What Color Does the Mother of the Groom Wear? (2024)

Watching your son get married is one of the most memorable moments in a mother’s life, right up there with her own wedding. As the mother of the groom, you’ve raised your son and watched him grow, and now you have a front-row seat as your child says “I do” to their partner for life. And since this is such a special day, it absolutely calls for a special dress. Choosing what to wear is important as your ensemble will be captured in photos for a lifetime, so extra thought must be put into the style and, most importantly, the color of your dress.

To help you understand the nuances of MOG dressing, we consulted with fashion stylist Vanessa Valiente to break down everything you need to know in terms of dressing for this wonderful day.

Meet the Expert

Vanessa Valiente is a fashion stylist based in San Diego, California. She began her career in 2006 styling celebrity talent including Eric Dane, Rhona Mitra, Bo Derek, Morgan Fairchild, and Joe Manganiello. She has since expanded to editorials and catalog shoots, but her core focus is personal styling.

If you want to attend your son’s wedding in style, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our expert-approved fashion advice for mothers of the groom, from what color to wear and shopping tips to help you find the perfect dress.

What Is the Mother of the Groom Expected to Wear?

Like the mother of the bride, the groom's mother should wear a dress that fits the wedding dress code, taking into account the venue and the time of year. If you’re not sure where to start looking, retailers like Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, and BHLDN offer gorgeous gowns for every wedding style, from elegant eveningwear fit for a black-tie wedding to chic satin maxi dresses perfect for fall or winter nuptials.

"The mother of the groom is expected to meet the formality level of the mother of the bride and bridesmaids," says Valiente. "Get the opinion of the couple for colors you should or shouldn't wear, and don't wear anything more formal than the bride."

As long as it falls within the wedding style and colors, mothers of the grooms should be free to wear whatever dress fits their unique personal style. The groom's mother should feel confident and comfortable in her wedding day attire.

The Best Colors for a Mother of the Groom

The best colors for the mother of the groom are dependent on the dress code, venue, and season. "Wear a flattering color that compliments the color palette of the wedding," advises Valiente. For example, jewel tones and earthy hues are perfect for fall nuptials, while formal gowns in navy or silver would be ideal for black-tie weddings.

A great rule of thumb is to consult the bride for inspiration and direction, as it relates to the wedding theme and colors. Some couples may ask their parents to coordinate with the wedding party, so make sure you check with the couple before you start shopping.

Colors a Mother of the Groom Should NOT Wear

It’s best to avoid wearing white or any color that resembles the bride's wedding outfit. You may also want to steer clear of blush, beige, or other light neutral tones that may appear lighter on camera. "Skip black or white, unless the bride and groom have requested it. And do not match the bridal party colors unless requested to do so," says Valiente.

It doesn’t hurt to send a picture of your prospective wedding outfit to the couple before you buy it, just to be on the safe side.

What to Look for in a Mother of the Groom Outfit

When you’re shopping for a mother of the groom outfit, you want to buy something that makes you look and feel incredible. As the groom's parent, it’ll be a long day, so you want to be as comfortable as you can be in a semi-formal to formal dress.

"The mother of the groom is just as valuable a participant in the wedding as the mother of the bride, but communication is key," says Valiente. "Don't shop until you are sure there are no requests from the bride and groom. When in doubt, wear a dress that makes you feel great, compliments your skin tone, and doesn't upstage the bride."

As you’re shopping, keep in mind the wedding venue, color palette, and dress code. Mid-length to floor-length gowns in dark or jewel tones are almost always appropriate for formal weddings held in the fall or winter, while shorter dresses in bright or pastel colors work well for a more casual wedding. Wrap silhouettes are flattering on nearly any and all body types, along with a tasteful V-shaped neckline to help elongate the silhouette.

FAQ

  • When should I start shopping for my mother of the groom outfit?

    To be on the safe side, we suggest that you start shopping for your dress six months before the wedding. This ensures that everyone has plenty of stress-free time to have alterations made if necessary. If you’re in a pinch, many e-commerce sites like Net-a-Porter or Nordstrom offer rush shipping.

  • Should the mother of the bride and mother of the groom wear different colors?

    Generally yes, according to Valiente. "Open communication is key to nailing the color selection," she says. "If the mother of the bride is matching the bridesmaids' color palette, the bride and groom might request the mother of the groom to also match. But if no one has asked the mother of the groom to match the bridal party, it's best to choose a different color, but not one that clashes." Wearing variations of the same color that coordinate with the rest of the wedding party is a great way to complement the color scheme without being too matchy-matchy. The moms can also differentiate their looks with jewelry, shoes, as well as their hair and makeup.

  • Does the mother of the groom get ready with the bride?

    It's customary for the getting ready suite to be reserved for the bride and her bridesmaids. Unless the bride says otherwise, make plans to get ready at the hotel or another location. However, we do suggest stopping by the bridal suite a few hours before the ceremony—while the wedding party is getting ready—to give the bride your best wishes.

What Color Does the Mother of the Groom Wear? (2024)

FAQs

Does the mother of the groom have to wear wedding colors? ›

The mother of the groom should wear colors that look nice on her and complement the wedding colors. That doesn't mean you're supposed to wear the wedding theme colors––you want to stand out at the wedding, not blend in with the backdrop.

What should I wear to my son's wedding? ›

Moms will look lovely in elegant dresses, lace skirts, and stylish jumpsuits for casual or formal weddings. The mother of the groom's dress should also adhere to the wedding's dress code. For a formal wedding, you'll need an expensive gown or pantsuit, but for a more casual one, you may wear anything you like.

Can the mother of the groom wear same Colour as the groom? ›

Traditionally, the mother of the bride has been the first to choose her dress. The color of the mother of the groom's dress should complement, but not match it. This is easier than it sounds because no two hues are exactly alike.

What should the mother of the groom not do? ›

Here are a few things a mother-of-the-groom shouldn't do.
  • Don't overshadow the bride's mother. ...
  • Don't act (or dress) like a bridesmaid. ...
  • Don't get too critical. ...
  • Don't steal the bride's spotlight with your mother-of-the-groom outfit. ...
  • Don't try to invite extra guests. ...
  • Don't skip the pre-wedding events.
Jul 2, 2019

What does the groom's mom wear? ›

If your wedding is a formal one, some mothers of the groom might prefer to wear shades of gold, dark silver, or even black. Other darker colors that might be worn include shades of : Navy.

Does mother of groom wear same Colour as bridesmaids? ›

The short answer: Yes, but you've got to get it right. Some may think it's gauche for a mother of the bride or groom to too closely match the bridesmaids, but tradition actually dictates that the moms should wear attire that complements what your bridal party will be wearing.

What are the mother of the groom duties? ›

Mother of the Groom Roles and Responsibilities
  • Plan the Rehearsal Dinner. ...
  • Provide a List of Guests from the Groom's Side. ...
  • Following-up on Late RSVPs. ...
  • Help Guests with the Wedding Registry. ...
  • Help With Any Family Traditions. ...
  • Stand in Receiving Line.
Apr 27, 2022

What does the mother of the groom do on wedding day? ›

On your actual wedding day, one of the major responsibilities the mother of the groom can take on is making sure that the people at the wedding they know (family and friends) are taking their seats at the ceremony on time, are all set with transportation to and from the venue, and don't get lost—especially if you're ...

What is the etiquette for the groom's parents? ›

Traditionally, the groom's parents are the ones to plan and host the rehearsal dinner. They are usually also responsible for hosting any other welcome parties for the rest of the guests. They may want to utilize the couple's wedding planner to help with the event, or they can choose to plan it all on their own.

What Colour should a mother of the groom avoid? ›

Colors a Mother of the Groom Should NOT Wear

It's best to avoid wearing white or any color that resembles the bride's wedding outfit. You may also want to steer clear of blush, beige, or other light neutral tones that may appear lighter on camera. "Skip black or white, unless the bride and groom have requested it.

Who walks mother of groom down the aisle? ›

As the wedding begins, the groom's mother will be escorted down the aisle, to the first pew, right-hand side, by the head usher or a groomsman who is a family member. A nice touch includes the groom escorting his mother down the aisle. As the groom's mother is escorted to her seat, her husband will follow along behind.

Does the mother of the groom get ready with the bride? ›

She can spend a little time with both the bride and groom.

If that's the case, she may want to start her morning with the bride and her group, then leave once she has her hair and makeup done. After, she can head to the groom's getting-ready area to help him prepare for his walk down the aisle.

What does a mother say at her son's wedding? ›

Express your gratitude and share how grateful you are that they were able to celebrate your son's wedding with you. Talk about your son. Katelyn Peterson of Wedding Words, a wedding vow and speech writing service, advises sharing two to three "short and concise" stories about your son that spotlights their personality.

What does the mother of the groom say at the rehearsal dinner? ›

The mother of the groom can give a speech or just a toast at the rehearsal dinner, as she is one of the hosts of the event. There are some details that a speech should include, such as special memories, stories about the couple, and of course, the toast.

Which mother walks down the aisle first? ›

Which mother walks down the aisle first? Typically the parents of groom walk down first, followed by the mother of the bride with an usher. For LGBTQ+ weddings (or any wedding!) you can of course choose to change that order.

Do groom's parents speak at the wedding? ›

Traditionally, there's a father of the groom speech, as well. You'll want to keep your toast short and sweet, but be sure to tell your son how much you love them, address their new spouse, thank everyone for coming to the wedding, and offer some parting wisdom or advice for the newlyweds.

Does the groom walk in with his mom? ›

The Best Man: During the processional, the best man walks solo after the groomsmen and takes their place as the right-hand man of the groom. The Groom: The groom proceeds to walk down the aisle accompanied by their parents, with his father on the left and his mother on the right.

Who walks first bride or grooms mother? ›

The groom's parents precede the bride's mother during the processional. Here's a rundown: After the ushers have seated all of the guests, the grandparents start up the aisle, followed by the groom's parents. Then the bride's mother takes her turn. She is the last to be seated before the bridal party procession begins.

Does mother of groom have to match mother of bride? ›

Formality and Color Coordination

Unless the bride asks both Mothers to wear the same color, make sure you avoid wearing the same color on the occasion. The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom's outfits must complement each other, especially for photos.

What is the most popular color for mother of the bride dresses? ›

When it comes to color choices, navy is the most requested color for mother of the bride dresses. Other popular colors include blush and shades of nude. While white, black and red are to the colors to avoid!

What Colour is best for mother of the bride? ›

Avoid Matching with the Bride

The bride's gown is usually in shades like ivory or champagne, so make sure that you don't choose any shade of white. If you want to wear neutral colors, go for off-white, beige, taupe, and grey, as they are a different shade from a traditional bridal gown.

Does the mother of the groom get a gift? ›

It's common for the groom to buy a gift for his mother that's sentimental and special to their unique relationship. That said, the groom's partner may also feel inclined to give the MOG a present to thank her for raising the man they adore.

How much do you give your son for his wedding? ›

THE ETIQUETTE

She offers these guidelines to wedding-goers wherever they might be: A distant relative or co-worker should give $75-$100; a friend or relative, $100-$125; a closer relative, up to $150.

How do you honor grooms mother at wedding? ›

13 Ways to Honor a Deceased Parent or Relative on Your Wedding...
  1. Read a poem of remembrance. ...
  2. Toast your loved one. ...
  3. Read a letter from or to your loved one. ...
  4. Hold a time of silence. ...
  5. Say a prayer or share a quote. ...
  6. Leave a chair open. ...
  7. Light a memorial candle. ...
  8. Write a message in the programs.

Do groom's parents give gifts at rehearsal dinner? ›

And then, of course, there's the rehearsal dinner: An event hosted in the couple's honor, most often by the parents of the groom. You're not expected to bring a gift to the couple at this event, but what about for the hosts themselves?

How much money do the groom's parents give? ›

Splitting wedding costs equally between the couple and their families is becoming more common across the board: The Knot 2021 Real Weddings Study found that couples pay approximately 49% of their wedding costs, with their families covering the rest at 51%.

What do the groom's parents give for a wedding gift? ›

The groom's family provides the flowers involved in a wedding ceremony. That includes the bride's bouquet, the groomsmen and usher boutonnieres, and the corsages and mini bouquets for the both mothers and grandmothers.

What do the groom's parents usually pay for? ›

What Does the Groom's Family Pay For, Traditionally? The groom's family is responsible for corsages and boutonnieres for immediate members of both families, the lodging of the groom's attendants (if you have offered to help pay for this expense), and sometimes the costs of the rehearsal dinner.

Who picks the groom mother dance song? ›

Who Picks The Mother Groom Dance Song? Traditionally, the responsibility falls on the groom to choose the song to dance to for him and his mother. The choice of the song and the lyrics is a tribute to her and reflects the special relationship between them.

Who usually attends a rehearsal dinner? ›

For obvious reasons, anyone who is in your wedding should be invited to the rehearsal dinner. This includes bridesmaids and the maid of honor as well as the groomsmen and best man. You should also invite the parents of the flower girl and ring bearers, even if they are not in the wedding themselves.

Who speaks at wedding rehearsal dinner? ›

According to tradition, the mother and father of the groom give a speech during the rehearsal dinner. This is because traditionally the groom's parents hosted the rehearsal dinner while the bride's parents hosting the wedding.

What does mother of groom need to know? ›

Traditionally speaking, the mother of the groom is responsible for planning and hosting the rehearsal dinner with the grooms' father (typically) the night before the wedding. This is one of the biggest mother of the groom responsibilities, so make sure you start planning the dinner about six months in advance.

What do I tell my son at his wedding? ›

Short And Sweet Wedding Wishes For Your Son

Congratulations from us. I'm thrilled that my little boy is embarking on one of the greatest adventures yet: marriage! Today, our hearts are filled with joy that your happily ever after has just begun. Congratulations, son!

How do I toast my son at his wedding? ›

What to Include in a Father of the Groom Speech
  1. Thank the father of the bride and introduce yourself.
  2. Thank guests again for coming briefly.
  3. Talk about the groom and share anecdotes and memories.
  4. Talk about his partner, meeting them for the first time and how happy your son is.
Aug 24, 2017

What Mom wears to rehearsal dinner? ›

Appropriate rehearsal dinner attire is typically formal. Not black tie formal, but pretty close: dark suits and ties for men; cocktail dresses and gowns for women. For the mother of the bride, the same holds true—think a formal cocktail dress or a long gown, heels and nice jewelry.

Who toasts first at rehearsal dinner? ›

Rehearsal Dinner Toasts

The first toast is made by the dinner's host—usually the groom's father—during the main course. The toast is often met by a "return toast" from the bride's father.

Who sits in the front row at a wedding? ›

The parents of the bride sit in the first pew or row on the left, the groom's parents sit in the first row on the right, leaving the two spaces closest to the aisle for the groom and best man. Space permitting, extra chairs may be placed in front of the right hand pews for the groom and best man.

When should the bride and groom's parents meet? ›

In this instance, meeting in the days leading up to the wedding is probably your best bet. Ask both sets of parents to come to town a few days before you tie the knot so you can have a leisurely afternoon or evening getting to know one another before the stress kicks in.

Who holds the rings at a wedding? ›

In a traditional ceremony, the ring keeper is the Best Man, and he holds the rings until called upon for the Ring Exchange in the wedding ceremony. But it doesn't have to be the Best Man; anything goes here. I've had couples choose one ring to go to the Best Man and the other to the Maid of Honour.

What colors do the mothers wear in a wedding? ›

The bride's gown is usually in shades like ivory or champagne, so make sure that you don't choose any shade of white. If you want to wear neutral colors, go for off-white, beige, taupe, and grey, as they are a different shade from a traditional bridal gown. Moreover, don't choose the same dress design, either.

Can mother of the groom wear floral? ›

If you're the mother of the bride or groom, you should certainly considering wearing a floral dress to the big day. In addition to being beautiful, flattering, and downright fun, a floral dress is the perfect way to ensure that your look coordinates with the wedding party and the day's overall color palette.

Does the mother of the bride have to wear the same color as the wedding party? ›

No, the mother of the bride doesn't need to match the bridesmaids or the wedding party in general. The bride may prefer to have corresponding colors for a cohesive look, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Does the mother of the groom give the bride a gift? ›

Typically, as per tradition, the mother of the groom will bring a gift for the bride to the bridal shower. It can be something small and thoughtful.

Who walks the mother of the groom down the aisle? ›

As the wedding begins, the groom's mother will be escorted down the aisle, to the first pew, right-hand side, by the head usher or a groomsman who is a family member. A nice touch includes the groom escorting his mother down the aisle. As the groom's mother is escorted to her seat, her husband will follow along behind.

What is the groom's parents responsible for? ›

The groom's family is responsible for corsages and boutonnieres for immediate members of both families, the lodging of the groom's attendants (if you have offered to help pay for this expense), and sometimes the costs of the rehearsal dinner.

Does mother of groom help with bridal shower? ›

The Mother of the Groom Can Co-Host the Bridal Shower

If the mother of the groom is very close with the bride, then she may feel as though it's her duty to pitch in, too. If your mom, sister, or friends are on board with the idea of a co-host, then this is an entirely acceptable route.

What is the attire for a rehearsal dinner? ›

What dress styles can you wear to a rehearsal dinner? Cocktail dresses are the obvious pick, but you can also wear something a little more fashion-forward like a jumpsuit, silk suit, or a flowing maxi dress. Skip the sundresses, unless it's a daytime event.

How much does it cost to have a wedding for 100 people? ›

Most receptions for 100 people cost between $6,000 - $12,000, with $8,000 being the average cost. Here's a general estimate of what you can expect to pay for food, service/staffing, alcohol, and rentals for a wedding of this size.

Does mother of groom go to wedding rehearsal? ›

Aside from those who are actually in the wedding, immediate family members are typically invited to the rehearsal dinner. This includes the parents of the couple, siblings, and any grandparents.

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