Mother of the Bride Dresses: What do I wear to a Garden Wedding?
The Chief Blonde and her handsome husband, Walt, pose on the Edmonton-Alston House veranda, Charleston, SC. The Chief Blonde’s Charleston Fashion is a strapless tulle dress c/o David’s Bridal (similar), a turquoise shrug (Sam’s Club $12.99) (similar), vintage filigree scatter pins, vintage Italian weave bag (similar), and vintage Halle Bob shoes from ebay (similar). Walt is wearing a Men’s Tall Shirt from Kohl’s (Croft and Barrow) and Sebago Shoes (Photos Courtesy of Olsonography)
Only one of my children is married. It is my stepson, so I have never been the mother of the bride. However, I am often asked about Garden Wedding Mother of the Bride Dresses. “What should I wear? What would YOU wear?” These are few of my suggestions. At the end you will find resources to find various Mother of the Bride Dresses for every kind of wedding.
Knee Length Dress, formal material, bright accents.
In the outfit above, you will note I went with an at the knee length dress. I still have bit of tulle in the dress to note formality. But due to the shorter length and the bright colored shrug, this dress can easily be worn for a garden wedding mother of the bride dress, an afternoon garden party, or even attending as a guest to a formal outdoor affair.
All clothing from Kohl’s except shoes. Walt is wearing Helix™ Plaid Utility Shorts and Croft & Barrow® Easy-Care Button-Down Shirt – Big & Tall . Shelley is featuring Ronni Nicole Dot Shift Dress and Nine West Espadrilles.
Printed Dress
The dress above is just above the knee. It would be worn at a very casual outdoor wedding. It’s cute and fun but understated enough for the mother of the bride to carry off. Note the wedge espadrilles, they are great for adding height but still enabling you to walk in the grass in a higher shoes. .
Walt and Shelley Zurek for Kohl’s featuring Mint and Tall Men Fashions. Promotional item was provided by Kohl’s. All clothing from Kohl’s. Walt is wearing Company 81 Special Ops Cargo Shorts and IZOD Classic-Fit Poplin Windowpane Casual Button-Down Shirt – Big & Tall . Shelley is wearing Indication by ECI Scroll Faux-Wrap Maxi Dress .
Maxi-Dress
Maxi Dresses are a perfect choice for Garden Party Mother of the bride dresses. They are great for covering up and adding modesty and an air of being dressy but still work great outdoors.
Dresses from Shopbop.com
Evening Garden Wedding Mother of the Bride Dresses
In most situations, even if the party is outdoors, if the party is meant to be in the evening the dress generally moves to a more formal attitude. The dresses above are more formal and designer focused but still maintain an air of party fun and outdoor sweetness.
Sources for Great Garden Wedding Mother of the Bride Dresses
- Kohl’s Mother of the Bride Dresses Surprisingly cute styles, wildly affordable!
- Saks (lots of elegant choices)
- Lisa La Moda (Brits know how to do formal)
- Nordstrom’s (huge selection)
- Light in the Box (Many affordable choices!)
- Shopbop.com Large selection of designer dresses (many small sizes)
- David’s Bridal (Nice quality)
- Adoring Dress (some vintage inspired dresses)
- New Dress
- JC Penney (Best place for a classic neutral dress)
- WeddingDress.com (Surprising choices)
- New York Dress (crappy site but gorgeous dresses)
UPDATE: This post on “Garden Wedding Mother of the Bride Dresses” originally contained a Kohl’s Gift Card Giveaway. The Rafflecopter entry device has been removed and had 8345 entries. See Giveaway Winners.
Jennifer S. says
I have a outdoor lunchtime wedding to go to in about six weeks and am wondering what to wear. You can me some ideas, so thank you!