How Much Does a Mother of the Bride Dress Cost? - CostHelper (2024)

CostHelper > Weddings > Mother of the Bride Dress
How Much Does a Mother of the Bride Dress Cost? - CostHelper (1)How Much Does a Mother of the Bride Dress Cost? - CostHelper (2)Low: $50-$200How Much Does a Mother of the Bride Dress Cost? - CostHelper (3)Medium: $200-$800How Much Does a Mother of the Bride Dress Cost? - CostHelper (4)High: $1,000-$4,000+
Typical costs:
  • A mother-of-the-bride dress costs, on the lower end, less than $50-$200 for an off-the-rack dress from a department store, online retailer or bridal store. For example, at Amazon[1] , mother-of-the-bride dresses start at $40, and the site offers many dresses in the $100-$200 range.
  • In the mid-range, a mother-of-the-bride dress costs about $200-$800 for a dress with a moderate level of detail from a higher end department store or bridal store. At Nordstrom[2] , mother-of-the-bride dresses range from about $100-$775.
  • And, on the high end, a dress costs about $1,000-$4,000 -- or more, if preferences and budget allow -- for a designer dress with intricate details such as beading and lace from a high-end bridal boutique or retail shop. At NewYorkDress.com[3] , for example, prices reach $4,000.
  • On forums at WeddingBee.com[4] , brides discuss the cost of their mothers' MOB dresses, which range from less than $50 to $3,000.
Related articles: Mother of the Groom Dress, Bridesmaid Dress, Flower Girl Dress, Wedding Dress, Groom's Suit or Tuxedo, Groomsman's Suit or Tuxedo
What should be included:
  • If purchasing a dress off the rack, only the dress will be included. If ordering a dress through a bridal shop or boutique, a staff member will take professional measurements and order the dress in the proper size.
Additional costs:
  • Alterations, if necessary, can range from $20-$100 or more. For example, at Ree's Sewing[5] in Michigan, hem alterations on a formal dress start at $20. Side seam alterations cost $20-$55.
  • Shoes, jewelry and other accessories such as shaping garments can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the cost. For example, at NewYorkDress.com[6] , earrings range from $25-$200, necklaces range from $100-$300 and capelets cost about $200. And at Nordstrom[7] , shapers and hosiery cost from about $30-$100.
Discounts:
  • The best way to get a discount is to look for sales at department and bridal stores. For example, dresses on sale at Macy's[8] start at $40. Or, some bridal salons offer discounts on a mother-of-the-bride dress when a bride purchases her dress there.
Shopping for a mother of the bride dress:
  • According to traditional etiquette rules, the mother of the bride should avoid common wedding dress colors such as white, ivory or off-white, as well as black and bright colors, according to TheKnot.com. However, these guidelines are flexible, and the MOB should ask the bride if she has strong opinions about color, style or formality level. However, it's important that the MOB feel comfortable with her choice, too, and even pants can work. TheKnot.com offers an etiquette guide to MOB dresses[9] . And BridalGuide.com offers a guide to mother-of-the-bride dresses[10] that covers colors, styles and trends.
  • In the low to mid-range, Amazon.com and David's Bridal both offer a wide selection of mother-of-the-bride dresses[11] .
  • In the mid-range, higher end department stores such as Nordstrom offer mother-of-the-bride dresses[12] .
  • For higher-end dresses,TheKnot.com offers a shopping tool for mother-of-the-bride dresses[13] that offers the option to shop by designer or type of dress.
  • Traditional etiquette states that the mother of the bride should purchase her dress first, then subtly let the mother of the groom know about the color and style she chose. The mother of the groom can consider this information when choosing her own dress, in order to prevent fashion clashes, according to TheKnot.com.
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External Resources:
  1. www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_st?bbn=1036682&keywords=mother+of+the+bride+dress&qid=1370...
  2. shop.nordstrom.com/c/mother-of-the-bride-dresses
  3. www.newyorkdress.com/Mother_of_The_Bride.html#page=34
  4. boards.weddingbee.com/topic/how-much-did-your-moms-mother-of-the-bride-outfit-cost...
  5. www.reessewing.com/alterations.html
  6. www.newyorkdress.com/Jewelry.html#page=1
  7. shop.nordstrom.com/c/spanx
  8. www1.macys.com/search/results.ognc?sortOption=Sale%20Price%20Ascending&Keyword=mot...
  9. wedding.theknot.com/bridal-fashion/bridesmaid-dresses/articles/mother-of-the-bride...
  10. www.bridalguide.com/blogs/fashion-beauty/mother-of-bride-dresses
  11. www.davidsbridal.com/Browse_Bridal-Party-Mothers-Special-Guests-All-Dresses___lh
  12. shop.nordstrom.com/c/mother-of-the-bride-dresses?segmentEngine=Default
  13. wedding.theknot.com/mother-of-the-bride-dresses.aspx
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FAQs

How much should the mother of the bride spend on a dress? ›

In the mid-range, a mother-of-the-bride dress costs about $200-$800 for a dress with a moderate level of detail from a higher end department store or bridal store. At Nordstrom[2] , mother-of-the-bride dresses range from about $100-$775.

What should the mother of the bride pay for? ›

Traditionally, the bride's family assumed most of the financial costs associated with a wedding, including the wedding planner, invitations, dress, ceremony, reception, flowers, photography, and music.

Who pays for the mother of the bride outfit? ›

Mother of the Bride & Groom

Both the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom are expected to pay for their own wedding attire. Typically, these gowns do not need to match the bridesmaid dresses, however, some brides prefer for the gowns to coordinate in some way.

What is the mother of the bride suppose to wear? ›

Typically the Mother of the Bride's dress should complement the bridal party's color palette. Not necessarily match with the bridesmaids, but choose a color in the color family. The most popular color for the mother of the bride to wear is navy or a royal blue, followed by blush or a shade of nude.

What color dress should the mother of the bride not wear? ›

The MOTB can wear any color she wants, but it's better to avoid certain colors such as white, ivory, or champagne tones as they're considered bridal colors and may take attention away from the bride.

How much should you give your daughter for her wedding? ›

Bottom line: There's no hard-and-fast rule on how much cash to give as a wedding gift. Wedding experts do, however, advise starting at $100. From there, you may want to adjust up to $500 based on factors such as your relationship with the couple, your budget and the cost of your attendance at the wedding.

Does the mother of the bride give a gift to her daughter? ›

A gift from the mother of the bride to her daughter is a lovely tradition. Usually the gift is something symbolic, or a family keepsake or heirloom.

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

If the mother of the bride is taking part in the wedding processional, she is traditionally escorted by a close male relative like a son or brother or may enter alone. If the parents are divorced, she may be escorted by her partner. In some cases, a groomsman or best man will escort her down the aisle.

Does the mother of the bride have any duties? ›

The mother of the bride plays the role of hostess, meaning you should spend some time greeting guests during the reception. Although there are exceptions, other wedding-day duties may include sitting at the parents' table and dancing with the father of the bride to help warm up the dance floor.

Does the mother of the bride get the bride a gift? ›

Your little girl is all grown up and presenting her with some special gifts for the bride from her mother (that's you, you lucky lady) on the wedding day can show her how proud and excited you are as she enters this new phase of life.

Does the mother of the bride dance with the groom? ›

The groom may also dance with the mother of the bride. Next, the bride's mother and father dance together. The groom dances with his mother, and then the groom's parents dance together. The dance floor then opens up to the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

What is the best color to wear as a mother of the bride? ›

Try blues, greens, purples, and neutrals such as navy, emerald, plum, or silver. These versatile – and universally flattering – palettes make it easy for mothers of the bride and groom to harmonize. With pale green and blue tints, we love silvery shades for Mum, while jewel tones pair well with other rich colours.

How to look good as a mother of the bride? ›

Don't be brow beaten into a colour theme or a hat that doesn't suit you. While politely acknowledging the theme of the wedding, wear what makes you happy and you feel comfortable in. If you dresses really aren't your vibe then consider a beautifully tailored trouser suit or jumpsuit instead.

Does the mother of the bride carry a purse down the aisle? ›

The mother of the bride can wear a handbag or opt out of it, the choice is her own! However, some brides might ask their mothers to bring a bigger handbag to help them store some of the bulkier items they might need throughout the day.

Does the mother of the bride pay for the wedding dress? ›

Dresses and Suits

The bride and groom are responsible for paying for what they will wear on the wedding day. Oftentimes the bride's mom will help pay for her dress and accessories. The groom should handle any costs associated with their suit.

Is $3000 too much for a wedding dress? ›

Generally, the average cost of a wedding gown is typically between $1,800 to $2,500. Off-the-rack gowns may be priced lower than $1,800, while more luxurious gowns can sometimes fall in the $3,000 to $8,000 range. Customized dresses can even cost up to $10,000.

Is it customary for mother of the bride to buy wedding dress? ›

Plan Ahead and Communicate Your Choice

What's more, since it's customary for the mother of the bride to buy her dress first, and then share her choice with the mother of the groom, planning ahead will ensure that everyone has time to coordinate their looks.

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

Yes, it's traditional for the parents of the bride to give her a gift on her wedding day, such as jewelry, money, or something sentimental. This is a way for parents to show their love and wish her well as she starts her new life.

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