Choosing your mother of the bride or groom outfit
The best outfits start with three things: the wedding's colour scheme, the venue and the time of year. Ask the couple about the bridesmaids' colour early on. You'll want to complement it rather than match it exactly, and avoid white, ivory and anything that could be mistaken for bridal. If you're the mother of the groom, it's a thoughtful touch to check what the mother of the bride is wearing, so your outfits look good together in the photographs without clashing or duplicating.
Colours that work
Soft pinks, blush and champagne are perennial favourites for spring and summer weddings, and flatter most skin tones. Blues, from pale sky to navy, are classic for church ceremonies and suit every season. Greens, from sage to emerald, are a confident choice for garden and countryside venues. For an autumn, winter or evening wedding, deeper shades such as navy, royal blue and berry tones feel richer.
Browse by colour: blue · navy · green · black · floral
Dress lengths and silhouettes
- Midi is the most popular length for mothers of the bride and groom. It's elegant, easy to move and dance in, and right for almost any daytime wedding.
- Knee-length works well for registry office ceremonies and summer celebrations, especially paired with a jacket or bolero.
- Full-length gowns suit black-tie and evening receptions. See our Black Tie Edit.
A-line skirts are forgiving and comfortable for a long day. Fitted styles with structured fabrics give a sleek, tailored line. Many of our designers add sleeves, capes or matching jackets, which is useful for church ceremonies or cooler weather.
Fabrics and fit
Chiffon and crepe drape softly and stay comfortable through a long day. Lace and embroidered fabrics suit formal ceremonies, and structured satin or jacquard gives a sleek, tailored line. Our in-house tailor can fine-tune the fit.
The designers we stock
We've built our collection around specialist occasionwear designers we trust for their fit and finish, including Veni Infantino, John Charles, Couture Club by Rosa Clara, Kevan Jon, Irresistible by Veromia, Fely Campo, Linea Raffaelli, Gabriela Sanchez and Carla Ruiz. Each has its own style. For example, John Charles is known for tailored dress-and-jacket outfits, and Couture Club for contemporary Spanish design. Our stylists can help you narrow down which designers suit you best.
Petite and plus sizes
Most outfits are available in sizes 6 to 20. If you're petite or need a fuller fit, start with our Petite Sizes and Plus Sizes edits, chosen for proportion and comfort. Our in-house tailor can then fine-tune the fit.
Complete the look
Most of our customers choose their hat or hatinator after the outfit, so the colours can be matched in person. See our hats and hatinators and matching outfits and hats. Shoes and bags can be dyed to match your outfit through our dyeable wedding shoes service.
Shop with us in person
Appointments are free and one-to-one, with no obligation to buy. You'll see the full collection, try on with a stylist's help, and can arrange alterations with our in-house tailor at the same visit. Our London boutique is at 13 New Quebec Street, Marble Arch. Book your appointment.
Looking for value? Past-season designer styles are reduced in our wedding sale.
FAQs
How much does a mother of the bride outfit cost?
Full-price designer dresses at Nigel Rayment Boutique start from £115, with most between £550 and £900 and premium styles reaching over £1,000. Sale styles start from £30. Every price is shown online, and you can book a free styling appointment at our London boutique.
What should I wear as the mother of the bride or groom?
Choose an outfit that complements the wedding's colour scheme and formality without competing with the bridal party. Avoid white or ivory. At Nigel Rayment Boutique in London, our stylists help you choose based on the venue, season and colour theme set by the bride and groom.
How far in advance should I start shopping for my outfit?
Ideally 6 to 8 months before the wedding. Many of our designer pieces are one per size in stock, so early appointments give you the best choice before a style sells out.
Do I need to book an appointment to browse?
For full-price outfits, yes. Appointments give you a private one-to-one styling session. You can walk in without an appointment to shop sale items only, Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm. Hat browsing is also walk-in during opening hours.
Is the styling appointment free?
Yes. A one-to-one appointment at our London boutique is completely free, with no obligation to buy.
What happens during my appointment?
You'll see the full designer collection and choose what to try on, guided by our stylists based on your colour theme and the occasion. It's relaxed, not high-pressure.
Do you sell hats and accessories to match the outfit?
Yes, we stock a wide range of hats and hatinators designed to coordinate with our dress collections, so you can complete the whole look in one visit.
Do you offer alterations?
Yes, our London boutique has an in-house tailor for a perfect fit. Book 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding, and bring the underwear and shoes you'll wear on the day.
Can I still shop if I'm losing or gaining weight before the wedding?
Yes. Book your fitting closer to the date, ideally 6 to 8 weeks out, so your outfit and alterations reflect your size nearer the wedding.
What sizes do you stock?
Our mother of the bride and groom outfits are available in sizes 6 to 20. Petite and plus-size edits are also available; ask your stylist about the best fit for your shape.
Where are you located, and can I buy online too?
Nigel Rayment Boutique's London boutique is at 13 New Quebec Street, Marble Arch, W1H 7RR. You can shop online or book a free in-person appointment.
What colour should I wear as mother of the bride?
Choose a colour that complements the wedding's palette without competing with the bridal party. Soft neutrals, jewel tones and pastels all work well. Check with the bride or groom when it comes to white, ivory and cream, which tend to be reserved for the bride, and check if bridesmaids' colours are to be avoided too.
Can I wear black as mother of the bride?
Yes, black is increasingly accepted for mother of the bride outfits, particularly for evening or black tie weddings. Pair it with a statement accessory or colourful hat to soften the formality. Shop for black dresses.
