marthastewart.com
Weddings
Dresses & Style
Fashion
Mother-of-the-Bride and-Groom Dresses
Printed Dresses Perfect for the Mothers of the Bride and Groom

Printed Dresses Perfect for the Mothers of the Bride and Groom

By Elizabeth Swanson

April 23, 2018

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

Skip gallery slides

Credit: Kristen Kilpatrick

If your mom or future mother-in-law gravitate towards prints, her big-day look might be just ahead.

Start Slideshow

1 of 29

Credit: Kristen Kilpatrick

Who says you have to wear solids or metallics to a wedding, especially if you're the mother of the bride or groom? No one. While there's nothing wrong with wearing a classic black, navy, or beige gown, they're very far from your only options. Choosing a dress with a fun, statement print add so much life to your look with pretty minimal effort (all you have to do is find the dress!). Before you say you don't wear prints, we're here to tell you there's a patterned fabric out there for everyone. Whether you want something simple and understated, like a striped shift from M.D.S. Stripes or Gal Meets Glam's green floral maxi, or a dress that's a bit more fun, like Rixo's bold, graphic three-quarter sleeved gown, you'll find a style you love here.

Looking for something unique? Marchesa Notte's black-and-white embellished illusion gown might sound out there, but it really works—especially for a black-tie event. If you're the type of mom who loves prints and needs no convincing, then we encourage you to go for rich colors with bold patterns, like Emilio Pucci's pastel printed shift dress or Saloni's fun yellow floral number. Paired with a swipe of red lipstick, you'll be the chicest mother there. The important thing to remember about prints is that when they're done right, sometimes more really is more.

No matter which camp you fall into, know what a printed dress won't clash with the rest of the wedding party. You can choose a print that features the hue the 'maids are wearing or one that complements the wedding day's overall color scheme. If the couple is throwing a formal bash and dressing their group in entirely black and white attire, they may even appreciate a playful patterned pop to help break up the photos. If you're interested in wearing a printed dress to your son or daughter's wedding, click through to see some of our favorite options available now.

2 of 29

Rixo

Credit: Courtesy of Shopbop

Rixo "Lucy" Dress, $485, shopbop.com

3 of 29

Emilia Wickstead

Credit: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

Emilia Wickstead Pleated Floral-Print Cotton Midi Dress, $1,790, net-a-porter.com

4 of 29

Badgley Mischka

Credit: Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Badgley Mischka Palm-Print Ruffled Wrap Gown, $890, saksfifthavenue.com

5 of 29

Saloni

Credit: Courtesy of Matches Fashion

Saloni "Bianca" Floral-Embroidered Silk Dress, $965,

matchesfashion.com

6 of 29

Marchesa Notte

Credit: Courtesy of Lord & Taylor

Marchesa Notte Floral-Embellished Illusion Gown, $995, lordandtaylor.com

7 of 29

Gal Meets Glam Collection

Credit: Courtesy of Dillards

Gal Meets Glam Collection "Shannon" Floral-Print Maxi Dress, $198, dillards.com

8 of 29

Vone

Credit: Courtesy of BHLDN

Vone "Batara" Dress, $298, bhldn.com

9 of 29

Zac Posen

Credit: Courtesy of Barneys

Zac Posen Floral Silk Twill Gown, $2,390, barneys.com

10 of 29

Emilio Pucci

Credit: Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Emilio Pucci "Mirabilus" Sleeveless Shift Dress, $1,570, saksfifthavenue.com

11 of 29

Caroline Constas

Credit: Courtesy of Moda Operandi

Caroline Constas "Bardot" Off-the-Shoulder Printed Cotton Maxi Dress, $795, modaoperandi.com

12 of 29

J. Crew

Credit: Courtesy of J. Crew

J. Crew Button-Front Midi Dress, $98, jcrew.com

13 of 29

Rebecca Taylor

Credit: Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Rebecca Taylor "Malia" Dress, $450, neimanmarcus.com

14 of 29

Rachel Rachel Roy

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

Rachel Rachel Roy "Issa" Tiered Maxi Dress, $159, nordstrom.com

15 of 29

Alaia

Credit: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

Alaia Embroidered Cotton Poplin Midi Dress, $7,230, net-a-porter.com

16 of 29

Altuzarra

Credit: Courtesy of Matches Fashion

Altuzarra League Floral-Print Ruffled Dress, $1,516, matchesfashion.com