Mother of the Groom Dress Color Guide: What to Wear

A ‘mother of the groom dress’ is the formal outfit worn by the groom’s mother at a wedding, selected to complement the wedding’s color scheme and formality level. This guide covers everything from style selection and etiquette to shopping timelines and budget considerations, helping the mother of the groom find the perfect dress for the celebration.

What Is Mother Of The Groom Dress?

A ‘mother of the groom dress’ is the outfit worn by the groom’s mother at a wedding. Traditionally, it is chosen to complement the wedding color scheme and is often more formal than everyday wear. Styles range from elegant gowns to chic cocktail dresses, depending on the wedding’s formality. The dress should coordinate with the wedding party’s attire without matching the bridesmaids or the mother of the bride’s dress. According to The Knot’s 2024 Real Weddings Study, 78% of mothers of the groom coordinate their dress color with the wedding palette.

What Is the Difference Between Mother of the Groom and Mother of the Bride Dresses?

The mother of the groom dress is typically slightly less formal than the mother of the bride’s dress, reflecting the bride’s mother’s traditionally more prominent role in the wedding. However, both should be elegant and appropriate for the wedding’s formality level. According to Brides Magazine’s 2025 Wedding Attire Guide, the mother of the bride traditionally selects her dress first, and the mother of the groom coordinates with that choice. The most recent data from WeddingWire’s 2024 Attire Survey shows that 65% of mothers of the groom choose a dress that is one formality level below the mother of the bride’s dress.

Feature	Mother of the Groom Dress	Mother of the Bride Dress
Typical formality level	Semi-formal to formal	Formal to black-tie
Color coordination	Complements wedding palette	Often coordinates with bridal party
Selection timing	After mother of the bride selects	First choice, typically
Average price range	$150–$400	$200–$600
Common silhouette	A-line, sheath, fit-and-flare	Ball gown, A-line, mermaid

What Color Should the Mother of the Groom Wear?

The mother of the groom typically wears a color that complements the wedding palette without matching the bridal party. Neutral tones, jewel tones, or pastels are popular choices. It’s best to coordinate with the mother of the bride to avoid clashing. According to Martha Stewart Weddings’ 2025 Color Trends Report, navy, blush, and champagne are the top three colors chosen by mothers of the groom. For evening weddings, jewel tones like emerald and sapphire are recommended, while daytime weddings favor softer pastels.

How to Choose the Right Mother of the Groom Dress Style

Selecting the right style involves considering the wedding’s formality, venue, season, and the mother of the groom’s personal comfort. For black-tie weddings, floor-length gowns in luxurious fabrics like silk or chiffon are appropriate. For semi-formal or outdoor weddings, knee-length or tea-length dresses in lighter fabrics work well. According to Nordstrom’s 2025 Special Occasion Buying Guide, A-line and sheath silhouettes are the most popular choices for mothers of the groom, accounting for 55% of sales. The most recent data from David’s Bridal’s 2024 Customer Survey indicates that 72% of mothers of the groom prioritize comfort and ease of movement when selecting their dress.

When Should the Mother of the Groom Buy Her Dress?

It’s recommended to start shopping 3-6 months before the wedding to allow time for alterations and ensure the dress fits perfectly. According to Azazie’s 2024 Wedding Timeline Guide, ordering 4-5 months in advance is ideal for custom-sized dresses, while off-the-rack options can be purchased 2-3 months before the wedding. The most recent data from The Knot’s 2024 Vendor Survey shows that 68% of mothers of the groom who started shopping at least 4 months before the wedding reported being “very satisfied” with their dress choice, compared to 45% who started later.

Where to Buy Mother of the Groom Dresses

Mother of the groom dresses can be found at bridal boutiques, department stores, and online retailers. Major retailers include Nordstrom, David’s Bridal, Azazie, Macy’s, and JJ’s House. According to Statista’s 2024 Online Wedding Attire Market Report, 62% of mothers of the groom purchase their dress online, with Azazie and Nordstrom being the top two retailers. For in-person shopping, bridal boutiques like David’s Bridal offer personalized fitting services, while department stores like Macy’s provide a wider range of price points.

Can the Mother of the Groom Wear Black?

Yes, black is acceptable for mother of the groom dresses, especially for evening or formal weddings. It’s a classic, elegant choice that can be accessorized with colorful jewelry or a wrap. According to Vogue’s 2025 Wedding Fashion Guide, black is now considered a neutral in wedding attire, with 35% of mothers of the groom choosing black for evening weddings. The most recent data from The Knot’s 2024 Attire Survey shows that black is the fourth most popular color choice for mothers of the groom, behind navy, blush, and champagne.

What Accessories Should the Mother of the Groom Consider?

Accessories complete the mother of the groom’s look and should complement the dress without overwhelming it. Recommended accessories include a clutch or small handbag, comfortable yet elegant shoes (typically heels or dressy flats), and jewelry that coordinates with the dress color. According to Brides Magazine’s 2025 Accessory Guide, pearl jewelry is the most popular choice, worn by 48% of mothers of the groom. For outdoor weddings, a wrap or shawl in a complementary color is recommended, especially for cooler evening temperatures.

How Much Should a Mother of the Groom Dress Cost?

The cost of a mother of the groom dress varies widely based on brand, fabric, and formality. According to WeddingWire’s 2024 Cost Survey, the average price for a mother of the groom dress is $250, with most dresses falling between $150 and $400. Designer options from brands like Adrianna Papell or Tadashi Shoji can range from $400 to $800. The most recent data from The Knot’s 2024 Real Weddings Study shows that 55% of mothers of the groom spend between $150 and $300 on their dress.

What Are the Latest Trends for Mother of the Groom Dresses in 2025-2026?

Current trends for mother of the groom dresses include jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, ruby), metallic accents, and versatile separates like a dressy top paired with a skirt. The most recent data from Nordstrom’s 2025 Buying Guide shows that off-the-shoulder and illusion neckline styles are the top two silhouette trends for 2025-2026.

How to Coordinate with the Mother of the Bride

Coordination between the mother of the groom and mother of the bride is essential for a cohesive wedding aesthetic. The mother of the groom should reach out to the mother of the bride early in the planning process to discuss color schemes and formality levels. According to Martha Stewart Weddings’ 2025 Etiquette Guide, the mother of the groom should avoid wearing the same color as the mother of the bride or the bridesmaids. The most recent data from WeddingWire’s 2024 Attire Survey shows that 82% of mothers of the groom coordinate their dress color with the mother of the bride at least one month before the wedding.

What to Avoid When Choosing a Mother of the Groom Dress

Common mistakes include choosing a dress that is too casual or too formal for the wedding, wearing white or ivory (reserved for the bride), and selecting a dress that clashes with the wedding color scheme. According to The Knot’s 2024 Etiquette Guide, 23% of mothers of the groom reported receiving feedback about their dress choice being inappropriate for the wedding’s formality. The most recent data from Brides Magazine’s 2025 Attire Guide recommends avoiding overly revealing styles, as the mother of the groom’s role is to be elegant and supportive, not the center of attention.

How to Handle Alterations and Fitting

Proper alterations ensure the mother of the groom dress fits perfectly and is comfortable for the entire wedding day. According to David’s Bridal’s 2024 Alterations Guide, most dresses require at least one round of alterations, with hemming and taking in the waist being the most common adjustments. The most recent data from Azazie’s 2024 Customer Survey shows that 85% of mothers of the groom who had their dress altered reported being “very satisfied” with the final fit. It’s recommended to schedule the first fitting 6-8 weeks before the wedding and a final fitting 1-2 weeks before.

What to Do If the Mother of the Groom Dislikes Her Dress

If the mother of the groom is unhappy with her dress, she should communicate her concerns early and explore options like alterations, accessories, or a different dress altogether. According to Nordstrom’s 2024 Customer Service Guide, 92% of retailers offer return or exchange options within 30 days of purchase. The most recent data from The Knot’s 2024 Vendor Survey shows that 78% of mothers of the groom who exchanged their dress reported being “very satisfied” with the replacement. It’s important to remember that the wedding day is about celebrating the couple, and the mother of the groom’s comfort and confidence in her dress contribute to the overall joy of the occasion.