Your friend, sister, or daughter is getting married, and suddenly, the color of the mother of the bride becomes complicated.

Navy feels safe, champagne feels festive, but neither feels quite right!

If you’re wondering What color does the mother of the bride wear? you’re not alone in this fashion dilemma.

Let’s break it down so you know the best options for your mother of the bride!

Related: How to Choose Wedding Shoes That Won’t Kill Your Feet

Traditional Color Etiquette

Mother-of-bride dress etiquette plays such an important role in selecting the perfect wedding day ensemble.

Wedding attire carries such a deep cultural significance that extends far beyond simple fabric and hue.

Different cultures have long-standing traditions that influence color choices, from subtle symbolic meanings to more rigid dress code expectations.

For example, in Western traditions, the mother of the bride typically chooses a color that complements the wedding palette while maintaining her own elegant identity.

In other cultures, there are definitely some colors to avoid! We’re not here to tell you what to wear and what not to wear — we want you to get some ideas and options so you can make the best decision for you. 🙌

Colors to Avoid

When considering what color the mother of the bride should wear, many people believe that it’s best to avoid colors that may overshadow the bride’s dress.

Essentially understanding mother-of-bride dress etiquette means respecting the visual hierarchy of the day, ensuring that your choice enhances rather than detracts from the celebration. Let’s break that down!

White and Ivory Shades

Colors to avoid as the mother of bride are critically important to understand. Let’s be crystal clear: in most cases, white and ivory are usually a big no-no, for obvious reasons!

Matching the Bridesmaids Exactly

Standing out elegantly also means avoiding an exact color match with the wedding party. Usually, the goal of the mother of the bride is to complement, not compete!

You could consider selecting a similar color family but in a different shade or intensity. A deeper or softer version of the bridesmaid dress color can create a harmonious look while maintaining an individualistic style!

Black for Daytime Ceremonies

While black can be sophisticated, it might feel too heavy for a daytime wedding. You could recommend exploring rich, softer alternatives like deep navy, charcoal, or elegant jewel tones that capture the same refined aesthetic.

Complementing the Wedding Palette with Modern Mother-of-Bride Colors

When it comes to choosing flattering mother-bride dress shades, there are some beautiful ways to coordinate with the wedding palette while maintaining your own elegant presence.

Choose a Darker Shade of Wedding Colors

One tried-and-true approach is selecting a deeper or richer version of the wedding colors. For instance, if the bridesmaids are wearing light pink, consider a sophisticated mauve; if navy is the wedding color, a stunning midnight blue could be perfect for you.

For sage green weddings, emerald offers a beautiful, complementary alternative!

Related: How to Rock Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses Without the Stress

Pick Neutral Metallics like Taupe or Champagne

Champagne and taupe tones photograph beautifully, creating this incredibly soft, elegant look that works with any wedding style.

Think less “flashy disco ball” and more “sophisticated shimmer” – these are some of the best colors for mother-of-the-bride for modern celebrations where understated elegance is key.

Opt for Dusty Versions of Bright Colors

For those who love color but want to keep things refined, consider the beauty of dusty tones.

Instead of bright, bold shades, opt for their softer, more sophisticated cousins: dusty rose instead of bright pink, periwinkle in place of royal blue, or lavender rather than purple. These muted versions create this gorgeous depth and nuance that feels both modern and timeless.

They also give you an elegant, sophisticated presence that’s so perfect for the mother of the bride.

Best Colors by Season: a Mini Mother-of-the-Bride Dress Seasons Guide

We’ve talked about colors to avoid for mother-of-the bride dresses, and some go-to options, but let’s talk about the best colors for mother-of-the-bride that reflect both the season and the joyous occasion.

Related: Wedding Dress Fabric Types: Explained

Spring: Dusty Blue and Soft Sage

Spring calls for colors that mirror the season’s fresh awakening. Dusty blue, reminiscent of clear April skies, pairs beautifully with pearl or crystal accessories and looks stunning in both natural light and photos.

Soft sage, another spring favorite, reflects new growth and pairs wonderfully with gold accents.

You can also consider a flowing chiffon dress in these shades, perhaps with delicate beading that catches the spring sunlight. These colors work exceptionally well for garden weddings or afternoon ceremonies where the natural light enhances their subtle beauty! 🌸

Summer: Blush Pink and Silver Grey

Summer opens up possibilities for lighter, airier colors that keep you cool while looking sophisticated. Blush pink is particularly flattering in summer light and photographs beautifully during golden hour ceremonies.

For a more modern take, silver grey provides an elegant alternative that reflects light beautifully and keeps you cool during outdoor events. These colors shine in lightweight fabrics like silk or crepe, and look especially elegant with minimal jewelry and clean lines.

Consider how these shades will look in bright sunlight and choose materials that maintain their elegance even in summer heat!

Fall: Plum and Deep Navy

Fall weddings call for rich, warming colors that complement the season’s natural palette.

Plum offers sophisticated depth and pairs beautifully with both gold and silver accessories, making it versatile for different wedding styles.

Deep navy, another fall favorite, provides a modern alternative to black and looks stunning in luxurious fabrics like velvet or heavy silk. These colors work super well for afternoon or evening weddings, creating a cozy yet elegant atmosphere that matches autumn’s natural beauty.

Winter: Burgundy and Forest Green

Winter weddings demand colors with presence and depth. Burgundy brings warmth to cold-weather celebrations and looks particularly striking in materials like duchess satin or velvet.

Forest green is a sophisticated alternative that pairs beautifully with winter wedding decor and photographs wonderfully against snowy backgrounds. These deeper shades work especially well for evening ceremonies and formal affairs, creating a rich, luxurious look that stands up to winter’s dramatic atmosphere.

Consider dresses with longer sleeves or elegant matching jackets in these colors for both comfort and style.

Browse Through MOB Dresses at our Keystone Store!

Your perfect dress awaits at Sophia’s Bridal and Tux!

Our personalized styling consultations at our bridal shops in Indianapolis (and the surrounding areas!) ensure you’ll find a dress that makes you feel confident, elegant, and perfectly suited to your daughter’s special day.

Make an appointment today and discover a dress that truly speaks to your unique style!