Mother of the Groom Dresses
The mother of the groom traditionally chooses second. The bride picks her own dress, the mother of the bride picks next, and you work around both. It sounds like a constraint and it is actually useful information — once you know the formality and the length she has chosen, and the one colour the bridesmaids are in, the field narrows to something manageable. Ask early. It is a kinder conversation at four months out than at four weeks.
What the convention actually asks of you
Not white, ivory or cream, which belong to the bride. Not the bridesmaid colour, because standing in the family photographs in their shade reads as a mistake. And a formality that matches the mother of the bride — if she is in a floor-length gown, a knee-length dress will look underdressed beside her in every picture. Beyond that the choice is genuinely yours, and the old expectation that you fade into beige has gone.
The evening and formal end
For a black tie or evening wedding: the Gia Black Maxi and the Opal Black Wrap are both $378, printed in pale gold and forest green on black, so they read as a dark dress from across the room and as colour once someone is close enough to talk to you. The Hera Black One-Shoulder Maxi is $358. For autumn and winter, the velvets: Gaudi Teal Wrap Velvet at $398, Velvet Green Dress at $338, and the Margarita Blue Velvet Jacket Dress at $298.
Daytime and garden weddings
The Antonia Green Maxi at $285 has handmade floral straps and the sweep of an A-line skirt. The Marquis Royal Blue Off-Shoulder Maxi at $328 carries hand embroidery. The Jaali Grey Maxi at $298 is the quietest print I make, in greys and faded indigo on rayon with silver lurex — the one to choose if you want texture rather than colour. The Black Square-Neck Poplin Fit and Flare Maxi is $298.
If you want sleeves
Several here have them, which matters for a religious ceremony or a cool evening. The Pink and Purple Printed Wrap Midi at $258 has long sleeves ending in a clean cuff. The Sophie Green Midi at $255 has bell sleeves and scalloped lace trim. The Begum Burgundy Midi Shirt Dress is $288, the Mehtab Ombre Dress $298 with flared bell sleeves, the Zoe Jacket Dress $358, and the Elsa Emerald Green Maxi $228.
Sizing and alterations
Sizes run XS to 3XL depending on the style. Wrap shapes adjust to your own waist, so the Opal, the Gaudi and the Printed Wrap Midi are the forgiving ones if you fall between two sizes. For a wedding I would order early and have it made to your measurements for $50 to $100 above retail — hem length and sleeve length are the two things worth getting exactly right when you will be photographed all day. Check the size chart first.
Every print here is drawn in-house by Sandhya Garg, Project Runway Season 13, and made in limited runs that are not repeated — so nobody else at the wedding will be in your dress.
Related: mother of the bride dresses · wedding guest dresses with sleeves · formal wedding guest · dresses for women over 40 and 50 · plus size XS to 3XL · Indian wedding
By season: spring · summer · fall · winter
Read more: wedding guest dress codes explained, the guide by venue, and what to wear to a wedding reception over 40.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What colour should the mother of the groom wear?
Anything except white, ivory, cream and the bridesmaid colour. Jewel tones photograph well in both daylight and candlelight — emerald, teal, burgundy, royal blue. A print is a good choice because it is far less likely to clash with the mother of the bride than a solid in a similar shade. The one rule worth keeping is to ask her what she has chosen before you buy.
Does the mother of the groom have to match the mother of the bride?
Not match, but coordinate on formality and length. If she is in a floor-length gown, choose a maxi. If she is in a knee-length dress, a midi or knee-length works. Colours should sit comfortably together in a photograph without being the same shade. Traditionally she chooses first and you follow, which is less about hierarchy than about avoiding two women in the same teal.
Can the mother of the groom wear black?
Yes. Black is widely accepted now, particularly for an evening or black tie wedding. If you want to avoid a severe look, choose a black that carries a print or a texture rather than a flat solid — a pale gold and green floral on black, or velvet, both read as celebratory. Check with the couple if the wedding is a culture where black is not worn.
How far in advance should I buy the dress?
Four to six months, and earlier if you want it made to your measurements. These are limited runs that are not repeated, so a style you like today may be gone in two months. Ordering early also leaves room for a hem or sleeve adjustment, which is almost always worth doing.
Should the mother of the groom wear long or short?
Follow the formality of the wedding and the mother of the bride. Floor-length for a black tie or evening wedding, midi for a daytime or garden ceremony, and knee-length only if the wedding is genuinely informal. A maxi is the safer buy if you are unsure, because it is easier to be slightly overdressed than underdressed in the family photographs.
Testimonials
★★★★★Gorgeous and Flattering
I recently wore this to a friends outdoor wedding and it was absolutely stunning! The fit was perfect the colour divine and I love the asymmetry. There are many accent colours to pair with these piece which makes accessorizing creative. I received many compliments thank you Sandhya! <3
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Austin, Texas
★★★★★Over the Moon
When I opened my package; I could not believe the huge smile that came on
my face. Not only was it beautiful, the quality was outstanding. I will be wearing many more designs by Sandhya Garg.Reba Aylward![Summer top for woman]()
New Bern, NC
