20 gorgeous gowns for any modern mother of the bride

In years gone by, mother of the bride has meant frumpy frocks and ill-fitting dress suits, but no more! With many modern mums keeping on top of fashion trends, lots of high street retailers and even wedding designers are now catering for their big-day looks.

Flatter your figure

Today’s mother of the bride collections consist of figure-flattering frocks that are designed to accentuate your mum’s best bits. Is your mum worried about showing her upper arms on the big day? Look for cinched-in jackets that will not only hide her wobbly bits, but also help her change her look from day to night. Pair with some sexy shoes and some matching accessories and you’ll have a confident mum that will look picture perfect.

Hat or no hat?

You would think it’s customary for the mother of the bride to wear an over-sized hat, but that’s simply not the case! Many modern mums are opting to leave the traditional hats at home in favour of something a little smaller, such as a fascinator or statement flower in the hair.

Top tips for modern mums

Consider your colour scheme

The theme of your big day will undoubtedly affect her outfit. Are you tying the knot in a traditional church, a hotel or in a country barn? Think about the time of year. Will it be hot or cold?

Avoid colour clashes

Help her to choose colours that complement the wedding theme and never, ever allow her to wear white or ivory – that is reserved for you! Also, check what the mother of the groom is wearing and avoid clashing with her! Black can look stylish if worn with another colour.

Keep it similar

Mothers of the bride should dress glamorously but within their usual realms of style. If she doesn’t usually wear sky-high heels, for example, avoid them at all costs! It’s a good idea to try shopping at the more unusual stores to avoid wearing something that another guest might have chosen.

Key accessories

Think about jewellery, shoes and handbags – all things that can help make her outfit unique. Use these as statement pieces, perhaps in a brighter colour than the rest of the outfit.

Comfort equals confidence

Remember that the most important thing is to feel comfortable. The mother of the bride will be wearing the outfit for around 14 hours on the big day, so comfort is key to a happy, confident mother of the bride.

20 dresses for modern mothers of the bride

Style 304 Shangri La Ian Stuart

70530 Mori Lee

Style 322 Shangri La Ian Stuart

Style DC001 Dress Code by Veromia

303 Shangri La Ian Stuart

70634 Mori Lee

Amanda Wyatt

Style DC010 Dress Code by Veromia

M150003 Jasmine Black Label

Style 25590 John Charles

Style E02 Love by Enzoani

70504 Mori Lee

Amanda Wyatt

Style 19 Love by Enzoani

Style 25517 John Charles

Phase Eight

Style DC020 Dress Code by Veromia

M150018 Jasmine Black Label

Phase Eight

M150021 Jasmine Black Label