Mother of The Bride Dresses Shine on Real Women

What would you wear if you were the Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom? Here’s a look at some of the gorgeous gowns my lovely 40+ readers chose to wear on one of the most memorable days of their life.

Beautiful in Black

I’m often asked if wearing black as the Mother of the bride or groom is appropriate. Judging by this photo of Kathy and her daughter, I’d say it’s incredibly appropriate and tasteful. Kathy looks gorgeous in her beaded halter gown by Carmen Marc Valvo. I love how striking the black looks next to her daughter Kelsey’s white wedding gown.  

Charming in Champagne

It was a very special day when Pam’s daughter Christine wed her sweetheart Ben. Not only did Christine wear her Mother’s wedding dress from 28 years prior (with a few customizations for herself),  but she also wed on her parent’s anniversary. For this momentous occasion, Pam wore a stunning champagne-colored empire waist gown with a matching bolero jacket, which she purchased at Dillard’s. Champagne is such an elegant shade and goes beautifully with her fair complexion.

 Stunning in Strapless

A woman’s shoulders are one of the loveliest parts of her body, and Pamela chose to highlight hers in this stunning gown from Carolina Herrera. While it almost looks dark green here, it is actually black. The sweeping wrap waist detail is exquisite and very figure-flattering. Pamela chose to forgo a necklace in favor of delicate drop earrings and a pretty bracelet, which focuses on her shoulders and décolleté and lovely face.  

Dazzling In Sequins

The Mother of the Bride holds a very honored position, so why not go all out glam on this day to remember? LaAnja chose a dazzling, sequinned, one-shoulder navy gown for her daughter’s wedding.  Navy has been a popular trend among MOB dresses in recent years. It’s classy, slimming, and regal. To complement the asymmetrical neckline of the gown, LaAnja wore her hair in a soft updo. Both mom and daughter look like movie stars!  

A Fusion Wedding

Imagine being able to wear not one but two Mother of the Bride Dresses!

Margaret did when her daughter Jaqueline and her husband, Amogh, were married in a unique fusion wedding in November 2019 in Detroit that showcased each of their cultures.

Margaret’s two Mother of the Bride dresses were very different but equally as beautiful. One was a short-sleeved gold sequin Mother of the Bride gown by Adrianna Papell. It set a beautiful contrast against the all-black formal dresses that the bridesmaids wore. For the other ceremony, Margaret wore a stunning orange Sari edged in gold. It looks like the bride wasn’t the only one feeling like a princess that day!  

Metallic and Lace

For Debbie’s daughter’s wedding, she chose a three-quarter-length dress that sparkled. With its metallic sheen and lace bodice, Debbie’s teal dress is a true winner. She purchased both the dress and “butterfly” shoes at Macy’s, where she scored both for under $150. Although she didn’t spend it, Debbie looks like a million bucks!  

Elegant and Exquisite

Top left: This is my reader Nikki with her son, the groom. Doesn’t Nikki look pretty in this custom-made pale lavender dress with sheer sleeves?

Top Middle: For Kelley’s son’s wedding day, she chose this knee-length floral fit and flare dress. Her nude sandals are an excellent choice for a printed dress like this one. A simple wrap that complements Nikki’s dress is stylish and adds coverage.

Top Right: When Jackie was shopping for the perfect dress for her stepdaughter’s wedding in Seattle, Washington, she knew two things: she wanted a dress with sleeves, and the dress had to be black (at the bride’s request). This Badgley Mischka dress with statement sleeves is a winner! The sleeves have a fun element to the dress and keep it from being too serious. Kate Spade shoes finish off Donna’s impeccable stepmother of the bride look.

Bottom Left: This is Sharon Favre, the beautiful stepmother of the groom. For her stepson’s wedding, Sharon was in search of a dress that was anything but frumpy. Since she didn’t want a long dress, she loved the style and length of this knee-length dress. The bonus: the dress showed off her fabulous shoes which were a tab high but incredibly comfortable.

Bottom Middle: Meet reader Mary Jo who is 60 years old. Mary Jo’s daughter was married in June, and she chose this lovely teal, full-length gown with a lace bodice and ruched detail. This teal is flattering and complimentary for Mary Jo’s skin tone and hair color.

Bottom Right: Meet Shawn Brightwell, who is looking very feminine in her Adrianna Papell dress with flutter sleeves and all-over beading, and a pretty scalloped hem. This past summer, Shawn celebrated her daughter’s marriage with an intimate family wedding outside at a villa in Florence, Italy. Sounds picturesque! Thanks to all the moms who sent in photos.

If you want to be a part of our next Mother of the Bride/Groom round-up, please send a high-quality shot that shows off your dress. I’m sorry, but we cannot publish blurry or poorly lit photos. Email me at info@fabulousafter40.com and be our next Mother of the Bride/Groom Style Star! I love seeing your style and cheering you on, Glam Gals! Plus size. Check out: Plus size mother of the bride dresses to look more elegant.

Need More Ideas?

Do you need more ideas about what to wear as Mother of the Bride or Groom? Pick up a copy of my bestselling book Tweak Your Chic – Mother of the Bride. It will tell you everything you need to know on one of the most important and cherished days of your life.