The mother of the groom should wear an elegant outfit that complements the wedding style and coordinates with the mother of the bride, without matching exactly. Traditional etiquette gives the mother of the bride first choice, after which the mother of the groom selects her outfit in a complementary color and similar formality level1. Most mothers of the groom spend between $200-$600 (£160-£480) on their outfit, with additional costs for alterations and accessories2.
The Shopping Protocol: Who Chooses First?
Wedding etiquette is clear on one point: the mother of the bride shops first1. This tradition dates back to when the bride's family typically hosted and funded the wedding. While modern weddings often split costs differently, this protocol remains standard practice.
How the coordination works:
- The mother of the bride selects her outfit and informs the mother of the groom about her color choice and formality level
- The mother of the groom then shops for a complementary (not matching) outfit
- Both mothers should discuss their choices to ensure they photograph well together
- The couple may have input on the overall color palette
Many modern families choose to shop together, which can simplify coordination and make the process more enjoyable1. If relationships are complicated, the couple can act as intermediaries to share outfit details.
Shopping timeline:
| Milestone | Timing |
|---|---|
| MOB begins shopping | 6-8 months before wedding |
| MOB shares choice with MOG | 5-6 months before wedding |
| MOG begins shopping | 4-6 months before wedding |
| Final fitting | 2-3 weeks before wedding |
Outfit Styles by Wedding Formality
Your outfit should match the wedding's dress code. Arriving over- or underdressed creates awkward photos and may overshadow the bridal party3.
| Dress Code | Recommended MOG Outfit | Typical Length |
|---|---|---|
| Black tie | Floor-length gown or formal evening dress | Floor-length |
| Formal/Evening | Floor-length gown or dressy tea-length | Floor or tea-length |
| Semi-formal | Cocktail dress or elegant midi | Knee to tea-length |
| Cocktail | Sophisticated knee-length dress | Knee-length |
| Garden/Outdoor | Elegant day dress or dressy suit | Knee to midi |
| Casual/Beach | Sophisticated sundress or linen ensemble | Knee-length |
Key formality rules:
- Match the mother of the bride's formality level exactly
- When in doubt, check with the couple
- For evening weddings, richer fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet are appropriate
- Daytime ceremonies call for lighter fabrics and colors
Color Guidelines: What to Wear and Avoid
Best Colors for Mother of the Groom
2025 trends show mothers embracing bolder choices beyond traditional navy and champagne4. Consider:
Classic choices:
- Navy blue
- Champagne or soft gold
- Burgundy or wine
- Silver or pewter
- Sage or eucalyptus green
Trending for 2025:
- Cobalt blue
- Fuchsia
- Royal purple
- Dusty rose
- Terracotta
Jewel tones work beautifully for autumn and winter weddings, while soft pastels suit spring and summer celebrations3.
Colors to Avoid
| Color | Reason |
|---|---|
| White, ivory, cream | Reserved exclusively for the bride |
| Exact bridesmaid color | Creates confusion in photos |
| Identical to MOB | Looks planned and awkward |
| All-black without accents | Can appear funereal at daytime weddings |
| Red (in some cultures) | May be considered too attention-seeking |
Note on black: While once considered inappropriate, black is now widely accepted for weddings, particularly evening celebrations. Add colorful accessories—a bright clutch, statement jewelry, or colorful shoes—to lift the look3.
Regional Variations: UK, US, and Australia
Wedding traditions vary significantly across English-speaking countries. Understanding these differences helps when shopping, especially if your wedding involves guests or venues in different regions.
United Kingdom
British weddings tend toward greater formality, particularly for church ceremonies and country house venues.
Key UK traditions:
- Fascinators or hats are expected at formal weddings5
- The mother of the groom's hat should traditionally be smaller than the mother of the bride's5
- Morning weddings call for larger, more elaborate hats; evening celebrations suit smaller fascinators or cocktail hats5
- Remove your hat only after the mother of the bride removes hers5
Popular UK retailers:
- Phase Eight
- Hobbs
- Jacques Vert
- Monsoon
- John Lewis
UK price ranges:
| Budget Level | Price Range (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Budget | £100-£250 |
| Mid-range | £250-£500 |
| Premium | £500-£1,000+ |
| Designer | £1,000-£2,500+ |
United States
American weddings offer more flexibility in mother-of-the-groom attire.
Key US trends:
- Headwear is optional and less common than in the UK
- Pantsuits and jumpsuits are increasingly popular alternatives to dresses
- Department stores offer extensive MOG collections
- Regional differences exist: Southern weddings tend more formal than West Coast celebrations
Popular US retailers:
- Nordstrom
- David's Bridal
- BHLDN
- Neiman Marcus
- Saks Fifth Avenue
US price ranges2:
| Budget Level | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Budget | $100-$250 |
| Mid-range | $250-$600 |
| Premium | $600-$1,200 |
| Designer | $1,200-$4,000+ |
Australia
Australian weddings, often held outdoors in warm weather, require practical considerations alongside style.
Key Australian trends:
- Lightweight fabrics are essential for summer weddings6
- Fascinators are less common than in the UK
- Beach and garden weddings are popular, requiring versatile footwear
- Local designers offer pieces suited to the Australian climate
Popular Australian retailers:
- White Runway
- Montique Clothing
- Blue Bungalow
- Living Silk
- David Jones
Australian price ranges:
| Budget Level | Price Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Budget | $150-$350 |
| Mid-range | $350-$700 |
| Premium | $700-$1,500 |
| Designer | $1,500-$3,000+ |
Price Breakdown: What to Budget
Beyond the dress itself, factor in these additional costs2:
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) | Estimated Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Dress/outfit | $200-$800 | £160-£650 |
| Alterations | $50-$150 | £40-£120 |
| Shoes | $50-$200 | £40-£160 |
| Accessories (jewelry, clutch) | $50-$300 | £40-£250 |
| Hat/fascinator (UK) | $50-$300 | £40-£250 |
| Shapewear | $30-$100 | £25-£80 |
| Total range | $430-$1,850 | £345-$1,510 |
Budget-saving tips:
- Shop end-of-season sales for formal wear
- Consider rental services for designer pieces
- Look for versatile pieces you can rewear
- Check department store personal shopping services (often free)
Etiquette Dos and Don'ts
Do:
- Coordinate with the mother of the bride before purchasing
- Match the formality of the wedding exactly
- Consider the venue and season
- Try on outfits with your actual shoes and shapewear
- Allow 6-8 weeks for alterations
- Share your outfit choice with the couple for approval
Don't:
- Outshine or compete with the bride or mother of the bride
- Wear anything too revealing (deep necklines, high slits)3
- Match the mother of the bride exactly
- Wait until the last minute to shop
- Assume what worked at another wedding will work here
- Forget to break in your shoes before the wedding day
Shopping Tips for Success
Start early: Begin shopping 4-6 months before the wedding, but wait for the mother of the bride to make her selection first1.
Bring reference photos: Bring images of the venue, the wedding color palette, and any inspiration the couple has shared.
Try multiple styles: Don't limit yourself to one silhouette. A-line, fit-and-flare, and sheath styles all flatter different body types.
Consider comfort: You'll wear this outfit for 8-12 hours. Choose breathable fabrics and manageable hemlines, especially for outdoor venues.
Think about photos: Your outfit will appear in photos for generations. Classic styles age better than trendy pieces.
Coordinate accessories last: Once your dress is finalized and altered, select shoes, jewelry, and any headwear that completes the look.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect mother of the groom outfit requires balancing tradition, personal style, and practical considerations. Start early, communicate openly with the mother of the bride, and choose something that makes you feel confident and elegant. Remember that your role is to support and celebrate the couple—your outfit should complement the day without competing for attention.
For more wedding attire guidance, including dress code explanations and guest outfit ideas, explore our comprehensive guides.
Sources and References
Footnotes
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Zola, What Should the Mother of the Groom Wear?, 2024. https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-should-the-mother-of-the-groom-wear ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
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CostHelper, Mother of the Groom Dress Cost, 2024. https://weddings.costhelper.com/mother-groom-dress-cost.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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The Knot, Wedding Attire for Mother of the Groom: Etiquette, Colors & More, 2024. https://www.theknot.com/content/mother-of-the-groom-attire ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
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Darianna Bridal, 2025 Trends for Mother of the Bride & Groom Dresses, 2024. https://www.dariannabridal.com/blog/2025-trends-for-mother-of-the-bride-groom-dresses/ ↩
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Fascinators Direct, The Wedding Hat Etiquette You Need To Know About, 2024. https://fascinatorsdirect.co.uk/blogs/hats-fascinators-style-advice/the-wedding-hat-etiquette-you-need-to-know-about ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
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White Runway, Mother of the Bride & Groom Dresses, 2024. https://whiterunway.com.au/collections/mother-of-the-bride ↩