18 Best Mother of the Bride Outfits, Dresses & Accessories for a Stylish Wedding Look

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Mums, are you ready to shine on your daughter's big day? Well, you're in the right spot. Rock My Wedding is here to guide you through finding the perfect mother of the bride outfit. We've gathered a delightful collection of styles for mums of all tastes, ensuring you're ready to stand out on this special occasion.

We've got the inside scoop on the latest trends and timeless classics to keep you looking chic and feeling comfortable on the big day. Our fabulous real-life mothers of the bride are on hand to share their insights on navigating the perfect mother of the bride outfit while staying true to your style.

Ready to discover your ideal look? Browse our stunning array of hand-picked outfits from some of the top bridal-loving high-street brands. Your dream mother of the bride ensemble could be just a click away. 

So, with the arrival of Mother's Day 2025, let's dive in and make sure you're the best-dressed mum at the wedding!

What Should the Mother of the Bride Wear?

These days, there are less rigid rules when it comes to selecting the perfect mother of the bride outfit or dress for the big day. It’s important to feel comfortable and confident in what you decide to wear. After all, it’s a special day for you too!

While midi and maxi dresses tend to be most popular for mothers of the bride, groom and wedding guests, there are no real rules on what you should choose to wear for the milestone occasion. 

It’s essential to consider what kind of wedding you’re attending. Is it a traditional wedding? A black tie wedding? Are there any colour schemes you must abide by? Are white dresses for anyone except the bride a complete no-go? 

Once you’ve got all the necessary intel from your daughter, it’s just as important to think about what kind of dress will have you feeling your best throughout the day. While style is, of course, essential - comfort is also central. Consider what’s most important to you: something that’s figure-flattering, age-appropriate, or maybe an outfit that’s modern and fashionable as opposed to a typical, rather frumpy, mother of the bride outfit. 

Remember, just because you might be one of the older wedding guests, doesn’t mean your dress should hide or cover you up. As long as you feel amazing - we promise you’ll look amazing too!

What Colour Should the Mother of the Bride Wear?

There are a few things to consider on the subject of colour. As we know, colour can sometimes be a contentious topic of conversation throughout the wedding planning process. Even the not-so-traditional brides might want to be the only person seen in white (off-white, ivory, beige, cream included, of course!) A general rule of thumb - it’s often safer to steer clear of these colours. So, if white (and similar tones) are out of the question, which are on offer?

As mentioned, it’s worth finding out early on if the couple is considering any widespread colour schemes - popular picks currently tend to be an earthy sage green or a classy and timeless champagne shade. 

While trends are one way couples select their wedding colour themes for the big day, you may also want to pay extra attention to Pantone’s Colour of the Year when browsing for mother of the bride outfits. This year, Mocha Mousse takes the title for 2025, perfectly coinciding with the elevated, rich and warming currently taking the scene by storm - just what you need to look like the in-the-know, trend-aware mother of the bride, who is everything but frumpy and all fashionable. 

Otherwise, if SS25 runways are anything to go by, opt for bold hues like an eye-catching bright red or striking blue look instead. While monochrome (black and white styles) are definitely still up there in terms of popularity - some of the biggest and most renowned fashion houses (namely Erdem, Burberry, Richard Quinn, and Simone Rocha) are ditching classic florals for more muted hues. 

The best thing about the monochrome trend is that you can wear and enjoy your mother of the bride outfit again and again. Black and white are timeless shades you can repurpose and re-wear for almost any other occasion coming up in the year - because who wants to wear a great dress just once? 

If you’re feeling particularly thrifty, why not consider a preloved or rented mother of the bride outfit or dress? You might even be able to spot a beautiful bargain at our sister brand, Recycle My Wedding.

Where to Buy Mother of the Bride Dresses and Outfits?

Now you’ve put some thought into what you’d like your mother of the bride outfit to look like, it’s about time to consider where exactly to find your dream dress. 

Whether you plan to explore high street options to keep more pennies in the pot for gorgeous accessories to complement your look, or have the extra cash to venture into more high-end, designer outfits for the big day, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect look, no matter your budget. 

Our biggest tip is to narrow your search and consider the style you’re after. Are you stuck on a midi dress? Full coverage on your arms? Or maybe some fancy feather dresses have caught your eye? Using the filters while shopping online will save you heaps of time sifting through contenders that’ll likely never make the cut. 

To make your job just that little bit easier, we’ve picked out our favourite mother of the bride (and groom) outfits and dresses to suit everyone!

The Best Fabulous, not Frumpy, Mother of the Bride Outfits & Dresses for 2025

Let’s jump straight in! In need of more wedding inspo? We also have our Mother of The Bride Speech Guide to help you prep a tear-jerking, crowd-pleaser to woo the guests on the big day. 

Mother of the Bride Outfits for Over 50s

We all know that age is just a number, and it’s essential to not restrict yourself to the confines of outdated and frumpy classic mother of the bride outfits. However, finding something that looks and feels age-appropriate might still feel like a non-negotiable to ensure you’re comfy from the ceremony to the reception! 

While you may feel more comfortable in a loose-fitting midi dress like our pick from Phase Eight, the pleated design will make sure it’s anything but boxy, giving you a beautiful shape as it flows and moves with you. Accentuated with a belt and a tailored jacket to cover your arms and add more dimension, whoever said that outerwear can’t add to an outfit. 

If this first dress has caught your eye, shop this similar style from M&S in a gorgeous, fresh sage green hue - a key difference between the two is the V-neckline which calls for some stylish jewellery to complete the look!

Mother of the Bride Outfits for Over 60s & 70s

Your mother of the bride outfit should feel just as graceful and stylish as you are, and with these outfits - who wouldn't? For those in their 60s and 70s, the key is elegant tailoring and premium fabrics that drape beautifully while ensuring all-day wearability. A sophisticated Wallis wrap-style dress with a soft pleated design is a timeless choice, offering a flattering silhouette with a touch of femininity. Pair it with a chic tailored coat or a silk bolero for added polish - because who says layering can’t be a fashion statement?

Drawn to something with a little more structure? This premium wool silk dress in pink from Hobbs adds just the right amount of glamour without being over the top. Style it with pearl drop earrings and a matching clutch and you’re ready to go!

Elegant Mother of the Bride Dresses

Going for an elevated and elegant look is a surefire way to never go wrong with your mother of the bride outfit. While elegance is often associated with a heftier price tag, that doesn’t always have to be the case. Flowy silhouettes that promise to take gorgeous shape on the big day are the perfect solution to affordable luxury, and these stylish selections available at Phase Eight are just the styles you need if you’re feeling fancy. 

While one dress is ornately beaded, and the other relatively simple - both exude elegance in the best possible way. The beaded option offers a touch of vintage glamour, perfect for a black-tie or evening wedding, while the simpler style delivers effortless chic with its clean lines and flattering fit. To complete the look, pair either with a structured jacket or an elegant shawl, a clutch and some strappy heels or flats. 

Two Piece & Trouser Mother of the Bride Outfits

While dresses might seem like the obvious choice for your mother of the bride outfit, don’t forget about the power of a pantsuit! Not only does opting for a suit or trouser set make your outfit a more standout, bold and unique choice, but it’s likely the best way to guarantee a stylish yet functional look that will keep you comfortable for the entire day. Gone are the days of worrying about dresses riding up or catching a chill once the sun goes down. If you decide to impress at your daughter’s wedding in a trouser suit, why not go for a colourful choice, such as M&S's light aqua blazer and matching wide-leg trousers? 

If suits aren't your thing, you can’t go wrong with a trouser co-ord set instead. This red floral lace set from Mint Velvet is perfect for making a statement in style. 

Trendy/ Young Mother of the Bride Dresses

Being the mum at the wedding doesn’t mean you can’t show off how trendy you are. For those ever seeking the status of “the cool mum”, now is your chance to claim the title. If you didn’t already know, ruffles have been a huge bridal and wedding guest trend this season, and there’s no reason why this must-have look can’t also extend to the mother of the bride. Head to Mint Velvet for this stunning layered floral dress - made for spring and summer weddings. 

If your mind's still on a trouser moment, consider a satin set to elevate your mother of the bride outfit. The Rock My Wedding team are huge fans of this matching LilySilk set in a vibrant yellow hue - also perfect for weddings this time of year. 

Petite Mother of the Bride Dresses

For the bride's mothers who come in slightly smaller packages, don’t fret - there are so many gorgeous mother-of-the-bride offerings in petite ranges. While you may have already made a return or two with midi dresses becoming maxi dresses, we at Rock My Wedding are here to help. Hobb’s floral tie belted dress is ideal for a spring and summer look. Its longer length and sleeves make it ultra-wedding-appropriate, while its lightweight and floaty silhouette makes it ultra-wedding-appropriate.

For those who find florals a tad too obvious, this navy blue mother of the bride dress from Coast is slightly more subtle. The pleated midi skirt and square neckline strike the perfect balance between sophisticated and playful - a silhouette you’ll be comfortable in from day to night. 

Plus Size Mother of the Bride Dresses

Finding a plus-size mother of the bride dress that feels just as stylish as it does comfortable shouldn’t feel like a challenge. Whether you're after something floaty and feminine or structured yet soft, brands like Phase Eight and Pretty Lavish prove that plus-size occasionwear doesn’t have to mean compromising on elegance.

Phase Eight's floral maxi dress is a beautiful choice for mothers of the bride or groom, with its soft floral print, flutter sleeves, and flowing silhouette that flatters in all the right places. Meanwhile, the Pretty Lavish option brings a modern edge with its watercolour-inspired design and delicate ruffles that continue to dominate the trends - adding just the right amount of detail to impress on the big day. 

Designer Mother of the Bride Dresses

For those looking to invest in a designer mother of the bride dress, luxury labels are redefining modern elegance with statement silhouettes and impeccable tailoring. The Aje coral number is a contemporary showstopper, featuring sculptural ruffles and a cinched waist that effortlessly blends drama with sophistication. 

If sleek minimalism is more your style, the Victoria Beckham light green midi dress delivers understated luxury, with soft draping and a flattering fit that feels both refined and fashion-forward. Whether you prefer bold and temporary or timeless and polished, these designer picks ensure a standout mother of the bride look worthy of the occasion.

Don’t Forget to Accessorise! Browse Mother of the Bride Hairstyles, Hats, Shoes & More

Everyone who knows anything should understand that a good outfit isn’t complete without stylish accessories. If you’re after a classic mother of the bride accessory, you can’t go wrong with a wedding hat or fascinator for some added flair. We adore these selections from Hobbs and a more affordable option from New Look because they're easy-to-wear headpieces (thanks to the addition of the headband) that quickly elevate any outfit. 

If hats, fascinators or headbands aren’t for you, browse mother of the bride hairstyles instead to ensure your tresses look the part on the big day. You don’t always need a professional glam team to feel amazing. Browse our hairstyle tips and ideas or wedding up-dos and do it yourself at home for a fraction of the cost!

Finding the Perfect Mother of the Bride Outfit Made Easy

We hope by now you’re feeling inspired to find the perfect mother of the bride outfit! For even more inspo, check out our article on wedding trends for 2025 or the best fascinators or wedding hats to top off your look.