62 Unique Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses We’re Still Thinking About

See some of our favorite frocks from throughout the years.

bride walking down the flower covered aisle
Credit:

Allen Tsai

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. Case in point: These mother-of-the-bride dresses are proof that moms know how to pull together a pretty incredible look for their child's nuptials.

With all the time she's likely invested in the big day (and so many other days leading up to it), she certainly deserves a special 'fit. So start getting inspired for the MOB's day-of look with these stunning numbers from real-life nuptials. Whether the celebration is black-tie formal or cool and beachy, the mother-of-the-bride dresses below will keep with the theme and have mom looking and feeling her best.

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Lace Illusion

Bride poses with maid of honor and the mother of the bride
Credit:

Liz Banfield

An illusion lace neckline shows off a sliver of skin in the most elegant manner. This mother of the bride's navy blue number hits right at the knee, so it's formal while still allowing her to comfortably break a move on the dance floor.

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Beaded Halter Neckline

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Credit: Brushfire Photography

An MOB who wants to show off her arms? No problem. A halter neckline will keep the spotlight on her strong shoulders and biceps. Beaded detailing along the neckline add glitz and glamour for the formal affair.

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A Soft Blue Hue

Mother of the Bride Wearing a Pale Blue Gown
Credit:

KT Merry

Can the MOB be your something blue? Why not! This mother of the bride donned a breezy blue dress for her daughter's special day. The softness of the hue paired with the billowy chiffon sleeves are positively dreamy.

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Contrast Embroidered Lace

Bride in strapless wedding dress with the mother of the bride
Credit:

Kate Headley

While the deeply saturated blue hue of this mother of the bride's dress is gorgeous all on its own, it's the contrast lace embroidery along its bodice that really makes it a showstopper.

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Cold Shoulder Design

Bride and Groom with the Parents of the Bride
Credit:

The Grovers

From the cold shoulder design to the glimmering appliqué and straps, the details on this mother of the bride's fit are simply stunning. The pleating along the bodice is also ultra-flattering.

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Caped Chiffon Dress

Bride and Mother of the Bride on Wedding Day
Credit:

KT Merry

The neutral gray color of this mother's frock compliments the bridal white hue of her daughter's dress perfectly. (It'll also look right at home next to the bridesmaid dresses—no matter the color palette—for those requisite group shots.

Embrace personal style, but coordinate with the wedding color palette for a harmonious look in photos. A dress that complements the bridesmaid and wedding colors can enhance the overall aesthetic of the celebration.

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Waistline Detailing

mother of bride embracing bride
Credit:

Alicia Rinka

Lace appliqués and pearl detailing highlight the waistline on this mother of bride's blue taffeta dress. The ruffled neckline is an additional stylish, feminine touch.

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Navy Sparkles

bride in galia lahav wedding gown with mother
Credit:

Jeremy Harwell

This mother-of-the-bride wore a floor-length, deep navy blue gown, accented with sequins that brought a touch of glamour.

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Light Blue Floral

bridesmaids in floral patterned dresses
Credit:

Charla Storey

Here, the bride's mother wore a blue-and-green floral Marchesa gown that complemented her daughters' (the bride and bridesmaids) gowns.

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Elegant Neutral

bride and mother walking
Credit:

Clay Austin Photography

Walking arm-in-arm with her daughter, this mom donned a simple, neutral gown with a deep v-neck.

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Blue Hue

bride walking down the flower covered aisle
Credit:

Allen Tsai

This mom sported a navy dress with floral-like embellishments as she escorted her daughter down the aisle.

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Think Green

bride and mother portrait in front of forest
Credit:

Meiwen Wang Photography

After creating her daughter's mermaid silhouette wedding dress, complete with ivory tulle, floral applique, beading, and an off-the-shoulder tulle overlay, the bride's mother donned a green, floor-length gown with delicate beading.

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Floral Details

bride with mother
Credit:

Rebecca Yale

Stunning pops of pink and purple florals covered the bottom of the mother-of-the-bride's gown. The flower details also accented the dress in more muted hues towards the top of it.

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Floor-Length Sequins

mother of the bride hugging bride during wedding reception
Credit:

Jessi Nichols Photography

The bride's mom donned a black sequin gown for the big day, including a matching cover-up and clutch.

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Champagne-Colored Flowers

father and mother of bride walk bride down the wedding aisle
Credit:

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

jen alan wedding family photo
Credit:

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

bride with parents at ceremony
Credit:

Greg Finck

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

wedding processional
Credit:

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

parents giving speech at outdoor rehearsal dinner
Credit:

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

Mother of the Bride Dress
Credit:

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

bride and mother laughing and preparing to walk down the aisle
Credit:

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

thuy kahn wedding bride and mother getting ready
Credit:

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

lindsey william wedding dc mother aunt
Credit:

Abby Jiu Photography

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

bride with bridesmaids and mother getting ready
Credit:

Ashley Brown

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

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Beautifully Traditional

ronita ryan wedding bride in gown
Credit:

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

meaghan and david bride with mother and son
Credit:

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

wedding dancing
Credit:

Patrick Moyer

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

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Wildflower Embroidery

Mother of the Bride Embroidered Dress
Credit:

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

family
Credit:

Jose Villa

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

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Subtle Sparkle

Mother of the Bride Bun Hairstyle
Credit:

Melissa Jill Photography

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

Mother of the Bride Dress with Pink Bow at Back
Credit:

Sarah Kate Photography

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

Blue Mother of the Bride Dress
Credit:

Sarah Kate Photography

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

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Floral Hanbok

Mother of the Bride Dress
Credit:

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

Mother of the Bride Braided Updo Hairstyle
Credit:

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

A Mother and Daughter Holding Hands
Credit:

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

Mother of the Bride Dress with Scoop Neckline
Credit:

Michael Radford

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

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Powder Blue

caroline kyle wedding parents
Credit:

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

Mother of the Bride Ponytail Hairstyle
Credit:

Lacie Hansen Photography

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

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Jade Lace

stefanie drew wedding mom
Credit:

Julie Livingston Photography

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

Strapless Blush Mother of the Bride Dress
Credit:

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

jenny-freddie-rehearsal-mom-045-s112780-0116.jpg
Credit:

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

wedding mom
Credit:

Katherine O'Brien Photography

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

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Whimsical in White

bride and mother processing for wedding in brick courtyard
Credit:

Mo Davis Photography

This mother of the bride wore a white tunic and skirt for a boho-chic ensemble.

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Checked

meg nick wedding mom
Credit:

Elisa Bricker

A navy cut-out overlay added a cool geometric pattern to a blush pink skirt.

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Vintage Embroidery

madelyn jon wedding parents portrait
Credit:

Patricia Lyons Photography

The mother of the bride's Oscar de la Renta gown was such a hit, it actually inspired the bridesmaids' bouquets. "Not by accident," added bride Madelyn.

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Punchy Red Lace

bride with mom
Credit:

Kristen Kilpatrick

A red lace Erdem dress, embroidered with pink and crimson blooms, paired perfectly with this fashionable mom's half-up, half-down hairstyle.

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Black Tie Fashion

The mother of the groom and father of the groom walking down the aisle
Credit:

Heather Waraksa

Isn't a smile the best accessory? This glammed up mother of the bride looked absolutely amazing in a black gown with a V-neckline and knee-high slit as she headed down the aisle before the bride's processional.

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Heavenly Halter

bride mother wedding day outdoor walk
Credit:

Jenny Quicksall

This mother of the bride escorted her daughter down the aisle in a light blue stunning halter dress.

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Sophisticated Style

mother of bride
Credit:

Aaron Delesie

How sweet is this stolen mother-daughter moment? This mom's gown featured a striped off-the-shoulder neckline that was a beautiful complement to the bride's own wedding dress.

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Golden Girl

mhonor-jay-wedding-connecticut-mother-son-dance-1256-d112238.jpg
Credit:

Roey Yohai Photography

A gold and cream gown (paired with statement-making gold earrings) looked great on this mother of the groom as she and her son swayed to Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World."

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Aqua and Gold Sari

Blue and Gold Sari
Credit:

Sea Light Studios

An aquamarine sari, embroidered with gold florals, looked lovely with a lei.

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Neutral Chic

rebecca-david-wedding-new-york-mothers-of-bride-groom-256-d112241.jpg
Credit:

Judy Pak Photography

The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom both looked extra lovely on the big day, beaming together in their neutral dresses.

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Off-the-Shoulder

erinn andrew parents
Credit:

Mike Cassimatis

A folded off-the-shoulder bodice floor-length gown is a luxe choice for a black-tie affair.

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Like Mother, Like Daughter

eva-kyle-msrw-mwds108838-06.jpg
Credit:

Tec Petaja

For the formal Southern garden wedding of Susan Sarandon's oldest child, Eva Amurri, the actress turned to designer Lela Rose to make a knee-length charcoal dress that complemented the bride's with a similar lace neckline.

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Role-Model Mom

annie-tad-0399-s111160.jpg
Credit:

KT Merry

"When it comes to fashion," the bride Annie said, "I look up to my mom," who wore a traditional hanbok to the black-tie garden party at Beverly Hills's Greystone Mansion.

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Dashing Duo

susan-cartter-wedding-parents-008461007-s111503-0914.jpg
Credit:

Odalys Mendez

The best-dressed couple at this easygoing outdoor celebration in Athens, Georgia, was the bride and groom. But this pair also earned the distinction. The groom's dad donned a Jos. A. Bank suit, and his mother chose a floral dress in a complementary color.

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Beautiful in Brocade

marwa-peter-wedding-momdance-0414.jpg
Credit:

Tanja Lippert Photography

This mother-of-the-groom's shimmery brocade sleeveless dress with a draped neckline suited every part of this Pebble Beach fête, including the mother-son dance to Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up."

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Midas Touch

dean-michael-rw0313-0776.jpg
Credit:

Edyta Szyszlo

The bridesmaids at this at-home Kentucky wedding sparkled in gold-sequined mini dresses. "I wanted my girls to have fun," the bride said of the choice. The other woman who also had fun? Her mom, who similarly sparkled in a gold silk dupioni floor-length skirt suit.

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Something Borrowed

carrie-dan-ceremony-bride-parents-053114-f-027-s111627.jpg
Credit:

Rylee Hitchner

Carrie Crowell had come across the silk dress that her mom, country singer Rosanne Cash, wore at her 1995 wedding to Carrie's stepfather. "I said right then I would wear it one day," she recalled. "I love the tradition of generations of women in the same wedding gown."

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Winning Number

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Credit:

Leila Brewster Photography

For this romantic wedding at Brooklyn's Wythe Hotel, the bride's mother selected a short-sleeved, full-length teal dress. "She bought it on a whim and ended up winning," the bride said.

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Dream Date

real-wedding-fall14-jojo-eric-174elizabeth-messina-ds111226-0814.jpg
Credit:

Elizabeth Messina Photography

A dream dress doesn't have to be for the bride alone. To make hers, mom JoJo Cohen turned to her close friend, the late designer L'Wren Scott. Her mother, Rita, opted for this champagne-hued gown that was equally as ethereal.

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Fit for a Queen

michelle-christopher-positano-bride-mother-0666-s111681-0215.jpg
Credit:

Corbin Gurkin

"We wanted to whisk away our guests into a fairy tale," this bride said about her intimate destination wedding at an 18th-century palace on the cliffs of Positano. For her, that included a couture Karen Sabag ball gown fit for a princess. For her mother, it involved a beaded silver dress fit for a queen.

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