Mother of the Bride & Groom Dresses

Frequently Asked Questions

What color should the mother of the bride wear?

Honestly, there's no single "right" answer here — it really depends on the wedding. But if you want a safe starting point, navy, champagne, dusty blue, sage green, and jewel tones like burgundy or emerald are all gorgeous choices that work across seasons and settings. They photograph well, they flatter most skin tones, and they won't clash with whatever the bridesmaids are wearing. The one real rule? Skip white, ivory, and anything that could read as bridal in photos. And it's always worth a quick check with the couple — some brides have strong opinions about the color palette, and some truly don't mind at all. A two-minute conversation can save you hours of second-guessing.

What's the most popular mother of the bride dress style right now?

A-line and sheath silhouettes are still the go-to for most moms, and for good reason — they're flattering without being fussy. A-line dresses give you room to breathe (and dance) while keeping everything polished. Sheath dresses work beautifully for semi-formal settings when you want a sleeker look. Here at Azazie, our bestsellers tend to feature chiffon or lace with details like beaded bodices, illusion necklines, or soft flutter sleeves. They add just enough sparkle and interest without tipping into "too much." If you're someone who likes a bit of arm coverage but hates the idea of a heavy jacket, three-quarter sleeves and sheer overlays are your friends.

What should the mother of the bride NOT wear?

Let's get the obvious one out of the way: nothing white, ivory, or cream. Even if it's technically "champagne," if it looks white in photos, it's going to cause problems. Beyond that, try not to match the bridesmaids exactly — you're the mom, not part of the lineup. Ultra-casual fabrics like cotton jersey can feel underdressed even at a relaxed wedding. And on the flip side, going too heavy on embellishments can pull focus from the bride. The sweet spot? Something that feels elevated and special but still lets your daughter be the star. Think "best version of yourself" — confident, comfortable, and appropriate for the venue.

Do you carry plus sizes and options for different body types?

Yes — and we actually mean it. Our mother of the bride collection runs from size 0 to 30, and every single style also comes with a free custom sizing option. That means we'll cut and sew the dress to your exact measurements at no extra cost. If you carry weight around your midsection, empire waist and A-line cuts are genuinely great at smoothing things out without feeling like a tent. Prefer more arm coverage? We have plenty of styles with sleeves — from sheer long sleeves to structured three-quarter options. And if you want something that cinches the waist and gives you shape, look for designs with ruching or a defined bodice. Nobody should have to settle for "close enough" when it comes to a dress this important.

What length works best for a mother of the bride dress?

This one comes down to the dress code and the venue. For black-tie or formal weddings, floor-length is the standard — and honestly, a long gown just feels right for those settings. For cocktail or semi-formal events, you've got more flexibility. Tea-length and midi dresses hit a nice middle ground — dressy enough but easier to move around in. Having a summer wedding outdoors? A knee-length or midi dress in a lightweight fabric will keep you comfortable when the temperature climbs. One good rule of thumb: as the mom, your outfit should be at least as formal as what the guests are wearing, since you're walking down that aisle too.

Where's the best place to buy mother of the bride dresses online?

We might be biased, but Azazie is hard to beat for selection, sizing, and price. We carry over 200 MOB styles starting at $139, in 100 colors, with sizes 0–30 plus free custom sizing. But what really sets us apart is the At-Home Try-On program — you can order up to three sample dresses for just $10 each, try them on at home with no pressure, and send them back with a prepaid label. It takes the stress out of online shopping entirely. Add in real customer photos, free color swatches, and free shipping on orders over $129, and you've got a pretty solid setup for finding the right dress without ever leaving your living room.