What Should the Mother of the Groom Wear? Colors, Etiquette & Dresses
If you are asking yourself what should the mother of the groom wear, you are in good company. It is one of the most common questions our stylists hear in the showroom, and the answer is both simpler and more personal than the etiquette articles make it sound. The goal is to look polished, feel like yourself, and complement the wedding without competing with anyone in the wedding party.
Below we walk through the unwritten rules, the colors that work, the silhouettes worth trying, and how to coordinate with the mother of the bride. When you are ready to try things on, our mother of the groom dresses are a good place to start.
The Big Picture: What Should the Mother of the Groom Wear?
Traditionally, the mother of the groom dresses at the same level of formality as the mother of the bride, and in a color that does not clash with the wedding palette. That is the whole framework. Everything else is detail.
- Match the formality of the invitation. Black tie or formal means a floor-length gown. Cocktail or semi-formal can mean a midi or a tea-length dress.
- Avoid white, ivory and anything close to the bride's gown. This is the one rule that is nearly universal.
- Skip anything that competes with the bridal party. If the bridesmaids are in sage green, a different shade is safer than the same one.
- Dress for the venue and season. A church ceremony, a ballroom and an outdoor garden each call for slightly different choices.
Ask Early: Who Chooses First?
A common piece of etiquette is that the mother of the bride picks her dress first, and the mother of the groom then chooses something in a complementary color and length. In practice, a friendly phone call works better than guessing. You do not need to match; you simply want to avoid showing up in the same color or at very different levels of formality.
If you want a refresher on her side of the process, our mother of the bride dresses show the kinds of styles she may be considering, which can help the two of you land on a harmonious pairing.
Colors That Work for the Mother of the Groom
There is no single correct color. Think in families and choose the one that flatters you most.
Navy and Blue
Navy is a classic for a reason. It reads formal, works across every season, and pairs well with metallic jewelry. Our blue and navy mother of the bride dresses are equally suited to the groom's mother, since the styles are interchangeable.
Champagne, Taupe and Neutrals
Soft neutrals look elegant, but keep them clearly distinct from the bride's color. Champagne with a visible metallic or beaded finish reads as evening wear rather than bridal. Browse our champagne and neutral options and hold the fabric up in natural light before you decide.
Dusty Rose, Mauve and Lavender
Muted pinks and purples are flattering on many skin tones and photograph beautifully. If you love a softer palette, look through the pink and blush styles.
Deep Jewel Tones and Black
Emerald, deep burgundy and plum are especially lovely in fall and winter weddings. Black is increasingly accepted for evening events, especially when the dress has beading, lace or texture that adds richness. If the invitation says black tie, a black gown is a confident choice.
Silhouettes Worth Trying
The right shape matters more than the right color. Here are the styles we most often put on mothers of the groom.
Cape Sleeves
Cape sleeves add drama and soft coverage without a heavy feeling. They are one of our signature details. A good example is the Cape Sleeve Mother's Gown | 33277, which our collection shows in light blue. For more of the look, explore our cape sleeve gowns.
Off-Shoulder and Beaded Gowns
If you want a statement for an evening celebration, a beaded gown makes the dress itself the star. The Off Shoulder Mermaid Beaded Gown with Tiered Sleeves | Lara 29190 is shown in navy and pairs sleeves with a fitted mermaid shape.
One-Shoulder with a Cape
For something sleek and modern, the One Shoulder Fitted Gown with Cape Sleeve | Lara 29051 combines a clean fitted line with a flowing cape detail, shown here in black.
Long Sleeves and High Necklines
If you prefer more coverage, or you are dressing for a cooler season or a house of worship, long sleeves are elegant and comfortable. The Long Sleeve Gown with Overskirt & High Neck is a refined option shown in slate. You can see more in our long sleeve mother of the bride dresses.
Match the Dress to the Venue
- Church or synagogue: Consider sleeves or a wrap so your shoulders are covered for the ceremony, then remove it for the reception.
- Ballroom or hotel: Floor-length with beading or lace feels right at home.
- Garden or outdoor: Lighter fabrics like chiffon move well, but check the ground and wear shoes you can walk in.
- Destination or beach: Choose breathable fabrics and a shorter hemline that will not drag.
Fit, Comfort and Alterations
You will be on your feet, hugging guests and dancing for several hours. Sit down, raise your arms and walk around when you try a dress on. A great fit makes every dress look more expensive. Our stores offer in-store alterations, and you can learn more on our alterations page. We also believe size should never change the price: at Lara, plus sizes are priced the same as straight sizes. You can browse our plus size collection to see what is available.
When to Start Shopping
Give yourself time. Start looking well before the wedding so you can try a few options, leave room for alterations, and avoid a rushed decision. If your date is close, our stylists can help you narrow things down quickly.
A Simple Checklist
- Find out the wedding's formality and color palette.
- Check in with the mother of the bride about color and length.
- Choose a silhouette that suits the venue and season.
- Try on with the shoes and jewelry you plan to wear.
- Book alterations early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the mother of the groom wear black?
Yes, particularly for an evening or black-tie wedding. Choose a gown with beading, lace or texture so it feels celebratory, and ask the couple if you are unsure about their preference.
Should the mother of the groom match the mother of the bride?
You do not need to match, but you should coordinate. Aim for the same level of formality and a similar length, in colors that look good together.
Can the mother of the groom wear a short dress?
It depends on the dress code. For a formal evening wedding, a floor-length gown is the safest choice. For a daytime or cocktail wedding, a midi or tea-length dress can work well.
What colors should the mother of the groom avoid?
Avoid white, ivory and any shade close to the bride's dress, and check that you are not wearing the exact color of the bridesmaids.
Does Lara offer plus sizes for mother of the groom dresses?
Yes, and plus sizes are priced the same as straight sizes. See our policies for further details.
Find Your Dress With a Stylist
The best way to answer what the mother of the groom should wear is to try a few options on. Book an appointment at our Midtown Manhattan showroom or our Mineola, Long Island store, and our team will help you find a gown you will love.
Australia