mother of the bride dress diagonal beads on bodice
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When it comes to mother of the bride dresses, there are no hard and fast rules. The only thing you need to have in mind is finding an outfit that makes you feel good.
After all, this wedding is a special day for you, too!
For far too long, stereotypical mother of the bride outfits were - let's be honest - rather frumpy, and were designed to conceal rather than to flatter. That's no longer the case.
From elegant tea-length and long dresses to more unusual outfit ideas, we've found the mother of the bride outfits that are sure to have you feeling your confident best on the big day.
Our edit features beautiful mother of the bride dresses and outfits to suit an array of body shapes, styles and budgets. These looks reference current trends, for a fresh effect, but at the same time they're utterly timeless and very wearable.
NB: We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life's biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.
What Does the Mother of the Bride Wear?
- Think in terms of comfort as well as style. If it's a long celebration, you'll want something you'll feel comfortable in for many hours. For the same reason, avoid any fabrics that crease easily. You should also think about what you'll be doing on the wedding day - if you're due to help your daughter get ready, or do any last-minute décor set-up, you'll want a mother of the bride outfit you can move in with ease.
- Consult your daughter! Ask her if there are any particular colours she'd like you to stick to (or any colours to steer clear of), and find out whether she'd like you to pick up any elements of the bridesmaids' outfits, for a cohesive wedding party look.
- Chat to the other mother of the bride or groom about your outfit choice – you do not want to turn up in the same dress...
- Take inspiration from the season and the venue. Summer garden wedding? Pastel shades will look pretty. Modern city winter wedding? Consider a bold colour or something monochromatic.
- Invest in a good quality outfit. It'll last you a lifetime and give you a great silhouette.
- Treat yourself! Have a pampering session and get your hair and makeup done professionally on the morning of the wedding – that way, it'll last perfectly even when you're running around after the bride.
- Don't forget accessories. Whether you're buying new or using jewellery and shoes you already own, the finishing touches will really make a difference to your overall look.
Now you're ready to go shopping!
- Short & Midi Mother of the Bride Dresses
- Long Mother of the Bride Dresses
- Mother of the Bride Dresses with Jackets
- Mother of the Bride Trouser Suits & Jumpsuits
- Monsoon Mother of the Bride Dresses
- Plus Size Mother of the Bride Dresses
Short & Midi Mother of the Bride Dresses
1. PrinciplesTwist Front Artist Print Dress - £45, Debenhams
We know what you're thinking - a cream dress to your daughter's wedding? Don't worry, this modern twist-front dress with a painterly print embraces a soft colour palette that makes it perfect for a mother of the bride. The splashes of yellow and terracotta are fresh and inviting, and you'll get no end of complements on your contemporary, youthful dress choice.
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2. PrinciplesTie Dye Print Midi Shirt Dress - £39, Debenhams
This beautifully flattering gown is a bargain buy! It looks effortlessly more expensive than its price tag and you'll want to wear it again and again after the big day. You might not be able to tell from the photo, but the stripes are actually a rich navy tone rather than black which makes the dress much warmer. Those stripes are in a subtle chevron pattern on the skirt, which skims over hips and elongates the body.
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3. Bianna Moss Crepe Dress – £350, Gina Bacconi
This Gina Bacconi dress is wonderfully sophisticated for a mother of the bride look, and can easily be accessorised to make it your own. If your daughter isn't keen on the idea of you wearing ivory, it also comes in pink and navy.
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4. Marcia Cherry Blossom Smocked Dress – £150, Kitri
A chic option from fashion editors' favourite Kitri. The lightly puffed sleeves and high neck of this Marcia dress keep the silhouette contemporary, and the midi length makes it easy to wear.
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5. Maggie Ponte Dress – £90, Boden
Boden's Maggie ponte dress is an easy-wearing classic, with a flattering full skirt. The pared-back style will suit a minimalist mother of the bride.
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6. Sidney Shift Dress - £250, L.K. Bennett
Tweed can look a bit try-hard; L.K. Bennett's Sidney shift dress is anything but. With its striped grosgrain ribbon embellishment, raw-edge trim and patch pockets, it's the epitome of laid-back cool. Want to take it in a more formal direction? Add the matching jacket.
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7. Style 991532 – £699, Veni Infantino
The dream dress for a garden party, style 992532 by Veni Infantino is a flattering tea length and features a lovely illusion neckline.
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8. ATOL Style 112 £710, Pronovias
An effortlessly chic cocktail dress, the details of ATOL Style 112 by Pronovias are perfectly judged, from the lace bodice to the sash belt.
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9. Mila Shift Dress – £55, Hobbs
If you'd prefer a long sleeve in summer, go for sheer, to keep the look light (and so you don't over-heat!). This pink Mila dress from Hobbs is perfect, and comes in a beautifully romantic pale pink.
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10. Curve Bardot Neck Embroidered Midi Dress – £159, Coast
This Bardot neck dress is pretty as a picture, with an eye-catching embroidered skirt and a figure-flattering silhouette.
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11. Bellana Wilderness Midi Dress – £149, Ted Baker
You can't go wrong in a statement midi dress if you're playing the very important role of mother of the bride.
This midi design features an all-over animal print as well as flattering cap sleeves and a subtle thigh slit. Pair with yellow-gold accessories and you'll look so refined.
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12. Luisa Lace Dress – £120, Phase Eight
Sticking with bold hues, the gorgeous Luisa Lace Dress by Phase Eight is a statement take on classic lace and would look great at your daughter's wedding whatever the season. We're huge fans of the stylish cape-style statement sleeves.
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13. Ella Floral Print Dress – £130, Phase Eight
This floral dress is pure elegance, from the delicate print to the on-trend high neck with twist detailing. That waist tie is a lovely finishing touch. All in all, a designer-look piece at a high street price point.
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14. Polka Dot Print Pussybow Dress + Tie – £250, Me+Em
Pair this above-the-knee dress with chic heels or flats, and you have a contemporary-cool yet still romantic take on the classic polka dot print. You can wear the tie as a belt or around the neck for a pussy-bow effect.
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15. Black Bardot Stripe Detail Midi Dress – £79, Sosandar
Sosandar is a great brand for stylish, easy-wearing pieces that won't break the bank - like this Bardot neck dress. You can dress it up or down depending on the style of wedding, and the fine-knit fabric would be a pleasure over the course of a long day.
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16. Fiona Cotton Blend Shift Dress – £149, Hobbs
A floral shift dress is always in style, and this Hobbs design is particularly elegant. The fuchsia flower print looks striking against the white fabric.
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17. Trompe L'Oeil Printed Satin Dress – £279, Maje
When it doubt, go French - Parisian label Maje has some beautiful pieces that would work for mothers of the bride who want something chic yet unusual. This floral dress is divine, with a fitted bodice against a flowing, tropical-print skirt.
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18. Nightingales Navy Print Tiered Dress – £75, JD Williams
Tiered dresses are very on-trend, but it's a look that can easily become too fussy. Not so this JD Williams dress, which has just the right number of tiers, plus a navy background, to stay on the sophisticated side.
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READ MORE: How to Choose a Flattering Mother of the Bride Hat
19. Lace Top Overlay Pleated Dress – From £32, Amazon
Who knew you could put together a polished outfit from Amazon? Well, we did, actually, and that's how we came across this elegant and understated gown.
It comes in several colours, but we reckon the navy is the most refined.
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20. Rae Colourblock Dress – £189, Hobbs
You can always rely on Hobbs to make contemporary trends timeless, and this colourblock design is no exception.
The fit-and-flare silhouette is very flattering, with a wonderfully crisp navy and ivory colourway.
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21. Strappy Dress with Embroidery – £185, Uterqüe
Who says the mother of the bride can't wear a strappy dress? Just make sure to choose a sophisticated design, as befits your status, like this Uterqüe dress. The embroidery is exquisite, and you could always add a jacket for when temperatures fall in the evening.
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22. Fine-Knit Dress – £39.99, H&M
H&M may be targeted at the under-30 market, but in among the trend-led pieces, you can find some stylish bargains at any age - like this cream dress with contrast trim. There's something rather regal about it, and it would look good at any style of wedding.
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Long Mother of the Bride Dresses
23. Daryl Pleated Maxi Dress – £150, Phase Eight
It's all too easy for a bold pattern to look a bit relentless in a long dress. That's why this Phase Eight maxi is so clever: the pleated skirt breaks up the pattern, for an overall effect that's fresh, vibrant and full of movement.
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24. Veni Infantino Style 991535 - £700
If glamour is the order of the day, this high-waisted skirt and glittery top combination from Veni Infantino is ideal - just make sure you keep accessories to a minimum for a sophisticated feel.
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25. Zadig & Voltaire Ray Crepe Maxi Dress – £333, Selfridges
This Zadig & Voltaire dress is just beautiful, from the colour to those short ruched sleeves. It's the grown-up way to do boho, so would be ideal if you want to stay sophisticated yet mood-appropriate at a barn or festival wedding.
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26. Hannah Artwear Luna Printed Silk Wrap Maxi Dress – £238, Net-a-Porter
We love the print on this blue silk maxi dress. It would be a gorgeous look for a beach wedding, or you could dress it up even more through your accessories for a smarter summer celebration.
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27. Rioni Twist Waist Detail Maxi Dress – £299, Ted Baker
If your daughter is wearing white, it's worth checking that she's happy with you turning up in a largely pale dress. Fingers crossed she is, because this Ted Baker maxi is an absolute find, with a subtle, painterly pattern and a refined silhouette.
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28. Lace Maxi Dress – £69, Warehouse
Lace is a bit of a mother of the bride cliché, but it's still possible to put a contemporary twist on the look. What makes this Warehouse maxi feel so modern is the fact that the lace features oversized flower shapes, with a very-now high neck and volume sleeves.
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29. Sequin Angel Sleeve Maxi Dress – £149, Coast
Fancy a mother of the bride outfit with some sparkle? All over sequins may be a bit much, but this Coast dress combines a dazzling bodice with a floaty skirt to soften the effect.
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30. Rasario Silk-Satin Gown – £1,595, Net-a-Porter
This Rasario dress is a real showstopper! It's the sort of gown you'd expect to see on the red carpet, worn by a sophisticated actress - so it's certainly perfect for playing a starring role as mother of the bride.
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Mother of the Bride Dresses with Jackets
31. Condici Style 70977 - £765
Spring and even summer evenings can be chilly in the UK, so choose a style that comes with a jacket, like Condici style 70977. The dress features a floral top and delicate diamante at the waist.
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32. Carly Floral Midi Dress & Eliza Jacket – £169 & £129, Hobbs
Of course, a jacket isn't just for keeping warm at a wedding - it can also help to make your overall look even smarter. Hobbs' Elize jacket, for example, adds a chic note of formality to the Carly midi dress.
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33. Condici 70993 - £819
As a softer alternative to a jacket, why not try a cape? Style 70993 by Condici comes with a lightweight, waterfall version with slashed sleeves - perfect for a summer's evening.
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34. Mariposa Floral Lace Bodice Dress & Mariposa Occasion Jacket – £160 & £130, Phase Eight
The Mariposa jacket looks so romantic with the matching dress, contrasting beautifully with that intricate lace bodice. The shade of pink is perfect - elegant rather than sugary.
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35. Nightingales Ivory Lace Dress & Jacket – £150, JD Williams
We love the way this JD Williams design feels so coherent - the jacket picks up on the lace of the gown, and falls just so, to emphasise the beaded waistband.
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READ MORE:The 31 Best Mother of the Bride Outfits for Every Budget
Mother of the Bride Trouser Suits
36. Alexandre Ponte Jumpsuit – £120, Boden
Jumpsuits work beautifully for a contemporary-chic mother of the bride look. We love the figure-flattering shape of Boden's Alexandre jumpsuit - from the v-neck to the wide legs, this is such an elegant silhouette.
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37. Spring Tailoring Tapered Leg Suit – £440, Me+Em
This Me+Em suit is such a fresh take on the traditional women's trouser suit, with those chic tapered trousers. Pair with a silky t-shirt or cami to pretty it up, or keep the whole look pared-back and minimalist.
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38. Audrey Blouson Sleeve Jumpsuit – £130, Phase Eight
This two-tone jumpsuit has a beautifully romantic feel, and we love those sheer sleeves for a spring mother of the bride look.
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39. Casey Floral Bodice Tapered Jumpsuit – £130, Phase Eight
Phase Eight really are nailing it with their jumpsuits at the moment, and the stylish Casey is no exception. It's a great look if you prefer darker colours but don't want to look too somber at the wedding!
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40. Leah Tailored Blazer & Wide Leg Tailored Trousers – £235 & £135, Reiss
This sleek suit is contemporary elegance at its best, from the beautifully cut wide-leg trousers to the impeccably cut blazer.
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Monsoon Mother of the Bride
41. Eva Floral Embroidered Shift – £120, Monsoon
There's so much to love about this Monsoon dress - where do we start? That figure-flattering silhouette; the intricate embroidery; those sheer dotted sleeves - it all adds up to a gorgeous mother of the bride look.
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42. Paris Floral Dress - £99, Monsoon
Do florals the modern way by choosing a bright colour palette. Monsoon's Paris dress cleverly picks up on the folk mood that's been all over the catwalks, keeping your look pretty but with a nod to the trends.
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43. Tabitha Embellished Maxi dress - £170, Monsoon
Sparkle like the star you are in Monsoon's embellished Tabitha dress. It has a gloriously Art Deco feel to it, without being in any way costume-y.
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44. Lili Embellished Midaxi - £69, Monsoon
Well, this is just lovely. Monsoon's Lili midaxi - a hem length between a midi and a maxi - has the perfect balance of contemporary touches and timeless appeal.
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45. Lolita Lace Midi Dress – £99, Monsoon
Odd name choice aside - Lolita? Really? - you'll exude classic elegance all day long in Monsoon's Lolita lace dress.
Designed in a sweeping midi-length and with a delicate lace bodice, the keyhole back adds a stylish finishing touch.
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46. Millicent Floral Print and Lace Dress – £130, Monsoon
Want a mother of the bride dress that's unashamedly pretty? Millicent combines a floral print, pink hue, lace detailing and an illusion neckline, all to bewitching effect.
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Plus Size Mother of the Bride Dresses
Note: most of the other dresses in our edit above are available in plus sizes, too.
47. Izabel Curve Floral Maxi Dress – £55.90, Navabi
Navabi is one of our favourite destinations for plus-size style, with a range of designers as well as their in-house label. This floral maxi is utterly enchanting, with a pattern we can't get enough of.
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48. Lace Evening Dress – £276.90, Navabi
Planning a glamorous mother of the bride look? This lace evening dress must be a real contender, with it shimmering finish and beautiful sheer sleeves.
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49. Black A-Line Dress – £390, The Hour
The Hour is the name to know for perfectly cut plus-size designs with an emphasis on quality fabrics - like this black a-line dress. It's lined with satin so it feels deliciously soft to wear, and the precision cut makes it a very refined proposition.
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50. Studio 8 Rachel Wrap Dress – £65, John Lewis
You can't go far wrong with a wrap dress, and this mother of the bride dress by Studio 8 is guaranteed to turn heads.
From the gorgeous emerald colour to the ruffle detailing around the neckline and the luxurious fabric, there's so much to love about this piece.
Make sure you hurry – we predict a sell out!
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51. Studio 8 Nola Jacquard Dress – £62, John Lewis
The magenta shade of this Studio 8 occasion dress is giving us real autumn vibes. Designed in a flattering wrap silhouette, the dress features romantic angel sleeves and an asymmetric frilled hem. Pair with metallic heels for a show-stopping look.
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Now you've chosen your mother of the bride outfit, you'd better refresh your memory on your mother of the bride duties in time for the big day…
mother of the bride dress diagonal beads on bodice
Source: https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-planning/bridalwear-articles/mother-of-the-bride-dresses/