Hoping for a dress to wear to your daughter or son’s wedding that isn’t matronly? Want a stylish mother of the bride dress that is modern and fun to wear? You’ll find it here! We’re rounding up 12 mother of the bride dresses that aren’t matronly. Subscribe now!
When it comes to picking out the perfect dress for your daughter’s wedding, you don’t want to take any chances.
After all, you only get one opportunity to wear the right dress for the wedding day as the mom!
Perhaps you’ve done a few web searches or gone to try on dresses in-store. If you’ve wondered things like, Why does everything have a jacket? Why are there so many sleeves? Why does every dress have so much fabric?, you’re not alone. Many women do not want to wear the same style over and over again: a completely covered-up ensemble, a dress with a jacket, or a garment that looks frumpy vs. fab.
So, if you’re looking for Mother of the Bride dresses that aren’t matronly, you’ve come to the right place.
We did all the digging on the web to bring you the best non-matronly Mother of the Bride dresses that are fabulous. You’ll look the part of Mom and make your daughter proud, but you’ll still feel extremely confident in the dress you’re wearing.
First, let’s talk about what matronly means, just in case you’re wondering.
Non Matronly Mother of the Bride Dresses
What does matronly really mean? According to a quick search on Google, matronly refers to a characteristic of, “a staid or conservatively dressed older married woman”.
In order to dress as the mother of the bride without looking matronly, this means you’ll wear something more stylish and perhaps just a bit more fun than a traditional MOB dress. Flowy skirts, sleeveless, halter, midi-length hemlines, varying necklines, etc. are all a few examples.
A Few Rules
There is only one huge tip we recommend when picking out your dress: it doesn’t matter what kind of dress you select as long as you never upstage the bride.
Don’t wear a dress that is revealing in a way that would shine the spotlight on you; and, it goes without saying… don’t wear white.
Yes, this means any variation of white: champagne, off-white, creme, you get the idea. :)
The goal here is to choose a modern and stylish mother of the bride dress that is beautiful, yet not revealing. You don’t need to wear a low cut or a short hemline but rather select fabrics and cuts that are on-trend.
Non Matronly Mother of the Bride Dresses Aren’t a Problem
Now, let’s be clear that there’s nothing wrong with wearing matronly mother-of-the-bride dresses!
Some women wish to be more covered up and don a classic gown and that’s fantastic. But not all women are the same, nor do all mothers of brides wish to wear the same style for every wedding. Therefore, we’re honing in on some fun and more youthful looks in case you’re looking for mother-of-the-bride dresses that aren’t matronly.
Mother of the Bride Dresses That Aren’t Matronly
Let’s get to it! Here are the top picks for mother of the bride dresses that are stylish and youthful.
1. High-Neck Floral Mother of the Bride Dress
Who says you can’t don a floral print and a pretty shade of blue? This dress is covered but stylish; it features short sleeves and a modern midi length. By Lulus.
2. High Neck Sequin Dress
Stylish? Check. Modern? Check. One of the best mother of the bride dresses that aren’t matronly? CHECK! Love this style available at BHLDN.
3. Sleeveless Maxi Dress for Mom
Who says the mother of the bride dress has to have sleeves?! Not here! This fun, easy-to-dance in dress is made of charmeuse for a luxe satiny look and feel. It has a sleeveless cut and high neckline, so you’ll be covered yet comfortable. Available at BHLDN.
4. V-Neck Satin Charmeuse Dress
Can you wear a v-neck dress that is still covered? Absolutely — and this dress is proof of it. We present this charmeuse satin gown, one of our favorite mother of the bride dresses that aren’t matronly. There is a flattering v-neckline, along with feminine sleeves, but the back is completely covered. What a great combination! Get it at BHLDN.
5. Faux Wrap Midi Dress
This stylish dress with sleeves is a nice choice for the mother of the bride. Shown in burgundy, this style features a long length and a short cap sleeve. This is definitely a more modern and stylish dress for the mother of the bride. Get it here. By Lulus.
6. Embellished Floral Halter Neck Dress
This is one of the best mother of the bride dresses for summer and destination weddings! And is it matronly? Heck no! By David’s Bridal.
7. Floral A-Line Gown
This is one of the most popular modern mother of the bride dresses with a floral print. I like the neckline! By David’s Bridal.
8. Off-the-Shoulder High Low Dress
Rock the dance floor in this stylish off-the-shoulder number. It is one of my favorite mother of the bride dresses on this list and it really exudes style and sophistication. Love it in blush! See it at David’s Bridal.
9. Allover Sequin Floral Gown
This is a gorgeous dress! Made by designer Oleg Cassini, this is one of my favorite non-matronly mother of the bride dresses of the season. It features a fab floral print, a v-neckline, and short sleeves. Love this one! Shop here.
10. Tea Length Satin Dress
Flirty and fun, this tea length dress is perfect for the mother of the bride who wants a stylish, modern, and fun dress to wear. By David’s Bridal.
11. Crepe Mother of the Bride Jumpsuit
Okay, now let’s be honest: this is a non-matronly way to rock a mother of the bride look! If you’re more a jumpsuit-wearing mama, check out this gorgeous crepe style. By David’s Bridal.
12. Off-the-Shoulder Gown
Last but not least, this off-the-shoulder gown is a perfect choice for modern moms. It’s sleek, sophisticated, and trendy. By Lulus.
Where to Shop Stylish Mother of the Bride Dresses
Love these looks? To shop any of the dresses shown above, click on the photo or the link underneath it to shop the specific dress style.
ON TO YOU:
What do you think of these mother of the bride dresses? Did you find a non-matronly dress to wear? Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comment box below!
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
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Emma Arendoski
Emma is the CEO of Emmaline Bride, The Handmade Wedding Blog, published author, leading wedding expert, and wedding planner. Read her latest book: The Inspired Wedding. Wife, mother, coffee lover. Follow on Instagram and at Emmaline Baby for baby + kids inspiration.
