22 Best Summer Mother of the Bride Dresses of 2022 (2024)
Wedding Party Attire
Dress your best while beating the heat.
By
Rachel Varina
Rachel Varina
Rachel Varina is a full-time freelancer with over 10 years of editorial experience and six years of experience in the wedding industry. Her work has been featured inCosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Elite Daily, Betches, Zola, and more.
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Published on 08/05/22
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With sun-drenched days and ample vacation time, it makes sense that summer would be a popular season to say "I do." And if your son or daughter is getting married during the warmer months, you're probably working together to check off all the to-dos before the big day. We think one very important task item that deserves special recognition is what you—as a guest of honor—will wear to the celebration. While searching for a summer mother of the bride or groom dress might feel overwhelming, we don't think it has it be. In fact, the choices are what make the search half the fun!
Between bright colors, airy fabrics, and shorter options, summer fashion is naturally a little more laid back than the cooler months. This means more opportunities to let your personal style shine, whether that’s with a playful midi you can dance in or an embellished number that’ll turn heads. Whichever route you choose, staying comfortable is essential, especially if the event is taking place outdoors. That’s why keeping the venue and expected temperature in mind as you shop is crucial. The last thing you want is to overheat at such a milestone event.
To help, we’ve rounded up 22 of the best summer mother of the bride or groom dresses sourced from our favorite sellers, to keep you feeling—and looking—cool as you celebrate your child’s love story.
Ultra flattering empire waist silhouettes look fantastic on all body types, which is why this highly-rated design from Azazie continues to be a standout. The hand-pleating bodice pulls the eyes up, while the cascading draped skirt elongates for an effortlessly elegant aesthetic.
Favorite Blue Hue:BHLDN Leila Satin Charmeuse Maxi Dress
We love an airy hue for summer celebrations, and BHLDN definitely delivers with the Leila gown in dusty blue. The style comes in 10 other colors and with a draped bodice, soft sleeves, and flowy skirt, it's a vision in any hue.
Add an extra pop of color to the celebration with this sunny sundress from Mac Duggal. Between the bright yellow shade, the tiered ruffle skirt, and the all-over floral pattern, it's a happy look that'll match your day-of mood.
Chiffon is a wedding classic thanks to its light and flowy feel, and Revelry's Becca dress turns the traditional fabric into something special with its flattering A-line skirt and sheer scoop neck. Bonus: The style comes in close to 50 colors so you can easily match your look to the day-of vision.
For an Elegant Event:Alex Evenings Glitter Mesh Gown
Black dresses are a formal wedding favorite no matter the season, but this Alex Evenings option gets the summer seal of approval from us. The glitter mesh fabric allows airflow while the square neckline, skirt slit, and cold shoulder cap sleeves keep you secure without feeling stuffy.
Best Asymmetrical Neckline:Adrianna Papell Satin Crepe One-Shoulder Ruffled Long Gown
Feminine and flirty, this lightweight satin crepe gown from Adrianna Papell feels fresh and fun for summer events. Coming in a soft toffee color, the ruffled neckline and one-shoulder silhouette add a charming twist to the classic A-line style.
Little black dresses are essential for special events, but this unique number from Amsale adds some summer flare to the wardrobe staple. Warm shades of yellow, red, and orange make up a festive floral pattern along the hem, and you can even get the matching shawl or opera coat to wear again at chillier events.
Best Beadwork:Adrianna Papell Hand Beaded Floral Godet Gown
Delicate floral beadwork dances down the bodice of this whimsical Adrianna Papell godet gown. The streamlined silhouette—complete with cap sleeves and a zip-up back—comes in six different colors if the blush hue isn't for you.
Best Caped Dress:Talbot Runhof Cape-Effect Draped Dégradé Metallic Voile Gown
Between the fresh green hue, the subtle metallic sheen, and the asymmetrical square neckline, there's so much to love about this Talbot Runhof dress. Our favorite feature, though, is the light-as-air cape that provides ample arm coverage and plenty of intrigue to your day-of look.
The 18 Best Mother of the Bride Dresses of 2022 | by Brides
For a Tropical Wedding:Adrianna Papell Chiffon Floral Print Gown
Bring on the beach vibes with this vacation-worthy dress from Adrianna Papell. Between the lightweight tropical print, the formal bateau neckline, the and playful flutter sleeves, you'll feel ready to celebrate with your toes in the sand.
Best Sheer Sleeves:Betsy & Adam Mock Neck Long Illusion Sleeve Ruffle Stretch Gown
Long sleeves and summer don't exactly go hand-in-hand, but if you're craving some full arm coverage, this Betsy & Adam design might just be the key. The mock halter neckline gives way to mesh sleeves that allow plenty of airflow to stay cool on hot summer nights.
Even less formal celebrations deserve a noteworthy dress, and Azazie's Olivia provides plenty of standout touches without feeling too fancy. Hitting at knee-length, the ruffle detailing and crystal brooch elevate the design while still keeping it understated. Pair it with the included jacket if the A/C is blasting in the venue.
18 Best Short Mother of the Bride Dresses of 2022
For a Black-Tie Wedding:Pinko Two-Tone Halter Dress
When it comes to extremely formal celebrations, only the best will do, and this sleeveless PINKO dress checks off all the boxes with its halter tie neckline and a two-tone design. Style the gown with some matching statement shoes and earrings to add to the vibrant summer vibes.
Why not feel pretty in pink on the big day? This vibrant shade is elevated further by a formal square neckline, side slit, and ruffles down the skirt. If you love the style but want something a little more understated, the design also comes in a gorgeous green sage hue.
Even though ruffles are a popular dress detail for warm weather events, Needle & Thread somehow makes them even more romantic with its Valentine gown. Coming in five different colors, the tulle design showcases layers upon layers of soft ruffles that give a dreamy, ethereal effect to the textured dress.
Best Party Dress:Oleg Cassini Metallic A-Line Dress
Break out your best dance moves because this shimmering midi tank dress from Oleg Cassini was made to bust a move in. The flattering A-line silhouette comes complete with pockets, and the waist embellishment gives an additional touch of sparkle to the outstanding look.
If you love the idea of satin but don't want something slinky and strapless, Jenny Yoo's Calla dress likely provides the style you crave. The one-shoulder design is balanced by the wrap silhouette for an appropriate and contemporary twist on the popular summer fabric.
Floral prints typically boast bright hues, but the Kitra gown from Ralph Lauren Collection turns flowers even fancier by swapping colors for black and white. The elegant pattern is elevated further with a sweetheart neckline and asymmetric shoulder strap.
For Something Blue:Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Gudrum Sleeveless Mermaid Gown
Be the bride's something blue in this gorgeous gown. The gathered structured side bow and mermaid silhouette will certainly stun in photos for years to come.
For a Glitzy Wedding:Tadashi Shoji Odette Sequin Dress
A sparkling soirée is the opportunity to wear a shimmering look of your own, like this sequined statement dress from Tadashi Shoji. Coming in silver or gold, the intricate pattern and cap sleeves give a timeless feel worthy of such an important wedding.
For a Floral-Filled Event:Marchesa Notte Plunging Floral Sequin Tiered Gown
Stand out amongst the blooms in this terrific tiered gown from Marchesa Notte. In addition to the all-over festive floral print, the entire dress boasts sequins for a subtle shine that makes the design pop. Wear simple accessories to really allow this look to dazzle.
High-low hemlines are perfect for keeping cool and navigating the day without worrying about tripping over your skirt. The taffeta material, open back, and bright cobalt-blue hue makes this design suitable for your son or daughter's special celebration.
What to Look for in Summer Mother of the Bride or Groom Dresses
When shopping for a summer wedding, you'll want to really take the time to think about the forecast. Some locations can be extremely warm, and overheating is a real possibility. Consider whether or not the celebration is indoors or outdoors to help guide your outfit choice. As for the style, shorter sleeves and lighter fabrics—such as cotton, polyester, and lace—are best. If you feel uncomfortable about shorter sleeves or hemlines, pairing a short or sleeveless dress with a light jacket is a great solution to keep you cool and confident.
No matter the season, selecting your mother of the bride or groom dress is a big deal. As a parent, you hold an extremely special role in the celebration. It's a good idea to chat with the couple of honor to see if there are any dress styles or colors they'd like you to stick to. Some brides and grooms like to have their parents dress in coordinating colors or fabrics, so checking in is a smart idea before falling in love with a specific style or shade.
FAQ
Why type of dress should I wear to a summer wedding?
Cool, lightweight fabrics are best for warmer weather celebrations. As you're searching, adhering to cotton, polyester, lace, or satin will keep you comfortable as the temperatures rise.
What colors are popular for summer weddings?
Many summer weddings gravitate toward bright, earthy, and natural hues to compliment the sun-filled season. Neutrals, greens, pinks, yellows, and light blues are all summer wedding staples.
Can I wear long sleeves to a summer wedding?
Typically, long sleeves and summer weddings don't mix due to the heat. That said, if the event is strictly indoors (with A/C!), longer sleeves could be an option if that's what you feel most comfortable with. In that case, it's a good idea to look for styles with sheer, mesh, or lace sleeves that allow airflow while providing coverage.
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Why Trust Us
Contributing Expert Writer Rachel Varina is a full-time freelancer with over 10 years of editorial experience and six years of experience in the wedding industry. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Elite Daily, Betches, Zola, and more.
Many people associate summer weddings with a brighter color theme, but an understated neutral color makes a perfect dress for the mother of the bride to wear, too. Cream, ivory, blush, mauve, beige, and even champagne are beautiful dress colors. And they look especially good against a summer sun-kissed skin tone.
When it comes to color choices, navy is the number-one most requested color for the mothers of the bride and groom. Other popular colors include blush and shades of nude. Traditionally, you want to avoid white, black and red.
Colors like plum, lavender, eggplant, silver, navy and gold are the perfect pick for the mother of the bride dress. This is a universally flattering color combination for bridal parties. Choosing a mother of the bride dress to complement this color theme will be a bit easier.
A: The Mother of the Bride needs to coordinate with the Mother of the Groom and decide whether they will be wearing long or short dresses, but both are acceptable.
What Color Does the Mother of the Bride Wear? There's not one specific color the mother of the bride should wear. It's generally best to steer clear of white, ivory or champagne hues as to not take attention away from the bride.
Color: Who Coordinates with Whom? Traditionally, the mother of the bride has been the first to choose her dress. The color of the mother of the groom's dress should complement, but not match it. This is easier than it sounds because no two hues are exactly alike.
Today, almost anything goes — so long as it's appropriate for the event. So, while you probably wouldn't wear a strapless dress to a church wedding, it might be just the thing for a beach ceremony. However, you can add a lovely wrap or, yes, even a jacket to that same dress and it instantly becomes chapel appropriate.
It's best to avoid wearing white or any color that resembles the bride's wedding outfit. You may also want to steer clear of blush, beige, or other light neutral tones that may appear lighter on camera. "Skip black or white, unless the bride and groom have requested it.
Traditionally speaking, though, the bride's family pays for the bulk of the wedding—venue, reception, photographer, flowers, etc. As such, the mother of the bride is typically more 'in charge' of these things (along with the bride, of course) than the mother of the groom is.
If you're the mother of the bride or groom, you should certainly considering wearing a floral dress to the big day. In addition to being beautiful, flattering, and downright fun, a floral dress is the perfect way to ensure that your look coordinates with the wedding party and the day's overall color palette.
The most traditional choice is for a groomsman to walk the bride's mother down the aisle. This can be an especially good choice if the two sides of the wedding party are uneven or if you'd like to give this gentleman some additional spotlight.
The mother of the bride plays the role of hostess, meaning you should spend some time greeting guests during the reception. Although there are exceptions, other wedding-day duties may include sitting at the parents' table and dancing with the father of the bride to help warm up the dance floor.
Inviting her to get ready together encourages bonding and makes her feel included in the celebration. Plus, your future mother-in-law may want to use your hairstylist and makeup artist.
Long dresses and skirts are fine for any wedding from noon on. The mothers do not have to wear dresses of equal length, although many do, feeling that it creates a more harmonious look, especially in wedding photos.
Garden weddings are more formal than beach weddings but usually still more casual than an indoor occasion. For an outdoor garden wedding, a printed, fitted dress, a dress with mid-length or long sleeves, or even a beaded co*cktail dress is appropriate attire for the mother of the bride.
Since it's flattering on just about everyone, and because nearly every designer seems to offer an evening gown in the deep blue hue, navy is the perfect color for the mothers of the bride and groom to consider wearing on the big day.
Ideally, you should start shopping for your mother of the bride dress six to eight months before the wedding date, leaving any shipping time and alteration needs in mind. This is enough time to give yourself to find a dress you love that you're comfortable in.
Parents of the bride and groom collectively contribute about $19,000 to the wedding, or about two-thirds of the total cost, according to WeddingWire. The bride's parents give an average $12,000, and the groom's, $7,000. Just 1 in 10 couples pays for the wedding entirely on their own, according to TheKnot.com.
Does the mother of the groom give the bride a gift? The mother of the groom traditionally brings a small gift to the bridal shower. When it comes to the wedding itself, the mother of the groom can give the bride a more sentimental gift, like a family heirloom, to officially welcome her into the family.
Traditionally, the bride's mother has the honor of selecting her outfit first. Try not to choose colors that are the same or very similar to the bride's and bridesmaids' dresses—you won't stand out. Wear different colors from each other.
Garden weddings are more formal than beach weddings but usually still more casual than an indoor occasion. For an outdoor garden wedding, a printed, fitted dress, a dress with mid-length or long sleeves, or even a beaded co*cktail dress is appropriate attire for the mother of the bride.
It's best to avoid wearing white or any color that resembles the bride's wedding outfit. You may also want to steer clear of blush, beige, or other light neutral tones that may appear lighter on camera. "Skip black or white, unless the bride and groom have requested it.
If you're the mother of the bride or groom, you should certainly considering wearing a floral dress to the big day. In addition to being beautiful, flattering, and downright fun, a floral dress is the perfect way to ensure that your look coordinates with the wedding party and the day's overall color palette.
Traditionally speaking, though, the bride's family pays for the bulk of the wedding—venue, reception, photographer, flowers, etc. As such, the mother of the bride is typically more 'in charge' of these things (along with the bride, of course) than the mother of the groom is.
Traditionally, the mother of the bride's dress should complement the wedding party's colors (though not necessarily match). Therefore, it's best to wait until your daughter chooses the bridesmaids' dresses to begin shopping, says expert Shea Jensen.
The mother of the bride is the last person seated before the officiant, groom and best man take their places at the altar. She can walk alone or be escorted by her son, son-in-law or another relative. She is seated on the left side in the first row.
The mothers of the bride and groom don't need to match on the wedding day. Both are encouraged to wear outfits that represent their personal style. If the couple does prefer to have the moms wear complementary outfits, try to find colors or silhouettes that look great together.
Purse: Mothers should not forget to carry a purse. Not only does a chic clutch look smart, it has the added bonus of keeping the mother's arm in check as she's escorted down the aisle.
It gives you life. Navy coordinates well with most bridal party colors – Navy can be worn year round and looks as lovely with other dark shades like burgundy, green, and plum as light, bright colors like pink and yellow. Navy is timeless– Navy is and will always be a beautiful color for any formal event.
As the wedding begins, the groom's mother will be escorted down the aisle, to the first pew, right-hand side, by the head usher or a groomsman who is a family member. A nice touch includes the groom escorting his mother down the aisle. As the groom's mother is escorted to her seat, her husband will follow along behind.
Parents of the bride and groom collectively contribute about $19,000 to the wedding, or about two-thirds of the total cost, according to WeddingWire. The bride's parents give an average $12,000, and the groom's, $7,000. Just 1 in 10 couples pays for the wedding entirely on their own, according to TheKnot.com.
Sequins enhance the charm of any mother of the bride dress, and these looks are some of our favorite shimmering styles from our newest collections. First up - the elegant and regal style 120909 from Montage.
Traditionally speaking, the mother of the groom is responsible for planning and hosting the rehearsal dinner with the grooms' father (typically) the night before the wedding. This is one of the biggest mother of the groom responsibilities, so make sure you start planning the dinner about six months in advance.
However, while there aren't any specific rules about what the mother of the groom should wear, there are some guidelines. We recommend making sure your outfit is in line with the attire that's suggested on the wedding invitation (i.e. co*cktail, black tie, etc.)
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