Mother of the bride dress, and the groom’s mother too: elegance with etiquette
The mothers of the couple sit in the front row, greet guests in the receiving line and appear in every important family photo. How to choose a dress worthy of the role, with four ideas from REPULO’S.
A good mother of the bride dress looks elegant without stealing attention from the bride. The parents of the couple hold a place of honour on the day: a seat in the front row at the ceremony, a spot in the receiving line, a speech or a toast, and a starring role in the family photographs. Then come the dinner, the first dance and a party that often runs late into the night. Your dress has to look impeccable from the first “I do” to the last song.
Mothers of the bride once reached for coordinated suits or long dresses in muted tones. The rules are more relaxed today, but three still hold: avoid white and anything close to it, such as ivory, cream or very pale champagne; match the length to the time of day and the dress code on the invitation; and coordinate your style with the bride and the other mother so the family photos look harmonious. For a church ceremony, covered shoulders, or a wrap you can take off later, are a safe choice, and at a daytime British wedding many mothers still add a hat or fascinator.
Everything here applies equally to the mother of the groom. If you are dressing as a guest instead, see our guide to the dress for a friend’s wedding.
Look 01: Winter weddingA long velvet dress for an evening wedding
For an afternoon or evening wedding in autumn or winter, velvet is the most stately fabric. Eclipse is a floor-length mermaid dress in stretch velvet, with a yoke and long sleeves in semi-sheer mesh that cover the shoulders and arms delicately, which is welcome at a church ceremony. It is a modern take on the classic dark evening dress.
Pearl or crystal earrings and a small jewelled clutch are all it needs. If black feels too serious for your family, have a quick word with the couple beforehand.
Look 02: Summer weddingA long pleated dress with a corset for a summer evening
At a summer wedding that runs into the small hours, pleats are your ally: light, airy and crease-free in the car and through the wedding breakfast. Shell has a corset inspired by the shape of a seashell that defines the waist and a floor-length pleated skirt that swings beautifully on the dance floor.
Because the neckline is off the shoulder, wear a stole or wrap for the ceremony and take it off for the drinks reception. Choose the black version: the white one, lovely as it is, belongs to the bride.
Look 03: Daytime ceremonyA satin midi dress for a daytime or register office wedding
For daytime ceremonies and register office weddings, more and more mothers choose a well-cut midi over a long dress. Lea is a satin dress with a V-neck, a defined waist and draping with a decorative twist at the front. The A-line midi skirt with a front slit and long, slightly flared sleeves give it a classic, timeless feel.
In ripe cherry it is a deep, flattering colour that stands out in photos without shouting; pair it with nude court shoes and a discreet headpiece or a hat. In black it feels more understated.
Look 04: Country weddingPleated satin and wide sleeves for an outdoor celebration
For a wedding at a country house, a barn or in a garden, where you will walk on grass and part of the celebration happens outdoors, Madeline balances comfort and presence. The pleated viscose satin moves lightly, the wide sleeves add drama and the belt defines the waist. Its relaxed, one-size cut stays comfortable for hours, at the table and on the dance floor.
Choose block-heel sandals or a slim wedge and a clutch in a neutral tone.
Modern etiquetteHow to choose a mother of the bride dress
Before you decide, find out three things: the time of the ceremony, the venue and what the bride and the other mother have in mind.
Long or midi
For evening and black-tie weddings, a long dress is still the most formal choice. For a daytime or register office ceremony, an elegant midi is perfectly appropriate.
Colours
Avoid white, ivory and very pale shades. Cherry, burgundy, midnight blue or a deep red are safe choices. Black looks chic in the evening, but check with the family first.
Fabric makes the difference: satin, velvet and pleats look luxurious in photos and last the whole day. For more ideas, discover why the pleated wedding dress is such a modern choice.
Choose your lookFour mother of the bride dresses to choose from
Velvet Mermaid Maxi Dress Eclipse
Velvet, a mermaid cut and long sleeves in semi-sheer mesh.
Shop Eclipse
Pleated Off-Shoulder Maxi Dress Shell
A seashell-inspired corset and a floor-length pleated skirt. For the mother of the bride, in black.
Shop Shell
V-Neck Long Sleeve Satin Midi Dress Lea
Satin, long flared sleeves and draping at the waist. In ripe cherry or black.
Shop Lea
Satin Pleated Dress Madeline
Pleated satin, wide sleeves and a belt. One size, in red or black.
Shop MadelineYour mother of the bride dress, made to measure and online
Order online wherever you are: standard sizes are dispatched within 1–5 business days, and delivery within the EU takes about 5–14 days. Eclipse, Shell and Lea can also be made to your measurements, sent to us remotely, in 7–12 business days plus delivery, with no extra charge for the tailoring, for an impeccable fit in every photo. Every piece is sewn in our own atelier in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, and because we ship from outside the EU, import VAT or duties may be due on delivery; see shipping and payment for details. You can also book a video consultation with a real consultant in English or Ukrainian, or visit our Warsaw salon by appointment.
Order made to measureGood to knowMother of the bride dress: your questions answered
What should the mother of the bride wear?
An elegant dress in a quality fabric that stays comfortable for many hours. Usually that means a midi or floor-length dress, with covered shoulders or a wrap for a church ceremony. It should complement, not compete with, the bridal gown and sit well alongside the mother of the groom.
Should the mother of the bride wear a long dress?
Not necessarily. For an evening or black-tie wedding, a floor-length dress is the most formal choice. For a daytime ceremony or a register office wedding, a smart midi is completely appropriate.
What colours should the mother of the bride avoid?
White and anything that could be mistaken for a bridal gown, such as ivory, cream or very pale champagne. It is also worth agreeing colours with the mother of the groom so you do not arrive in the same shade.
Can the mother of the groom wear black?
Yes, especially at an evening wedding, where black looks chic and timeless. Some families still see it as too sombre for a celebration, so check with the couple first. Deep cherry red or midnight blue are lovely alternatives.
How far in advance should I order my dress?
Standard sizes are dispatched within 1–5 business days and EU delivery takes about 5–14 days; delivery to the UK and US takes longer, roughly 10–21 days. Made to measure adds 7–12 business days, so ideally order at least two months before the wedding.
How much do these dresses cost?
You will find the current price on each product page.
