Mother of the bride dresses flutter sleeves

We love our Mother-of-the-Bride dresses with sleeves for all the events leading up to the wedding, from shower to rehearsal dinner. The timeless style works for all kinds of Mother-of-the-Bride dresses—forever poised, chic and glowing.

The mother of the bride is one of the most special “guests” of the wedding day. The mother of the bride dress will be in so many pictures on their children’s wedding day. They will also be the official wedding greeters and will be speaking with almost every guest who attends the special day. Sometimes the mother of the bride dresses will be involved in the occasions like evening wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, family photos, and receptions; which means moms will be photographed quite a bit and also have so much interaction with everyone during the wedding.

Every wedding is unique and calls for something special to reflect and honor the momentous occasion. No wedding more so demonstrates this than when it is your son or daughter’s special day. If taking place in a casual locale such as on a beach or in a backyard, a short dress may be the perfect look for you as mother of the bride or groom. Unexpected and playful, short dresses are appropriate for laidback nuptials and alternative wedding settings. Dictated by the personality of the bride and groom, the dress code may call for a short or cocktail attire. Though these dresses don’t carry the same sense of formality as a floor-length ballroom gown does, they’re completely classy and sophisticated in their own right -- the perfect choice for the mother of the bride who wants to look gorgeous and elegant without crossing the line to matronly or overdressed. Our short mother of the bride dresses come in a wide range of styles, including vintage inspired looks, simple and classic little black dresses, and floral gowns with bold and bright prints. Though the day belongs to your daughter or son, it’s a huge occasion for you too, Mom -- spend it feeling amazing in a special dress that speaks to your personal style.

What could be more beautiful for a spring wedding than a mother of the bride dress made up in pale green or soft pink? Whether you like classic style or trendy contemporary design, you're sure to find a look that complements the floral touches and light hues this season brings. Some of our favorite designs are strapless and sleeveless, enabling mothers to remain cool on warm spring days.

While a wedding is all about the bride, her mother deserves to feel just as amazing on such a special day. Part of that is finding the perfect mother of the bride dress! In the past, mother of the bride gowns have been seen as conservative and matronly, something boring and meant to fade into the background. We’re here to tell you that you can wear an elegant mother of the bride dress! Styles and traditions have evolved and there is a bevy of trendy mother of the bride dresses for you to choose from to feel just as incredible as your daughter at her wedding. We’re sharing ideal silhouettes, lengths, styles, and colors so you can find elegant mother of the bride dresses for 2022.

A-line Mother of the Bride Dress

A-line dresses have long been considered the most flattering style, and as a mature woman, you may be looking for a mother of the bride dress that’s going to look and feel amazing on your body type. With a fitted bodice and flowing skirt, an A-line mother of the bride dress will give you an ideal silhouette that is both fashionable and comfortable. A dress like MGNY’s Square Neck Jersey Evening Gown (style 72608) is a great choice for a gown that feels fresh and youthful. This A-line sits beautifully on the body in scuba jersey with lovely beaded lace appliqués on a square neck bodice with delicate cap sleeves. The front skirt slit keeps this mother of the bride dress feeling cool and trendy and can be easily re-worn for future events. If you’re looking to feel a bit more elevated, MGNY’s Soft Net Evening Gown with Beaded Lace (style 72503) is our choice! This elegant A-line mother of the bride dress, in soft net, is dreamy with a draped, off-the-shoulder bodice adorned with stunning three-dimensional beaded lace appliqués and a flowing skirt.

Elegant Mother of the Bride Dresses for Summer

As the hottest season of the year, there are some things to factor in when choosing the right mother of the bride dress for summer. Fabric, silhouette, and sleeve choices are all things to keep note of when selecting your gown. We recommend opting for lighter fabrics like net or chiffon that will help you to feel cool during the summer wedding. It’s in your best interest to go for looser silhouettes, like A-lines and sheaths, that won’t cling to the body to allow more airflow to reach you. We say, avoid fit and flare and mermaid styles. Summer is certainly not the time to wear a long sleeve dress. Strapless styles would be ideal, but if you’re not comfortable going strapless, a one-shoulder dress is definitely a chic move. Straps and cap sleeves are both great options if you’re looking for extra support in your dress. Our pick for an elegant mother of the bride dress for summer is MGNY’s One Shoulder Ruffled Evening Gown (style 72505). The stretch crepe fabric is lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for the summer, and the trendy one-shoulder neckline will help to keep you looking and feeling cool. A sparkling beaded brooch helps to cinch in your waist, defining your figure, and the beautiful skirt ruffle creates a stunning texture that totally reminds us of ocean waves. In a soft periwinkle tone, you’ll be summer wedding ready in this elegant mother of the bride dress. Your daughter will be ready for her summer wedding too with these beach and summer wedding dress ideas! 

Elegant Mother of the Bride Dresses with Jackets

For women who would prefer to keep their arms covered, but don’t want to feel constricted by a long sleeve dress, you can wear a mother of the bride dress with a jacket. Ideal for fall or winter weddings, the jacket can help keep you warm or offer a great transitional look from ceremony to reception. Whether trim and tailored or loose and flowing, an elegant mother of the bride dress with a jacket is a great choice! Luxe lace is a classic choice for a mother of the bride dress and MGNY’s A-Line Evening Gown with Tailored Jacket (style 72422) is no exception. Beaded lace appliqués help to enhance the look and the tailored jacket cinches your waist and defines your figure in the slim A-line silhouette. For the woman who wants the non-traditional or just prefers pants over gowns, we say try a pantsuit! MGNY’s Three-Piece Chiffon Evening Ensemble with Crystal Beading (style 72303) is a refined mother of the bride outfit that features wide leg chiffon trousers, a sparkling crystal beaded top, and a billowing chiffon jacket for a truly unique mother of the bride look. 

Knee-Length Elegant Mother of the Bride Dresses

If your daughter is throwing a more casual wedding, a knee-length mother of the bride dress may be more appropriate. Though it’s short, a knee-length dress can still feel elegant and elevated to suit even more formal weddings, and it’s a great piece to wear for future events. These dresses from our MGNY cocktail collection are simplistic and refined to make you feel like a stand-out at your daughter’s wedding. Our Short Crepe Evening Dress (style 72547) is a knee-length elegant mother of the bride dress with modern, architectural details. The deep-v neckline is balanced by short sleeves to keep you feeling modest and we love the asymmetrically draped waist, that helps to define your figure. The ruched back keeps you looking slim from behind, while the subtle skirt slit and ruffled detail add that extra flair to this knee-length dress. For a mother of the bride dress that feels a bit more demure, our pick is our Off The Shoulder Short Jersey Evening Dress (style 72544). The sophisticated dress features a sculptured, off-the-shoulder neckline, three-quarter length sleeves, and a unique draped effect that adds textural interest. 

Classic Mother of the Bride Dresses

It may be your daughter’s big day, but you deserve to feel special too. Wearing a classic mother of the bride dress can help with that. These timeless styles embody grace and elegance, perfect for the dignified woman and a great option for a black-tie wedding. These pieces will stand the test of time for a classic mother of the bride dress that’s in fashion now and will be for years to come. MGNY’s Off The Shoulder Crepe Evening Gown (style 72604) is the epitome of elegance in fitted stretch crepe with flattering ruched detail across the waist. The off-the-shoulder neckline looks absolutely lovely and paired with the illusion, beaded lace sleeves, this mother of the bride dress is one for the books. MGNY’s Fitted Stretch Crepe Evening Dress with Beading (style 72607) is also a great option. Another stretch crepe style in a softer, flowing silhouette, this classic dress has delicately beaded cap sleeves and a refined bateau neckline. The beautiful appliqué at the waist has the effect of an elegant brooch and leads to a lovely sash. 

Tea-Length Mother of the Bride Dresses

The tea-length dress gets its name from the skirt length, as it was the dress or skirt style that women wore to high-tea in the 1920s. Falling somewhere between the knee and ankle a tea-length dress offers a more modest look than a knee-length dress. Though the style has vintage origins, these tea-length mother of the bride dresses are chic, modern, and a great option for a more casual wedding. MGNY’s Tea Length Beaded Evening Gown (style 72512) is a unique tea-length mother of the bride dress. The illusion neckline detail, sleeveless bodice, and palm-inspired beaded design make this the perfect choice for a summer wedding. For a gown that feels a bit more glamorous, there’s MGNY’s Beaded Fringe Evening Dress (style 72525). An elevated tea-length mother of the bride dress that definitely takes inspiration from its 1920s namesake. The dress features a soft scoop neckline and short sleeves with an allover art-deco beaded design and chic fringed skirt. These looks prove that a mother of the bride dress certainly doesn’t have to be traditional or boring. 

Elegant Gold Mother of the Bride Dresses

Gold is a color that embodies royalty, wealth, luxury, and regality making it the perfect color for an elegant mother of the bride dress. It’s a shade that will beautifully compliment the white or ivory of your daughter’s dress without competing. Flirty and fun, for the stylish mom, MGNY’s Fit and Flare Flutter Sleeve Evening Gown (style 72413) is an elegant gold mother of the bride dress in a fit and flare silhouette with a classic v-neckline and flutter sleeves. The allover beaded botanical embroidered appliqués are a unique touch that will help you stand apart from the other guests in your important role as mother of the bride. MGNY’s Chantilly Lace Evening Gown with Detachable Train (style 72033) stuns in a soft champagne gold that embodies the luxe nature of the color. The Chantilly lace mother of the bride dress has an off-the-shoulder neckline and illusion long sleeves with beaded lace appliqués that adorn the sheath silhouette. For extra drama, a detachable lace-trimmed train will wow guests in your processional walk down the aisle. 

Elegant Boho Mother of the Bride Dresses

A bohemian wedding doesn’t necessarily mean the hippie 70s like some moms may be thinking of. Modern bohemian weddings are a trending theme that take inspiration directly from nature. Think dresses in earth tones with beautiful botanical details and flowing silhouettes. Here are our picks for an elegant boho mother of the bride dress. MGNY’s Venice Lace Evening Gown with Feathered Sleeves (style 72602) is a chic Venice lace sheath that feels cool and boho with the open background of the lace and subtle botanical detail. The feathers on the elbow-length sleeves add a fab flair that totally embraces the bohemian vibe. For a more subtle approach to an elegant boho mother of the bride dress, there’s MGNY’s Embroidered Chiffon Evening Gown (style 72517). The effortless A-line floats off the body in delicate chiffon with a leafy-look beaded bodice and free-spirited flutter sleeves for a beautifully boho gown. 

Elegant Plus Size Mother of the Bride Dresses

With our MGNY evening wear collection available in sizes ranging from 2–24, we make our dresses inclusive for women of all shapes and sizes. Plus size women deserve to feel sophisticated, elevated, and incredible while celebrating their daughter’s marriage. With a variety of silhouettes and designs that will flatter every body type, we’re positive you can find an elegant plus size mother of the bride dress. MGNY’s Beaded Embroidered Chiffon Evening Dress (style 72626) would make a stunning plus size mother of the bride dress. The A-line silhouette is considered one of the most flattering with a tightly fitted bodice and skirt that comes down in an “A” shape. The airy chiffon fabric is incredibly forgiving, with a loose fit that floats off the body, and with a sculptured v-neck bodice adorned in glimmering beaded embroidery and delicate cap sleeves, this dress is an easy choice. If you’re looking to show off a bit more of your curves, an elegant dress like MGNY’s Crystal Beaded Chiffon Evening Dress with Cape (style 72603) would be a great option. The stretch crepe sheath is a supportive and figure-hugging fabric, that will help to smooth out your shape. The plunging neckline has a sheer inset to keep the dress feeling modest, and we love the dazzling crystal beaded embroidery. For some extra drama, the dress includes a detachable chiffon cape. For those who are interested in keeping their arms covered, a cape is a cool and non-traditional way to do so. 

Mother of the Bride FAQs

What is the most popular color for mother of the bride dresses?

Mothers of the bride may often be caught wearing darker shades like navy, bordeaux, charcoal, and even occasionally metallics like gold and silver. This could be because bright colors or pale colors could be considered more youthful and the mother of the bride is meant to be more mature. This truth is there is no right or wrong color for the mother of the bride to wear. The only rule of thumb is to stay away from whites, ivories, or any color family similar to what the bride is wearing. If you’re unsure what color mother of the bride dress to choose a helpful tip is to take cues from things like the venue, time of year, and bridesmaid dresses. Spring might call for pastels, while fall and winter suit jewel tones. If the venue is an outdoor setting maybe a lighter champagne shade or pale blue is a better choice to keep you cooler in the sun. Or if you’re looking to blend in with the wedding party, take inspiration from the bridesmaid dress color. If they’re wearing a light pink, go for a darker rosewood or even a fawn shade; something that feels cohesive without matching.

What style of mother of the bride dress best hides a tummy?

The dress you wear to your daughter’s wedding should make you feel beautiful and confident, and part of that might mean finding a mother of the dress style that helps you conceal your insecurities. Oftentimes for women, this is their stomach area. As we’ve mentioned before, A-line dresses have long been regarded as one of the most flattering silhouettes for all body types. This shape is designed to give you the look of a narrow waist, with a form-fitting bodice that reaches the natural waistline where the skirt flares out in an “A” shape. Some women might think that their only option is a frumpy mother of the bride dress, but that is certainly not the case. Our MGNY collection is full of stylish A-line gowns that will make you feel as incredible as you look at your daughter’s wedding. A beautiful choice is MGNY’s Crystal Beaded Chiffon Evening Gown (style 72510). The effortless A-line gown features a draped v-neck bodice with sparkling crystal beaded lace appliqués and a flowing skirt. The chiffon fabric delicately billows off the body and the ruching on the bodice helps to disguise what some women might consider a problem area.

Should a mother of the bride dress be long or short? 

The length of your mother of the bride dress is definitely dependent on the dress code, venue, and time of year of the wedding. If the bride and groom want a casual, backyard wedding then a short dress is totally appropriate. Short dresses are also acceptable for summer weddings, beach weddings, tropical destination weddings, and even courthouse weddings. MGNY’s One Shoulder Short Evening Dress (style 72543) from the cocktail dress collection is a short, yet bold mother of the bride dress that’s sure to wow guests. The knee-length dress has a one-shoulder neckline with a statement ruffle detail that will have you feeling cool and casual at your daughter’s wedding. Long dresses are typically the norm for mother-of-the-bride attire and would be expected at most cocktail attire weddings, as well as black tie, or the ultra-formal white tie weddings. A long mother of the bride dress would also be more appropriate for the cooler seasons like fall and winter to help keep you warm. MGNY’s Jersey Evening Dress with Off The Shoulder Neckline (style 72609) is a simplistic, sophisticated, and chic long mother of the bride dress. The sleek scuba jersey hugs the body for a shapely silhouette and the cuffed off-the-shoulder neckline feels classic. 

Should the mother of the bride dress match the mother of the groom?

The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom certainly do not have to match. Each woman should be able to express themselves and their individual style with their dress choice. It can help to take cues from the wedding party when it comes to color choice or sit down with each other to discuss outfit ideas. Both the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom should have a conversation with the couple to know the level of formality of the wedding to ensure they select an appropriate dress. It never hurts to ask the bride for her thoughts and opinions on what she’d like to see you in. Ultimately,  the mothers of the bride and groom should select dresses that make them both look and feel amazing!

What should the mother of the bride not wear?

Sometimes it’s easier to know what to wear to an event rather than what not to wear. When it comes to mother of the bride dresses, the rules aren’t clear as to what you can and can’t wear. In truth, as long as you have the bride’s approval you can wear most any formal attire. You’re not restricted to a dress, though long evening gowns are considered classic mother of the bride dresses, non-traditional mother of the bride dresses are acceptable too. Think outside the box by wearing a jumpsuit or pantsuit, or go trendy with unique embellishments. MGNY’s Beaded Lace Evening Gown with Feather Sleeves  (style 72621) is perfect for the trendsetting mom who wants to feel chic and glamorous. While at a glance this fitted scuba jersey dress may seem typical, the off-the-shoulder feather sleeves take the gown to a whole new level that we’re sure guests would never have expected. For an unconventional mother of the bride dress, the Two Piece Chiffon Bridesmaid Pantsuit (style 21739) from our bridesmaids collection is our choice. This unique two-piece pantsuit features a draped cowl neck top with a cold-shoulder sleeve detail and sash to help define your figure. The wide leg pants and chic, flowy, and totally on trend giving you a mother of the bride look that will be hard to forget. 

To find an elegant mother of the bride dress that’s perfect for your daughter’s wedding visit one of our incredible retailers! 

Is it OK for the mother of the bride to wear a floral dress?

What the mother of the bride should not wear?

What is the most popular color for mother of the bride dresses?

Does the mother of the bride wear a long or short dress?