What To Wear To A Wedding As The Mother Of The Bride Or Groom

Mothers Of The Bride, Mothers of the Groom, Grandmothers of the Bride or Groom; you’ve helped them find their dream wedding outfit, now it’s our turn to help you find yours.

Not to take away from the bride or groom but they're not the only ones who want to look good at a wedding, and who could be more important - second to them - than the MOB/MOG (that’s mother of the bride/groom for those about to watch their first baby bird walk down the aisle).

For many of you, we imagine you are buried in the thick of the action, assisting in coordinating anything and everything from caterers to tailors, guest list to dietary requirements but unfortunately, the MOB/MOG styling session never seems to get scheduled! Don’t worry, we hear you, we see you and we’re here to help.

Unsure what the invitation really means? Check the dress code on the invite first, and never hesitate to ask the couple if you need clarity. If you are decode-puzzled by event styles, pop over to our guide on what cocktail dress code means for a deeper dive.

Our knee-jerk reaction is to say - “don’t wear white… or black” - but those sorts of defined lines are, for most couples, outdated and potentially your white dress will look great against the blush pink your bride-to-be has in mind.

It’s important to remember that looking good leads to feeling good and that gives you the freedom to get lost in the moment and really enjoy yourself. Our advice, if you find one thing that ticks all the colour or theme boxes but doesn’t feel right, versus something that is pretty close and feels AMAZING, go with option B every time!

This is not like an anniversary gemstone; there is no hard or fast rule as to the colour worn by the MOB/MOG. The first question to ask is if your Bride and Groom have a colour scheme in mind, and does that weigh into the colour options they would prefer the mother or grandmother of the bride/groom to wear for a coordinated family photo on the day? That’s right, it’s all about the pretty pretty pictures.

Well, no one looks good in every colour of the rainbow, and you don’t need to match the wedding party exactly, but choosing from a similar hue can be enough to create a cohesive image. The groomsmen and bridesmaids will likely already be in sync, so if you can steal a sneak peek or a swatch of fabric before you begin your search, you’ll be on the path to success. 

Of course not; knowing the dress code of the wedding day is your best guide to what sort of style to choose. Prints can be a great way to tie in with the colour scheme of the bridal party without looking like the lost member. They also give you options and inspiration for mixing and matching to create your perfect fit.

Traditionally, the mother of the bride learns about the wedding palette earlier and begins outfit planning first. As the mother of the groom, do not wait on an official invitation to start the conversation—simply reach out to the couple early to ask about their vision. For both mums, the goal is identical: complement the overall wedding palette, align on dress lengths, avoid upstaging the couple, and ask about any specific cultural or religious dress expectations.

No again. There are many one-piece, two-piece, even three-piece options at your disposal. From pantsuits to playsuits, to a simple skirt and blouse combination, there is a style out there to suit everybody, at any age, at any location.

Matching Sets

If a classic dress is not your usual style, a chic two-piece ensemble is a gorgeous, practical alternative. A pair of tailored trousers paired with a soft, structured top or jacket provides effortless movement. Elevate the look with statement earrings and a clutch to feel instantly occasion-ready in a matching set.

Jumpsuits and Tailored Outfits

A sleek jumpsuit or a sharp pantsuit offers a fresh, confident look. Opt for wide-leg silhouettes in fluid fabrics like silk or draped jersey to keep the outfit feeling soft, formal, and comfortable from the ceremony to the dance floor. Discover versatile options in our women's jumpsuits and playsuits and tailored suits edit.

You’ll find a lot of chiffon in bridal wear, particularly for MOB/MOG collections. We love it and here are a few reasons why:

• In hot weather chiffon is great, it has a light airy nature to it and usually falls loosely over the body of the garment giving your outfit depth and movement without unnecessary layers clinging in all the wrong places.
• In cooler weather, a chiffon overlay becomes the fixed layer protecting you from the chill of the evening air. You think finding an outfit is hard, now try finding a coat to complement it. Chiffon is your buffer between a warm sunny afternoon and a cool crisp evening.
• Body fluctuations. Let’s be honest, weddings are a special event, and the desire to make that day a dream can load our systems with a little extra stress. Choosing a style with a little stretch and skillfully draped chiffon provides some wiggle room for our changing bodies, plus makes it way easier to dance the night away!

That’s right, we want to know - heels, flats or wedges? Sleeveless, layered, delicate, dance-worthy? Time, place and season are essential to factor in alongside your own personal comfort level. Weddings tend to take some time so you want shoes and styles that can sustain a multitude of sitting, standing, walking and dancing. Heels are not a must and for a beach wedding, entirely impractical. Think about both the ceremony and reception and, who knows, you might need a backup. 

Bold choice but we appreciate the fashion-conscious mumma. Of course you can! Especially if you love what you’ve found; plus tried and tested in comparable conditions, you can’t beat that! If this is your path we would recommend mixing up the shoe and accessory pairings. Freshen the look with a little extra bling or a slightly different style of shoe.

Real style is about feeling fabulous in your own skin. Look for cuts that let you comfortably sit, stand, and dance all night long. Lightweight chiffon and breathable wovens are essential for hot Australian outdoor venues, while a coordinating wrap, jacket, or soft chiffon layer keeps the chill off during cool evening receptions.

Love, the birdsnest birds x