11 best mother of the bride dresses that are elegant, not frumpy
If your daughter or son is getting married, chances are you've spent every second since the announcement of their engagement looking for the best mother of the bride dresses. You want to look perfect and feel the part, it's no secret, but you also don't want to show anyone up. Or stray too far from your comfort zone.
Don't fret; you're not alone. In fact, according to Google Trends, searches for mother of the bride have been up by as high as 70% since the end of last year. That's a lot of mums who want to get it right – mine included.
I'm getting married in two month's time, and my mum has spent the best part of the build up searching high and low for the right frock. Her criteria is strict: Nothing tight-fitting or short, and it needs to be in a summer-appropriate colour with long-but-floaty sleeves.
SKIP TO: How do I find the perfect mother of the bride dress? | Shop the best mother of the bride dresses 2025.
What should the bride's mother wear?
There are a few things to consider which might help get the ball rolling. Firstly, find out what colour the bridesmaids dresses will be so you can complement it (or avoid the exact shade of shade of champagne they might be wearing…). If the SS25 RTW runways are anything to go by, shades of blue and neutrals are big hits – just look to Marchesa, Harbison, Miu Miu, Loewe and Self-Portrait.
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Secondly, think about comfort just as much as style. It can be easy to sway towards something super extravagant, but don't forget that this is a dress you're likely to wear from breakfast 'til midnight. You'll need to be able to sit, eat, dance and socialise with guests easily – so take all that into consideration, else you'll end up irritated and self conscious.
How do I find the perfect mother of the bride dress?
My mum's top tip when it comes to your first browse? “Use all the filters,” she says. “Choose the length (knee-length, midi or maxi are most wedding appropriate, but you do you) and the sleeve-type you’d like. Whether you fancy something sleeveless, short sleeve or want full coverage on your arms, this is the best way of finding exactly the right style.”
Toggle the categories to the colours that look good on you – or that suit the wedding theme – and cap your price search (keeping to budget will leave more opportunities for great accessories like fascinators/wedding hats).
Ahead, the best mother of the bride dresses for 2025 (including mother of the groom dresses).
After more occasionwear and mother of the bride outfit options? We have wedding guest jumpsuits, if dresses aren't your thing, and the best wedding guest dresses (including plus size wedding guest dresses).
Coast Lace Midi Dress With Bow Belt
- Sizes: UK 8-18.
- Colours: 1.
Save when you shop for the best mother of the bride dresses with these Coast discount codes at checkout.
- Sizes: UK 4-22.
- Colours: 2.
Save when you shop for the best mother of the bride dresses with these Boden discount codes at checkout.
- Sizes: UK 6-26 in regular and petite.
- Colours: 1.
Save when you shop for the best mother of the bride dresses with these Phase Eight discount codes at checkout.
Agnes Floral Puff Sleeve Midi Dress Pink
- Sizes: UK 8-24.
- Colours: 1.
ARRANGE Curve High Neck Trapeze Maxi Dress
- Sizes: UK 18-30.
- Colours: 1.
Save when you shop for the best mother of the bride dresses and get next day delivery with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Fae Petite Satin Cape Maxi Dress
- Sizes: UK 4-18.
- Colours: 2.
Save when you shop for the best mother of the bride dresses with these Reiss discount codes at checkout.
- Sizes: UK 8-18.
- Colours: 1.
Save when you shop for the best mother of the bride dresses with these Karen Millen discount codes at checkout.
- Sizes: UK 6-20.
- Colours: 1.
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Zimmermann Asymmetric Silk Wrap Dress
- Sizes: UK 6-16.
- Colours: 1.
- Sizes: UK 6-26.
- Colours: 1.
Molly Floral Print Satin Dress Green
- Sizes: UK 8-24.
- Colours: 2.
Save when you shop for the best mother of the bride dresses with these Monsoon discount codes at checkout.
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