How to Choose a Mother of the Bride Dress You'll Both Love

As the mother of the bride, your daughter’s wedding day is a momentous occasion for you, too. You want to find a dress that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable, while making your daughter happy, as well. With good communication about the bride's preferred aesthetic for the wedding, an understanding of proper mother of the bride dress etiquette, and a selection of well-crafted luxury wedding guest styles, you can find sophisticated mother of the bride dresses you and the bride both adore

Start your search by simply talking with the bride. Ask her what she wants her wedding day to look like. Figure out what your daughter likes and dislikes as far as color schemes, silhouettes, patterns, and decorative details. You’ll want to choose a dress that visually compliments her big day and meets your criteria for fashion and comfort. Include the mother of the groom in the conversation, as well, to avoid clashing.

As you two discuss her tastes and preferences, get her input on each of the following dress design components:

Consider the colors the bride has chosen for her bridesmaids’ dresses and bouquets. Ask her if she’d like your dress color to coordinate with theirs, or if you’re free to choose from a broader variety of color options, including classic black as well as more seasonal colors. 

Find out if your daughter has any restrictions around length. Unless she has a firm opinion or dress code in mind, you can likely choose from knee-length cocktail dresses to full-length gowns. Keep in mind that a shorter dress typically works best for semi-formal weddings, while a long gown has a more formal appearance fit for black-tie ceremonies.

Choose a fabric that lets you move comfortably while still looking polished and refined. Knitwear naturally stretches and rebounds so you can go from sitting during the ceremony to taking pictures and celebrating on the dance floor without wrinkling or feeling constricted.

At St. John Knits, we use premium-quality yarns from Italy to craft our unique knit wedding guest dresses and gowns. Explore textiles with metallic accents, jacquard patterns, and beautiful embellishments, including sequins, jewels, and lace.

It’s extremely important to talk to your daughter about the mother of the bride dress styles and silhouettes she likes and dislikes. If she wants a traditional wedding, a classically patterned jacquard knit dress with a coordinating jacket or cape may suit her style preferences. If she’s more of a modern bride, she may love the idea of trading the traditional dress for sleek separates, like liquid satin pants paired with a luxe tunic or fit and flare sweater.

With the finely crafted mother of the bride dresses and separates at St. John Knits and the tips above, you'll find a style that you and your daughter both love for her special day.