The Best Mother of the Groom Dresses for 2023
Author: Hollie Bond
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It’s likely to be one of the proudest moments of your life – the moment your son says “I do” and becomes a husband. Not only will you want to look incredible for your son, but you’ll also be in a lot of professional pictures at his wedding. So just how to find the perfect outfit worthy of such a momentous day?
There are many brands and boutiques that stock mother of the bride dresses, but what about mothers of grooms? While there might not be dedicated departments, you’ll find hundreds of stylish options for the wedding of your son in high street shops, bridal boutiques, designer brands and department stores.
We’ve rounded up some of the most beautiful mother of the groom dresses and outfits in the shops for 2023 that’ll make you look and feel your best on one of the most exciting days of your life. We’ve included dresses in a range of prices and styles, so there’s something for every mother of the groom and answered your burning styling questions so you can look and feel a million dollars.
Before you fall in love with any of the dresses and outfits below, make sure you’ve done a bit of research before you hit the shops. It’s a good idea to ask the bride and groom what colour the bridesmaids’ dresses are going to be, so you can avoid this colour. If you’re close to the mother of the bride, it also makes sense to ask her what sort of style and colour she has chosen so you don’t look too similar. Finally have a think about the season of the wedding and the sort of venue, so that you can ensure you’re appropriately and practically dressed for the type of occasion.
Classic Mother Of The Groom Dresses
Deyna Stretch Moss Crepe Dress, £250 from Gina Bacconi
Gina Bacconi is a well-known name in the wedding guest industry because of the beautiful and stylish dresses the brand creates each season. We think this chic shape is the perfect mother of the groom dress, thanks to its elegant cut. Choose the standout orange colour for your moment in the spotlight.
Marcella Silk Wool Beaded Dress, £269 from Hobbs
How chic is this dress? The colour paired with a flattering cut and that wow-factor beaded neck mean this is the perfect dress for stylish mothers of the bride or grooms. The silk material gives the dress a really glamorous and high quality look too.
Puff Sleeve Embroidered Floral Dress, £80 from Coast
This is a really good value dress that would look perfect at a summer celebration. If you’re not keen on your upper arms, the puff sleeves will detract from this area of your body but you’ll still be able to keep nice and cool if the weather is warm. The black waistband is really slimming too.
Lillie Dress, $248 from BHLDN
The botanical embroidery on this elegant dress is really beautiful and it’s a great option if you don’t want to wear anything too colourful, but also want to avoid being too black or white at a wedding. The fit is figure-hugging and the sleeves and hem are just the right length to show some skin, but not too much!
Floral Embroidered Dress, £169 from Phase Eight
This dress is a timeless choice that will never look dated. The style will flatter most body shapes and the floral design of the fabric makes it stand out. The neckline is seriously elegant too.
Blossom Crochet Shift Dress, £119 from Coast
Lilac is a really great choice for a wedding guest dress. This pencil shaped dress is a really classy look and has the perfect amount of lace to make it just right for a special occasion.
Della Jaquard Spot Dress, £159 from Hobbs
This gorgeous powder blue dress from Hobbs is a great option for your son’s wedding! The waist belt on this dress makes it one of the most flattering mother of the groom dresses we’ve come across. Oh and there are matching accessories and blazer on offer, too, so your outfit is complete!
Unusual Mother Of The Groom Dresses
Puff Sleeve Floral Dress, £69 from Debenhams
Don’t be afraid to be bold with your choice of fabric at your son’s wedding, after all it’s your chance to share some of the spotlight too. This puff sleev floral dress is the perfect mix between elegant and demure and fun and fabulous. It’s a really smart shape that fits in all the right places and has a pretty puff sleeve details to make it a more fun option.
Linda Frill Jumpsuit, £125 from Phase Eight
There’s no rule to say you have to wear a dress to a wedding. In fact, a lot of body shapes actually look even better in a trouser suit and top combo or jumpsuit, especially if it’s as pretty as this one from Phase Eight. The ivory top half gives the outfit a wedding-ready feel to it, while the trousers portion in this antique rose colour are fashionable and striking. Mother of the groom perfection.
Hariiet Raglan Sleeve Midi Tea Dress, £179 from Ted Baker
Khaki at a wedding? This might be an unusual choice of colour, but it’s a really stand out choice for mothers of the groom as the colour won’t clash with anyone else. Plus, because it’s a wonderful silky fabric, the usually casual colour becomes seriously smart. We love the wrap waist detail and tea length sleeves, that mean there’s no need for a jacket.
Victoriana Floral Jumpsuit, £130 from Phase Eight
Jumpsuits are another brilliant alternative to the classic dress and jacket look that lots of mothers of the bride go for. This Phase Eight jumpsuit is really good for tall or athletic body shapes and the colour is ideal for a wedding day. The ankle grazing trousers will give you a good excuse to splash out on some stunning shoes too.
Fashionable Mother Of The Groom Dresses
Halter Neck Maxi Dress, £45 from ASOS
If you want to make sure no one could ever accuse you of looking frumpy at your son’s wedding then you’ll want to cut a fashionable figure at his wedding. Any you’ll certainly do that in this exquisite dress from ASOS. This summer dress would look particularly good at a casual destination wedding. Just imagine how chic you’ll look in pictures with the beach in the background and the sea breeze blowing through the layers of this skirt.
Mabbel Dotty Peplum Tea Length Dress, £179 from Ted Baker
A tea length dress will always look fashionable at a summer wedding and we love this one for its mix of ditsy polka dots and really classic cut. The peplum waist detail is stunning and will hide any areas around the tummy that you might be conscious of. Keep it casual with pared-back accessories or really smarten it up with black or metallic details and a huge hat.
Selma Long Sleeve Maxi Dress from Cefinn by Samantha Cameron
Cefinn by Samantha Cameron, £350
Sam Cam is certainly a fashionable mum, so you can rely on her range of Cefinn dresses to make you look on trend and effortlessly cool on your son’s big day. There’s a brilliant selection to choose from, but we’re rather taken with this long dress thanks to its punchy colour and the waist cinching belt.
Long Blue Dress with Floral Print, £425 from The Kooples
This maxi dress would work really well at a destination wedding. It’s casual, yet sophisticated and the pop of blue colour will look divine in a warm sunny setting. It covers you up in all the right places if you’re worried about showing too much skin, but is light weight enough to mean you’ll be the perfect temperature as your son says “I do” under the sun.
Green Bardot Dress, £40 from New Look
Other mothers will be green with envy when they spy you in this cool dress. From the gorgeous colour to the stylish structure of the dress, you’ll certainly look like a very fashionable mother of the groom. This dress also comes in a pink tone if that’s more your style. Win win!
Designer Mother Of The Groom Outfits
1950s Midi Silk Gazar Dress, £2850 from Suzannah
Looking to splash out with a really special couture outfit? Look no further than Suzannah who makes mother of the bride and groom dresses to die for. The fit and fabric of this midi silk dress is second to none and thanks to the plain design and pattern you can really jazz it up how you see fit with wonderful accessories.
'Edge Of The Shoulder' Midi Dress, £249 from Bombshell London
There’s a lot to love about this dress – a flattering edge of shoulder neckline, an eye-catching navy roses pattern, the perfect length sleeves and a really complimentary hem line. As mother of the bride or groom dresses go, this one ticks all the right boxes.
Dipped Hem Dress and Jacket, £585 from Veni Infantino by Ronald Joyce
Wow, wow, wow! That’s what your friends and family will say when they see you in this stunner of a dress. It’s a really striking choice thanks to its asymmetric hem line, and those pretty patterned details on the sleeves, waist and neck. Pair it with a statement hat and you’ll be the belle of the ball.
Style 4000 from The Grosvenor Collection, £975 from Gill Harvey
Is your son having a summer wedding? Then this could be the designer dress for you thanks to its fabulous floral print. Everything about this dress is designed to flatter and its perfect for mums who love to be in black but want to reflect the mood and season of the wedding all at the some time.
Budget Mother Of The Groom Dresses
Matilda Dress, £60 from Mango
All the glamour without the price tag! You’ll be a green goddess if you choose this silky wrap dress for the big day. It’s just the right style and shape for a laid-back affair and is seriously good value for money too.
Florence Embellished Maxi Dress, £170 from Monsoon
High street favourites Monsoon always come up trumps when it comes to occasionwear and we think this stylish red dress would be ideal for a glitzy winter wedding. The sleeves and neckline are really demure, but the sequins give it a brilliant touch of bling meaning you’ll sparkle as mother of the groom at the wedding.
Metallic Lace Sheer Sleeved Midi Dress, £72 from Chi Chi London
This dress looks a lot more expensive than its £72 price tag. It’s a great choice if you want to wear a short dress that shows off your legs in an elegant way. The bodice detailing is perfect for a winter wedding with its beautiful metallic fabric.
Ruched Floral Asymmetric Midi Dress, £108 from Forever Unique
You’ll look every inch the stylish Spanish señorita in this fabulous ruched dress. The design and colours lend themselves best to a spring, summer or overseas wedding. It’s a brilliant option if you can’t decide between sleeves or not, and all at a wonderful budget price.
Big Day Styling Tips For Mothers Of The Groom
What sort of outfit can a mother of the groom wear?
There are no strict rules about what you can and can’t wear to your son’s wedding, as long as you don’t show up the bride or look inappropriate. An absolute no-no is wearing a wedding dress of course (yes it has been done before!) or wearing something that looks too much like the bridesmaids. You’ll also want to avoid wearing something that looks like you’re going to a funeral. Finally make sure you choose something that works for your figure and that you feel comfortable in – you need to feel your best.
Are there any colours a mother of the groom should avoid?
Try not to go for a full white outfit as otherwise, you might look too bridal. The same goes for a full black outfit – you might look like you don’t approve of the marriage! Try to work with the colours of the bridal party and not clash with them. Remember you’ll be having pictures with the bride, groom, bridesmaids and groomsmen so it’s good to be in a complementary colour rather than standing out too much.
How far in advance should you search for an outfit?
It’s good to get your wedding outfit sorted as soon as possible to allow for alterations and for you to find the right accessories to go with it. However, it’s good to wait on your shopping trip until you have an idea of what others in the bridal party are wearing before you get too carried away if you want to ensure you don’t clash with anyone or look too similar.
Can a mother of the groom wear black to her son’s wedding?
You can wear black to a wedding and it’s much more accepted these days, but try and add a little colour or bling to make it look celebratory rather than like you’re in mourning! Check with your son or daughter-in-law and if they are happy with you in black then you’re fine.
Does the mother of the groom have to wear a hat?
You don’t have to, but your son’s wedding is a brilliant excuse to pull out all the stops and really make a statement with a stunning hat or fascinator. Plus, it marks you out as a key member of the wedding, so we say if you’re comfortable in a hat… go for it!