Finding the right outfit for a wedding can be a difficult task at the best of times, but it can feel particularly daunting to find the perfect mother of the bride outfits for your own child’s special day. Luckily for you, we’re here to help you find a flattering dress, a sophisticated skirt and top combo, or an elegant jumpsuit to make you almost the best-dressed person at the wedding (the blushing bride has to take the top spot, of course!)
Watching your daughter or son get married is a significant event for any parent. It might be the happiest day of the bride and groom’s life, but it’ll certainly be up there on your list of special days too. You’ll have probably been involved with helping your daughter or future daughter-in-law find the perfect wedding dress and even bridesmaid dresses for their big day, but what about your outfit?
Best mother of the bride outfits at a glance:
• Our favourite: Daisy Lace Double Layer Dress – view on Phase Eight
• Best embroidered dress: Lois Embroidered Midi Dress – view on Hobbs London
• Best vintage-style lace dress: Alie Street Lila Floral Lace Shift Dress – view on John Lewis
How you dress for the special occasion is important, so picking a mother of bride outfit or mother of the groom outfit that you feel confident and comfortable in are the top criteria when shopping for something to wear to your daughter or son’s big day. You’ll want to choose an outfit that’s going to be as comfy to wear on the dancefloor at the end of the night as it is sitting and watching the ceremony at the start of the celebrations. You’ll also want to pick an outfit that has you looking and feeling amazing, and one that you’re still going to love how you look in the photographs as you reflect on their special day in years to come.
Whether you’re after a jumpsuit, a coordinating top and skirt, or a dress with a matching jacket and hat, we’re here to help you pick a mother of the bride or mother of the groom outfit that strikes the perfect balance between timeless elegance and contemporary style. Take a look at our top picks below or take a look at some of the places we’d recommend buying mother of the bride outfits from in our FAQs section.
Best mother of the bride outfits and mother of the groom outfits
Our favourite
Phase Eightwww.phase-eight.com
Crafted in a delicate baby blue hue, the Daisy Lace Double Layer Dress is designed with a feminine floral lace detailing over a fitted occasion style dress that we think would be perfect for a spring or summer wedding. The lace overlay is also detachable to give you two different styles in one dress. Pair with the matching Daisy Jacket and Bow Detail Oval Fascinator to complete the look.
Pros
- Two styles in one
- Great for spring and summer weddings
Cons
- Dry clean only
| Sizes: | UK 6-26 |
| Material: | 100% Recycled Polyester |
Best embroidered dress
Hobbs Londonwww.hobbs.com
Boasting an elegant embroidered floral print and a flattering silhouette, the Lois Embroidered Dress is the perfect style for you to wear to your child's wedding. It has a fit and flare shape in a modest midi length with long sleeves that are sheer for that extra special touch. Style with a navy or pale pink clutch bag and fascinator and you'll be more than ready for the big day.
Customer review: "A dress was required for a summer wedding, but I wanted one with sleeves. This dress is very pretty and lightweight."
Pros
- Fit and flare shape
- Lovely embroidered detailing
Cons
- Some may prefer sleeves that offer more arm coverage
| Sizes: | UK 6-20 |
| Material: | 100% Polyester |
Best vintage-style lace dress
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
We love the vintage style of the Alie Street Lila Floral Lace Shift Dress with its cutaway boat neckline and elbow-length sleeves. It's all about the details on the outside, such as the scalloped hemline but on the inside it's all about comfort as the jersey lining will ensure this dress is comfy to wear from the ceremony into the evening. The beautiful rose colour gives it a romantic and elegant feel, which is perfect for a day that's all about love.
Customer review: "Was very pleased when I tried this on. The colour is true to the picture. I sized up because of being bigger busted. Glad I did. Although the hips are loose the lace overdress hangs perfectly. I didn't keep the sash though. Excellent value when I looked at similar dresses."
Pros
- Elegant vintage feel
- Jersey lining inside for comfort
Cons
- Belt pictured is sold separately
| Sizes: | UK 6-20 |
| Material: | 94% nylon, 6% elastane |
Best blue mother of the bride jumpsuit
www.jdwilliams.co.uk
If you would be more comfortable in trousers, how about a jumpsuit to wear to your daughter's or son's wedding? This Joanna Hope Lace Jumpsuit is made with a pretty lace bodice and flattering chiffon trousers. It's made from a lined satin fabric which will feel so comfortable against your skin all day long and comes with a matching self-tie belt to add some definition to your waist.
Customer review: "Really lovely jumpsuit, ordered for my Mum - I ordered three sizes, and can confirm it is true to size. Would need to get it taken up, I think my Mum is.. 5'3? And it was very long on her, even with a heel. So if a similar height you would need to have taken up. The lace on the arms is lovely and incredibly spacious. Really lovely"
Pros
- Satin fabric
- Pretty lace bodice
Cons
- You may need to get the legs taken up if you're on the petite side
| Sizes: | UK 10-32 |
| Material: | Shell, Lace & Belt: 100% Polyester. Lining: 97% Polyester 3% Elastane |
Best spot mother of the bride dress
Phase Eightwww.phase-eight.com
A take on a classic polka dot dress, the Naomi Spot Chiffon Dress is a lovely flowy number that's perfect to wear for a super-special wedding. In a gorgeous pinky-nude colour, it's got a halter-style neck and a tie belt in the middle to add definition and shape to your silhouette. For summer weddings, simply wear a pair of nude strappy heels and a clutch bag or add a jacket for winter celebrations.
Pros
- Flowy style
- Tie belt around the middle for added definition
Cons
- New product so no customer reviews
| Sizes: | UK 6-20 |
| Material: | 100% Recycled Polyester |
Best pink mother of the bride jumpsuit
Coastwww.coastfashion.com
Are you someone who loves vibrant colours? Take a look at this Lace Top Wide Leg Georgette Jumpsuit from Coast. The hot pink colour is perfect for a day celebrating the love your child has with their partner. Being equal parts elegant and comfortable, it's ideal for transitioning you from the ceremony in the day to the dance floor in the evening. The halter neck and wide-leg combo keeps it simple with lace on the chest and floaty sleeves to jazz it up.
Pros
- Gorgeous colour
- Floaty sleeves for nice arm coverage
Cons
- Not the most size inclusive option
| Sizes: | UK 8-18 |
| Material: | 100% Polyester |
Best Bardot mother of the bride dress
Coastwww.coastfashion.com
Add a bit of sparkle to the day's proceedings with this Sparkle Bardot Midi Dress from Coast. Throughout the Bardot top and pleated skirt, it features goldy-silvery specks of glitter so you're sure to dazzle the guests of your child's wedding with this mother of the bride outfit. The tie detail around the neckline immediately draws your eye to it while the sleeves give your shoulders a bit of extra coverage. This would look great paired with a Boloro jacket or a chiffon shawl.
Pros
- Added sparkle
- Pleated skirt
Cons
- No details on material
| Sizes: | UK 6-18 |
| Material: | Unknown |
Best sage mother of the bride dress
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
If the colour scheme of your son's or daughter's wedding features hues of sage green, this Adrianna Papell Embroidered Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress will be a great match if you want to coordinate with the rest of the wedding party. Fully lined through the body for comfort, this fit-and-flare ankle-length dress has a mesh overlay with is embroidered with floral details for that sweet touch.
Pros
- Sheer flutter sleeves
- Self-tie waist to cinch you in
Cons
- Length might be too long for petite mother of the brides
| Sizes: | XS-XL |
| Material: | 100% Polyester |
Best high-neck mother of the bride dress
Phase Eightwww.phase-eight.com
Adorned with a striking floral print, the Phase Eight Bethany Placement Print Midi Dress is another stunning option for your daughter or son's wedding. It features a sophisticated high neckline and a fully pleated bodice, cascading into a graceful high-low skirt for a timelessly elegant look. It's finished with a matching belt that will cinch you in at the waist. Simply style with heels, a matching clutch and a fascinator headband to turn heads on their wedding day.
Pros
- Stunning large floral print
- Swishy skirt that looks great on the dancefloor
Cons
- Some may not like a high necked dress
| Sizes: | UK 6-20 |
| Material: | 100% Polyester |
Where to shop for mother of the bride outfits?
If you’d prefer to browse for your own mother of the bride outfits or mother of the groom outfits, we’ve put together a list of retailers we’d recommend taking a look at. If we were looking for something a bit more special than a regular wedding guest outfits, here’s where we’d start:
Phase Eight
Celebrate their big day in style with Phase Eight’s mother of the bride or groom outfits. Discover dresses, jumpsuits and even trouser suits with complementing jackets and fascinators and matching wedding day shoes and accessories to complete the look. Sizes 6-26.
Hobbs London
Discover sought-after styles including elegant dresses, timeless accessories and much more in Hobbs London mother of the bride and groom outfits. Sizes 6-22.
John Lewis
John Lewis have sourced mother of the bride or groom outfits from multiple brands, including Adrianna Papell, Gina Bacconi, Ghost, chesca, Monsoon and many more. From neutral, soft and floral pattern designs for spring and summer weddings to vibrant colours and lively patterns that are perfect for autumn and winter weddings, John Lewis has it all. Sizes 4-26.
Debenhams
Another retailer with multiple brands under one roof, Debenhams mother of the bride collection boasts timeless elegance with styles and silhouettes to suit every body. From stunning dresses to tasteful jumpsuits, they’re sure to make you feel radiant on your child’s special day. Sizes 4-28.
Coast
You’ve helped your daughter find her dream dress, now let Coast help you find yours. Think flattering dresses with matching jackets in long and midi lengths, with either bold prints or neutral colour palettes. Sizes 4-28.
Karen Millen
Karen Millen’s mother of bride collection is full of joyful colours, such as jewel tones, pastels, bright and florals. Their wedding clothing edit is carefully crafted from a series of premium fabrics, including silk, satin, chiffon, jersey, tulle, crepe, jacquard, and Ponte. Sizes 4-24.
JD Williams
Look and feel amazing on their big day with JD Williams stunning collection of wedding outfits for mothers. With dresses, jumpsuits, skirts and trousers ranging from sizes 10 to 32, mother of the bride and groom outfits from this size-inclusive retailer are made to fit and flatter your shape.
FAQs
When should the mother of the bride start shopping for her outfit?
According to experts at The Knot, ideally, the mother of the bride or groom should start shopping for their outfit six to eight months before the wedding date. This should give you enough time to find an outfit that you love and feel comfortable in, and also allow time for any alterations if needed.
Is it necessary for the mother of the bride to match the wedding colour scheme?
The Knot says although some brides do prefer that their mums wear a colour in the same palette as the bridal party, or match it exactly, there are no set rules that all the dresses must coordinate. It’s always a good idea to have a discussion with your daughter or son before you start shopping for a wedding outfit to get an idea of whether they’re expecting you to match colour schemes.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as all things dogs. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.