Inspiring ideas to make sure you look and feel fantastic on the big day
For every mother of the bride or groom, the task of finding an outfit is arguably as hard as wedding-dress shopping. You need to find something that’s fitting for the occasion, that will also take you from daytime photo posing to late-night dancing, so it can be helpful to start by thinking about what you don’t want. Read on to discover chic mother-of-the-bride-or-groom styles that you’ll want to wear again and again.
What should the mother of the bride or groom wear?
First, consider the type of wedding – whether it’s a religious ceremony, country wedding, or registry office – and any dress code. Mothers of the bride or groom should wear a venue-appropriate outfit that complements the wedding’s formality and colour palette. Find out what the bridal party is wearing to avoid matching or clashing, and avoid white or off-whites. Black or navy aren’t necessarily off limits, but you may want colourful accessories.
Best mother-of-the-bride-or-groom dresses
A dress is the traditional choice for a mother-of-the-bride-or-groom outfit. While flattering is important, comfort is crucial; you want to feel your most relaxed self for the big day. Column dresses are a big 2026 trend; they follow the body’s natural curves to create a sleek, statuesque silhouette. Choose a long-sleeved design or a dress with cape detailing to cover upper arms, or make a statement with bright colour or a print.
Best mother-of-the-bride-or-groom suits and jumpsuits
Of course, it doesn’t have to be a dress. A tailored jacket or blazer with a matching skirt (tradition dictates knee-length styles) or a trouser suit is chic and comfortable, and post-wedding these separate pieces will be easy to style up or down for years to come. If you prefer a more unstructured look, a jumpsuit or relaxed co-ord set offers a masterclass in modern mother-of-the-bride-or-groom dressing.
Best mother-of-the-bride-or-groom hats
Traditionally, the mother of the bride wore a hat or fascinator to signify her important role in the wedding (note: etiquette also states that she should be the first to take hers off). Of course, millinery isn’t mandatory, and isn’t as common today – but how often do you get an excuse to wear elegant headwear? Go for it with a truly head-turning, stand-out style.
Best mother-of-the-bride-or-groom shoes and bags
Have fun with accessories, especially if you’ve played it fairly safe with your outfit. Make sure your shoes are comfortable enough to last long into the evening; block sling-back heels or dressy flats are great options. Your handbag is a perfect opportunity to add some personality, whether that’s a dash of sparkle or striking colour – just make sure it has room for the essentials: phone, makeup and Kleenex…
Explore our mother-of-the-bride-or-groom rental collection
For dresses, jumpsuits and tailoring from premium brands such as Jigsaw, Whistles and Lexi, try John Lewis Rental. There are so many styles to choose from; simply find your perfect match, rent, wear and return – from as little as £33 per day.
