What Should the Mother of the Groom Wear? A Stylish Guide for Wedding Day Confidence
When you’re the Mother of the Groom, it’s natural to wonder: what exactly should I wear? Everyone talks about the Mother of the Bride’s dress, but most of the time moms of the groom sometimes feel like they’re left guessing.
Here’s the scoop. The “rules” aren’t all that complicated—you want to look stylish, confident, and appropriately dressed for the occasion while coordinating (not competing) with the bride’s mom and the wedding party.
And yes, traditionally, etiquette dictates that the groom’s mother should wait to hear what the bride’s mother is wearing before she shops. But what if she doesn’t share her plans? Don’t panic—it’s perfectly fine to pick up the phone and have a friendly chat. Better to ask now than scramble at the last minute.
Here are my tried-and-true tips for finding a Mother of the Groom dress that makes you feel fabulous:
1. Coordinate, Don’t Compete
Your dress should complement the bridesmaids and the Mother of the Bride. For example, if the wedding colors are blush and champagne, avoid wearing fire-engine red—it will stand out in photos. Instead, opt for soft shades within the same family, such as lavender, mint, or pale blue.
2. Avoid a “Twin Look”
You don’t want to look like you’re wearing a uniform with the bride’s mom. If she’s in pastel yellow, skip pastel yellow yourself. Pick a different but harmonious shade so you both look coordinated, not cloned.
3. Skip White (and Anything Close)
This one’s non-negotiable: no white, off-white, ivory, or even very pale beige. Those shades are reserved for the bride, and you don’t want to risk blending in with her dress in pictures.
4. Handle Black with Care
Black can be chic and elegant, but always run it by the bride first. Some brides love the drama of a black-tie look, others picture a lighter, airier palette. Communication is key.
5. Patterns Are Tricky
Floral or metallic prints are trending for moms right now, and they can be stunning. But if the bride is traditional, she may not want stripes, sequins, or bold blooms stealing the spotlight. Again, a quick check-in goes a long way.
6. Keep It Tasteful
This is not the day for a plunging neckline or a thigh-high slit. You’ll be mingling with grandparents, in-laws, and extended family—and the focus should always stay on the bride. Think elegant and timeless, not “trying too hard.”
7. Metallics Work for Black & White Weddings
If the wedding palette is classic black-and-white, consider pewter, gold, navy, or silver. These shades photograph beautifully and feel festive without looking too stark.
8. Dress for the Venue & Season
This is one of the most Googled questions about Mother of the Groom outfits—should your dress change depending on the venue? Absolutely. For a beach wedding, a flowy chiffon midi makes sense. For a cathedral ceremony, a structured gown feels right. And for rustic barn weddings, you can strike a balance with a dressy but not fussy look (lace and soft neutrals work well).
9. Think About Length
Cocktail-length dresses are the most common choice, but tea-length and floor-length gowns are also appropriate—especially for formal evening weddings. Just avoid anything so short it looks like you borrowed it from the bridesmaids.
10. Comfort Counts
This may not sound glamorous, but you’ll thank me later. Weddings are long, emotional days. Pick a dress you can sit, dance, and hug in comfortably. Fabrics with a little stretch are your best friend.
Final Thoughts
As the Mother of the Groom, your role is important—and your outfit should reflect that. The goal is to look polished and confident without stealing attention from the bride. Keep communication open, shop early, and choose something that feels true to your style while honoring the wedding’s tone.
And if you need even more ideas (plus my insider tips for every kind of wedding), check out my bestselling book Tweak Your Chic – Mother of the Bride. It’s packed with advice for both Mothers of the Bride and Groom, so you’ll feel fabulous on one of life’s most cherished days.
Related: What Should the Grandmother of the Bride Wear?
Browse: Mother of the Bride Dresses
See also: Wedding Guest Dresses for Women Over 50
A: Yes—navy is elegant, universally flattering, and photographs beautifully in any season.
A: No. Coordinate without matching exactly—choose harmonious shades so you look complementary, not identical.
A: Avoid white, ivory, or anything that reads “bridal.” Skip ultra-bright hues that dominate photos unless they’re part of the palette. Always clear black with the bride.
A: Match the formality: cocktail or tea-length for daytime; floor-length for formal evening or black-tie.
A: Yes—choose refined florals, jacquards, or subtle metallics. Keep the scale and shine tasteful so you don’t outshine the wedding party.
A: Optional. Ask the couple—their plan for family flowers keeps photos consistent.
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Hello. I am the mother of the groom and have no idea what color to wear. The bridesmaids are all wearing dusty blue and the mother of the bride is deciding between a navy or a taupe. The groom and groomsmen are all wearing grey. Any advice that will help me to blend in nicely for photos and not to stick out?
Hi Lisa, What about sage green or dusty pink? Those colors would blend in with navy, gray and dusty blue. There are lots of dresses that color at http://www.alexevenings.com BONUS:You can get 15% off with code: FABAFTER40
Hi, I’m a mother of Groom. The Bride is wearing a mocha overlayed with ivory. The bridesmaids are all in emerald green. The mother of the Bride is wearing champagne or taupe. Groomsmen wear black dress pants, white shirts, emerald, green vests & and bowties. My son, the Groom, is wearing an emerald green velvet suit jacket with black panels, a white shirt, a black vest & and a bowtie, with black dress pants. These are tux. The wedding is in December; the only colors are green, gold, ivory, and white. What do I wear in color? Thank You!!!
Hi Angie, Navy or Burgundy would be lovely. Will the bride allow that or is she saying you an only wear one of the colors mentioned. If so you could go for a lighter shade of green than Emerald that is dusty like the mocha.
I am the mother of the groom. The bride is wearing off white; my son is wearing burgundy. The girls are wearing navy blue; the guys are wearing grey. With so many colors, I don’t want to clash. Please give me some suggestions; they will be greatly appreciated.
Hi Renee, a soft blush color is neutral and sounds like it would work well with burgundy, navy, and gray. Fern green would also work. I would go either. Here is some inspiration: https://bit.ly/3DgF9AD
Hi, I’m the mother of the groom. My dilemma is the mother of the bride is wearing a black suit. I do not want to wear a suit. I’m a dress kind of person. The wedding colors are fuchsia and royal blue; the bride told me to feel free to wear royal blue to match my husband, who the couple is providing a royal blue tie.
Do you think a dress is appropriate even with the absolute coordination with the mother of the bride thing? High/low? Long? I’m not comfortable in anything shorter than knee length. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Nyalise, A knee-length dress is just fine. If the bride says royal blue and you like it, I would go with that!
Is it ok for the groom’s mother to wear a spaghetti strap dress with a wrap? Outdoor, summer wedding on a small family farm
Hi April, It sounds like an informal setting, so yes, that would be fine with a wrap, so long as the dress is not too casual. ( like a sundress, for ex.) All the best.
I’m the mother of the groom. Bridesmaids are wearing long dresses. The mother of the bride is wearing a hi-lo dress. What length should you wear?
Hi Kaye, Good question. What time of day is the wedding and where? How formal are the high and low? If it is semi-formal or formal, then you are o.k. in a long dress if that is what you like. In this case, it depends more on the type of wedding you are having. Check with the bride and see how she feels. I bet she has an opinion!
Hello, I am the mother of the groom. The bride’s mom is wearing navy blue; the girls are wearing purple. What should I wear?
Hi Debbie, how about blush or silver or burgundy? Here is a handy color chart that will help you!https://rstyle.me/+ktwvS9LLSzozwTkMNf462A
I am the mother of the groom. The bridesmaids wear navy blue, the groomsmen and fathers wear charcoal gray, and the bride’s mother wears steel grey. Any suggestions for a color for my dress? I need something to wow for the mother-son dance. Thanks
Hi Lynne, Congratulations, MOG. What about a burgundy or a plum-colored dress? That would look lovely with navy and gray. All the best!
I am having trouble figuring out what to wear. I am a 35-year-old mother of the groom, who is 19. The wedding colors are vibrant purple and white. The bride’s mother does not know what she’s wearing and stated she was wearing something simple. Could you please help??
Hi Virginia, I understand how this can be frustrating for you as the MOG usually takes her dressing cues from the MOB. You two should be co-ordinated because if she wears something simple, you should be too. I would wait a bit until she decides on her color and style and then decides. If time is running out, perhaps, you can ask the bride her thoughts on what she would like to see you both wear to get the ball rolling. If the colors are purple and white, then perhaps, a lighter lilac or blue color would be lovely.
I’m the mother of the groom. The bridesmaids are in red, and the bride’s mother is wearing navy blue. What colors will work well with that color combination? The wedding is in October.
Hi Kim, What about dark green, which is very popular this year, champagne or light silver/gray? These would all work. Have fun!
I am the groom’s mother. The bridesmaids wear navy, and the groom’s mother wears a light grey dress. Groomsmen are wearing charcoal, and dads are wearing black. As the mother of the groom, I have a beautiful navy dress. Can I wear the same color as the bridesmaids? Would it clash with my husband wearing black?
Hi Deb, This all sounds lovely. Ideally, you should wear one shade darker or lighter than the bridesmaids if you wear the same color. Look at the bride’s mother in purple in this post. Her purple is different than the bridesmaids. https://www.fabulousafter40.com/help-what-color-should-i-wear-to-my-daughters-wedding/
Cheers, Deborah
I am the mother of the groom. I have no idea the color I should wear. ( My son and future daughter in law s wedding will be in July) Their wedding (color) is teal
Hi Lynda, Congratulations! Have you checked out this color guide? I think it will really help!https://rstyle.me/+ItuZi37fyNsxHDIWclnaeA
My daughter is getting married next April her bridesmaid is wearing Cadbury purple, what color should I wear?
Hi Maggie, Cadbury purple is rich and regal. You could wear silver, gold, pink is always pretty, or a lighter, warmer purple would also complement darker Cadbury purple. Sometimes even green or blue can work.
The bridesmaid wears red, the maid of honor is black, and my son wears a red jacket with black lapels. I’m in love with a black gown with a sparkle in the sleeves. I’m a big woman, and it is flattering. The bride likes it too.
Bridesmaids wear burgundy or maroon dresses, and the bride’s mother is in blue. Can I wear a silver color dress or is that too light? Also, I saw a pretty dress, and it’s lilac. Would that clash? Any suggestions are welcome. My future daughter-in-law said any color other than maroon or blue. Ceremony in May outside evening with a reception to follow
Hi Adrienne, Silver would be fine. It is neutral and goes with everything. Lilac could work too. Check out the article’s color guidelines for Mob and David’s unique color match guide.
Best wishes:https://www.fabulousafter40.com/best-mother-bride-dress-color/
The mother of the bride is wearing navy blue. What color would the mother of the groom wear?
Hi Melissa, There are no complex, fast rules. What color are the bridesmaids wearing? Find a color that coordinates with the bridesmaids and mother of the bride. Imagine all of you lined up in a photo. You want to blend in, not stick out.
My son is getting married in Hawaii. The mother of the bride is wearing slate blue, mid-length. The bridesmaids wear different styles and colors, ranging from gold to tan and blush. I found a dress that I love on me, and it slims me. The color is navy blue, and it is long. Would that be ok?
Hi Joan, The groom’s mother should not wear the same color as the bridesmaids or mother of the bride. You should wear a color that complements the colors they have selected. It sounds like your navy dress is not the same shade as the slate mob dress, and they might coordinate well. If this is true, you should be fine. As for length, the mothers do not have to wear dresses of equal size, although many do, feeling that it creates a more harmonious look, especially in wedding photos. I would discuss this with the bride and see how she feels. I think the bride would be open to this dress. As you mentioned, all her bridesmaids are wearing different styles and colors. This sounds like a lovely laid-back Hawaiian wedding. I hope everything works out and you have a wonderful time. Cheers, Deborah
This dress is similar to my mom’s one at my sister’s wedding two weeks ago. She is a bit healthy, but when she wears her shape looks stunning; I am not exaggerating, but maybe it is because of the over the aLl gown, which makes one look slimmer. Everyone at the wedding reception liked my mom’s overall look, plus the jewelry and showed she wore along with the dress, which enhanced her whole appearance. You can check their entire collection here http://www.johncharles.co.uk/.
Don’t make the same mistake as I did. As a 52-year-old mother of the bride, I feel I am in very good shape physically. I work out four times a week and try to eat well. I did not want to look frumpy or dowdy at my daughter’s wedding. I ended up choosing a dress that was charcoal gray, (it looks black in the pictures), form-fitting, and too low cut, and now I cannot get over the feeling of shame. Every time I look at the wedding pictures, I get upset all over again. If I could do it all over again, I would wear a simple sleeveless sheath in a light blue (the bridesmaids wore navy blue). Oh, if I could only do it over again!!!
Strangely enough, my daughter approved my choice of this dress. My good friend also approved it prior to the wedding. Now, when I tell them how remorseful I am with this choice, they don’t want to talk about it.