To celebrate Mother’s Day, we have this helpful post for all the Mothers of the Brides! Whereas Barbie Pink was ubiquitous in 2023, 2024 has an entirely new, bold set of trends for Mothers of the Bride. Read on to find out what you need to know before you go shopping!
Hey, Christie!
I am having so much fun planning my wedding at Ainsworth House & Gardens!
Hey! Quick question: I’m taking my mom shopping for her Mother of the Bride dress. Any trends I need to know?
Thanks!–Hannah, Helping Mom in Haines, Oregon
Hey, Hannah!
I’m happy to help you. It is such a joy to work with you and Dallas! You two are the perfect couple!
If I needed to sum up 2024 trends for mothers of the bride or mothers of groom, I would say, “Bold.” Bold fabrics, bold patterns, bold!
Let me circle back to this.
First, if you want tips on how to select the right color for the Mother of the Bride dress or pantsuit, check out our blog post,
“What Color Should I Wear as the Mother of the Bride?”
Colors are divided into two categories: vibrant, bold colors and pastel (or lighter) shades which are perfect for moms who want to show off their playful side.
Now, back to bold. Trends we are seeing for 2024 black-tie or casual weddings include:
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Vibrant colors
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Fabulous fabrics
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Fantastic florals
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Pretty pantsuits
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Ombre returns!
Vibrant Colors:
While in 2023, we saw enough Barbie pink mother of the bride and mother of the groom dresses to paint the world that shade of pink, designers this year are giving moms more choices:
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Jewel tones (sapphire blue, ruby red, emerald green) bring a richness unrivaled by other hues.
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If you opt for a jewel tone, let your dress or pantsuit take center stage and minimize your accessories.
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Wearing shoes in the same color as your dress creates a dynamic look!
Jewel tones (e.g., sapphire blue, emerald green, ruby red) are perfect for those with winter coloring (light skin, dark hair, eyes with blue undertones) or fall coloring (those moms blessed with red hair or auburn hair).
Yellow is shining brightly in 2024.
Will we see pastels? Yes! These soft colors will abundantly bloom in elegant, sophisticated, and timeless shades of:
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Lavender
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Green
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Peach and
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Pastel pink.
Finish your look with white or silver accessories.
Quick tip:
When thinking about pastels, consider your skin tone.
Certain shades can wash you out so select a color that complements you complexion which will enhance your natural glow.
Fabulous Fabrics
As wedding dresses for the brides have featured more of the luxurious fabrics for 2024, so too have dresses for the mothers of the bride and mothers of the groom.
A quick list of fabulous fabrics includes:
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Satin
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Velvet
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Silk
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Chiffon
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Organza
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Lace and
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Tulle.
How should you select a fabric?
Consider when the wedding is taking place and how formal the wedding is.
In warmer weather such as spring and summer, light fabrics such as organza and chiffon might be an excellent choice.
If the wedding is formal, think about velvet, silk, or satin.
Quick tips:
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Keep in mind how the fabric drapes on you—does it complement you?
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Is the texture too heavy or too light for your frame?
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Do you feel elegant?
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Are you comfortable?
Fantastic Florals
As we saw from several designers already, bold florals are blooming this year for brides.
Now, we are seeing bold, large florals for the mothers of the bride and mothers of the grooms so that they can make a statement too!
We see vibrant designs with intricate details rather than the subdued, smaller florals in previous years.
For 2024, there are dresses in every silhouette from cape-style gowns to slender, slinky sheath dresses. For mothers who seeks a different look, there are pantsuits in every fabric and color of the rainbow.
There’s a style that will fit into any wedding dress code and time of year.
Pretty Pantsuits
Pantsuits for brides exploded as a trend for 2024,
Now, designers are bringing the trend to the Mothers!
Easy-to-wear, comfortable, and designed to flatter any woman, pantsuits come understated or blinged out to the max. It’s your choice! Some have a sexy vibe with a one shoulder look while others have a more formal, business attire feel.
(Image is courtesy of LusyShop.com.)
Ombre Returns! Dun dun dun!
When Gwen Stefani wore a fabulous dip-dyed pink ombre wedding dress, she set off a trend.
This year, gradient watercolor designs are making a splash for the mothers of the bride and mothers of the groom.
We are seeing dresses that were hand-painted or dip-dyed which featured colors becoming more intense on the fabric near the hem or near the shoulder. It’s an eye-catching trend! If you opt for an ombre dress, you might want to keep your accessories delicate or limit yourself to one bold piece.
(Image of a lace ombre dress courtesy of MadameBridal.com.)