If you’re a plus-size mom of the bride looking for the perfect dress, you’re in luck. There are so many gorgeous options out there that will have you walking down the aisle in style. A-line silhouettes, empire waists, fit-and-flare—you name it. The key is finding a dress that fits and flatters your body type. Look for details like lace, ruching and elegant necklines to really make your look pop. Tea-length, maxi, two-piece; you’ve got choices. Just make sure to accessorize with the right jewelry, shoes and bag. Your daughter’s big day is all about her, but that doesn’t mean Mom can’t feel like a total knockout too. Now go out there and slay!
Stylish and Flattering Plus Size Mother of the Bride Dresses
A-Line and Empire Waist Styles
For a timeless and elegant look, consider an A-line or empire waist dress. A-line dresses skim over your curves and are universally flattering, while empire waist dresses cinch right under the bust to highlight your waist. Either style paired with lace, beading or ruching details will make you shine as the mother of the bride.
Dresses with Jackets or Sleeves
If you want extra coverage for the ceremony or reception, a dress with a matching jacket or 3/4 length sleeves is ideal. A jacket provides two looks in one, allowing you to remove it when you want to dance the night away. Dresses with sleeves offer coverage while still being stylish.
Fit and Flare and Wrap Dresses
For a silhouette that hugs your curves in all the right places, a fit and flare or wrap dress is a perfect choice. Fit and flare dresses nip in at the waist and flow out from the hips, creating a stunning hourglass shape. Wrap dresses can be adjusted to your body and tied for a customized fit. Both styles highlight your best assets.
Tea Length and Maxi Dresses
For a more casual wedding, a tea length dress is classic and polished without being too formal. Maxi dresses, on the other hand, make a glamorous statement for an evening affair. Look for styles with an eye-catching neckline or embellishments to up the wow factor. Either length paired with the right accessories like jewelry and a clutch will make you the belle of the ball.
There are so many figure-flattering and stylish options for plus size mother of the bride dresses. Focus on styles that highlight your best features and make you feel confident and beautiful. With the right dress and accessories, you’ll look and feel like royalty on your daughter’s special day.
Top Plus Size Mother of the Bride Dress Silhouettes
A-Line Dresses
A-line dresses are a stylish and flattering choice for plus size figures. The fitted bodice and flared skirt skim over curves and imperfections, creating an elegant silhouette. Look for lace, beading or embroidery details to elevate the look for a formal wedding. Pair with heels and statement jewelry for an effortlessly chic style.
Empire Waist Dresses
An empire waist dress cinches right under the bust, emphasizing the smallest part of the torso before flowing gracefully over the rest of the body. This creates a slimming effect that is perfect for fuller figures. The empire waist is also a comfortable choice, as it avoids constricting the midsection. For an evening wedding, choose a luxurious fabric like chiffon or satin and add some sparkle with gemstone jewelry.
Wrap Dresses
A wrap dress is one of the most versatile and adjustable styles, perfect for accentuating curves. The wrap front and tie belt allow you to adjust coverage and showcase your best assets. Look for a knee-length wrap dress in a formal fabric for a mother-of-the-bride look that transitions from day to night. Statement earrings and strappy heels complete the outfit.
Fit and Flare Dresses
A fit and flare dress closely follows the lines of the body before flaring out at the hips into a full skirt. This creates a silhouette that flatters a fuller figure by cinching in at the waist and balancing proportions. For a semi-formal wedding, a fit and flare dress in a colorful print paired with a matching bolero jacket and peep-toe heels is an ideal mother-of-the-bride look.
No matter which silhouette you choose, focus on styles specifically tailored to plus sizes that provide structure and support. And of course, accessorize thoughtfully and wear shapewear for smooth, flawless lines under your dress. By following these tips, you’ll look and feel your best as you watch your daughter walk down the aisle.
Finding the Perfect Color Plus Size Mother of the Bride Dress
Choosing a color for your mother of the bride dress is just as important as the style. The color you select should complement your skin tone and the wedding colors. It should also reflect the formality and season of the wedding.
Consider the Season
If it’s a spring or summer wedding, consider lighter, brighter colors like sky blue, blush pink or mint green. These fun, fresh colors will match the cheery, warm-weather vibe. For a fall wedding, deeper shades of eggplant, teal or maroon are stylish options. And for a winter wedding, shades of navy, grey and burgundy are elegant and seasonally appropriate.
Complement Your Skin Tone
Choose a color that flatters your natural skin tone. If you have a warm skin tone with yellow or olive undertones, colors in the red, orange and yellow color families will glow against your skin. For cool skin tones with pink undertones, shades of blue, green and violet are lovely options. Neutral skin tones can wear a wide range of colors. However, avoid shades that wash you out like black, white or pastels.
Coordinate with Wedding Colors
For the most cohesive look, choose a color that complements the wedding colors. If the bride has selected burgundy and blush for the wedding palette, a dress in a shade of plum or mauve would coordinate beautifully. You can also subtly nod to the wedding colors by choosing an accent color for your accessories like a wrap, shoes or handbag. This helps you stand out while still matching the overall wedding style.
Consider the Venue
The formality of the wedding venue is another factor in choosing the perfect color. For a formal evening wedding, rich jewel tones or shimmering metallics convey elegance. A daytime beach or garden wedding calls for light, bright colors with a casual, flowy silhouette. And a semi-formal brunch or luncheon wedding is ideal for a floral print or pastel.
By considering the season, your skin tone, the wedding colors and venue, you’ll find a mother of the bride dress in a color that makes you feel confident and comfortable on your daughter’s special day. Focus on colors you love and that love you back!
Accessorizing Your Plus Size Mother of the Bride Dress
Once you’ve found the perfect dress, it’s time to complete your look with accessories. Choosing accessories that complement your dress and personal style can help pull your whole look together.
Jewelry
Delicate jewelry is always a good choice for a formal event like a wedding. Consider a simple necklace, gemstone earrings or a tennis bracelet. For a bolder look, a statement necklace or chandelier earrings can dress up a simple gown. Gold or rose gold pairs well with pastel dresses, while silver complements jewel tones.
Shoes
As the mother of the bride, choose heels or dressy flats that you can comfortably walk and stand in. Kitten heels, wedge sandals or ballet flats are good for an outdoor or daytime wedding. For an evening wedding, opt for pumps, slingbacks or strappy sandals with some sparkle. Consider metallic or jewel-toned shoes to match your gown and accessories.
Handbag
A stylish clutch purse is perfect for an evening wedding, while a small wristlet or shoulder bag may be better for a casual daytime affair. Look for a bag that coordinates with your shoes and jewelry in color and embellishments. You’ll want a bag large enough for essentials like your phone, lipstick, tissues and breath mints but avoid anything too bulky.
Wraps and Jackets
For an outdoor wedding, especially in the evening, a stylish wrap, stole or jacket will keep you comfortable. A pashmina shawl, lace cape or bolero jacket pairs beautifully with most dresses. In a coordinating color and fabric, a wrap accessory completes your look while also keeping you warm. Remove for indoor events or when dancing.
With the perfect accessories completing your ensemble, you’ll look and feel beautiful celebrating this special day with your daughter. Take time for one final check in the mirror before heading to the wedding—you deserve to feel as gorgeous as you do proud.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plus Size Mother of the Bride Dresses
Choosing a dress for your child’s wedding is an important decision. You want to look and feel your best, but you also have practical concerns about fit, comfort, and suitability for the venue. Here are some common questions plus-size mothers of the bride have about finding the perfect dress:
The most flattering styles for plus-size figures include A-line dresses, empire waist dresses, and wrap dresses. These provide shape without clinging and accentuate your best features. Fit-and-flare and ball gown styles also work well. In general, avoid very fitted styles and opt for ones with draping, ruching, or embellishments to camouflage any problem areas.
This depends on your personal style and comfort level. Sleeves can provide more coverage and be seasonally appropriate for some weddings. However, sleeveless or cap sleeve styles show off your arms and shoulders, which many plus-size women prefer. An in-between option is a dress with 3/4 length or flutter sleeves. Consider your venue and the formality of the wedding to determine what is most suitable.
The most important thing is to buy from retailers that specialize in plus-size clothing and offer a range of sizes. Look for dresses that provide some stretch and give, and consider buying one size up from your usual to ensure the best fit. Empire waist, wrap, and A-line styles with adjustable waistlines or sashes also provide more flexibility in fit. Always try on dresses with the proper undergarments and shapewear you plan to wear on the wedding day to determine how it will look from all angles.
Focus on accentuating your best features. Consider a statement necklace or earrings to draw attention upwards. Wrap yourself in luxury with a designer shawl or stole. Splurge on designer shoes – comfort is key but stylish flats or low heels will make your legs look longer. Shapewear underneath provides confidence in your curves. And don’t forget the finishing touches like a stylish updo, manicure and pedicure. Feeling gorgeous inside and out will make you shine bright on the big day!
With the right dress and attitude, you’ll feel as amazing as you deserve to feel at your daughter’s wedding. Asking the right questions, focusing on fit and comfort, and accentuating your best features will help ensure you look poised, polished and perfect.
Conclusion
Finding that perfect mother of the bride dress can feel overwhelming, but taking the time to consider different silhouettes and styles will help you discover the ideal option. Focus on choosing a dress that flatters your shape and fits the wedding theme. And don’t be afraid to try on a variety of looks – you may be pleasantly surprised by a style you wouldn’t have initially considered. Trust your instincts, feel confident, and enjoy being the belle of the ball as the mother of the bride!