Real Mother of the Bride & Groom Outfits That Wowed at Weddings
One of the best ways to put together the perfect Mother of the Bride (or Groom) Outfit is to take inspiration from what other women have worn. Here’s a look at some wow wedding fashions from our very own Fabulous After 4o readers! Have a peek!
Long Versus Short
When the Mother of the Bride wears a long gown, does the Mother of the Groom also have to? Lisa discovered that it was up to the Bride to decide, and in this case, it was no problem at all. Lisa got to wear this beautiful, knee-length cocktail dress she picked out for her son’s wedding, which took place last July in North Carolina.
With the Bridesmaids in teal and the MOB in Champagne, this navy shade was a perfect choice. Lisa fell in love with the detailed pattern on the bottom of the dress and the beautiful draping on top, which she says covered her 55-year-old arms just enough.
The draping also added volume to her shoulders, which she feels helped balance her pear-shaped body. And of course, the stunning neckline also lengthened her neck, making her already 5’9″ figure look even longer and leaner. I love how elegant that draped neckline looks on you, Lisa!
Beautiful in Blue
When Denise’s daughter was married in October 2020 in the middle of the pandemic at a beautiful outdoor wedding in the mountains of North Carolina, Denise knew she wanted to wear a unique dress and not your typical MOB dress.
She chose the beautiful, pale blue off-the-shoulder dress. Denise fell in love with the intricate embellishment detail and loved the idea of a 3/4 length dress.
With the Bridemaids in navy and the Mother of the Groom, too, this powder blue color was a lovely way to stand out a little, but in a non-jarring way.
The fun part was that Denise made shopping for this dress a family affair. Her daughters, daughter-in-law, sister, and granddaughters all shopped with her to find this gorgeous dress. So glad they gave it the seal of approval. This dress looks like something you would see in a fairytale. Stunning!
Double Duty
How often does someone get to be both the Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom in the same year? That’s what happened to Alison in 2021 during the pandemic.
Alison’s daughter Lauren has always wanted to be married in the backyard she grew up in as a child, and thanks to COVID and the crackdown on the number of guests, that is exactly what happened. Lauren married in October, and as Mother of the Bride, Alison wore this gorgeous two-tone lace gown. It was romantic and feminine and very figure-flattering, and I love the way Alison’s wavy hair went so well with this style and how her husband Bill coordinated so perfectly with what she was wearing.
Earlier in August, Alison’s son David was also married. He, too, had to scramble to adjust his plans due to Covid and ended up marrying in a church, which was followed by a gorgeous formal reception (cocktails, dinner, and dancing) under a huge tent in the middle of the Bride’s family property as Mother of the Groom Alison opted for this summery floral gown that almost looked two-piece. It was perfect for an outdoor summer wedding, and I love the square neckline, which makes it look so modern and unique! You look so pretty in both, Alison!
The Millionth One!
After trying what seemed like a million dresses for her daughter Caroline’s wedding- some quite pricey- Jill stumbled upon this gorgeous dress with an interesting twist. Surprise! There is a slit up the middle of the skirt with skinny cigarette pants underneath!
The fabulous pants detail, the stunning floral fabric..for Jill, there was no need to look any more once she found this dress. And bonus- it was in her $400 price range too! The wedding was held at Sacred Mountain in Julian, California, on July 31, 2021. The bridesmaids in burgundy, the MOG wearing a navy dress. Jill tells me that she doesn’t think she has ever had as many compliments as she has when wearing this dress.
Desert Wedding
The location of the wedding can often provide clues as to how you might dress as the Mother of the Bride or Groom. When Sandra’s daughter Morgan married in Palm Springs, California, in 2021 Sandra took her inspiration from the chameleon-like desert sky and chose a dress that seemed to shift from gray to blue depending on the light. Sandra tried on thousands of dollars worth of dresses before settling on this glamorous one-shoulder stunner from Bloomingdales.
Although it was a little out of her comfort zone, Sandra loved that it was lightweight. So many others she tried on were “too heavy and made me feel like the bow of a ship! The slight sparkle in the fabric was another draw, and Sandra loved how perfectly the dresses coordinated with the bridesmaid’s dresses which were varying shades of orange and gold, like the dessert itself.
I think Sandra looks like a movie star standing next to her husband, Scott. How about you? A very glamourous Mother of the Bride, to be sure!
Regal Royal Blue
When Linda’s son was married in September 2020, the wedding had to be scaled down due to COVID, but that didn’t stop her from wearing something formal and elegant. Linda’s dress is Jovani which she bought at a local boutique.
The salesperson encouraged her to try it on even though she hadn’t considered something so form-fitting and to her surprise she loved it! The bridesmaids wore dusty roses, and Linda’s son, the groom, wore a deep blue suit. The neckline on this is regal, and the sequins are pretty magical. You look like a million in this, Linda!
Champagne Celebration
Teresa and her daughter Christina looked like two peas in a pod on Christina’s wedding day. Teresa’s gorgeous champagne-colored faux wrap dress by Lauren by Ralph Lauren Party was just a few shades darker than her daughter’s dress and just as elegant. How did Teresa know this dress was “the one”?
All it took was her daughter Christina saying, “This one!” and Teresa’s decision was made! The groom is of Indian descent, and his mother wore a traditional Indian sari for the nuptials. Gorgeous, Teresa!
Sequin Sheath
For her son Max’s wedding in June in Minnesota, Pam tried on about 40 dresses, and although she loved a few of them, they felt too formal, too traditional, or just too much for her. She put this dress on and instantly knew it was right – not over-the-top dressy but enough to feel that it made a statement while complementing what the rest of the wedding party wore.
This Nicole Miller sleeveless, ankle-length sheath had just enough glam and was a comfortable length to wear, and easy to dance in. The subdued floral sequins offered the perfect amount of glitz for a late-day wedding. This is a fabulous choice, Pam!
Pretty In Pink
Jennifer is pictured here with her two sons, Alex (left) and Steven. For Alex’s morning wedding, Jennifer chose to wear this above-the-knee, vibrant pink dress that features a wired collar that allows for shaping it to look the way you want it to. She had planned to wear it raised at the neck in the back, but as people hugged her throughout the day, the neck was gently pushed down.
Jennifer’s dress complimented the wedding color palette, inspired by a blooming desert cactus. The colors were grass green, sage green, mint green, coral, pale peach, blush, and silver. The MOB chose a dress in white lace and mint green, while the bridesmaids wore solid color dresses in coral, pale peach, sage, blush, and grass green, with each choosing a color and dress style that suited her best.
Fun fact about Jennifer’s dress: her dress was purchased at a boutique in New Orleans three years ago. Her lovely daughter-in-law liked the dress so much with the other wedding colors she had chosen that she did not mind that the dress had already been worn on three other occasions. You are so pretty in pink Jennifer!
Fascinating Fascinator
Jane’s daughter, Gemma, was married in a lush setting in England. For this magical day, Jane decided on this dress since the wedding color scheme was rose gold. Jane was in search of a dress that would both complement and yet contrast with the color of the bridesmaid dresses (which were a pale peach color), and also match with the men’s suits, which were navy.
The long silk ankle-length dress with a keyhole neckline design was accessorized with navy shoes and a fabulous navy fascinator. The groom’s stepmother wore a dark navy dress with a peachy rose gold print.
Jane knew this dress was “the one” because of the dark navy background and the delicate colors and flowers on the print. What a feminine choice. You looked lovely Jane!
Lovely In Lilac
For her daughter Heather’s wedding, Laurie knew she wanted to wear the color lilac. It is a favorite color of hers, and she has received compliments in the past when she’s worn this shade. After looking at many dresses online, Laurie returned to this lovely lilac lace overlay dress. She liked the modest neckline, the overlay of lace, and the length of the sleeves for the June wedding. You made the right choice, Laurie. This is so fresh and feminine on you!
Sparkles and Shine
Doesn’t Pam look glamorous (and so happy) on the arm of her son, Logan, at her daughter Lyndi’s wedding in June? It was a small wedding in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, and it was cocktail party attire. Pam found her dress at David’s Bridal and just knew it was the one because it fit like a glove and needed no alterations! How perfect!
The bridesmaids wore burgundy, and the Mother of the Groom also wore navy. Lucky Pam has another wedding on the horizon as her son Logan is set to be married in June! Wonder what she will wear then. If it is anything like this she is sure to wow!
Something Borrowed
When Ann’s daughter Grace got married in August in Lake Leelanau, Michigan, Ann borrowed her Mother of the Bride dress from a friend. It fit perfectly and looked stunning. Once Ann put the dress on, she knew it was the one she wanted to wear to walk Grace down the aisle.
The bridesmaids wore shades of blush pink, each choosing her own dress and shade. The Mother of the Groom wore a silver dress. This dress is so soft and romantic and I love the flowy bottom and sequin detail. Stunning Ann!
Blushing Mother of the Bride
When Lynn’s daughter Amanda was married in Deerfield Beach, Florida, in November, Lynn wore this beautiful blush-colored gown with a silver sequin overlay that she purchased at David’s Bridal. The Mother of the groom wore a dusty rose dress while the bridesmaids wore blush color gowns with blush skirts and silver sequins on the bodice. That’s some dress, Lynn. You look fabulous!
Classy Front Slit Skirt
In early December, Sandy was the stepmother of the Bride. Her stepdaughter Dominique’s wedding took place in Staten Island, New York. Sandy wore a gown with a front slit in the skirt that showed just the right amount of leg to make this dress a little sexy while keeping it classy. An elegant look! I love the off-the-shoulder neckline too. Sandy, you look sensational!
Do you have a photo of you as Mother of the Bride or Groom? Be one of my style stars and send it in to post. ( Please note- we cannot post blurry or poorly lit photos). Cheers!
NEED MORE IDEAS?
Do you need more ideas about what to wear as the Mother of the Bride or Groom? Pick up a copy of my bestselling E-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.
Also, here are some more real-life mothers of the Bride and Groom:
Elegant MOB Gown Real Moms Wore
Real Life Mother of the Bride Dresses that Inspire
Mother of the Bride Dresses Shine on Real Women!
Hi Lisa, Have you tried https://www.adriannapapell.com/#mob.
Thanks so much for featuring my MOB dress and my beautiful daughter. There are so many gorgeous dresses here! We are honored to be part of the group.
Denise, you are an inspiration. Thanks so much for being a Fabulous After 40 Style Star!
Hello, I enjoyed reading your current post on ‘Real-life MOB and MOG dresses.’ My daughter is getting married in August in Chicago! It will be the first wedding for our family. I’m starting to look online at dresses, but it can get overwhelming. Do I order a bunch to try on or go to bridal shops/ boutiques? And I live in southern Alabama, so my daughter won’t be with me.
Her colors are eucalyptus for bridesmaids, deep navy for guys, and gold accents. I want to try gold sequined dresses…is that too much?
Thanks for any suggestions/ input you may have.
Hi Brenda, There is so much online you could start there. Gold sequins will be delicate if the bride is okay with it. Try https://www.adriannapapell.com/#mob, https://www.alexevenings, Nordstrom – https://rstyle.me/+N2uyzxdGUEhKggCTg4p_uw- Dillards first:https://rstyle.me/+XFdYiM9j5bQWlWg4UWbcvw and David’s Bridal to start: https://rstyle.me/+D6Fyf0kCMRHvc_BT_2Tmvw.
All of the mothers look beautiful! Seeing how they put together the dress, accessories, hair, etc., is lovely. I have to give a special shout-out to Sandy’s dress-I love the color and style. It is so flattering on her. Stunning!