Mother of the Bride Dresses

Mother-of-the-bride dressing has a narrow brief: elegant, appropriate, photographed all day, and never competing with the bride. Most of the... Read More

Mother-of-the-bride dressing has a narrow brief: elegant, appropriate, photographed all day, and never competing with the bride. Most of the market answers that with something either matronly or cut for someone thirty years younger. These are dresses designed to sit in between — by Sandhya Garg, Project Runway Season 13, previously at Alexander McQueen, Gucci and Liberty London.

The colour rules, plainly. Avoid white, ivory, cream and champagne. Avoid the bridesmaids' colour — ask, because it's the most common accidental clash. Black is now widely accepted for evening weddings but still reads sombre at traditional daytime ceremonies. The reliable ground is navy, plum, sage, dusty blue, deep teal, burgundy and muted metallics. Prints are fine and often better than solids, since they photograph with more depth.

On coordinating with the mother of the groom. Convention is that the mother of the bride chooses first and the mother of the groom follows her lead on formality and length — not matching, but in the same register. A quick conversation early avoids one of you in a floor-length gown and the other in a tea-length dress. The same guidance applies throughout this collection to both.

On sleeves and coverage. Not required, but most mothers of the bride prefer some — it's the single most common alteration request in this category. A long or three-quarter sleeve, an embroidered jacket over a sleeveless dress, or a wrap silhouette with a defined waist all work. Midi and maxi lengths are standard; a mini is rarely the right call for this role.

If nothing is quite right, we'll make it. Any style can be made to your measurements for $50–$100 above retail, with the neckline, sleeve length and hemline adjusted to you. For an occasion this specific — a particular shade, a particular coverage, a date months ahead — it's usually the better route than compromising. Email Labelsandhyagarg@gmail.com with the style and what you need changed.

Browse formal options in maxi and midi dresses, or by style in wrap, A-line, velvet, lace and long sleeve midi dresses. For layering, see embroidered jackets. By occasion: formal, cocktail, wedding guest and plus size occasion dresses. By colour: blue, purple, green and black.

Read more: every wedding dress code explained, maxi dresses for weddings, and how to care for embroidered and velvet pieces.

Every piece is cut XS through 3XL at one price across the range. Check the size chart, or get personal style advice if you'd like help choosing. Free US shipping on orders over $250. Afterpay available. Ships from Scottsdale, AZ within 1–3 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What colour should the mother of the bride wear?
Avoid white, ivory, cream and champagne, and avoid the bridesmaids' colour — ask in advance, since that's the most common clash. Navy, plum, sage, dusty blue, deep teal and burgundy are all reliable. Black is widely accepted at evening weddings now, though it can read sombre at a traditional daytime ceremony. Prints are entirely appropriate and often photograph better than solids.

Should the mother of the bride and mother of the groom coordinate?
Traditionally the mother of the bride chooses first, and the mother of the groom follows her lead on formality and length. They shouldn't match exactly, but they should be in the same register — one in a floor-length gown and the other in a tea-length dress looks unintentional in photographs. A short conversation early on solves it.

Does the mother of the bride need sleeves?
No, but most prefer some coverage, and it's the most frequently requested alteration in this category. Long or three-quarter sleeves work well, as does an embroidered jacket or wrap over a sleeveless dress. If you want a specific sleeve length, made-to-measure is usually easier than altering a ready-made dress.

What length should a mother of the bride dress be?
Midi or maxi. Floor-length suits formal and evening weddings; a midi works for daytime, garden and less formal ceremonies. Tea-length is a traditional and still-elegant choice. A mini is rarely appropriate for this role, regardless of how casual the wedding is.

What does the mother of the groom wear?
The same guidance applies, with one addition: convention is to take the lead from the mother of the bride on formality and length. The colour rules are identical — no white, ivory or champagne, and avoid the bridesmaids' shade. Choosing a different colour family from the mother of the bride, in the same level of formality, is the usual approach.