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26-06-2025

What color dress for the mother of the groom?

6 min read

The big day is approaching. You've watched your son grow up, fall in love, and then announce he's getting married. Emotions guaranteed. And now that the planning is well underway, a small, not-so-insignificant question is on your mind:
“What am I going to wear to my son’s wedding?”

And be careful, not just any outfit. A dress that suits you, that shows you off, without stealing the show (we leave that to the bride). And above all, a dress in the right color .

We'll tell you straight: no, you're not condemned to wearing beige or mouse gray. On the contrary, there are a thousand and one ways to be stylish without overdoing it . So sit back and relax, as we take you on a quick tour of the ideal colors for a mother of the groom, with concrete advice , common sense , and a touch of humor.

The main principles for choosing the right color

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We're not going to give you a fashion lesson. But there are still a few basic rules to know to avoid making a fashion mistake on your wedding day, especially when it comes to the wedding dress . Nothing strict, but just a few useful tips.

We leave the white to the bride (it's her moment)

It's probably obvious to you, but it's worth repeating: white is sacred . It's the bride's color, period. Even off-white or ivory can be confusing. So to avoid sideways glances or awkward misunderstandings, it's best to simply avoid it.

Black, yes, but in moderation

Black is elegant, it's refined... but it sometimes evokes less joyful events. That said, at a chic wedding or an evening out, it can be perfectly appropriate— as long as you accessorize it with bright elements (jewelry, clutch, shoes, etc.). The idea is to remain festive, not to look like something out of a Nordic thriller.

The best? Ask the bride

Before you finalize your outfit, a quick phone call with your future daughter-in-law can help avoid any misunderstandings. Perhaps there's a color to avoid (because it was chosen for the bridesmaids, for example), or a color theme to stick to. There's nothing like a relaxed conversation to feel aligned with the rest of the wedding party.

Colors that always make a good impression

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Certain shades are timeless. They flatter the figure, brighten the complexion, and look great in photos. Whether for a Wedding Dress for Plus-Size Women or any other style, here's a small selection of colors that work every time, without taking risks... but with style.

Pastels, for a soft and chic effect

Powder pink, sky blue, parma, and sea green are perfect tones for adding softness and elegance. They are ideal for outdoor weddings in spring or summer. Plus, they often go very well with floral decor.

Add a slightly brighter accessory or a piece of gold jewelry, and you'll look your best, effortlessly.

Bright but refined colors

We're talking about colors like royal blue, coral, emerald green, or raspberry red. Shades full of personality , but not over the top. If you like bold colors, this is the right compromise: you're elegant, visible (in a good way), and full of energy.

Be careful, however, to maintain balance: if the dress is colorful, keep the accessories simple so as not to overload the outfit.

Neutral tones with a chic touch

Golden beige, champagne, pinkish taupe, pearl gray… These subtle shades give a very classy look, especially when combined with beautiful materials like silk or light satin. They are perfect for those who want to play the card of elegant sobriety, without risking bad taste .

Quick tip: Avoid fabrics that are too matte, which can look dull. A little shine (but not too much) can make all the difference.

A color suited to the wedding season

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No, you don't wear the same dress for a July wedding in Marseille and a December wedding in Brittany. The season has a big influence on the choice of materials, of course, but also on the colors that will enhance you. A light and flowing Bohemian wedding dress , for example, will be ideal for a summer ceremony under the sun.

Spring wedding: softness and freshness

For spring weddings, we stick to light, soft colors that recall nature being reborn: powder pink, sky blue, soft green, lavender. These are romantic and charming shades , which are perfectly suited to an outdoor ceremony.

Remember to bring a small, elegant jacket or a light stole: in spring, the sun is unpredictable.

Summer wedding: pep and lightness

In summer, you can be more daring: coral, turquoise, fuchsia, or even pale yellow bring a joyful energy to your look. Now is the time to have fun with color , while keeping a loose fit to avoid overheating.

However, avoid colors that are too dark (such as burgundy or charcoal gray), which risk absorbing heat.

Autumn Wedding: Warmth and Depth

Autumn invites warmer, more enveloping shades: terracotta, brick, fir green, plum, bronze... Rich colors that look great in photos , especially if the setting is natural. You can also indulge in slightly thicker and textured materials.

A real playground for sophisticated dresses, with a touch of character.

Winter wedding: elegance and intensity

Winter weddings are often very elegant. And when it comes to color, it's time to dare to wear midnight blue, dark gray, deep burgundy, or even forest green. Paired with shiny accessories (silver or gold), these shades offer a magnificent contrast with winter decor .

Don't forget to pack a chic coat or matching cape. Elegance doesn't have to mean thrills!

Match the color to your skin tone

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The right color is also the one that brightens you up. There's no point following fashion if it doesn't flatter you. Here are some simple guidelines to help you avoid making mistakes.

Light skin: contrast or softness

If you have fair skin, pastel colors often look great on you, as does a princess wedding dress in soft hues. But you can also create an interesting contrast with navy blue, burgundy, or emerald green. The idea is to avoid tones that are too close to your skin, which could "wash you out" a little.

Dark skin: warmth and liveliness

Dark skin tones go wonderfully with warm, vibrant shades: orange, coral, turquoise, olive green, etc. You can allow yourself marked contrasts , which will highlight your complexion.

Dark skin: light and boldness

You're in luck: many colors suit you! Bright shades (yellow, fuchsia, electric blue) create a sublime contrast with your skin tone. Gold, copper, or off-white tones (if the bride agrees) can also look great.

The ideal dress according to the type of wedding

The wedding venue and style set the tone. Garden party or lavish ceremony? It makes all the difference, even the color of your dress.

Rustic or bohemian wedding

We stay light and natural: pastel tones, discreet floral patterns, sage green, pinkish beige. For a mermaid wedding dress , flowing fabrics are preferred, in order to maintain this softness and natural movement. We avoid sequins or overly shiny satin, which could be a little "offbeat" with the rustic chic atmosphere.

Classic or elegant wedding

In a more traditional setting (castle, large hall), you can opt for rich, deep colors : midnight blue, burgundy, pearl gray. Elegance is key, so opt for a structured dress with a sophisticated touch (small brooch, precious stole, etc.).

Beach or outdoor wedding

A relaxed atmosphere calls for fresh colors and simplicity. Turquoise, coral, light yellow, or sea green are your allies. Choose a flowing dress that's easy to wear... and won't bother you if the wind picks up!

What if you harmonize with the mother of the bride?

While you may not necessarily have to wear the same colors, it's a good idea to make sure your outfits don't clash too much . After all, you'll often be side by side in photos!

Finding harmony, without being matched

A little discussion with the other mother helps avoid awkward duplicates (same short wedding dress , same color, same necklace: that would be a shame!). For example, you can choose complementary colors, such as burgundy and pearl gray, or navy blue and old rose.

The pitfalls to absolutely avoid

Let's finish with some common mistakes to avoid. It would be a shame to ruin all your hard work with one too many details!

Overdoing (or not enough)

We want to be elegant, but not disguised. Too many rhinestones, too many patterns, or too much volume can make you look like an overzealous guest... or even a competitor. Conversely, a dress that's too simple or plain could look sloppy. The right balance? A little personality, in a well-thought-out outfit.

Do not try on the dress in natural light

Fitting room lighting can be deceptive. That fir green that looked sublime under spotlights can appear dull in daylight. Always try on your outfit in real conditions , preferably at home during the day.

Forget comfort

If the dress is tight, itchy, or slips every few minutes, you'll spend more time adjusting it than enjoying the wedding. And that would be a real shame.

Bottom line: Be beautiful, confident, and yourself.

Choosing the color of your dress for your son's wedding isn't just a fashion statement. It's also a way to feel good, to belong, and to celebrate this unique moment in style. You don't have to hide or shine excessively. The goal is to find your happy medium , the one in which you feel proud and happy .

And between us: a radiant mother is seen first in the eyes. The dress only emphasizes what you already are .


JOIN THE MY BEAUTIFUL WEDDING FAMILY