pretty in pink in this mother-of-the-groom dress made for an outdoor summer wedding. Its comfort meets chic design caters to a relaxed yet refined aesthetic, perfect for an outdoor summer wedding. The elastic waistband offers comfort and style, cinching at just the right point to flatter the figure, while the V-neck adds a touch of sophistication. Pair it with wedged sandals and a statement clutch to complete the look.

Size range: 12-28

Lulus Beyond Fabulous Blue Floral Organza One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Blue Floral Organza One-Shoulder mother of the groom Maxi Dress
Photo: Lulus

Looking for a budget-friendly mother-of-the-groom dress for summer? The lively print of this Lulus floral maxi dress features a refined organza fabric, while the one-shoulder silhouette highlights a modern yet timeless appeal. This navy blue dress is a wonderful choice for both daytime and evening festivities, promising to complement a variety of summer wedding dress codes.

Size range: XS-XL

BHLDN Leila Deep-V Flutter-Sleeve Satin A-Line Gown

Deep-V Flutter-Sleeve Green Satin A-Line mother of the groom Gown
Photo: Anthropologie

Spring meets summer with this satin A-line gown from BHLDN. This floral mother-of-the-groom dress epitomizes understated elegance, featuring a delicate deep-V neckline and flutter sleeves that conjure an air of romance. The satin A-line silhouette easily complements a variety of body types, making it a perfect choice for an outdoor summer wedding. The dress's versatility ensures it fits seamlessly into any wedding style, from classic to contemporary.

Size range: 0-26W

Tadashi Shoji Embroidered Floral Lace Pleated Off-the-Shoulder Dress

Blue Floral Lace Pleated Off-the-Shoulder mother of the groom Dress
Photo: Nordstrom

In my opinion, the Tadashi Shoji Embroidered Floral Lace Pleated Off-the-Shoulder Dress is an immediate add-to-cart. The dress has gorgeous lace details, with delicate floral embroidery sweeping across a softly pleated skirt. The off-the-shoulder neckline makes it perfect for formal summer evenings. Pair with understated jewelry and a sleek clutch to let this stunning piece take center stage.

Size range: 2-24W

Adrianna Papell Painterly Floral Print off the Shoulder Gown With Twisted Bust

Floral Print off the Shoulder mother of the bride Gown With Twisted Bust
Photo: Adrianna Papell

The Adrianna Papell gown is a canvas of vibrant summer hues, featuring a bright pink floral print that evokes the season's vibrancy. Its off-the-shoulder design and twisted bust detail offer a fresh take on mother-of-the-groom attire, promising comfort and style through the day's celebrations. Suitable for various wedding settings, this piece can be effortlessly styled up or down to match the couple's desired dress code.

Size range: 0-20

Mac Duggal Bow Detail Tiered Satin A-Line Gown

Blue Bow Detail Tiered Satin A-Line mother of the bride Gown
Photo: Nordstrom

This Mac Duggal mother-of-the-groom dress is a stunning choice for any elegant summer wedding - and its pastel hues will make you feel like you are wearing a literal work of art. It features a sophisticated bow detail, tiered layers for a touch of drama and a flattering A-line silhouette. Its satin finish gleams under the sun, perfect for outdoor ceremonies. Style it with minimalistic jewelry and a low bun for an effortlessly chic look.

Size range: 2-24

Alex Evenings Faux Two-Piece Cocktail Dress

Light blue Faux Two-Piece Cocktail mother of the bride Dress
Photo: Nordstrom

Ideal for semi-formal summer weddings, this elegant mother-of-the-groom dress offers the appearance of a two-piece set with the ease of a single dress. Its elegant lace bodice and sleek skirt create a harmonious blend of textures. Plus, it comes in multiple colors to easily find the shade that matches your personality.

Size range: 0-26W

Sachin & Babi Kayla Gown

pink floral mother of the bride gown
Photo: Sachin & Babi

When it comes to floor-length mother-of-the-groom dresses for summer, you can never go wrong with a pick from Sachin & Babi. The Kayla gown is breathtaking with its vivid pink hue and fantasia bloom patterns. Tailored for a summer garden wedding, its airy silhouette and vibrant color complement the season's liveliness. Just add soft curls and pearl earrings, and this enchanting look will be complete.

Size range: 0-14

Lane Bryant Satin Halter-Neck Maxi Dress

Blue Satin Halter-Neck mother of the bride Maxi Dress
Photo: Lane Bryant

This plus-size Lane Bryant maxi is the perfect casual mother-of-the-groom dress for mamas seeking simplicity with a touch of summer flair. Its halter neck adds a modern twist, while the satin material offers breezy comfort. Plus, the pattern is just begging to be worn to a beach or destination wedding. For summer vibrancy, go for a bold lip color and strappy sandals.

Size range: 12-28; Petite Sizes Available

Lauren Ralph Lauren Women's One-Shoulder Floral Gown

One-Shoulder Floral mother of the bride Gown
Photo: Macy's

A one-shoulder silhouette combined with a floral design makes this Lauren Ralph Lauren gown a truly iconic statement piece for an evening wedding. Accessorize this outdoor mother-of-the-groom dress with gold bangles and earrings to enhance its warm tones, or do as the model did and add a chic belt to accentuate your gorgeous waistline.

Size range: 2-14

Significant Other Lana Cowl-Neck Tie-Back Satin Maxi Dress

Blue Satin mother of the groom Maxi Dress
Photo: Anthropologie

There's just something about blue hues for a mother-of-the-groom dress that works thanks to its contemporary and sleek silhouette. Case-in-point: this oh-so-chic dress from Significant Other. Its cowl neck and tie-back detail offer a flattering fit, while the satin fabric keeps you cool. Ideal for beachfront vows, complement this sophisticated number with minimal jewelry and wedge heels.

Size range: 1-12

AW Bridal Romula Dress

AW Bridal Romula sage green mother of the bride Dress
Photo: AW Bridal

If classic modesty is your vibe, the Romula dress from AW Bridal will surely be right up your alley. This champagne mother-of-the-groom dress presents a delicate lace overlay and a graceful floor-length skirt, perfect for various wedding aesthetics from traditional to contemporary. Its sheer sleeves provide coverage while keeping the look light and airy.

Size range: 0-14; Custom Sizes Available

Mac Duggal Asymmetrical Halter-Neck Tiered Gown

Asymmetrical Halter-Neck Tiered mother of the bride Gown
Photo: Anthropologie

This Mac Duggal gown is a stunning choice for any elegant summer wedding. It features a sophisticated bow detail, tiered layers for a touch of drama, and a flattering A-line silhouette. Its satin finish gleams under the sun, perfect for outdoor ceremonies. Style it with minimalistic jewelry and a low bun for an effortlessly chic look.

Size range: 2-14

Azazie Palana Dress

Azazie Palana blue mother of the groom Dress
Photo: Azazie

Well hello, blue-tiful. This summer mother-of-the-grom dress is stunning in dusty blue but is available in nearly 30 different colors. Made from non-stretch chiffon and lace, it features flutter sleeves, a V-neck neckline and elegant lace embellished with pleating and a sash. Ideal for outdoor or beach weddings, this dress promises style without getting your dress covered in sand.

Size range: 0-30; Custom sizes available

Lane Bryant Lena V-Neck Level-Hem Midi Dress

Lena V-Neck Level-Hem orange and pink floral mother of the groom Midi Dress
Photo: Lane Bryant

With its flattering V-neckline and level hem, this midi plus-size mother-of-the-groom dress for summer is sure to make you feel like a ray of sunshine. Its breathable fabric ensures comfort throughout the day, while the silhouette flatters various body types, making it an all-around win for MOGs everywhere. Perfect for semi-formal and cocktail dress codes, this dress ticks all the boxes for style, comfort, and versatility.

Size range: 12-28

Sachin & Babi Jenny Gown

navy blue floral print mother of the bride gown
Photo: Sachin & Babi

Who says you can't wear a navy blue mother-of-the-groom dress in summer? This floor-length dress features a rich navy shade with a venetia petal print. The gown's floor-length cut and graceful silhouette offer a nod to classic sophistication, while its contemporary design speaks to modern trends. Designed for formal occasions, the Jenny Gown suits a variety of venues, from grand ballrooms to sophisticated vineyard settings.

Size range: 0-22W

Mac Duggal Floral Print Chiffon Wrap Flounce Sleeve Dress

Green Floral Print Chiffon Wrap Flounce Sleeve Dress
Photo: Mac Duggal

This summer mother-of-the-groom dress checks all the trendy boxes. It has vibrant colors, a floral design and plenty of tiered ruffled layers. Featuring a vibrant floral print, this dress brings a splash of color and a breath of fresh air to any wedding. The wrap silhouette ensures a flattering fit, while the flounce sleeves add a touch of whimsy. Style it with strappy sandals and light jewelry to embrace the summer season.

Size range: 2-24

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