- Wedding Party Attire
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Dressing for a wedding that takes place in the middle of the winter is very different than dressing for summer nuptials. Since winter weddings are generally indoors, they tend to be more formal; and if you're in a place where the temperatures drop really low during the winter months, you'll want to find an ensemble that looks and feels seasonally appropriate. As the mother of the bride or groom, looking your best is always a top priority, as is feeling comfortable all night long. So, donning a winter mother of the bride or groom dress that is warm, but doesn't leave you feeling overheated (you don't want to be sweating on the dance floor), is of the utmost importance. You'll probably want to skip gowns made of light materials such as linen or chiffon, and instead look for dresses crafted from heavier fabrics. Velvet, a heavy crepe, satin, silk, and pique are all excellent choices that look just right for the season. As for colors, bright hues like turquoise or pastel pink may not fit in. Darker, more muted tones such as navy blue, burgundy, or dark green are always lovely choices, and even black can work. Of course, you'll want to make sure the color of your gown works well with the wedding colors that the bridal party is wearing. What Should the Mother of the Bride Wear to a Wedding? Heavy beading, like a dress with a lot of sequins or something with sparkly embellishments, can also suit a winter wedding better than a summer wedding. And while sleeveless or strapless is perfectly fine, you may want to opt for long sleeves or a dress with a matching capelet, especially if you'll be taking photos outside. To help make this process a little bit easier, read on for the best mother of the bride dresses for every dress code and budget. Size: 2-18 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund anytime Rivers of sequins in different color metallics, like gold and bronze, make this shimmering winter dress so unique. Mixed with the glittering silver, it's a perfect look for a winter wedding. Size: 6-18 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund anytime Lace, beading, and illusion netting make this dress feel just as glamorous as you want to feel on the day of your child's wedding. What's more, it comes in two different color options and an inclusive size range. Size: 0-19 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days When we say this is a simple dress, we mean that in the best way. A minimalist look with romantic touches—like the off-the-shoulder neckline—this velvet gown is a beauty and doesn't need much else to stand out. Size: 14-24 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days A very traditional mother-of-the-bride look, this purple gown comes with a matching jacket. When the jacket is removed, this is just a sleeveless gown, but the added sparkle makes this one fun. Size: 0-20 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days This dusty blue color is so beautiful and is a great option if you want something lighter that doesn't feel too summery. The off-the-shoulder neckline is also very chic. Size: XS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days This one-shoulder column gown is all about Grecian chic style, and we love that the dark gold hue works well for colder months. This is a lovely and unique choice. Size: 0-20 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days Glittering beads are hand-sewn all over this dress, making it look sparkly without being over-the-top. Between that and the long sleeves, this dress could really only be worn in the winter. Size: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days A beaded bodice and a floral skirt make this dress so feminine in a wintery way. It's a beautiful design in a classic silhouette. Size: 0-20 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days Flutter sleeves and a beaded floral design make this dress feel romantic and feminine. The silver/gray color is also perfect for winter. Size: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days Metallics are a great shade for a winter wedding, and this silver one is a beautiful choice. Intricate details and a high neck make this so elegant. Size: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days The champagne gold color and subtle shimmer throughout this dress make it a perfect option for a wedding taking place on New Year's Eve. Even better, the blousy sleeves give it a comfortable feel. The 10 Best New Year's Eve Wedding Guest Dresses of 2023 Size: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 90 days This glittering dark silver dress is made more alluring thanks to the plunging neckline and high slit. It almost has a bit of a retro vibe to it as well, if you're into that look. Size: UK 4-UK 16 | Length: Midi | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days A body-hugging silhouette and sequins make this gown glamorous and flattering. The deep green color is season-appropriate and eye-catching–and it's hard not to love the elegance of the one-shoulder neckline. Size: 14-24 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days This is another classic mother-of-the-bride look. The sparkle embellishments on the cape add a cozy, but elegant, feel to the overall ensemble. Size: UK 6-UK 16 | Length: Tea-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days A sparkling sequin gown is already fun enough as it is, but when you add some feathers to the sleeves? It's even better. This is a glamorous showstopper for the mother of the bride who isn't afraid to make a statement. Size: 0-26 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days This velvet maxi dress is both simple and effortlessly chic. It comes in several different dark hues and the plunging neckline gives it some sex appeal. Size: 14-24 | Length: Ankle-length | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days We love everything about this dress, from the sequins and sparkling details to the cold shoulder and the cape-style bodice. All of these elements come together to create a really traditional mother-of-the-bride gown. 13 Radiant Rose Gold Mother of the Bride Dresses Size: 0-20 | Length: Floor-length | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days This glittering gown is made even better with the long, flowing cape that can almost look like dramatic sleeves from the right angle. The illusion netting and beading are such a pretty mix, to boot. The 17 Best Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses for Every Style and Budget When looking for the perfect mother of the bride or groom dress for a winter wedding, you'll obviously want to keep the dress code in mind, and also consider the fact that your ensemble is generally a bit more dressed up than a typical wedding guest. For winter weddings, you may want to opt for a more formal full-length gown rather than something shorter, although you can, of course, wear a short dress if you want. Long sleeves and capelets may be more comfortable if you're in a colder climate, and look for heavier fabrics like velvet, satin, or a thick crepe to keep you warm. As for colors, you may want to wear a darker hue that goes with the season. Always remember that your look should complement the bridal party rather than match exactly or clash completely. FAQ What kind of dress should the mother of the bride or groom wear? The mother of the bride generally wears a dress that is more formal than other wedding guests, while still keeping the dress code in mind. There's no need to wear a black tie gown if the dress code is co*cktail attire, but many mothers of the brides do like to wear full-length gowns. Should the mother of the bride or groom match the bridesmaids? The mother of the bride's dress does not need to be the same as the bridesmaid dresses. Moms can generally wear a different hue that complements the wedding colors, or a color that matches nicely. Can the mother of the bride or groom wear a dress with long sleeves to a winter wedding? The mother of the bride or groom can definitely opt for a dress with long sleeves, especially for a winter wedding. Not only is this practical in cooler weather, but it can also look very elegant. Jessica Booth is a journalist with over 10 years of experience and a freelance writer whose work has appeared on sites such as Bustle, Insider, and Refinery29. The 20 Best Mother-of-the-Bride Shoes for Style and Comfort :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/favs-85sq-b41c413b46d140d4941deef8a4864a56.jpg "The 18 Best Winter Mother of the Bride Dresses (2)")
Best with Matching Jacket
Oleg Cassini Satin and Lace Dress
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Best Off-the-Shoulder
Adrianna Papell Metallic Crinkled Off-the-Shoulder Gown
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Best One-Shoulder
Bronx and Banco Florence One Shoulder Gown
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Most Traditional
Pisarro Nights Cold Shoulder Ankle-Length Beaded Plus Size Dress
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Best Cape Gown
Adrianna Papell Hand-Beaded Long Column Gown
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What to Look for in a Winter Mother of the Bride or Groom Dress
Why Trust Brides
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