The mother of the groom should wear a dress that matches the formality of the wedding, stays in the same color family as the wedding party, and avoids white, ivory and champagne. Traditionally she follows the mother of the bride's lead on length and formality, so the two mothers look like they belong in the same photos without matching.
Shop our dresses with sleeves and 3/4 sleeve dresses.
What does the mother of the groom traditionally wear?
Most mothers of the groom wear a midi or floor-length dress in a solid color or a soft print. The invitation sets the level:
- Formal or black tie optional: a floor-length gown or a structured midi in a rich fabric like jacquard.
- Semi-formal or cocktail: a midi dress with a defined waist.
- Garden, barn or daytime: a midi or maxi in a lighter print, with sleeves if the evening will cool off.
You do not need a matching jacket or a suit. A dress you can sit, stand and hug people in for ten hours is the right dress.
What colors should the mother of the groom avoid?
- White, ivory, cream and champagne. These read as bridal in photos, even as the background of a print.
- The bridesmaids' exact color. The same color family is good. The same shade makes you look like part of the bridal party.
- The mother of the bride's color. Ask before you buy so you don't both show up in the same navy.
- All black, unless the couple is fine with it. Black is accepted at most evening weddings, but some families still connect it with mourning. One question settles it.
What colors look best on the mother of the groom?
Pick a shade one or two steps deeper or softer than the wedding palette. These classic pairings photograph well:
| Wedding palette | Mother of the groom color |
|---|---|
| Sage, eucalyptus, greenery | Emerald or deep green |
| Dusty blue, slate | Navy |
| Burgundy, rust, terracotta | Dark floral, deep wine, navy |
| Blush, mauve | Dusty rose, soft blue |
| Light blue, periwinkle | Light blue or a deeper blue |
| Neutral, or black and white | Navy, emerald, deep floral |
Should the mother of the groom match the mother of the bride?
No. Coordinate instead. The two mothers usually stand side by side in family portraits, so aim for:
- The same length (both midi or both floor length)
- Similar formality (a ballgown next to a sundress looks off in photos)
- Colors in the same family that don't repeat each other
Tradition says the mother of the bride picks first and the mother of the groom follows. A friendly text with photos of your top two choices is all it takes.
Which mother of the groom dresses do we recommend?
Claudette Dress in green wildflower print. Sleeveless floor-length maxi with a cowl neckline and a back zipper, in a light weight fabric with a soft sheen. The wildflower print mixes moss green, cornflower blue, poppy orange and white. Sizes XXS to 6X. A strong pick for a formal or garden wedding when you want a full-length skirt in a print rather than a solid. The print includes some white, so share a photo with the couple first. Plan a wrap if you want your shoulders covered for the ceremony.
Campbell Dress in green floral. Green floral gown with a sweetheart neckline, elastic cap sleeves, a fitted waistline, a full A-line skirt, a corset back with a zipper closure, and pockets. If you are between sizes, size up. Sizes 00 to 34. A good match for a sage or greenery palette, since the deeper green sits in the same color family without repeating the bridesmaids' exact shade.
Charlotte Dress in Blended Sunset. A classic, feminine style made for bridal events, formal receptions and garden parties. Sizes 00 to 34. Share a photo with the mother of the bride before you buy so your colors sit well together in family portraits.
For more options, browse our Mother of the Bride Dresses collection. The same styles work for the groom's side.
What should the mother of the groom wear to the rehearsal dinner?
Wear something one step less formal than the wedding dress, like a midi in a print or a lighter color. The groom's family often hosts the rehearsal dinner, so you will greet guests and move around the room. Choose a dress with pockets or an easy waist and save the most formal look for the wedding day.
How do you pick a dress you can wear all day?
- Raise your arms, sit down and hug someone in it before you cut the tags.
- If you want arm coverage, choose sleeves or buy a wrap at the same time as the dress.
- Order six to eight weeks out. That leaves time for an exchange on full-price styles. Final sale styles can't be returned or exchanged, so check the size chart before you order those.
- Wear your shoes around the house before the wedding.
FAQ
Can the mother of the groom wear black?
Yes, at most evening and formal weddings. Ask the couple first, since some families still connect black with mourning.
Should the mother of the groom wear a long or short dress?
Match the formality of the wedding and the mother of the bride's length. Floor length suits formal evening weddings, and a midi works for almost everything else.
Who picks a dress first, the mother of the bride or the mother of the groom?
Traditionally the mother of the bride picks first, then shares her color and length so the mother of the groom can coordinate.
What color should the mother of the groom wear to a fall wedding?
Deep tones photograph well in fall: navy, emerald, wine and dark florals. Skip the exact bridesmaid shade and anything white or ivory.
Does JessaKae carry plus size mother of the groom dresses?
Yes. Most styles run XXS to 6X, and numeric styles run 00 to 34.