Black mother-of-the-bride dresses or mother-of-the-groom dresses can be a chic choice for evening weddings or formal black-tie events. To keep the look from being too severe, pick a gown with some beautiful festive detail. To help you find the right mix of elegance and celebratory style, we've compiled this shopping guide with the prettiest black dresses for mothers of the bride.
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Image credits and shopping sources:1. Large Pattern Jacquard Off the Shoulder Gown from Teri Jon 2. Sachin & Babi Obsidian Blooms Dress (Now Out of Stock, available in other colors or at Rent the Runway) Similar Style Brooke From Sachin & Babi 3. Lara Short Sleeve Beaded Gown from David's Bridal
Black Dresses for the Mother of the Bride
This shopping guide will help you find a great black dress. Here are our picks for the most elegant black dresses from retailers for mothers of the wedding in dressy, semi-formal, and formal styles.
Here's where to find a black dress that is perfect for a mother, stepmother, or grandmother to wear to a wedding. Each image will lead you to the retail shop where the dress can be purchased.
Is it OK for the Mother to Wear Black to a Wedding?
Yes, but with some discretion. For instance, a long black dress isn't a great choice for a summer daytime wedding with a vibrant color scheme, but like everything, there are exceptions!
In some cases, like fall or winter evening weddings, black-tie or formal evening weddings, black can be a wonderful shade to wear, as long as you make sure it suits the event, color scheme, and has a festive feel.
See this post about Is it Okay for the Mother-of-the-Bride to Wear Black? for more of our thoughts on the matter. In short, be sure to check with the couple (or whoever is making attire decisions for the wedding) to make sure a black gown will be appropriate for the event.
If a black dress is too severe for the event, consider a dress or gown in colors like charcoal gray, navy, or silver, or a deep jewel tone.
Where to Shop For a Mother of the Bride Dress
When looking for a Mother of the Bride dress, the visual shopping guide above is meant to give you ideas for where to find a black MOB dress. While most wedding boutiques will carry Mother of the Bride dresses, some have lead times to order. If you need a dress quickly or prefer shopping online, we find the following stores always have some great dresses in stock in all sorts of colors!
Dillard's Nordstrom Sachin & Babi Teri Jon Adrianna Papell Mac Duggal
Shopping sources and image credits: 1. Brenda Gown by Sachin + Babi 2. Floral Long Sleeved Gown by Mac Duggal 3. Taffeta and Floral Shirtwaist Gown by Teri Jon
