Your child’s getting married! Whether you’re the mother of the bride or the mother of the groom, it’s a big day. And your outfit is probably at the forefront of your mind right now.
If you’re the mother of the bride, you’ve probably found plenty of options to browse already. But if you’re the mother of the groom, guidelines can be a little less clear.
But what is the difference between mother of the bride and mother of the groom dresses?
To try and make your wedding outfit shopping a little easier, we’ve put together some highlights that might help.
Shopping Schedules
Lots of mother of the bride (MOB) and mother of groom (MOG) dresses are very similar. Plus, the formality of the wedding will dictate how dressy you decide to go. However, one main difference between MOB and MOG shopping is timing.
Tradition states that the mother of the bride should choose first. We say, just keep communication open. As soon as you start to think about shopping, get together for a chat – or at least a phone call – and discuss your ideas. This way, you can both be considerate and make choices that will complement the bridal party AND one another. Or even better why not make arrangements to go shopping together?
CoordinateColour & Formality
Unless requested by the bride, you don’t want to match colours or match with the bridesmaids but coordination is key for chic photographs. Again, this will be something worth talking to the bride about. Maybe she envisions everyone in neutral tones. Maybe she’d prefer bold and bright. This should help to guide you.
Coordinating in formality is also important. If the mother of the bride chooses a very casual and relaxed look – no doubt approved by the bride – you probably don’t want to then choose something very formal and sparkly as the mother of the groom. Open communication will help to guide here – as well as the venue and time of year.
Can the mother of the groom wear a short dress if the mother of the bride wears long?
In short, yes. If the mother of the bride decides to wear long, this doesn’t mean you have to. Especially if you’re not comfortable in a full-length dress or outfit. However, make sure you choose something that coordinates with the formality of a long dress so that you don’t feel too casual.
What about Step-Mother of the Bride or Groom?
If you’re a stepmother of either the bride or the groom, you are equally an important part of the wedding party. You will likely wear a similar style and formality of dress as the mothers. If you can, communicate with the mothers in terms of styles, colours and formality.
And if this is difficult, ask for a little help from the bride when it comes to guidance.
Mother of The Groom Etiquette
If it’s your son’s big day and you’re not sure on the mother of the groom etiquette when it comes to dresses, these quick tips should help.
- Traditional etiquette says to let the mother of the bride choose her outfit first. At least call for a chat before you start to shop so you can discuss colours, brands, etc.
- Compliment but don’t match the bridesmaids and the mother of the bride.
- Simple is often better.
- Check with the bride if in doubt.
Mother of the bride dresses and mother of the groom dresses and outfits are the same, it's all down to individual style. Whether it’s a black-tie or a casual affair, the style rules for wedding party guest outfits are similar.
To ensure your shopping and styling experience runs smoothly, it’s best to keep both parties in the know. And grab a little advice from the bride if you’re not sure.
You’ll find our mother of the bride and groom dressesand outfits edited together in our latest collection.
FAQs
Lots of mother of the bride (MOB) and mother of groom (MOG) dresses are very similar. Plus, the formality of the wedding will dictate how dressy you decide to go. However, one main difference between MOB and MOG shopping is timing. Tradition states that the mother of the bride should choose first.
Should mother of bride and mother of groom match? ›
While mother-of-the-bride dresses are similar to mother-of-the-groom dresses, the moms don't need to match. Both are encouraged to wear outfits that represent their personal style. If the couple does prefer to have the moms wear complementary outfits, try to find colors or silhouettes that look great together.
Is the mother-of-the-groom as important as the mother of the bride? ›
Traditionally, the role of the groom's mother is a little more limited than that of the mother of the bride. When it comes to involvement in wedding planning, it's usually at the discretion of the couple.
What color is the groom's mother supposed to wear? ›
The Best Colors for Mothers of the Groom to Consider
In general, jewel tones and earthy hues, like emerald green and burgundy, work well, in addition to universally flattering colors like black and navy. Valiente also adds, "Wear a flattering color that compliments the color palette of the wedding."
What is the mother-of-the-groom responsible for? ›
Traditionally, the groom's mother will take care of the rehearsal dinner arrangements and help prepare the guest list for the groom's side of the family. Both tasks should be done with both the bride and the groom's input. Any other responsibilities can be negotiated among the families.
What color does the mother of the bride 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 does a mom give her son on his wedding day? ›
A personalized photo album or picture frame is a timeless and sentimental gift your son and daughter-in-law will cherish for years to come. Fill the album with pictures of special moments and memories that they have shared together, or choose a beautiful picture frame to display a favorite wedding photo.
Does the groom's mother 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 pays for mother of groom hair and makeup? ›
Who Pays for the Mother-of-the-Bride and Groom's Beauty Team? As with most beauty questions, there is no hard-and-fast rule. Some brides may offer to cover hair and makeup services in order to thank the wedding party for being a part of their special day.
Does the groom's mother get ready with the bride? ›
She can spend the morning with the bride.
Regardless of your current relationship with your future mother-in-law, she'll inevitably become a major part of your life after the wedding. Inviting her to get ready together encourages bonding and makes her feel included in the celebration.
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 does the mother of the groom pay for? ›
According to traditional etiquette, the groom's family is responsible for paying for the bride's rings, the groom's and groomsmen's attire, the rehearsal dinner, gifts for the groomsmen, some personal flowers, the officiant's fee, the marriage license fee, certain aspects of transportation, and the honeymoon.
What should a mother say to her son on his wedding day? ›
To my son and his bride, I want you to know that I will always be here for you, supporting you and cheering you on every step of the way. I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness, and adventures together. And to everyone here, let's raise a toast to the happy couple! Cheers!
What is a mother's role in her son's wedding? ›
Round-Up the Family
Since you know everyone on the groom's side of the family, assist in gathering everyone for photos, seat them for the ceremony, and ensure that everyone has a ride going to the reception.
Is the mother of the groom supposed to give a 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.
Who enters first the mother of the bride or the mother of the groom? ›
Parents. Again, the couple's parents may or may not walk down the aisle (they can also just take their seats as the procession begins). Traditionally, the groom's parents will go first, followed by the mother of the bride, but the couple may choose to be escorted down the aisle by one or both of their parents.
What does the mother of the groom do on a wedding morning? ›
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.
