How to Look Glam as the Grandmother of the Bride or Groom
Your beloved grandchild is getting married, and you’re so proud to see the day. But knowing what to wear to look modern and feel comfortable has its challenges. You also want to feel confident in what you wear without feeling frumpy, or like you’re having to squeeze and shove yourself into your outfit. So what do you wear that isn’t flouncy enough to resemble a bride dress, or too cutesy that you should avoid wearing it at a wedding? Here are some suggestions for what the Grandmother of the Bride or Groom should wear.
How to Look Glam as the Grandmother of the Bride or Groom
Deciding what to wear comes down to two things: the formality of the event and your comfort level. For a semi-formal event, choose a pretty dress or a pantsuit. I cover a few chic semi-formal wedding attire options in one of my earlier posts, click here to scan through the options. For a formal wedding, you have several options. Make sure to click here to view some of the previous formal dresses I found a while back, too.
1. Wear a Long Gown
A grandmother is the most senior member of the family and has close to royal status! A long, elegant gown is very appropriate. This dress also comes in various colors to match the aesthetic of the wedding.
Pretty details like illusion fabric and touches of embellishment will make your dress special. A matching jacket is sophisticated and covers your arms nicely.
2. A Cocktail Dress is Lovely
Many Grandmothers of the Bride and Groom prefer tea-length cocktail dresses. These are very flattering since they cover most of your legs but allow a touch of the youthful ankle to peek through. I love this ankle-length dress with quarter sleeves. It even has a little bit of sparkle with added sequins for a chic touch!
3. Separates are a Favorite
Mixing and matching dressy separates is both pretty and practical. Separates are a chic way to introduce some color or a feminine print. They also guarantee a perfect fit because you can select one size top and another size bottom if needed to fit your unique shape. Choose from dressy chiffon pants, skirts, lace tops, embellished jackets, and more.
4. Print Twinsets Look Beautiful
Print Twinsets (top and jacket) are one the most popular types of separates for the grandmother of the bride. Not only do they give structure to mature, softer, rounded bodies, but a print twinset paired with a dark bottom draws your eye up and away from your lower half. You can find many beautiful options from Alex Evenings!
This is ideal if you are bottom-heavy or confined to a wheelchair since the print will draw the eye up making your pretty face the focus.
5. Dresses with Jackets are Slimming
Dresses with matching jackets are similar to twinsets and give an elegant, and very slimming layered look, especially when the jacket is the same color and fabric as the dress. I’ll share more of these looks below!
6. Dressy Pantsuits are Popular
Comfort is essential, especially if you have any pain or mobility issues. This is why many grandmothers of the bride and groom opt for a dressy pantsuit. A soft, flowy pantsuit with a stretchy waistband is super comfy and looks sophisticated. This wide-leg crepe pant from Ann Taylor is a perfect example of this, and you can even get a split neck popover top to match.
Grandmother of the Bride Dresses with Jackets
Long Dress with Mandarin Neckline
For a stunning dark plum option, this long dress with a matching neckline jacket is so pretty. It’s flowy and comfortable, so you avoid an outfit that is restrictive or uncomfortable. The jacket is also designed with subtle sparkles, so you can feel as pretty as you look.
Chiffon Mother of the Bride Dress
This dress is called the elegant mother of the bride dress, but it’s perfectly suitable to fall into the grandmother of the bride dresses, as well. It has a stunning A-line collar with a beaded belt over top of the jacket. The pleated design makes it look flowy and flawless.
Sleeve Scoop Neck Jacket Dress
If you’re looking for something with beaded details and a jeweled neckline, this dress is calling your name. It has a pretty scoop neckline for a youthful touch, but it doesn’t reveal enough skin to feel like it’s too flashy. Even though it comes as a set, you can slip off your jacket if you start to get too warm, and you still have that dazzling jeweled neckline.
Embroidered Lace Gown with Jacket
Lace is a favorable detail for grandmother of the bride dresses. It’s timeless and pretty, adding a small but stunning detail. This Alex Evenings Gown is an eye-catching navy blue, and it falls just at the ankle for a long, beautiful fit. This is another set that you can slip the jacket off of to reveal a matching lace top underneath.
T-Length Mock Jacket Dress
For garden or spring weddings, this three-quarter sleeve flower dress is absolutely breathtaking. The jacket is has metallic threading for a little bit of a shine, and the flowy chiffon skirt ensures a comfortable fit. It comes in a smokey orchid, light gray dove, and sleek navy—perfect for all different occasions.
What Color should the Grandmother of the Bride or Groom Wear?
As for what color to wear, don’t worry! So long as you do not wear white or the same color as the bridesmaids, everything will be fine. A little sparkle and shine also make you look more glamorous, vibrant, modern, and beautiful. Enjoy this special day Grandma. It’s your time to shine, too!
Make sure you’re keeping up with my LTK storefront to see all of my favorite outfit ideas, from everyday fashion to stunning wedding looks. You can also join my private Facebook group, Fabulous After 40 Dressing Room, to discuss all of the Grandmother of the Bride dresses you have worn and loved the most. And for any mothers of a bride or groom, don’t forget to check out my book, Mother of the Bride: Secrets to Looking Fab When You are the Mother of the Bride or Groom.
Also check out my posts on Mother of the Bride Dresses with Sleeves, Can the Mother of the Bride Wear Pants?, and Top 5 Mother Of The Bride Trends.
All outfits from alexevenings
Alex Evenings is also available at Nordstrom, Dillards, Macy’s, Walmart, and Amazon.
