Dressing the Mother of the Bride – Tips for Deciding what Color to Wear
The most often asked question asked by a Mother of the Brides is “what color should the mother of the bride wear?” Choosing the right color is stressful and scary.
Many things need to be taken into consideration such as the time of year, the formality of the event, how the color photographs, the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses and the color of the wedding flowers, not to mention what looks good on you. How can you be sure that you are choosing the right color?
Here are five tips for deciding what color to wear when you are Mother of the Bride:
Excerpt from Mother of the Bride
Monotone
One option is to wear a mother of the bride dress in the same general color family as the bridesmaids. This is a classy way to coordinate, but still, be a little different. For example, if the bridesmaids are in lavender, the Mother of the Bride is in eggplant.
Contrast
Another idea is to choose a Mother of the Bride dress in a color that is directly opposite on the color wheel to the bridesmaids’ dresses.
You’ll stand out, but the bridesmaids will still look great next to you in pictures. For example, the bridesmaids might be in orange and the Mother of the Bride in blue.
Tonal
You could also wear a color in the same color palette as the bridesmaid’s dresses. For a seasonally themed wedding, this can nicely pick up different aspects of the season and look very classy. Bridesmaids may be in soft blue, and mom can be in soft butter yellow, and mom can be in pastel blue.
Pattern
Most women ask, “What color does the mother of the bride wear?” They’re wondering about a single color. But you can wear multiple colors by choosing a pattern. If this is your choice, then wear a patterned Mother of the Bride dress with a color in it that echoes the bridal colors. This adds some personality to the bridal party and pictures. For instance, if the bridesmaids wear pink, the mother of the bride can be in a pink and green watercolor wash.
Neutral
When in doubt, neutrals go with everything! Just be careful to get a more saturated color, so it doesn’t wash you out. For example, if the bridesmaids are in Chartreuse with magenta sashes and fuchsia bouquets, the Mother of the Bride can still wear a dark, silvery-gray.
Of course, you can always take the bride with you for a second opinion! She will undoubtedly have a vision in mind about how she wants her day to look, and will probably be the best person to go to for advice. With this in mind, picking out a color to go with the bridal party will be a cinch.
Black
Can the mother of the bride wear black? If you think not, then be sure to read my dressing, the mother of the bride post about black, where we discuss this very topic.
Most Popular Colors for Fall
Want to wear a color that is trending this fall? Take a look at my recent Mother of the Bride Color trends post to see the most popular colors out there!
NEED MORE IDEAS?
Picking the right color for your Mother of the Bride dress is just part of looking fabulous at the wedding. For more great tips and advice, check out my popular eBook, Tweak Your Chic: Mother of the Bride. It’s a complete guide to looking and feeling like a million on one of the most cherished days of your life.
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Where can you buy the seafoam green mother of the bride dress?
Hi Susan, If I had a dollar for every person who asked me that I’d be rich. This dress was a huge hit with readers but unfortunately, this photo is from a few years ago and I have not been able to find this dress anywhere. I would suggest checking at David’s Bridal. Here’s the link:https://rstyle.me/+V9X35bNv_QEO-bLxQYw4fw. They have a huge selection of dresses and are always getting new ones in, so they may have something close. All the best, Deborah
My daughter is getting married on Feb 16, 2020 (in 9 days!). Her bridesmaids are in blush, groom and groomsmen in navy. I picked out a champagne/gold dress although have an emerald green as a backup. She wants me to wear the champagne/gold dress which I am fine with but will it look okay and not be competing with her color? Thanks!
Hi Teri, Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding! A champagne gold dress is fine. If her dress is white, then no problem, and if she isn’t worried about the color of your dress, I would definitely go for it!
Have a wonderful time!
My daughter is getting married in August 2020, bridesmaids are wearing sapphire/royal blue. Men in Gray or navy. What color would be appropriate for me to wear?
Congratulations Betsy. That sounds lovely. How about blush, or pink, or even a soft silver metallic?
Okay so my daughter is getting married in April 2020! The girls are wearing long peach dresses. The guys are wearing dark gray! My husband and his father is wearing navy blue! Her colors are Navy, dark gray and peach. So what color should I wear?? Don’t know what color his mother is wearing! Thank you
Hi Tina, Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding. How about wearing Navy or a light grey or silver? You could also do a darker peach than the bridesmaids- more of a coral?
Hope that helps!
My daughter is also getting married in April, but she has no “bridal party” per se, just neices and nephews that will be “attendants” with no color palette chosen other than white. This is a second wedding for her, the grooms mother is wearing a deep blue. Would wine be ok to wear in April…or too darK?
Hi Deb, I think wine would be fine in April. It seems to be a popular color year round. You could also consider champagne or silverly gray, if you wanted something neutral. Cheers, Deborah
I’m needing help picking the colors of the MOB. Bridesmaids are in apple red maid of honor is in black and groomsmen are in black shirt with apple red tie best man is in white shirt apple red tie.
Hi Angel, That apple red sounds very pretty. As mother of the bride I think Navy would be lovely or you could wear a deeper red like wine or burgundy. A light gold- champagne would be regal or black would be fine too so long as the bride approved. Unless the wedding is at Christmastime, I would avoid dark green as it would look too holiday festive. Have a wonderful time! Cheers, Deborah
I have a small dilemma. My step-daughter is getting married this fall but decided on spring colors, periwinkle and coral. It seems common that the mother of the bride wears something darker than the bridesmaids, but in speaking with her, my stepdaughter tells me the groom’s mother is wearing peach and her own mother would like to wear coral. I had been thinking of navy blue to offset the periwinkle and be a good fall color but think it may be too different, and I can’t seem to find a “darker blue” that doesn’t look bright and garish (I.e. Pool Blue, or Sky Blue) I would love to get some advice on what color I should focus on.
Hi Kai, I think navy would be perfect and there are many shades of navy, so you could go with a warm navy to with the peach and coral. A warm navy has less black in it compared to some very dark navy shades. Here’s a color chart to help:https://rstyle.me/+ItuZi37fyNsxHDIWclnaeA
I am afraid that I have chosen the wrong color for my daughter’s wedding. Her bridesmaids are wearing bottle gree and I have a coral dress. What do you think?
Hi Regina, That sounds like a pretty combo with a tropical vibe? Is it a summer wedding?
My daughter is getting married in late fall. Her bridesmaids will be wearing deep rose and her secondary color is burgundy. I would like to wear burgundy since I wear darker colors better myself. Will this be okay?
Hi Elaine, That sound perfect. Burgundy is a popular color that time of year and is very flattering on most women. It gives you some color without being too loud or bright. Very elegant! All the best, Deborah
I will be the Mother of the Groom. The bridesmaids are wearing a blushing pink as well as the mother of the bride is wearing pink. What color should I wear.
Dear Laurie,
My daughter is getting married April 2019 in Central Texas. Her bridesmaids are wearing dusty sage. Her dress is ivory and champagne. and she is carrying greenery with some blush accents. She would like the groomsmen in dark navy. I’m at a loss for what color to wear?
Hi Laurie,
This has to be my most asked question and I always like to refer MOB’s to David’s Bridal color chart.
My daughter is getting married in October 2018. Her dress is a long soft ivory, almost white, the bridesmaids are wearing black dresses with gold shoes, the mother of the groom is wearing navy. I ordered a silver dress to wear with silver shoes. (Knee length). It is very lacy over with a slip like fabric lining it. Is that the correct choice?
Hi Laurie, Yes, Silver will look lovely with black and navy. You chose well. Have a wonderful time!
My daughter’s wedding is October bridesmaids colors are sunflower yellow groomsmen are gray and white the bride is an ivory what should the MOBcolors be?
Hi Pailine,
That sounds like a beautiful combo.
Navy, Burgundy or light silver/gray would be lovely. Have a look here for inspiration:https://bit.ly/2P4CvUy
My daughter’s wedding is in October and bridesmaids are burgundy and groomsmen are navy. What color should my MOB dress be?
Hi Linda, You have so many choices. Dark green would look lovely with navy and burgundy or you could go a metallic- silver or smokey gray is pretty or even soft pink or blush.
Deborah,
Help!! My daughter has picked a blush color for her bridesmaids and the groomsmen will be in Navy along with the groom. I look so washed out in the lighter colors with my light-porcelain skin and blonde hair! I was hoping to wear a navy dress, but apparently that is not an option! I don’t want to blend into a dress! Would a dress with different colors in it be inappropriate if it were based on a blush undertone? I’m about to lose what’s left of my mind!
Thanks a million!
Linda
Hi Linda, You could wear a deeper blush or you could try burgundy which would look nice. A light celery green works and of course you can always wear a metallic (soft gold/silver) or black if the bride is ok with it. Here are a bunch of mood boards that will give you some ideas. Enjoy!:https://tinyurl.com/y7bwokpx
Hello, thank you for all your wonderful advice. I really need assistance as the wedding is quickly approaching — only a few months away and I haven’t found a dress yet. What is a good choice, besides navy blue, for a mother of the bride to wear if bridesmaids are in a blush or dusty rose?
Hi Desperate mob,
One way to co-ordinate is to wear a lighter or darker color than the bridesmaids so if they are in blush you could be in a deeper pink or peach. Or you could go opposite in navy as you suggested or a dusty blue or green. You could also try a metallic like gold or silver. Metallics are always a neutral choice.
Is periwinkle a good mother of the bride color if bridesmaids are in dusty rose and men in navy blue?
Thank you for your help
Yes M, Periwnkle and dusty rose are a beautiful combo.
Hi my daughter is marrying in June. The b/maids are in shades of peach/apricot, flower girls possibly in baby blue, and her 2yr old daughter in a deeper/bolder shade of peach/apricot, like coral. Think the men are in navy. I’ll be back to dark brown hair by then and skin will be slightly tanned 😉……. so what on earth should I be wearing please xx
Hi Jackie, When in doubt, turn to this handy color for for MOB from David’s bridal: http://tinyurl.com/y88wkjwo
Good day
My daughter is getting married in December 2017. The colour of the wedding and bridesmaids dresses are dusty purple and dusty pink. What colour should I wear? should i go with darker shade of purple?
Hi Annatjie, A darker shade of purple would be lovely or you could go with navy which is popular at the moment or even a metallic.Try using Davi’s Bridal color tool. I find it a big help:http://tinyurl.com/y88wkjwo
My daughter’s wedding is in mid October. Bridesmaids are wearing grape dresses and groomsmen and my husband med gray. I cannot decide on a dress color. Should I wear the same grape color, navy, or would burgundy be okay. I tend to like dark colors. I have brown and silver hair, light skin and brown eyes. Thank you.
Hi Julia,
I would stay away from grape if bridesmaids are in grape. Navy would be lovely and burgundy would work too. All the best. Cheers, Deb
Hey I’m Gloria my daughter will be married in September her colors are red and grey I will b walking her down the aisle what color should I wear?
Hi Gloria,, Have you thought about Navy? that’s a very popular color at the moment for Mother of the Brides and work very well with this color scheme.
Hi there! My son’s wedding is in September and the MOB is living in China, but will be attending the wedding in the states. My future DIL doesn’t have any special requests as for dress style or colors. I know that I am supposed to go off of what the MOB wears, but I believe that she doesn’t even have a dress yet. The bridal party is wearing Coral. What colors would match best with the party’s color? Maybe I can suggest a color for the MOB to lean towards (since she probably doesn’t know what colors to aim for)? You thoughts on this?
Hi Lisa, Yes, you usually take your cue from the MOB and choose second. Navy, silver, taupe, would all look nice with coral. I would talk to the bride first and suggest she speak to her first to get her thoughts and if the bride is ok with it, you can call the mom direct and talk. You don;t want to come across as pushy but I understand you want to know. It is important to get your dress well ahead of time!
Here is a MOB color guide to help you http://tinyurl.com/y88wkjwo
I am really stuck. I am the mother of the groom and am not sure what colour to wear. The BM’s are wearing cadbury purple and I have the choice of a dark purple dress, a silver grey dress or a navy dress. The silver grey is quite light and in comparison to the other 2 appears wishy washy. The purple is my favourite but I don;t want to come across as trying to copy bridesmaids. Help please!
I am the mother of the bride and it has always been just the 2 of us. She has asked me to walk her down the isle (even though her dad and step dad will be attending), she has also asked that I wear white. I told her I didn’t want to wear white that color is for her. She stated she didn’t care, I suggested thinking about another color. She is standing firm on “white or off white”
Is this ok? or should I push the issue of another color.
Hi Heidi,
While it is an unusual request, I would go with the bride’s wishes and wear white, but a toned down white such as ivory or even a cream shade. It is her day so if that’s what she wants…. If you wish to make sure you don’t look like you are wearing a wedding dress, you could stay away from anything lace. I might also suggest carrying a colorful bag or wearing colored jewelry in a shade that compliments what the bridesmaids are wearing. That might be a good solution. Wishing you all the best on this special day.
Hi, My daughter is getting married in August. Her colors are turquoise and fushia, with accents of silver. What color should I wear?
What about a soft silver? Metallics are always in style for MOB.
My daughter is getting married in September. She’s wearing ivory, and bridesmaid are in dusky pink. Would navy go with the colour scheme?
Hi Penny, Yes, Navy would be beautiful and it is so in right now, you should have no problem finding a dress. Have you checked David’s Bridal?
Is a navy dress ok for the MOB if the guys are in black suits and the bridesmaids in burgundy/wine.
Hi Patty,
Absolutely, Navy would be lovely with burgundy and very slimming too. Enjoy!
I am the mother of the bride but also divorced from her father will be walking her down the isle with him what should I wear
Hello! My daughters wedding is in October and her colors are Tiffany Blue & Gold Her bridesmaids will be wearing Tiffany Blue. I was looking at dresses in Royal Blue. Do you think that would coordinate with the colors of the wedding. MOG is wearing Navy Blue. I was thinking of wearing gold but my skin is fair but i have dark hair & dark eyes. Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Thank you in advance for your advice.
Hi Lisa,
Yes Royal Blue would work with Tiffany blue and it is fine that the MOG is wearing Navy, however I would consult with the bride as she may want you to wear a completely different shade than the MOG. Another option is blush or coral. These colors pair wells with Tiffany blue and are a nice contrast to navy blue. Best Wishes.
My child is getting married and the bridesmaids dresses are a pinky peach color. The guys are wearing grey tux with tie color of dresses. Mother of bride is wearing navy dress what color should mother of groom wear? Also, would it be wrong for mother of groom to also wear navy or maybe a blush colored dress?
Hi Jan, It’s not appropriate for the Mother of the Groom to wear the same color as the MOB. Since the bridesmaids are pinky peach and the MOB is Navy, I might suggest silver,champagne or taupe. Here is a color guide from David’s bridal that you might find really helpful. Have a wonderful time at the Wedding! http://tinyurl.com/y88wkjwo
My daughter has her bridesmaids in petal pink, she’s in an off white dress and the boys are wearing tan, just a vest no jacket. The wedding is July 1st. There are three mom’s and a grandmother, what color choices would make this party blend well?
Hi Gail, sounds like pastel themed wedding so you can go with either deeper pink as mob or something opposite like pale blue, mint green or lilac. Here is a David’s bridal color guide that will give you a few more ideas. Congrats!https://www.fabulousafter40.com/best-mother-bride-dress-color/
My daughter is getting married in April. Her bridesmaids are wearing a bright pink..not quit a bubble gum pink. The tuxes are light gray with matching pink ties. I have a beaded tea length navy blue dress. Is this a good choice for the April wedding and pink dresses?
Thank you for your help.
Hi. My daughter is getting married in July. Her bridesmaids are in Cadbury purple. I am quite fair skinned with freckles. Can you help me on a colour for Mother of the bride outfit please. A lot of people have said champagne colour but I’m just not feeling it all..i was contemplating silver or a smoke grey. Thanks for your advice.
Hi Tracy,
Congratulations! Silver or gray would be lovely with purple. For some other ideas you can check out this convenient mother of the bride color matcher: http://bit.ly/2lhgi73
Hi. My daughter is having a winter wedding her bridesmaids are a latte color best men are a grey blue color. Can my dress be navy blue? Or do you think I should stay away from blue? The blue is like a denim blue that the guys are wearing ..I’m really confused thank you
Hi Kerry,
It sounds like it would be fine but without seeing the exact colors it is hard to say. This is a very handy chart that will help you immensely. See if you can find the color latte you are talking about here ( I’m guessing it is called champagne on this chart?) and then check which colors correspond. The navy and champagne look lovely together with the lighter blue. http://bit.ly/2lhgi73
Hi! My son is marrying in late September. The bridesmaids will be in light gray and carry white flowers with a touch of lavender. I’m more of a fall palette-for instance true blue and corals look good on me and don’t wash me out. I have golden brown hair and brown eyes. What colors should I consider for my dress?
Thanks, Cyndie
Hi Cyndi, Congratulations. This is an exciting time for you. When Bridal colors are in neutral colors you have a lot more flexibility. I thin a warm navy would be really nice or a burgundy color would look lovely with gray in fall. Peach is nice with gray but it’s more for a spring/summer. Have you seen the great color chart at David’s Bridal? I write about it in my Mother of the Bride ebook. Take a look. It should really help:http://tinyurl.com/jrs3wse
Cheers, Deborah
Hi,
My daughter is having a summer wedding. Her bridesmaids are wearing peach. She suggests that I wear Navy Blue. What color would you recommend? I don’t look good in Navy blue and want to wear something that would compliment my skin tone. I am brunette with green eyes and olive skin.
Thank You!!
Hi Debbie, As Mother of the bride you can wear something that contrasts or co-ordinates. Navy would be a strong contrast. If you want to go for something softer, that co-ordinates, I suggest a neutral with some warmth like bronze or mocha if your skin and hair is more on the warm side. David’s Bridal has this excellent chart that can really help. Take a look at this and I hope you find a fabulous dress: http://tinyurl.com/jrs3wse
Cheers, Deborah
My daughter has a gray, purple theme going on. The Bridesmaids are in pewter. Dad has a gray jacket with the kilt in grays as does groom and best man. The kid’s kilts have purple in them. What should the mother of the bride wear?
Thank you
Hi Diane, You could wear purple to coordinate, or a lighter or darker shade of pewter. Since pewter is so neutral you have more options than most MOB’s. I always recommend this chart from David’s Bridal. It’s a big help when coordinating colors: http://tinyurl.com/jrs3wse
Cheers, Deborah
Hi! My daughter’s wedding is strictly formal in December. The theme is navy blue and gold. Should I wear a gowm in navy and gold combination? I’m 52. Thanks.
Hi Thelma,
You could, but check what the bridesmaids are wearing so you all co-ordinate.
My daughters wedding colors are black and gold, whats a good color for my dress? Please help
Hi Lorrie,
The color of the MOB dress is such a popular question. If the bridesmaids are in gold you could wear black or if the bridesmaids are in black you could wear gold or a soft neutral shade like champagne. A deep wine color could also look nice. Check out this color guide for MOB from David’s Bridal:http://tinyurl.com/jrs3wse This should be a big help. Cheers, Deborah
My daughters bridesmaids are red what colour should I wear it’s a September wedding
Hi Deborah my daughter’s wedding next spring her brides maids gown are pastel .she pick. A gold gown for me and wants me to wear it. I am leaning on light blue instead are these color appropriate for spring?pls. Help
Linda
Hi Linda, Light blue is a lovely spring color and gold is considered a neutral so it is always in style. You could go with either. Have fun! Cheers, Deborah
My daughter is getting married in March, and her bridesmaid’s dresses are in a blush color. I’m having trouble deciding on my color dress. I have looked and few different colors. I really like safire blue. Other colors I have looked at are gray and black . They are all long dresses. Any advice?
Hi Kim, Weddings are soft, romantic affairs so most MOB’s tend to wear a coordinating color instead of a bold contrasting color. I like the idea of a soft gray because it will really play up the blush. You could also go with a deeper neutral. Here’s a great color chart that should help:http://tinyurl.com/jrs3wse
Cheers, Deborah
My daughter will be having an outdoor wedding in spring (in a warmer clime), but it’s still formal – with the bridesmaids in floor-length sequined gowns of primarily rose gold but other metal tones like possibly champagne, etc. I am at a loss as to what to wear so as to not look too much like a bridesmaid myself. I’d prefer floor-length, and I know it shouldn’t be sequined; however, if it’s a solid that’s either lace or beaded, what color should it be? I need to decide soon so as to talk with the mother of the groom about her dress. Thanks for your help.
Hi Cyndi, as this is very formal, what about a warm navy blue? Navy is very popular this spring for Mother of the Bride dresses. See here: http://tinyurl.com/hx2b5nt
You actually have a lot of flexibility since the bridesmaids are in a neutral color. A soft pink shade would might lovely too because it would pick up on the pink in the pink gold. Here’s a great color chart that will help you decide:http://tinyurl.com/jrs3wse
Have a wonderful time at the wedding. Cheers! Deborah
Hello there!
I am having a hard time giving guidance to my mother as well as the mother of the groom for dress color. The bridesmaids are in a medium gray tone dress, a mix of lace and chiffon and the maid of honor is in a dark gray. My dress is champagne but with a hint of pink with silver embroidery and a lot of crystals and some sequins. We are having kind of a rustic wedding and the girls are wearing cowgirl boots and the guys are in gray with yellow ties. I am very unsure what colors to put my “mothers” in. Any help would be great. The wedding is in April
Hi Samantha, Wine or Raspberry comes to mind, but have a look at this color guide which I find very helpful and it will give you some ideas!http://tinyurl.com/y88wkjwo
Have a beautiful wedding day!
My daughter’s colors are pink for the girls and navy for the guys so what color should the mothers wear?
Hi Eileen, What time of year is the wedding? You could wear a deeper shade of pink, such as rose or fushia, or go with a color that is close to pink like Mauve or purple, or something opposite like blue. It really depends on the season and what the mother of the groom is wearing too.
Thanks so much for your advice. The wedding is in July.
Hi my daughter’s wedding is royal blue and silver and the dresses of the bridesmaids is short. What colour must I wear and must my dress also be short?
Hi Linda, Congratulations Mother of the Bride. No worries, your dress does not have to be short. As for the color, check out this very handy color guide:
Cheers, Deborah
My daughter is having her wedding in July. Her colors are red, dark purple and cobalt blue. What color of dress can the mother of the bride wear?
Hi Brandy,
You can go a couple of ways. You can wear a lighter or darker shade than the bridesmaids or try a metallic like gold or silver. Even black would work. Enjoy!
Hi, thank you for all your great tips and advice. I’m going to my granddaughters wedding in the spring next year. I’m 58. The wedding is Semi formal and all she asks is that I wear a pastel color. Her bridesmaids will be dressed in different shades of pastels of their choice. So with that in mind, what would you suggest? My color palette for myself is more fall/winter. So, I’m having a little difficulty choosing what to wear, color and length.
Thank you!
Hi Mary, What an exciting event for you. I know you are going to want to look your best, but it is really hard for me to help you unless I know your coloring. If you skin and hair are warm (golden undertones) you will look better in warmer pastels like peaches and yellows. If your skin is more pink and your hair more ash than gold, you will generally look better in pale pinks and pale blues. These are very general guidelines. To learn more about color, and figure out which colors may look good on you, I suggest you pick up a copy of my ebook: Color Me Fabulous which goes more into depth on the Colors for various skin/hair profiles, or if you wish to consult an image consultant in your area, you will find that this type of color information will benefit you greatly. You can find an image consultant via http://www.aici.org. Cheers, Deborah
Can a mother of the bride wear a navy and silver dress if the bridesmaids are wearing pink the wedding is in june
Hi Deirdre, Yes Siver and navy pair lovely with pink. Metallic are considered a neutral like navy and work any time of the year. Have fun!