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Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses That Wowed at Weddings

Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses That Wowed at Weddings

By Sarah Schreiber

Updated August 24, 2020

Whether you're looking for something long and beaded or short and lacey, these outfits—all worn by a mom on her child's wedding day—will inspire your own search for the perfect big-day dress.

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Trevor Mark Photography

We've always heard that mother knows best, and if these mothers of the bride—and mothers of the groom!—are any indication, that adage rings true, especially when it comes to their own wedding style. Whether the celebration is black-tie formal or beachy cool, these sophisticated, polished dresses are proof that the mother of the bride knows how to pull together a pretty incredible look for their daughter's nuptials. Plus, with all the time she's likely invested in the big day (and so many other days leading up to it!), she certainly deserves to look and feel her absolute best.

Not sure where to start with your search for that picture-perfect mother-of-the-bride dress? Have no fear—we have some ideas. To inspire your mom's own pick, we've rounded up a collection of gowns that real mothers wore on the big day. From neutral off-white numbers to bold, punchy, and fashion-forward designs, there's something here that will suit her fancy.

Of course, there's more to your mom's dress than just the pretty details. You want her to feel comfortable on the big day—especially when it's time for wedding photos. With a gorgeous gown of her own, she'll feel confident as she walks down the aisle, smiles for a picture, and spins her way onto the dance floor. Ready to see these inspirational fashions for yourself? Grab your mom and get scrolling.

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Champagne-Colored Flowers

Bonnie Sen

This bride's mom escorted her down the aisle in a floor-length golden gown with a floral overlay.

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All About Illusion Necklines

Laura Gordon

Both the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom chose striking gowns with embellishment and illusion necklines for this outdoor celebration.

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Color-Coordinated Choker

Greg Finck

See More Must-Copy Mother-of-the-Bride Hairstyles

A matching white choker topped off this mother-of-the-bride's look, which was also complemented by a chic low bun.

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Lacey Sari

Meg Smith

This proud mother wore a traditional and ornate lace sari and accessorized with bright statement jewelry.

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Short and Sweet

Dear Lovers Photography

This mom's knee-length patterned dress perfectly matched the mood of her child's outdoor wedding venue.

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A Traditional Look

Greg Finck

A patterned magenta "gele," a traditional Nigerian head tie, and matching sash ensured that this mother of the bride stood out beside her daughter.

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Stylish Jumpsuit

Rachel May Photography

For the mom who likes to look put together and modern, a jumpsuit in slate gray is sure to wow.

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Delicate Details

Meiwen Wang

This mother of the bride donned a beautiful light gray gown with an illusion neckline brimming with beautiful beaded detailing.

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Shades of Blue

Abby Jiu Photography

Go Inside This Gorgeous Art-Inspired Wedding

For her daughter's art-filled Washington, D.C., wedding, this mother of the bride (left), donned a quirky, multi-patterned Oscar de la Renta gown. The bride's aunt was just as fashionable in a Reem Acra number with lace and sheer ruffles.

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Ankle-Skimming

Ashley Brown

The champagne colored ankle-length wrap dress looks stunning on this mother of the bride.

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Beautifully Traditional

Laura Gordon

This bride's mother donned a gorgeous sari for her daughter's wedding. The entire look was the perfect match for the couple's tradition-filled day.

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Mother of the Bride in Blue

Abby Jiu Photography

This mom chose a royal blue gown with an illusion neckline and a floral overlay for a striking big-day look.

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Wrapped Lace

Patrick Moyer

This mom also wore Nigerian attire, and paired her lace wrap dress with a chartreuse gele.

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Wildflower Embroidery

Brian Hatton Photography

Pink anemones and blue and yellow wildflower buds accented this pretty black dress worn by the mother of the bride.

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Blushing Beauties

Jose Villa

One mom's blush attire looked beautiful against these two brides' romantic wedding dresses.

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Subtle Sparkle

Melissa Jill Photography

Love Tassels? Add Them to Your Wedding Décor

The beaded metallic tassels on this glimmering gown really came into play when this mom took the dance floor.

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Pink Bow

Sarah Kate Photography

Discover More Wedding Dresses with Bow Details

A voluminous looped bow brought major drama to a structured magenta number worn by the mother of the bride.

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Blue Buds

Sarah Kate Photography

More Unique Ideas for Your "Something Blue"

In a cerulean gown with 3D florettes, this beaming mom was her daughter's something blue.

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Floral Hanbok

Carmen Santorelli Photography

This mom wore a traditional hanbok with floral and geometric embroidery to her daughter's California ranch wedding.

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Slate Gray

Veronica Varos

From the trumpet cut to the swirled-lace embroidery and the sheer bow at the back, this mom's slate gown was all about the details.

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Green Trumpet

Gayle Brooker

We loved how this mom's green satin gown subtly matched the shape of her daughter's lace wedding dress.

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Scoop Neckline

Michael Radford

A dainty necklace prettily mimicked the scoop neckline on her blush pink dress.

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Powder Blue

Kate Headley

With cap sleeves and an illusion neckline, this fitted blue beauty was perfect for this D.C. wedding's hostess.

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Peachy Sari

Lacie Hansen Photography

Learn About More Indian Wedding Customs

Peach, crimson, and gold brought punchy color to a traditional Indian sari.

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Jade Lace

Julie Livingston Photography

Our Favorite Ways to Use Greenery and Vines on Your Wedding Day

With palm leaf décor and lots of vines, green was a main theme throughout this charming and colorful South Carolina celebration. The bride's mother clearly had the color palette in mind when she chose this jade lace dress.

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Strapless and Pink

KT Merry

Her strapless and blush pink gown, with textured floral details and an embellished belt, had this mom smiling from ear to ear.

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Illusion Beading

Katie Mitchell Photography

For blogger Jenny Bernheim's fancy rehearsal dinner, her mother wore a Carmen Marc Valvo dress, complete with a beaded illusion cut-out.

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Pink Print

Katherine O'Brien Photography

The Prettiest Wedding Dresses with Pockets

The best part of this punchy gown wasn't the colorful rose print—it was the pockets!

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Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses That Wowed at Weddings

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Champagne-Colored Flowers

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All About Illusion Necklines

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Color-Coordinated Choker

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Lacey Sari

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Short and Sweet

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A Traditional Look

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Stylish Jumpsuit

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Delicate Details

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Shades of Blue

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Ankle-Skimming

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Beautifully Traditional

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Mother of the Bride in Blue

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Wrapped Lace

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Wildflower Embroidery

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Blushing Beauties

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Subtle Sparkle

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Pink Bow

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Blue Buds

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Floral Hanbok

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Slate Gray

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Green Trumpet

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Scoop Neckline

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Powder Blue

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Peachy Sari

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Jade Lace

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