The Best Colors for Mother of the Groom Dresses: What to Wear

Choosing the perfect color for your Mother of the Groom dress is a key part of the wedding planning process. As the mother of the groom, you want to look elegant, radiant, and in harmony with the overall wedding theme without overshadowing the bride or drawing attention away from her. While there are no strict rules about what colors to wear, understanding the best color options can help you choose a dress that suits the wedding theme, complements your complexion, and makes you feel confident on this special day. Here’s a guide to the best colors for Mother of the Groom dresses, and tips on how to select the perfect shade for your role.

1. Soft Neutrals: Timeless Elegance

Soft neutral shades are always a safe bet when it comes to Mother of the Groom dresses. These colors exude timeless sophistication, allowing you to look chic without overpowering the bride’s outfit. Shades like beige, champagne, ivory, taupe, and soft gray are ideal for traditional and formal weddings. These neutral tones also work well for a variety of wedding themes, from classic ballroom celebrations to elegant outdoor ceremonies.

Why Choose Soft Neutrals? These shades are flattering on most skin tones, offering a subtle elegance that won’t compete with the bride’s gown. They can also easily be dressed up with accessories to elevate the look.
How to Style: Pair soft neutral dresses with metallic accessories in gold or silver, delicate pearls, or jeweled accents. A statement clutch and elegant heels will complete your refined look.

2. Rich Jewel Tones: Bold and Beautiful

Jewel tones are a perfect choice if you want to add a bit of drama and sophistication to your look. Colors like emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, and amethyst purple are deep, rich shades that convey elegance and confidence. These colors are especially flattering on deeper skin tones but can be worn by anyone looking for a vibrant and luxurious feel.

Why Choose Jewel Tones? Jewel tones are classic and flattering, providing a bold contrast without being too overpowering. They work well for evening weddings or those with a more formal atmosphere.
How to Style: For a sleek look, opt for a dress with a clean silhouette and keep accessories minimal to let the color take center stage. Alternatively, if you prefer a bit of sparkle, choose a dress with subtle beading or embellishments to complement the jewel tone.

3. Blush and Pastels: Romantic and Soft

Blush, soft pinks, lavender, and other pastel shades have a romantic, delicate vibe that’s perfect for spring and summer weddings. These colors are often associated with love and femininity, making them a popular choice for Mother of the Groom dresses. Light pastel shades offer a fresh, soft, and ethereal look that works well for both casual and semi-formal weddings.

Why Choose Pastels? These shades are universally flattering and add a fresh, youthful touch to your look. Pastels are also versatile, allowing you to pair them with a variety of accessories, from silver to rose gold.
How to Style: If you choose a pastel dress, pair it with nude or metallic accessories to keep the look light and airy. Consider a soft updo or loose waves and simple makeup for a natural and refined appearance.

4. Navy Blue: Classic and Understated

Navy blue is one of the best color options for the Mother of the Groom. This rich, deep color is versatile, elegant, and flattering on all skin tones. Navy can be dressed up for formal affairs or kept more understated for casual weddings. It offers a sophisticated alternative to black, making it an excellent choice for both day and evening weddings.

Why Choose Navy Blue? Navy is timeless and versatile, and it pairs beautifully with a wide range of other colors. It’s a great choice for almost any wedding, whether it’s in the winter or summer, formal or semi-formal.
How to Style: You can accessorize navy with silver or gold jewelry, depending on the wedding vibe. For a formal wedding, opt for a full-length gown, while for a more casual event, a shorter or midi dress will work beautifully.

5. Metallics: Glamorous and Sophisticated

Metallic shades like gold, silver, and bronze can give you a glamorous and polished look for your son’s wedding. While metallics are often seen as daring, they can be done tastefully for the Mother of the Groom. A metallic dress exudes sophistication and works well for evening weddings or more opulent celebrations.

Why Choose Metallics? Metallics make a bold statement, adding shimmer and shine to your look. They are perfect for evening weddings, holiday seasons, or glamorous events.
How to Style: If you choose a metallic dress, keep your accessories simple—perhaps a sleek metallic clutch and understated jewelry—so the dress remains the focal point. Make sure to balance the boldness of the metallic fabric with a softer hairstyle and makeup for a refined finish.

6. Black: Sleek and Stylish

While some may shy away from wearing black to a wedding, it can be an elegant and modern choice for the Mother of the Groom. Black dresses exude sophistication, making them an ideal option for evening weddings or more contemporary wedding themes. If you choose black, make sure to select a dress with interesting details like lace, embroidery, or beading to elevate it and ensure it doesn’t feel too somber.

Why Choose Black? Black is universally flattering and timeless. It’s a color that complements most wedding color schemes and can be dressed up or down depending on the style of the wedding.
How to Style: To keep the look celebratory, accessorize with statement jewelry or a colorful clutch. Bright shoes or a bold lip color can add a pop of fun to your ensemble.

7. Green: Fresh and Vibrant

Green, whether in deep emerald or soft sage, is a refreshing choice for the Mother of the Groom. Green symbolizes growth, renewal, and good fortune, which makes it a perfect option for a wedding day. This color works wonderfully for spring and summer weddings, especially in outdoor or garden settings.

Why Choose Green? Green is a flattering color that works on all skin tones. It’s fresh, vibrant, and can be dressed up or down depending on the wedding style.
How to Style: Pair green dresses with neutral accessories, like nude or gold heels, to let the color shine. Green works well with natural makeup and soft, romantic hairstyles, making it ideal for a spring or outdoor wedding.

Conclusion

Choosing the best color for your Mother of the Groom dress doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you gravitate toward soft pastels, rich jewel tones, or classic black, the right color will depend on the wedding theme, the time of year, and your personal style. The most important thing is to choose a shade that makes you feel beautiful and confident as you celebrate your son’s special day. By selecting a color that complements the wedding vibe and enhances your natural beauty, you’ll be sure to look stunning as the Mother of the Groom.