If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Dresses & Style Fashion Mother-of-the-Bride and-Groom Dresses 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. By Blythe Copeland Blythe Copeland Blythe Copeland is a contributing writer with more than a decade of experience as a freelance lifestyle writer. Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 1, 2023 11:21AM EDT 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. 21 Beautiful Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses for Every Type of Wedding 01 of 20 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 Buy on Moniquelhuillier.com 02 of 20 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 Buy on Oscardelarenta.com 03 of 20 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 Buy on Nordstrom 04 of 20 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 Buy on Carolinaherrera.com 05 of 20 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 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 Buy on Bloomingdales 07 of 20 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 Buy on Badgleymischka.com 08 of 20 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 Buy on Reformation 09 of 20 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 Buy on Adriannapapell.com 10 of 20 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 Buy on Badgleymischka.com 11 of 20 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 Buy on Macy's Buy on Adriannapapell.com 12 of 20 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 Buy on Bergdorfgoodman.com 13 of 20 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 Buy on Neiman Marcus Buy on Badgleymischka.com 14 of 20 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 Buy on Oscardelarenta.com 15 of 20 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 Buy on Nordstrom 16 of 20 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 Buy on Oscardelarenta.com 17 of 20 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 Buy on Anthropologie 18 of 20 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 Buy on Nordstrom 19 of 20 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 Buy on Saks Fifth Avenue 20 of 20 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 Buy on Sachinandbabi.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit More Good Things Shop Martha's Prime Day Deals Now, Including Bedding, Cookware, Home Décor, and More Le Creuset Is Retiring This Popular Color—Shop the Final Sale Now 20 Entertaining Essentials That Make Dining Al Fresco More Enjoyable