It’s one of the happiest days in the life of any mother – your child is getting married! But now the question is – what to wear on the all-important day?

In this updated article I will offer you some options.

Once upon a time, mothers of the bride were expected to turn up dressed in demure, pastel shades, dainty handbags, and tiny hats. But times have moved on, and so have we.

Today we are spoiled for choice for beautiful, modern clothes that flatter our figure and make the other guests wonder if we’re the bride’s sister instead of her mother!

Just keep in mind the following:

  • Take your style cues from the bride’s dress and the style of the wedding party in general, e.g., lace as a running motif, or a 40’s theme.
  • Match the outfit appropriately to the venue, i.e., covered arms for a church wedding, but more flesh-baring outfits for a beach wedding.
  • Wait until the bride has chosen her dress before you start shopping so that you can plan for any last minute changes to the overall look of the wedding party

For more tips and the most current dresses also visit our article on how to dress as the mother of the bride (or groom).

Here are some great short and long dress options suitable for a diversity of weddings.

Short and sweet

Here are some great examples you can find in stores right now

What to wear to your child's wedding | 40plusstyle.com

JS Collection embroidered dressAdrianna sheath dressJS v-neck sheath dressJS Collection chiffon dress

Wedding guest outfits: shorter or longer dresses | 40plusstyle.com
Tadashi Shoji lace sheath dressKomarov chiffon dressTahari peplum sheath dressMaggy London lace detail dress

Long and elegant

Here are some great examples you can find in stores

The best mother of the bride dress ideas | 40plusstyle.com

Tadashi Shoji lace and crepe gownJS Collection mesh dressLa Femme bead embellished dressLa Femme bead embellished gown

The best mother of the bride dresses | 40plusstyle.com
La Femme embellished gownAdrianna Papell crosshatch beaded gownAdrianna Papell long sleeve embellished gownJS Collection sleeveless embroidered gown

For a great selection of Mother of the Bride (and Groom) dresses, we recommend the following online (and brick and mortar) destinations with dedicated Mother of the Bride sections:

What is your ideal Mother of the Bride look?

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P.S. For more tips and the most current dresses also visit our article on how to dress as the mother of the bride (or groom).

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The best mother of the bride dresses - take your pick from shorter or longer dresses | 40plusstyle.com
Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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