Guide to Picking Mother of the Bride Outdoor Wedding Attire

WHAT SHOULD THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE WEAR TO AN OUTDOOR WEDDING?

Planning your mother of the bride outdoor wedding attire is much more complicated than choosing an outfit for a traditional wedding indoors. The most obvious consideration, of course, is the weather—but there’s also a wider range of wedding venues and outdoor wedding types. A beach wedding requires a different approach from a garden party, for instance, and that’s not even factoring in if the bride and groom opt for a theme. Here are a few types of outdoor weddings, and what to wear to each.

WHAT SHOULD THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE WEAR TO A BEACH WEDDING?

Generally speaking, a beach wedding tends to be less formal than a city hall or church wedding, so appropriate mother of the bride outdoor wedding attire includes dresses that have a slightly beachy vibe—in print, fabric, or cut. Rather than a sheath dress, for example, choose a more fluid piece with a looser silhouette that’s made from a breathable material. A printed, beaded kaftan or maxi dress with skinny straps are good, stylish options for the mother of the bride.

What’s more, if you know the wedding ceremony is going to be held in the sand, be sure to wear sandals or flats that won’t get stuck—and choose a dress or jumpsuit that looks good with them. The same goes for your accessories: when it comes to styling a dress for an outdoor beach wedding, the key is to pick pieces that match the formality and mood of the rest of your attire.

WHAT SHOULD THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE WEAR TO A GARDEN WEDDING?

Garden weddings are more formal than beach weddings but usually still more casual than an indoor occasion. For an outdoor garden wedding, a printed, fitted dress, a dress with mid-length or long sleeves, or even a beaded cocktail dress is appropriate attire for the mother of the bride.

Again, do try and find out what the ground will be like. Will there be outdoor carpet laid out, or will the reception be hosted in an area that’s paved? Or will you be trudging through the grass? These are key considerations when deciding on footwear for your mother of the bride attire: like a beach wedding, you’ll want to avoid stilettos or sharp heels that could get stuck in the grass, but chances are, you’ll be able to style your ensemble with block-heeled sandals or shoes, as well as accessories and jewelry that might otherwise look out of place outdoors.

WHAT SHOULD THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE WEAR TO A RUSTIC WEDDING OUTDOORS?

Like a garden wedding, there’s a range of appropriate attire options for a rustic, outdoors wedding. Depending on whether there’s a specific inspiration or theme—is it rustic Mediterranean, for instance? Or more rustic Mexican?— The mother of the bride should dress the part. Wide-leg trousers and a silk top are good options if you know the couple have chosen a rustic, Italian riviera theme, while a midi dress or even a skirt and blouse ensemble will look stylish and fit in perfectly if the couple has gone for a rustic farmhouse vibe.

THREE OF THE BEST MOTHER OF THE BRIDE OUTDOOR WEDDING OUTFITS  

Shop our beaded dresses!

Short-Sleeve Hand-Beaded Long V-Neck Gown in Vintage Blue

Perfect for garden weddings and rustic outdoors weddings that have a slightly more upscale, formal vibe, this hand-beaded gown is a stunning attire option for the mother of the bride. Delicate pleats and a slight fit-and-flare shape offer ease of movement, while a beaded bodice is elegant and means this dress requires little in terms of accessories: just strappy heels will do. .

Shop our draped chiffon dresses!

Printed Metallic Chiffon Draped Gown With Flutter Sleeves in Pink Multi

With its flowing silhouette and easy, lightweight fabrication, this maxi dress with a soft, shimmering watercolour pattern is the perfect mother of the bride attire for an outdoor beach wedding. Flutter sleeves and a flattering v-neckline keep the look modern—just add gold earrings or a pendant necklace and finish with high, metallic sandals.

Shop our sequin lace dresses!

Floral Sequin Boho Gown with Lace Up Flutter Short Sleeves in Olive

Depending on the venue, this gown is a stylish the mother of the bride attire choice for a rustic outdoors wedding. While too much beading and sequins can feel out of place outdoors, this piece features sheer detailing, soft florals and flutter short sleeves, with self-tie laces that feel slightly undone and nonchalant. Add heels and style your hair in loose waves—perhaps pinned back with a sparkling hair pin—to complete the look.

Need help with your other mother of the bride outfits and responsibilities? Check out our other mother of the bride guides below:

• Mother of the Bride Dress Trends
• How to Take Care of Your Mother of the Bride Dress
• Mother of the Bride Wedding Responsibilities
• Mother of the Bride Rehearsal Dinner Attire