Current trends offer an excellent selection of dresses for the mother or grandmother of the bride and groom.  Many store take great care in selecting styles for the Social Occasion department, understanding that they will be meeting the needs of a wide variety of ages and figure types.  

What mom will wear to the wedding is, for many brides, as important a decision as what they and their bridesmaids choose. Several often seen styles of the recent past such as jacket, mother’s “suits” and full, heavy fabrics are fading away. Replacing them are dresses whose designs embody clean lines and sophistication.  Elements of these styles include higher necklines, sometimes sheer over a solid sweetheart neckline underneath topping skirts of light, flowing chiffon. Replacing the jacket look are sleeves from a small cap to a full length sleeve letting mom wear whatever level of coverage she’s comfortable with.  Lace, embroidery and beadwork are on most mother’s dresses, from a small waist or neckline accent to fully beaded sheath styles.

Novelty glitter and sequined fabrics add a fun element without being too overpowering. Flattering silhouettes including capelets, blouson waistlines, ruched waist detail and slit sheath skirts are some of the newest elements in mother’s and Grandmother’s dresses for 2022.

The color of mother’s dresses generally follows bridesmaid trends.  The current popularity of mahogany, navy, emerald, purples and neutrals for bridesmaids lead many mother’s and grandmother’s to also choose deep saturated colors to complement the bridal party.  Nuetrals inclusing many shades of taupes and gray as well as fgold and silver are gaining popularity again.Black has completely lost its stigma previously associated with disapproval of the wedding in some way. Its understated elegance and ability to look well with all other colors now make it one of the best-selling colors for mothers of the wedding.

Many bridal and specialty stores keep a great selection of Mother’s Dresses in stock for immediate purchase. However, if you desire to special order something in a different size or color, try to do so at least 6 months ahead of the wedding. Custom mother’s dresses require the same re-order time as bridesmaid and bridal gowns, 12-16 weeks. Also consider shopping for your shoes and jewelry at the same store you find your dress. Being able to see the entire ensemble at one time helps shoppers feel confident in their decisions. Happy Shopping!