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20 Statement-Making Summer Dresses for the Mothers of the Bride and Groom

Find your favorite in this collection of flowy frocks, chic cocktail dresses, floral prints, and glittering ballgowns.

Composite of summer dresses for Mother-of-Bride/Groom
Photo:

Courtesy of Oscar de la Renta, Badgley Mischka, Carolina Herrera

The mother figures in a couple's life, whether that's the mother of the bride, mother of the groom, stepmother, aunt, grandmother, or chosen mother, often receive a place of honor at a wedding ceremony and reception—and their attire should reflect it. These leading ladies deserve to wear once-in-a-lifetime gowns that are flattering, stylish, and unforgettable.

Of course, finding a dress that fits all those requirements while coordinating with—but not matching—the wedding party isn't always easy. "The dress needs to be more special than a guest dress, but not so special that it looks like she's trying to be attention-seeking—[moms] often comment that they don't want to overshadow the bride," says stylist Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride. The gown should complement the day in both color and silhouette—and help them feel their very best, she adds.

The 20 dream dresses on this list—including two of Sabatino's favorites—offer a summer-ready option for every taste, from knee-length to ball gown, plunging V-neck to boatneck, bright pink to black, and patterned to plain (but never boring). Still haven't found a favorite? Sabatino often has the mothers she works with bring in a gown they love to have it copied in a more formal fabric. "We often use inspiration garments that we [glam] up for the wedding because we know she will feel amazing in them," she says.

01 of 20

Monique Lhuillier Strapless Jacquard Draped Gown

Monique Lhuillier Strapless Jacquard Draped Gown

Courtesy of Monique Lhuillier

"This Monique gown is one of my all time favorites," says Sabatino. "It's flattering on many different shapes because of the ruching, it has a beautiful train detail that can be bustled, and it's easy to add an arm swoosh to it for coverage. I've done it in lots of different colors over the years and it always turns out great."

Price at time of publish: $4,295

02 of 20

Oscar de la Renta Cape Back Georgette Caftan

Oscar de la Renta Cape Back Georgette Caftan

Courtesy of Oscar de la Renta

This is not your grandmother's caftan: In fuchsia silk georgette, this elegant draped gown with an open back and cape makes a dramatic statement.

Price at time of publish: $3,990

03 of 20

Kay Unger Nova Floral Romper

Kay Unger Nova Floral Romper

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Summer's outdoor weddings call for slightly more playful prints and silhouettes than winter's formal indoor affairs. A perfect example: This full skirt romper with a front slit. (Add embellished shoes and aquamarine jewels to fit in at a fancier affair.)

Price at time of publish: $398

04 of 20

Carolina Herrera Rose-Print Organza Trench Gown

Carolina Herrera Rose-Print Organza Trench Gown

Courtesy of Carolina Herrera

Bright red roses—the flower of love—adorn this pale pink organza trench gown, a silhouette that Sabatino always returns to. "They are always the epitome of chic and very flattering," she says. "Every season, they do them in fun prints, but they also have the classic white top with a black skirt that you can order as part of their icon collection."

 Price at time of publish: $5,790

05 of 20

Amsale One-Shoulder Crepe Gown

Amsale One-Shoulder Crepe Gown

Courtesy of Amsale

Make a citrus splash in this muted tangerine-toned gown, made of Italian stretch crepe. The simple fit-and-flare shape is accented by a one-shoulder neckline and half-moon sleeve.

Price at time of publish: $1,395

06 of 20

Aidan Mattox Metallic Off the Shoulder Gown

Aidan Mattox Metallic Off the Shoulder Gown

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

Shimmer and shine in this gold metallic ballgown. The flattering silhouette includes a cinched waist, full skirt, and off-the-shoulder neckline, and pockets (yes—pockets!).

Price at time of publish: $550

07 of 20

Badgley Mischka Drama Sleeve Cocktail Dress

Badgley Mischka Drama Sleeve Cocktail Dress

Courtesy of Badgley Mischka

At a less-formal outdoor ceremony, this mint-colored cocktail dress with a semi-sweetheart neckline still stands out. The double-layered cap sleeves are a bold accent to the simple shape.

Price at time of publish: $395

08 of 20

Reformation Andee Dress

Reformation Andee Dress

Courtesy of Reformation

The high-slit skirt, open back, and tie-back halter neckline on this georgette gown give it a loose, flowing feel—ideal for weddings in the hottest part of the summer—while a green-and-white floral print gives "sipping a mojito in the garden" vibes.

Price at time of publish: $378

09 of 20

Adrianna Papell Floral Hand-Beaded Illusion A-line Gown

Adrianna Papell Floral Hand-Beaded Illusion A-line Gown

Courtesy of Adrianna Papell

A pale blue halter gown provides a summer sky-inspired background for a floral sequined-and-beaded overlay. Sheer dolman flutter sleeves and a pleated skirt give this gown a subtle swing that's made for the dance floor.

Price at time of publish: $349

10 of 20

Badgley Mischka Dress with Floral Cape

Badgley Mischka Dress with Floral Cape

Courtesy of Badgley Mischka

Capes aren’t just for brides in floor-length gowns. Here, the structured shoulders and intricate floral embellishments allow this cape to elevate the simple belted waist silhouette, high neckline, and knee-length hem.

Price at time of publish: $695

11 of 20

Adrianna Papell High-Low Mikado Gown with Asymmetric Hem

Adrianna Papell High-Low Mikado Gown with Asymmetric Hem

Courtesy of Adrianna Papell

In steamy summer weather, a floor-length, formal frock can feel too heavy and hot during outdoor family photos—and that’s even before you hit the dance floor. Opt for a high-low hemline and a geometric back detail for a lighter-weight (but still sophisticated) gown in a deep navy.

Price at time of publish: $199

12 of 20

Naeem Khan Open-Back Tea Dress with Floral Embroidery

Naeem Khan Open-Back Tea Dress with Floral Embroidery

Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

A boatneck neckline, A-line silhouette, and tea length shape allow the expert detailing on this gown to stand out. Raffia lace over a silk lining is accented by bold red flowers and green leaves.

Price at time of publish: $8,995

13 of 20

Badgley Mischa Cascading Ruffles Dress

Badgley Mischa Cascading Ruffles Dress

Courtesy of Badgley Mischa

Rich shades of blue, aqua, and teal bloom against a navy georgette fabric. An ankle-length hem shows off your favorite pair of heels or sandals, while the feminine ruffles and high boatneck silhouette are equally appropriate for an oceanfront ceremony or cocktail reception at the yacht club.

Price at time of publish: $695

14 of 20

Oscar de la Renta Hydrangea Threadwork Embroidered Gown

Oscar de la Renta Hydrangea Threadwork Embroidered Gown

Courtesy of Oscar de la Renta

The clean shape and spare detailing on this pale purple trumpet gown are a subtle complement to the intricate, hydrangea-patterned threadwork that creates a cap sleeve effect.

Price at time of publish: $6,990

15 of 20

Jason Wu Floral Pleated Midi Dress

Jason Wu Floral Pleated Midi Dress

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Take inspiration from your backyard garden in this midi length dress with a trailing dahlia print. A fitted bodice and pleated skirt create a universally flattering shape.

Price at time of publish: $1,695

16 of 20

Oscar de la Renta Ombra Faille Cocktail Dress

Oscar de la Renta Ombra Faille Cocktail Dress

Courtesy of Oscar de la Renta

Pretty in purple: Choose this structured silk tea-length gown in ombré hues from deep berry to pale lilac. The shape, fabric, and length allow this dress to work for a beach wedding (it won't drag in the sand) followed by a formal reception.

Price at time of publish: $4,290

17 of 20

L’Idee Sirens Off-Shoulder Puff Sleeve Pleated Midi Column Dress

L’Idee Sirens Off-Shoulder Puff Sleeve Pleated Midi Column Dress

Courtesy of Anthropologie

Black is chic and stylish in any season, but the all-over pleats, puffed off-the-shoulder sleeves, and midi length on this column gown keep it playful and unexpected for a black-tie summer affair.

Price at time of publish: $425

18 of 20

Jason Wu Embroidered Sleeveless Tulle Cocktail Dress

Jason Wu Embroidered Sleeveless Tulle Cocktail Dress

Courtesy of Nordstrom

This sleeveless black dress is anything but basic. The bodice and full skirt are made with dotted tulle and plenty of ruffles—just right for catching a waterfront breeze —and add a dose of whimsy to a fancy nighttime occasion.

Price at time of publish: $2795

19 of 20

Mac Duggal Floral Embroidered Tulle Gown

Mac Duggal Floral Embroidered Tulle Gown

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

A garden full of colorful flowers grows from the ground up on this black sleeveless gown, adding bright orange, cheery yellow, rich red, and pale purples to the A-line skirt.

Price at time of publish: $598

20 of 20

Sachin & Babi Simone Gown in Charcoal

Sachin & Babi Simone Gown in Charcoal

Courtesy of Sachin & Babi

A structured Mikado skirt in a deep steel gray offsets a sparkling deep V-neckline and flowing sleeves—giving a celebratory sparkle to any proud mom.

Price at time of publish: $795

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