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Updated Oct 14, 2024The Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Dress Code
Mother knows (and dresses) best.
Photos, left to right: Tuckernuck, ELOQUII, Sachin & Babi
Your son is getting married, and you'll be by his side to see him off into married life. This means it's time to start searching for mother-of-the-groom dresses that'll help you shine. And we have great news: Over the years, etiquette concerning wedding attire for the mother of the groom has encouraged moms to wear a look that shows off their personal style, which means you'll have an easier time finding what you need.
To make your shopping experience go even smoother, we've rounded up the best mom-of-the-groom dresses for your child's wedding. Whether you're searching for a long, elegant gown for a ballroom wedding or a casual pick for a Western-themed celebration, the stunning options below have you covered. And if you have any questions while you browse, we also tapped Dallas-based influencer and designer Carla Rockmore for her best tips for dressing for the occasion while being yourself.
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Even though we have lots of mother-of-the-groom outfits below, you should also check out the following seasonal options. Once you pick the article relevant to you, click the heart in the top-left corner to save the article to Your Favorites, so you can look at it again whenever you're ready to buy your dress.
Top 10 Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses You Can Shop Now
Short on time? Don't worry, mama, we've got your back! Look at our favorite dresses for mothers of grooms right here.
- Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dress: Mac Duggal Embellished Beaded Column Cape Gown, $798
- Best Formal Mother-of-the-the-Groom Dress: ELOQUII Asymmetrical Velvet Strapless Gown, $200
- Best Black-Tie Mother-of-the-Groom Dress: Teri Jon Stretch Mikado Asymmetrical Off-Shoulder Cuff Gown in Raspberry, $930
- Best Cocktail Mother-of-the-Groom Dress: Tuckernuck Emerald Mirasol Jacquard Adelaide Dress, $298
- Best Semi-Formal Mother-of-the-Groom Dress: Lulus Zeline Dark Green Organza Pleated Drop Waist Maxi Dress, $99
- Best Casual Mother of-the-Groom Dress: Phase Eight Mira Ombré Dress, $395
- Most Trendy Mother-of-the-Groom Dress: BHLDN Jacquard Strapless Basque-Waist Corset Fit and Flare Wedding Gown, $348
- Most Classic Mother-of-the-Groom Dress: Alex Evenings Sequin A-Line Midi Dress and Jacket, from $219
- Most Affordable Mother-of-the-Groom Dress: BloomChic Glitter Mesh Petal Sleeve Midi Dress, $40
- Most Splurge-Worthy Mother-of-the-Groom Dress: Sachin & Babi Isla Gown, $995
The best mother-of-the-groom dresses: Top 10 | Cocktail | Simple | Unique | Formal | Casual
Plus: Shopping Tips
Mother-of-the-Groom Cocktail Dresses
More elevated than semi-formal attire, a cocktail dress code typically involves knee-length or midi dresses in a variety of colors and patterns. Still don't know where to start looking? Browse through the stunning frocks we found so you have the perfect fit for the wedding (and other festive occasions).
1. Sachin & Babi Shay Dress in Empress Green Roses
Size range: 0–14
2. Adrianna Papell Sleeveless Floral Beaded Embroidery Ruffle Midi Dress In Elegant Sky Multi
Photo: Adrianna Papell
Use our exclusive code: THEKNOT25 to get $25 off any purchase of $100.
Size range: 0–20
3. Mac Duggal Yellow Pleated Chiffon V-Neck Ruffle Midi Dress
Size range: 2–14
4. Azazie Mollina A-Line Ruffle Flutter Sleeve Metallic Mesh Dress
Size range: 0–30
5. Teri Jon 3/4 Sleeve Lace Fit and Flare Dress With Bow
Photo: Saks Fifth Avenue
Size range: 0–22
6. Mac Duggal Black Beaded Cap-Sleeve Empire Waist Sheath Midi Dress in Dark Mocha
Photo: Nordstrom
Size range: 2–20
7. BHLDN Jacquard Strapless Basque-Waist Corset Fit and Flare Wedding Gown
Size range: 00–16
8. AW Bridal Katheryn Dress
Use our exclusive code: AWKNOT10 to get 10% off.
Size range: 0–30 and custom sizing
9. Tuckernuck Emerald Mirasol Jacquard Adelaide Dress
Size range: XXS–XXXL
Simple Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses
Not everyone wants to wear an over-the-top dress for the wedding. That's why it's okay to go the simple route, while still looking fabulous. See what options we have that'll work for whatever wedding-related celebration you're attending. (Psst: Our favorite dress on the list is number 13, and we think it'll be yours too.)
10. Adrianna Papell Sleeveless Taffeta Floral Cutwork Midi Dress in Light Navy
Use our exclusive code: THEKNOT25 to get $25 off any purchase of $100.
Size range: 0–20
11. Azazie Naomi A-Line Boat Neck Pleated Chiffon Dress
Size range: 0–30
12. BloomChic Glitter Mesh Petal Sleeve Midi Dress
Photo: BloomChic
Size range: 10–30
Shop more like this: Plus-Size Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses
13. Lulus Zeline Dark Green Organza Pleated Drop Waist Maxi Dress
Use our exclusive code: THEKNOT25 to get 25% off first-time purchases on selected categories.
Size range: XS–XL
14. STAUD Mizu Dress Plisse in Earth
Size range: XS–XL
15. Lilly Pulitzer Bernice Maxi Dress in Lipstick Pink
Photo: Lilly Pulitzer
Size range: 00–16
16. Hyacinth House Navy & Indigo Jacquard Archibald Maxi Dress
Photo: Tuckernuck
Size range: XXS–XXL
17. Phase Eight Harper Plisse Dress
Size range: 2–22
18. Karen Millen Taffeta Off-the-Shoulder Figure Form Maxi Dress
Size range: XS–L
Unique Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses
Even though you're not the one getting married, there will be plenty of moments when you'll be in the spotlight. That said, we highly suggest shopping for eye-catching outfits if you're not afraid of wearing something unique. See what we found at some of the top stores for modern mother-of-the-groom dresses—some of which are current mother-of-the-groom dress trends.
19. Mac Duggal Embellished Beaded Column Cape Gown
Size range: 2–20
20. ELOQUII Flowy Sheer Cape Dress in Serenity
Photo: ELOQUII
Size range: 14–32
21. Adrianna Papell Sequin Embroidered Gown in Black Blue
Use our exclusive code: THEKNOT25 to get $25 off any purchase of $100.
Size range: 0–20
22. Teri Jon Taffeta Floral Print Shirt Dress in Blush Multi
Photo: Neiman Marcus
Size range: 0–22
23. ELOQUII Dramatic Ruffle Gown in Bright Orange
Size range: 14–32
24. Lulus Elizabeth Lime Green One-Shoulder Bell Sleeve Maxi Dress
Photo: Lulus
Use code THEKNOT25 for 25% off first-time purchases on selected categories.
Size range: XS–XL
25. Tadashi Shoji Nyssa Bishop-Sleeve Gown in Begonia
Size range: 2–18
26. Reformation Camille Velvet Dress in Romance
Size range: 0–12
27. Farm Rio Blue Artisanal Embroidered Lace Front Bow Maxi Dress
Size range: XXS–XL
Formal Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses
Elegant mother-of-the-groom dresses aren't hard to come by—we know because we've done the research. To guide your shopping experience, we picked stylish and classic looks to work for your formal event. From striking, red-carpet worthy drop-waist gowns to beautiful and regal dresses with column silhouettes, we have what you need.
28. Betsy & Adam Off-The-Shoulder Sleeveless Long Sheath Dress
Photo: Macy's
Size range: 6–18
29. Teri Jon Stretch Mikado Asymmetrical Off-Shoulder Cuff Gown in Raspberry
Photo: Bloomingdale's
Size range: 0–22
30. Alex Evenings Sequin A-Line Midi Dress and Jacket
Size range: 6–18
31. ELOQUII Asymmetrical Velvet Strapless Gown
Size range: 14–32
32. Mestiza Adelina Gown in Black Gold
Photo: Mestiza
Size range: XS–XL
33. Lulus Gowning Around Yellow Floral Jacquard Strapless Maxi Dress
Photo: Lulus
Use code THEKNOT25 for 25% off first-time purchases on selected categories.
Size range: XXS–XXL
34. Azazie Dion Sheath Scoop Stretch Crepe Dress
Size range: 0–30
35. Sachin & Babi Isla Gown
Size range: 0–14
36. Karen Millen Premium Slinky Crepe High Neck Scarf Detail Maxi Dress
Size range: XS–L
Casual Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses
Listen, not all mother-of-the-groom wedding dresses need to fit a black-tie dress code. Nowadays, lots of couples are opting for a more casual affair, which means guests and VIPs have the chance to wear relaxed attire. See what laid-back choices you have for your future celebration. (And since we know you're already wondering, yes, we do have one dress on our list that has pockets.)
37. Farm Rio Pink Richelieu Lenzing Ecovero Viscose Maxi Dress
Size range: XXS–XL
Shop more like this: Boho Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses
38. Tuckernuck Garden Green Embroidered Malene Dress
Photo: Tuckernuck
Size range: XXS–XXXL
39. Mestiza Farfalle Midi Dress
Photo: Mestiza
Size range: XS–XL
40. The Somerset Cotton Embroidered Eyelet Maxi Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: XXSP–3X
41. Lane Bryant Lena V-Neck Level-Hem Midi Dress
Photo: Lane Bryant
Size range: 12P–28
42. Phase Eight Mira Ombré Dress
Size range: 2P–22
43. Maeve The Mona Linen Shirt Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Size range: XXSP-3X
44. Reformation Briony Dress in Ode
Size range: 0–12
45. Azazie Durant A-Line Pleated Chiffon Dress
Size range: 0–30
Mother-of-the-Groom Dress Shopping Tips
As the mother of the groom, finding the perfect dress for your child's wedding can be a bit overwhelming at times. You want to look your stylish best while still being comfortable enough to celebrate the occasion. Keep reading to see Rockmore's best tips for finding a dress you're sure to love. (Once you're done reading her advice, see where to buy mother-of-the-groom dresses.)
Color Yourself Gorgeous
While you can't go wrong with classic mother-of-the-groom dress colors like navy, black or burgundy, don't feel restricted by these choices. "When shopping for your special dress, look for your favorite color, so you always look fabulous and feel confident wearing it," Rockmore suggests. "Find a color that complements your eyes so that minimal makeup is required. Happy tears are coming."
Consider Your Shoes
"Wear comfortable shoes so you can dance a lot and enjoy yourself!" Rockmore says. Just ensure your mother-of-the-groom shoes balance style with comfort, especially if your son is getting married outdoors or in more "rugged" terrain (think: ranches, mountain venues or barns). "When shopping for heels, always look for a platform to ensure comfort. There's also nothing wrong with wearing flats," she adds.
Try Adding a Little Sparkle
Don't be afraid to add accessories that let your personality shine through. "I recommend wearing something like a pair of sparkly earrings or a statement necklace—something that brings light to your face!" Rockmore says. You can also find outfit enhancers that fit the wedding theme. For example, a belt with a chunky buckle would go great with a casual, Western wedding dress.
Additional reporting by Kate Boswell.
Additional market work by Doireann Mangan.
