When you're the mother of the bride or groom, figuring out what to wear to the wedding is a pretty big deal. After all, whatever you wear will be locked in the couple's memories forever in photographs, Instagram posts and wedding videos. No pressure, right? While historically the mothers of the bride and groom have been sequestered to nondescript colors like boring brown and neutral navy on the wedding day, we think it's about time to toss the wedding wardrobe rulebook out the window.
Quick Overview
Alex Evenings Side Ruched co*cktail Dress
Dress The Population Audrey Embroidered Fit and Flare Dress
Kay Unger Tatum Floral Lace Midi co*cktail Dress
Adrianna Papell Off-the-Shoulder Wide Leg Organza Crepe Jumpsuit
Eliza J Ruffle Front Gown
Alex Evenings Embellished Chiffon Evening Gown
Mac Duggal Bow Shoulder V-Neck Gown
Dress the Population Darleen V-Neck Embroidered Mesh co*cktail Dress
Alex Evenings Beaded Dress & Jacket
Halogen Split Sleeve Blazer
Maggy London Cotton Eyelet Tiered Midi Dress
Eliza J Embroidered Lace Overlay co*cktail Dress
Ieena for Mac Duggal Rosette One-Shoulder Iridescent A-Line Dress
Pisarro Nights Beaded Mesh Midi co*cktail Dress
Dress The Population Tiffany One-Shoulder Midi Dress
Whether the couple is having an elaborate black tie affair or an intimate garden ceremony, these days pretty much anything goes when it comes to the rules of what to wear to a wedding. Of course, it's best practice to chat with the couple before buying any clothes to confirm what exactly their wardrobe expectations are of you on the big day. Unless they tell you to wear something specific, you should be okay to show up in clothes that align with their dress code.
From formal black tie and co*cktail dresses to pantsuits and jumpsuits, we've rounded up 15 of our absolute favorite mother-of-the-bride outfit ideas at Nordstrom. With wedding season on the horizon, many of these Nordstrom picks, if not all, also work if you're invited to a shindig as a guest.
1. For the mom who wants something to hide her tummy
Here's a look that works for most people — and a co*cktail dress that you're bound to wear long after the wedding's over! The faux-wrap silhouette with side-ruching hides the tummy and flatters the figure while a light compressive material holds everything in place. It'll look just as cute at the ceremony paired with strappy heels as it will in a conference room with flats or wedges. Choose from 11 colors.
2. For a garden wedding party
A fit-and-flare style, like this pretty number, is flattering on all body shapes. You'll love how the delicate V-neck accentuates your curves. The delicately embroidered overlay features a lavish garden scene that’s perfect for spring and summer weddings.
3. For a classy co*cktail reception
An intricate floral lace overlay accentuates this delicate knee-length midi dress with a V-neck back. The tailored waistline adds a figure-flattering shape to the silhouette.
4. For the mom who's not into dresses
A dressy jumpsuit is a great alternative for those who'd rather skip the skirt. The open shoulders and ruffled organza sleeves give this wardrobe staple a modern touch.
5. For the mom who doesn't mind showing a little leg
Nordstrom
You can't go wrong with this elegant and classy gown that features voluminous ruffles and a figure-flattering cinched waist. The hunter green shade is striking and perfect for giving a toast.
6. For the mom who wants something modest
Prefer a modest look that covers your shoulders, arms and legs? This floor-length chiffon gown with subtle embellishment is a smart choice. The flattering pleating helps to hide the tummy and slim the silhouette; its stretchy material gives you all-night comfort. Petite sizing is available, too.
7. For a black tie wedding
Nordstrom
Black tie weddings can be notoriously hard to dress for, but this bow shoulder maxi takes the guesswork out of figuring out what to wear. The deep V-neck line amps up the drama, while the sweeping train exudes elegance and sophistication. It's also available in two types of blue, plus red and pink.
8. For the mom who intends to tear up the dance floor
For those planning to dance the night away, we suggest this fun and flirty V-neck dress. The floral-embroidered mesh skirt overlay will swing and sway as you bop to the beat. Colors range from sky blue to bright fuchsia and everything in between.
9. For the mom who wants something comfortable
Nordstrom
This two-piece dress — which can be worn separately or together — is made of a stretchy fabric that skims across the body and drapes elegantly. Simple beading accentuates the delicate scoop neckline. You can remove the jacket as you please during the reception.
10. For the mom who prefers a pantsuit
Nordstrom
Why wear a dress to a wedding if you don't ever wear dresses? For those who'd choose trousers over a dress any day of the week, we recommend opting for a fun statement suit set. This cool split-sleeve pink blazer has a matching pair of high-waisted, wide-leg trousers to complete the look.
11. For the mom who wants something she can wear again
For more casual spring and summer weddings, this cotton eyelet dress with tiered ruffles and pockets (yes, pockets!) has plenty of dainty charm. We love this baby blue, but it also comes in a bright green.
12. For the mom who wants sleeves to cover her arms
If you don’t want your arms on display (hey, that's okay), this traditional dress includes a lace overlay that works for a breezy spring ceremony or a summer evening co*cktail hour. It’s available in sizes 0 to 16, but take note that nearly all of the reviews say to size up as it runs a size small.
13. For the mom who likes to make an entrance
For a more formal wedding, this one-shoulder getup from Mac Duggal is a surefire to make a statement. The A-line silhouette is flattering on all body shapes and the iridescent, shimmering fabric is great at catching light throughout the evening.
14. For the mom who likes something more conservative
This deco-inspired maxi dress is sure to make a statement with its shoulder-to-feet beading and mesh overlay that skims the body. The tulle will radiate under delicate lighting, while the weighted material will sway gently as you take a turn on the dance floor. You can also grab it in gray or navy.
15. For a sophisticated evening wedding
Can you say stunning? This one-shoulder midi dress offers an eye-catching, elegant silhouette that shows off your curves. It's a perfect length to feature a favorite pair of heels. It's an especially great choice for those who want a bright and punchy color for a cheery summer wedding. It comes in 13 additional hues, too.
