12 Best Mother of the Bride Dresses That Aren't Frumpy for 2024 (2024)

If you’re looking for Mother of the Bride dresses that aren’t frumpy, matronly, or ugly, you’ll find them here! We’re rounding up figure-flattering dresses for the mother of the bride or groom in a variety of styles and shades. These are mother of the bride dresses that are not frumpy, yet modern and stylish! Read on for more + subscribe now for the latest!

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Are you looking for a beautiful Mother of the Bride dress? Many moms worry they’ll pick the wrong dress, which is what we received in a question from reader, Tara. She is shopping for Mother of the Bride gowns and wants to know what to wear to her daughter’s wedding. She writes,

“Hi Emmaline! I’m shopping for a dress to wear to my daughter’s wedding in November. However, I’m finding the same problem at many stores. Do you have any tips on where to buy Mother of the Bride dresses that aren’t frumpy? Thank you!”

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Great question, Tara! Congratulations to your daughter! We love when the mother of the bride or groom takes an interest in what to wear to the wedding, especially well ahead of time. If you’re looking for the best Mother of the Bride gowns 2024 moms are loving at the moment, you’ll find it here from the latest designers. :)

We’re bringing in the experts at BHLDN with their collection of Mother of the Bride dresses in a variety of styles and colors to suit any style. Whether long or short, mother of the bride dresses with sleeves or without, you’ll find it here.

Let’s get to the list! Here are some beautiful gowns for the Mother of the Bride to wear… none of which are frumpy or non-flattering at all! Enjoy!

Mother of the Bride Dresses That Aren’t Matronly

1. Off-the-Shoulder Mother of the Bride Gown

Wow, this dress features an elegant silhouette with an off-the-shoulder neckline, a floor-length skirt, and a radiant silhouette. It is elegant and available in other colors. By Amsale.

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2. One-Shoulder Georgette Gown

This pretty dress has a one-shoulder neckline with an oversized bow that is subtle yet stylish. By Sachin & Babi.

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2. Sequin Midi Dress

This is one of the most stylish Mother of the Bride gowns 2024 has to offer with crystals, sequins, beading, and an elegant knee-length hem. By Adrianna Papell.

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3. Satin Sleeveless Gown

Here’s one of the best Mother of the Bride dresses that are not frumpy: it features a floor-length skirt with a sleeveless style, an off-the-shoulder neckline, and a flattering skirt. I love the stylish wrapped-knot detail. By Teri Jon. Shop here.

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4. Cap Sleeve Mother of the Bride Gown

For Mother of the Bride dresses that aren’t frumpy, look to designer Tadashi Shoji! This Odette sequin dress features an intricate pattern and a sleek silhouette and is one of the best Mother of the Bride gowns for 2024. Shop here.

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Available in silver (above) or gold (below):

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5. Satin Charmeuse Dress with Halter

This dress is made for dancing! I love the halter neckline and the floor-length skirt in satin. This gown is available in multiple colors. Shop here.

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6. Deep V-Neck Velvet Mother of the Bride Dress

Ooh-la-la! This sumptuous velvet dress with sleeves is one of the best non-frumpy Mother of the Bride dresses on this list! We love how the bodice is form-fitting with an elegant floor-length skirt and a v-neckline. By Jenny Yoo.

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Other colors are available here.

7. Satin Mother of the Bride Dress

Put on this flattering Mother of the Bride gown featuring a satin maxi skirt, a draped bodice, soft sleeves, and a plunging neckline. By BHLDN.

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8. Flutter Sleeve Velvet Dress

If you love the look of velvet but prefer a short flutter sleeve, this is one of our top dress picks! By Jenny Yoo.

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9. Embroidered Elegant Gown

This is one of the most beautiful mother of the bride gowns that 2024 moms are loving, with its cap-sleeve style and sumptuous embroidered fabric. By Mac Duggal.

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10. Satin Midi Dress

Here’s one of the best gowns, this time in a midi length! Dress to impress with this Mother of the Bride dress with thin straps and a stunning skirt. Buy here.

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11. Crepe Floor-Length Gown

If you adore a high neckline, flattering crepe fabric, and mother of the bride dresses that aren’t frumpy, any of these gowns on this list will do but this style is a fan-favorite! Shop here.

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12. Velvet Dress with Off the Shoulder Neckline

This beautiful dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline, a luxe velvet skirt, and an open back. Buy here.

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Finish the look of your Mother of the Bride outfit with a pair of beautiful heels that are easy for dancing, like these block heels by Loeffler Randall:

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Which of these Mother of the Bride gowns is your favorite? Which of these dresses is the most stylish in your opinion? What style do YOU plan to wear? Tell us in the comment box below!

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma

This is a sponsored post.

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Emma Arendoski

Emma is the CEO of Emmaline Bride, The Handmade Wedding Blog, published author, leading wedding expert, and wedding planner. Read her latest book: The Inspired Wedding. Wife, mother, coffee lover. Follow on Instagram and at Emmaline Baby for baby + kids inspiration.

12 Best Mother of the Bride Dresses That Aren't Frumpy for 2024 (2024)

FAQs

How not to look matronly as mother of the bride? ›

What we recommend you wearing for a daytime wedding, is a swing or tea dress. As we mentioned earlier, this style of dress is one sure to stand the test of time, while ensuring you look quite the opposite of matronly.

What should a mother of the bride not wear? ›

A basic rule of wedding etiquette is that the mother of the bride should not outshine her daughter. So, don't choose gowns or dresses that would overpower the bridal gown.

How to look slim as mother of the bride? ›

A-Line Dresses: A-line dresses are a classic choice for mothers of the bride. This silhouette gently skims over the waist and hips, creating an elongated and slimming effect. Choose a dress with vertical details, such as pleats or vertical lace panels, to further enhance the illusion of length.

How can I look stunning as the mother of the bride? ›

While dressing in too revealing a style isn't advisable for any guest, you can dress to emphasise your assets - a sleeveless dress to show toned arms, belts to highlight your waist or a shorter length for great legs. Keep styling simple and avoid too much embellishment, which can look fussy in photos.

How not to look like a frumpy mum? ›

Pay attention to fit.

If something is too tight or too loose it's never a good look, but especially after the baby the fit really matters. Make sure you've got a great mirror so you can check things from 360 degrees, whether it's too look for back fat, bra overhang, or more.

What is the best colour to wear as mother of the bride? ›

Try blues, greens, purples, and neutrals such as navy, emerald, plum, or silver. These versatile – and universally flattering – palettes make it easy for mothers of the bride and groom to harmonize. With pale green and blue tints, we love silvery shades for Mum, while jewel tones pair well with other rich colours.

Do mother of bride and groom wear the same color? ›

Formality and Color Coordination

Unless the bride asks both Mothers to wear the same color, make sure you avoid wearing the same color on the occasion. The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom's outfits must complement each other, especially for photos.

How fancy should a mother of bride dress be? ›

While there aren't any special rules for mother-of-the-bride glam, moms should try and stick with a look that is elegant, understated, and appropriate. As for where to get ready, if the bride prefers to get glammed up with just the bridesmaids, don't get offended.

Should mother of the bride wear hair up or down? ›

Updos are a mother-of-the-bride hairstyle favorite for a reason: they're timeless, they frame your face and they work with a wide variety of dress styles. Whether it's a beautiful braided bun, an elegant chignon or an updo with a few wispy tendrils, you really can't go wrong.

How can I hide my lower belly fat in my wedding dress? ›

Choose an elastic shapewear that you can wear under your outfit. Elastic shapewear gives an illusion of the belly fat being evenly distributed around your waist and mid-section. If you feel there is still a lot of uncomfortable, wobbly flab around the tummy, you can get elastic belly-bands.

What should a mother wear to her daughter's wedding? ›

Fashionable, tasteful and age-appropriate are in. These days, virtually anything goes—formal gown, short or long dress, skirt-and-jacket ensemble—so long as it matches the style of the wedding. Brides can be very helpful by encouraging "the moms" to work together in choosing their outfits.

How can I be the best mother of the bride? ›

10 Tips on How to Be the Perfect Mother of the Bride
  1. Never Assume You'll Be Involved in Every Decision. ...
  2. Always Consider Their Budget. ...
  3. Remember that Pitching in Money Doesn't Give You Control. ...
  4. Don't Leave Out the Mother of the Groom. ...
  5. Keep Wedding Complaints to Yourself. ...
  6. Get Permission Before Inviting Guests.
Apr 13, 2018

What should the mother of the bride not do? ›

Mother of The Bride: How to Avoid Upstaging or Upsetting the...
  • Consult with The Bride. ...
  • Avoid Being Too Casual. ...
  • Don't Make the Wedding About You. ...
  • Don't Be Pushy. ...
  • Don't Tell Her Who Should Be Her Bridesmaids. ...
  • Don't Compare Her Wedding to Others. ...
  • Don't Be Too Critical. ...
  • Don't Make Empty Offers.

What color dress should the mother of the bride not wear? ›

Unless you've received approval from the couple, it's best to steer clear from white, ivory or champagne hues as not to take attention away from the bride.

How fancy should the mother of the bride be? ›

A formal setting calls for a more upscale ensemble (like something floor-length), while a shorter, more casual wedding outfit is appropriate for laid-back celebrations. Take inspiration from the wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses, as these can help influence what dress length the mother of the bride should wear.

How do I stop looking matronly? ›

Here are a couple of ideas on how not to look frumpy.
  1. Make sure your tops have some kind of interesting detail. Don't think that a print is always the answer. ...
  2. If you have a boring top, add in a fabulous scarf, necklace, or jacket.
  3. Shoes. ...
  4. Color. ...
  5. Start shopping at other stores. ...
  6. Stop saying I can't wear that.
Aug 21, 2020

What is the etiquette for mother of the bride? ›

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.

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