The Best Summer Mother-of-the-Bride and -Groom Dresses for 2026

With your child's summer wedding approaching, finding the perfect dress as the mother of the bride or groom is likely at the top of your to-do list. The warmer season offers fresh opportunities to experiment with vibrant colors, playful prints, and breezy silhouettes, making the process of deciding what to wear to a summer wedding feel like an exciting celebration in itself. We've curated the best summer mother-of-the-bride and -groom dresses for the 2026 season to take the guesswork out of your search. Whether you're attending a sophisticated seaside soiree or a laid-back garden party, you're sure to find a style you'll love in our collection. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites and learn how to put together the perfect mother-of-the bride or -groom summer outfit.

In this article:

• The Knot Editors' Top Picks for Summer Mother-of-the-Bride & -Groom Dresses
• What to Look For in Mother-of-the-Bride and -Groom Dresses for Summer
• 25 Mother-of-the-Bride and Mother-of-the-Groom Summer Wedding Dresses to Shop Now

The Knot Editors' Top Picks for Summer Mother-of-the-Bride & -Groom Dresses

In a hurry? Here are a few summer mother-of-the-bride or mother-of-the-groom dresses you won't want to miss.

• The Best Formal Summer Gown for Mother of the Bride & Groom: Sachin & Babi Laurant Gown in Wild Steel Roses, $425
• The Best Semi-Formal Mother-of-the-Bride & -Groom Dress: Mac Duggal Embellished Floral Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress in Apricot, $358
• The Best Casual Mother-of-the-Bride & -Groom Dress: Quince Washable Stretch Silk High-Neck Midi Dress in Vintage Navy Roses, $150
• The Best Plus-Size Mother-of-the-Groom & -Bride Dress: Azazie Emmeline Dress in Rosette, $199
• The Best Floral Mother-of-the-Bride & -Groom Dress for a Summer Garden Wedding: Adrianna Papell One-Shoulder Floral Garden Beaded Gown in Navy Multi, $369

What to Look For in Mother-of-the-Bride and -Groom Dresses for Summer

Choosing the perfect summer mother-of-the-bride or -groom dress involves balancing style with comfort. Follow these tips to navigate fabric, silhouette and sleeve length, ensuring you feel confident and cool in your mother-of-the-groom or -bride summer outfit.

Fabric

For a summer wedding, the mother of the bride or groom should wear lightweight, breathable fabrics that offer a formal aesthetic without trapping heat. Keep an eye out for:

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

• Chiffon, Organza or Georgette: The ultimate lightweight, sheer and floaty fabrics that catch the breeze beautifully.
• Silk or Satin Charmeuse: Smooth fabrics that feel cool against the skin and glide like liquid.
• Linen: The breathable champion of casual daytime weddings.
• Lightweight Crepe: A matte fabric with a subtle texture that looks tailored and elegant without trapping heat.
• Jacquard: A structured fabric with a pattern woven into it. It looks incredibly expensive for formal evening weddings but avoids heavy sequins or beading.
• Lace or Mesh: The perfect solution for moms who want elegant arm or neckline coverage while letting the air pass right through.

Color

For a summer wedding, the mother of the bride or groom should choose colors that look fresh in natural sunlight, complement the wedding party, and keep them cool under the sun. Look for:

• Pastel Tones: Shades like dusty sage, blush pink and sky blue feel effortlessly bright without skewing too close to white or ivory.
• Metallic Neutrals: Champagne, rose gold and taupe act as sophisticated neutrals that look incredibly regal and match almost any bridal party color scheme.
• Blues: Colors like periwinkle, slate and navy are classic, high-demand options that ground the look beautifully for afternoon ceremonies and coastal settings alike.
• Sun-Kissed Brights: Warm colors like apricot, soft coral and pale yellow capture the joyous energy of summer, making them a stunning choice for outdoor venues.
• Botanical Prints: Floral and garden-inspired patterns are a brilliant way to incorporate color while breaking up solid fabric, ensuring mom stands out beautifully in family portraits.

Silhouettes & Length

For a summer wedding, the mother of the bride or groom should choose silhouettes that allow for easy movement, feel breathable in the heat, and offer comfortable support. Shop for:

• A-Line: The ultimate universally flattering silhouette. It nips in at the waist and gently flares out, providing plenty of breezy breathing room around the legs.
• Tea-Length & Midi: Keeping your ankles free captures outdoor breezes flawlessly and eliminates any risk of a heavy hem dragging through grass or sand.
• High-Low: Shorter in the front and sweeping lower in the back, this style delivers all the dramatic, formal presence of an evening gown while allowing more air flow.
• Column or Sheath (with a slit): A sleek, streamlined option for formal affairs doesn't stick to your skin. Choose one with a side or back slit to help with hot temperatures and ensure you can walk (and dance) gracefully.
• Flutter & Cape Sleeves: The perfect compromise for moms in search of arm coverage. These loose sleeve styles frame the shoulders beautifully while remaining completely open underneath for breathability.

25 Mother-of-the-Bride and Mother-of-the-Groom Summer Wedding Dresses to Shop Now

Picking summer gowns for the mother of the bride can feel a bit daunting. This isn't a dress for just any other wedding, after all. You're part of the wedding party, so naturally, you'll want to wear something extra special. But where do you even begin? Below, we've curated a list of editor-approved summer mother-of-the-bride dresses to help kickstart your search. Browse our picks alongside the bride to find a look you'll both love.

Sachin & Babi Laurant Gown in Wild Steel Roses

Photo: Sachin & Babi

Sachin & Babi is a premier destination to shop for formal mother-of-the-groom and mother-of-the-bride dresses, and this particular style is a standout choice for summer. The hues of steel blue and navy form a romantic rose pattern, offering a sophisticated, regal take on a garden dress code. The gown's standout feature is its chic, twisted criss-cross halter neckline, complete with cascading tails in the back for unique movement. Finally, a streamlined, flowy A-line silhouette ensures you can move effortlessly without the heavy volume of a traditional ballgown.

Size Range: 0–14

Dress Length: Full-length

Color Options: 4

Teri Jon Chiffon Floral Organza Halter Gown in Fuchsia Multi

Photo: Neiman Marcus

Chiffon is a top fabric choice in the summer because it's incredibly lightweight and breathable. The vibrant pink floral print of this style makes it a great summer gown for the mother of the bride or groom. It features a halter neckline with ruffle detailing, adding texture to the sleeveless design before flowing into an A-line maxi skirt with a front slit for easy movement.

Size Range: 0–22

Dress Length: Full-length

Color Options: 1

Mac Duggal Embellished Floral Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress in Apricot

Photo: Mac Duggal

If you're heading to a semi-formal wedding, this tea-length faux-wrap midi is an absolute dream. The silhouette does wonders for the waist, while the sheer flutter sleeves offer flattering arm coverage without trapping heat. It's covered in soft florals and subtle sequins over a warm, golden apricot base, so you'll be the sunniest presence, literally and figuratively, in your child's wedding party.

Size Range: 2-16

Dress Length: Midi

Color Options: 2

Sachin & Babi Rori Gown in Casa Blanca Lillies

Photo: Neiman Marcus

Chartreuse and burgundy are the color combinations of the season, making this stunning gown an instant standout for any trend-conscious mother of the bride or groom. The classic sleeveless V-neckline leads into a dramatic, tiered skirt completely covered in a romantic pink and purple lily motif. Moms will especially love that the structured mikado fabric effortlessly holds its silhouette away from the body, providing plenty of breezy breathing room in warm summer weather.

Size Range: 0–22W

Dress Length: Full-length

Color Options: 9

Adrianna Papell High-Low Crepe Halter Gown With Organza Draping in Jungle Olive

Photo: Adrianna Papell

If you love being on-trend, this earthy olive green is another fitting color for a summer garden wedding. The sleeveless, high-low cut will keep you perfectly comfortable in the heat, while the draped organza skirt offers fun, fluid movement on the dance floor.

Size Range: 0–20

Dress Length: High-low

Color Options: 5

Azazie Emmeline Dress in Rosette

Photo: Azazie

For couples with a strict dress code for their wedding party, Azazie makes it easy for moms to match. This A-line, V-neck pleated dress comes in three distinct fabrics—a breathable mesh, a floral burnout and a stretchy satin—each available in 36 (or more) colors. The rosette pink colorway is a lovely option for a bright summer look, and the fluttery mesh sleeves feel extra breezy for a warm-weather celebration.

Size Range: 0–30, with custom sizing available

Dress Length: Full-length

Color Options: 36

Quince Washable Stretch Silk High-Neck Midi Dress in Vintage Navy Roses

Photo: Quince

This mother-of-the-bride or mother-of-the-groom summer dress offers unfussy style at a price that honestly can't be beat. It's crafted from Quince's signature washable stretch silk, which means you can skip the dry cleaner and easily wash it right at home. Plus, the clever touch of spandex woven into the mulberry silk means the fabric glides beautifully over curves without any of the annoying, humid static cling you get from a traditional silk slip. Featuring an elegant high-cowl neck, a striking criss-cross back, and a calf-grazing midi length, it's the ultimate effortlessly chic option for a more casual summer celebration.

Size Range: XS-XL

Dress Length: Midi

Color Options: 12

Birdy Grey Kira Dress in Chiffon Thyme Dreamy Floral

Photo: Birdy Grey

While Birdy Grey is best known for bridesmaid attire, the brand is also an affordable destination for the mothers of the couple. This lightweight chiffon gown is a perfect example, showcasing an airy fabric that beautifully complements the dress's romantic sage and cream botanical print. It features a striking one-shoulder illusion neckline with a sheer strap that layers elegantly over a classic sweetheart bodice. In an outdoor or garden setting, this ethereal look ensures you'll look entirely radiant standing next to your daughter or son.

Size Range: XXS-3X

Dress Length: Full-Length

Color Options: 91

Teri Jon Chiffon Puff Sleeve Pleated V-Neck Gown in Cobalt

Photo: Bloomingdale's

Mother-of-the-groom or mother-of-the-bride summer dresses with sleeves are a great option if you're worried about getting sunburnt during an outdoor ceremony or feeling chilly once the sun sets. To ensure a long-sleeve style is still summer-appropriate, look for light, fluid fabrics like chiffon. This three-quarter-sleeve dress is a perfect choice; the V-neckline and wrapped bodice offer a flattering fit, while the puffed sleeves and pleated skirt add an airy touch.

Size Range: 0–22

Dress Length: Full-length

Color Options: 6

Sachin & Babi Sophia Gown in Ice Blue

Photo: Neiman Marcus

For a formal evening affair, this column gown delivers an ultra-elegant look. The strapless style lets moms show off a bit of summer skin and stay effortlessly cool in the heat. Crafted from premium Italian cloqué fabric, this crisp ice blue dress features a subtle, textured weave that keeps the silhouette from clinging in warm weather. Finished with a statement sculptural bow in the back, it's a chic, timeless piece that ensures any mom will look and feel completely refined.

Size Range: 0–14

Dress Length: Full-length

Color Options: 5

Adrianna Papell One-Shoulder Floral Garden Beaded Gown in Navy Multi

Photo: Adrianna Papell

Adrianna Papell is renowned for exquisite, intricate beadwork, and this stunning one-shoulder gown is the perfect example of that signature craftsmanship. Shimmering metallic and colored sequins outline a striking floral garden motif that cascades down a lightweight, breathable mesh overlay—offering plenty of breezy airflow without sacrificing formal elegance. Don't let the darker shade throw you off either: Navy is an incredibly elegant neutral that makes the colorful embellishments pop.

Size Range: 0–20

Dress Length: Full-length

Color Options: 10

BHLDN Amelia Deep-V Flutter-Sleeve Satin A-Line Gown in Light Lilac

Photo: Anthropologie

As one of the most popular styles from Anthropologie's wedding line, it's easy to see why this gown is a crowd favorite. Cut from a luminous satin charmeuse with a hint of built-in stretch, the fabric behaves like liquid on the move and reflects a gorgeous glow in photographs. The timeless design features a beautifully draped surplice bodice and a plunging V-neckline that nips in at an empire-adjacent waist before cascading down into a fluid, graceful A-line skirt.

Size Range: XXS-3X

Dress Length: Maxi

Color Options: 15

JJ's House Foley A-line Sequin Satin Dress in Champagne

Photo: JJ's House

With your ankles free to catch the breeze and zero risk of tripping over a heavy floor-length hem, this tea-length gown from JJ's House is an absolute dream summer dress for the mother of the bride or groom. Gold and champagne tones are brilliant choices for mothers because they act as regal, sophisticated neutrals that easily complement any bridal party color scheme. Even better, the lighter fabric won't absorb heat under the afternoon sun. The design serves up a serious high-end feel, pairing an asymmetrical bodice of sequin-accented floral lace with a dramatic, statement shoulder bow that eliminates the need for heavy jewelry. It finishes beautifully with a structured satin skirt that offers gorgeous volume and fluid movement on the dance floor.

Size Range: 00-32W with custom sizing available

Dress Length: Midi

Color Options: 58

Alex Evenings Emma Printed Cowl-Neck Dress in Navy Floral

Photo: Alex Evenings

If you're looking for mother-of-the-bride dresses for a summer outdoor wedding, consider this floral midi dress. Its flounce hem and cowl neckline are perfectly on-trend for the season. It even comes with a matching shawl to help you transition from warm days to cool nights in the summer.

Size Range: 4-18

Dress Length: Midi

Color Options: 1

Mac Duggal Embellished Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress in Beige Floral

Photo: Mac Duggal

This midi mother-of-the-bride or -groom summer dress is serving up vintage charm. It features a neutral mesh overlay adorned with hand-embellished floral beading and glistening sequin appliqués, making it a fitting choice for a garden setting. Wispy flutter sleeves offer elegant, airy upper arm coverage without trapping summer humidity, while a softly ruffled flounce hem completes the stunning, romantic silhouette.

Size Range: 2-18

Dress Length: Midi

Color Options: 2

Azazie Kalleen A-Line Pleated Chiffon Dress in Dusty Sage

Photo: Azazie

This mother-of-the-groom or -bride dress for a summer wedding strikes the perfect balance between tailored structure and effortless fluidity. The boned bodice is crafted from a beautiful floral burnout fabric and features a classic boat neckline, cap sleeves and a strikingly modern asymmetrical waistline. It transitions seamlessly into a pleated chiffon skirt with a side slit, creating a gorgeous, floating drape that catches the air beautifully as you walk and dance.

Size Range: 0–30, with custom sizing available

Dress Length: Full-length

Color Options: 31

Mac Duggal Belted Floral Chiffon Ruffle Sleeve Gown in Orchid Multi

Photo: Mac Duggal

Here's one of our favorite mother-of-the-bride dresses for an August wedding. Its rich navy blue and purple color scheme make it an ideal pick for transitioning from the end of summer to the start of fall. Pair it with a lightweight shawl to complete your summer mother-of-the-bride outfit.

Size Range: 2-6

Dress Length: Full-length

Color Options: 2

Reformation Lilibeth Silk Dress in Blonde

Photo: Reformation

Butter yellow is having a major moment, hitting peak trend status just in time for your son or daughter's summer wedding. This soft pastel shade is beautifully executed in a lightweight silk charmeuse, offering a luxurious fabric choice that feels inherently formal. Meanwhile, the dress's clever sheer capelet delivers sophisticated modesty and a welcome reprieve from the afternoon sun directly on your shoulders.

Size Range: XS-XL

Dress Length: Full-length

Color Options: 4

Dress the Population Lilith Puff-Sleeve Handkerchief Lace Maxi Dress in Bright Fuschia

Photo: Neiman Marcus

Prepare for countless compliments in this showstopping summer MOB or MOG dress. The vibrant pink hue is absolutely tailor-made for a warm-weather celebration, while the intricate graphic lace overlay adds rich, dimensional texture. Moms will love how the beautifully structured bodice and fitted waist offer a secure, holds-you-in feel that builds effortless confidence. The silhouette is made even more dynamic by an asymmetrical handkerchief hemline that practically begs for a spin on the dance floor.

Size Range: XS-XL

Dress Length: Full-length

Color Options: 1

Sachin & Babi Brittany Dress in Delft Blue

Photo: Sachin & Babi

Shopping for a casual mother-of-the-bride or -groom dress for an outdoor summer wedding? Linen is entirely appropriate for the occasion. Crafted from a premium linen-rayon blend, this design combines the natural breathability of linen with a touch of synthetic structure to help resist harsh wrinkles, resulting in a look that's elegant, understated and completely rewearable. The soft, light blue hue serves as a go-to summer neutral, while the intricate eyelet lace cutouts along the skirt give the silhouette that extra oomph for the big day.

Size Range: 0-14

Dress Length: Midi

Color Options: 2

Birdy Grey Veranda Dress in Mint Green

Photo: Birdy Grey

The last thing you want on a humid day is restrictive fabric trapping heat. Thankfully, this unstructured gown looks and feels completely airy. It features delicate spaghetti straps, a clean straight neckline and a fluid high-low skirt finished with a playful ruffled hem. Plus, the mint green shade will seamlessly complement the wedding's lush greenery.

Size Range: S-L

Dress Length: High-low

Color Options: 1

Lane Bryant Lena V-Neck Level-Hem Midi Dress in Coral Paradise

Photo: Lane Bryant

Tropical summer weddings call for vibrant, standout hues. Available in both coral and teal, this stylish option is one of our favorite plus-size mother-of-the-groom or -bride dresses for summer. Crafted from a comfortable, stretch-knit crepe fabric, it features a beautifully tailored bodice, a waist-defining tie belt and a universally flattering flare silhouette.

Size Range: 12-28

Dress Length: Midi

Color Options: 2

Adrianna Papell Petite Bell-Sleeve Floral Embroidered Illusion Sheath Dress in Navy Pink Multi

Photo: Adrianna Papell

Adrianna Papell consistently offers high-quality dresses across standard, plus and petite sizing. For moms on the shorter side, an elegant mini or knee-length dress is a brilliant way to elongate the frame at a semi-formal or casual wedding. This design beautifully balances its shorter hemline with sheer, three-quarter bell sleeves and a sophisticated illusion neckline. The rich navy blue backdrop provides a stunning contrast, making the beautifully embroidered pink roses completely pop.

Size Range: 0P-14P

Dress Length: Mini

Color Options: 1

Sachin & Babi Sianna Maxi Dress in Marigold

Photo: Sachin & Babi

This linen summer mother-of-the-bride dress was practically made for an outdoor wedding this season. Not only does its bright yellow color look like pure sunshine, but it also has eyelet lace cutouts to keep things breathable. It's one of our favorite mother-of-the-bride dresses for a July wedding, or really, any month for that matter.

Size range: XS–XL

Dress Length: Full-length

Color Options: 1

Kennedy Blue Blake Mother-of-the-Bride Dress

Photo: Kennedy Blue

When it comes to mother-of-the-bride dresses for June weddings, this olive green gown can't be beat. Its asymmetric neckline and thigh-high leg slit allow you to show off your summer tan in a stylish (yet tasteful) way. Choose from 10 timeless color options and a wide range of sizes.

Size range: 00–32

Dress Length: Full-length

Color Options: 17