The Best Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses for Every Type of Destination Wedding

Condé Nast Traveler

19-06-2025

As the mother of the bride or groom, you play a pretty special role in your child's wedding—and you deserve to look and feel as special as you are! Luckily, plenty of fashion brands offer wedding guest dresses and outfits that reflect this important role, with styles that come in various silhouettes, necklines, and fabrics. And we found the best of the best.
The elegant dresses you'll find below really rise to occasion—because even though you may have attended dozens of weddings in your lifetime, you're not just a regular guest here. On your son or daughter's big day, you're a true guest of honor. So, whether the celebration is a black-tie affair in Lake Como or a casual beachside ceremony along California's Pacific Coast, we have you covered with 25 fabulous dresses that'll hopefully help you find the one (just like your kid did!).
Keep scrolling for all of our favorite mother-of-the-bride dresses, or jump right to the type of wedding you're attending to find the perfect fit for you.
Black-tie weddings
When the invitation says 'black tie,' it's code for 'fancy.' This attire, unlike any other designation, is where you come to sparkle—both literally and figuratively. Floor-length gowns are a must, and a little dazzle in the form of sequins or rhinestones never hurts. If shine isn't your thing, no problem; just keep it elegant with lush fabrics that scream elegance, like jacquard and satin. While solid colors have historically been the norm, prints are also welcome—just use your discretion, of course. Black-tie weddings also tend to take place in the evening, so dresses that cover your arms and shoulders (at least partly) can make you feel more comfortable as the night cools down.
Betsy & Adam mermaid gown
$269
Nordstrom
Formal/black-tie optional
Weddings with formal attire still indicate an elevated affair, but require a little less formality than a black-tie evening. That means fabrics can be a little less luxurious and embellished, you can feel free to wear brighter colors, and you can try showing off a fun neckline. You should aim for elegance, but you have a bit more flexibility. Also, balance is key for formal attire. For example, if you're choosing a traditionally high-end fabric like lace, you can pair it with an unexpected color, like a metallic.
Semi-formal weddings
This category is the Goldilocks of wedding attire: not quite formal and not too casual. It's right in the middle. Consider it synonymous with dressy casual, a setting where mothers of the bride and groom can feel perfectly appropriate wearing a tea-length dress or a jumpsuit in a lavish fabric. Here, feel free to wear looks that have relaxed silhouettes instead of form-fitting styles.
Cocktail attire
Confusing as it might seem, the formula here is pretty simple: Mix a slightly pared-down version of formal attire with the option to add a little flair, and you get cocktail attire. Dress lengths that fall to the knee or below it are ideal, and you can add lushness with glittering beads or scalloped-edge lace as you please. Color is also key here, with cocktail attire allowing mothers of the bride or groom to lean into brighter hues and away from the darker tones that are commonplace with formal or black-tie occasions.
Casual attire
Think easy fabrics and comfortable silhouettes that still lean into the formality of a wedding, even if the relaxed celebration takes place at a rustic-chic farm or in a cozy backyard. In other words, casual attire is a slightly more dressed-up version of your everyday look. As a guest of honor, this is a space where you can add a tinge of embellishment—like rosette detailing—to your typical elevated attire and still find yourself well within the appropriate dress code.
Beach weddings
A beachside wedding signals an all-important message to guests: Go with color. No matter the time of day or setting—either at a dreamy Caribbean resort or an informal gathering on the sand in Florida—beach-inspired hues reign supreme. Whether your sartorial look is inspired by tranquil ocean waters or the sunset's rays, opt for colors and prints that complement the natural setting. Thankfully, an array of dresses fit the bill, with comfortable, loose-fitting options in lightweight materials that will make any mother feel beautiful.