11 Short Mother of the Bride Dresses That Are Stylish, Sophisticated, and Show Just the Right Amount of Skin (2024)

FAQs

What color is the mother of the bride's dress supposed to be? ›

Typically the Mother of the Bride's dress should complement the bridal party's color palette. Not necessarily match with the bridesmaids, but choose a color in the color family. The most popular color for the mother of the bride to wear is navy or a royal blue, followed by blush or a shade of nude.

A formal setting calls for a more upscale ensemble (like something floor-length), while a shorter, more casual wedding outfit is appropriate for laid-back celebrations.

A basic rule of wedding etiquette is that the mother of the bride should not outshine her daughter. So, don't choose gowns or dresses that would overpower the bridal gown.

Knee-length dresses are perfect for more casual weddings, while midi-length dresses are a great choice for more formal events. For evening weddings, floor length mother of the bride gowns are the most traditional and formal option. These gowns exude elegance and sophistication, and are perfect for black-tie affairs.

Don't be tempted to try out a new style

Instead, opting for subtler pieces you can incorporate into your everyday looks will be great. This could include picking simple, dainty pieces that include little gemstone details, as opposed to chunky, oversized jewellery.

Fashionable, tasteful and age-appropriate are in. These days, virtually anything goes—formal gown, short or long dress, skirt-and-jacket ensemble—so long as it matches the style of the wedding. Brides can be very helpful by encouraging "the moms" to work together in choosing their outfits.

Updos are a mother-of-the-bride hairstyle favorite for a reason: they're timeless, they frame your face and they work with a wide variety of dress styles. Whether it's a beautiful braided bun, an elegant chignon or an updo with a few wispy tendrils, you really can't go wrong.

Formality and Color Coordination

Unless the bride asks both Mothers to wear the same color, make sure you avoid wearing the same color on the occasion. The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom's outfits must complement each other, especially for photos.

Given that the average bride and groom are likely to be in their late twenties or early thirties their mums are most probably in an over fifty age group.

While dressing in too revealing a style isn't advisable for any guest, you can dress to emphasise your assets - a sleeveless dress to show toned arms, belts to highlight your waist or a shorter length for great legs. Keep styling simple and avoid too much embellishment, which can look fussy in photos.

Does the mother of the bride carry a purse down the aisle? ›

The mother of the bride can wear a handbag or opt out of it, the choice is her own!

Choose a neutral nail color. A French manicure is one of the best, most natural nail looks for your child's wedding day. If you choose to paint your nails in color, stay in the pink or red family. Avoid bright colors, especially any that clash with the wedding colors.

Navy is the most popular mother of the bride dress color. Not only is navy timeless, but this color dress will work in a variety of wedding venues and locations. We have many navy gowns from which to choose.

Dress Length

This is one element of the dresses that do not have to match, as long as the formality is coordinated. For example, if the mother of the bride dress consists of a floor-length gown for an evening affair, the mother of the groom may decide to wear a knee-length co*cktail dress.

To make for a more fun and efficient shopping experience, discuss a budget with your daughter ahead of time so you're both on the same page. Also, make sure to eat a little something before the appointment, so everyone is focused on finding the perfect dress for your daughter and not feeling hangry!

While almost anything goes for mother-of-the-bride attire—so long as the bride approves—it is important to follow certain cues dictated by the venue. For example, it's probably best to wear a strapless dress to a beach ceremony rather than a church wedding.

Because the mother of the groom isn't part of the bridal party, she should avoid choosing a dress in the same color as the bridesmaids' attire, the mother of the bride's dress, or the wedding gown.

The bride's gown is usually in shades like ivory or champagne, so make sure that you don't choose any shade of white. If you want to wear neutral colors, go for off-white, beige, taupe, and grey, as they are a different shade from a traditional bridal gown. Moreover, don't choose the same dress design, either.

And there's another color we think every mother of the bride or groom should consider wearing on her child's big day, and it's pink. Whether your child is tying the knot in the summer or winter, spring or fall, a pink dress is perfectly appropriate.