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 (), a turquoise shrug (Sam’s Club $12.99) (), vintage filigree scatter pins, vintage Italian weave bag (), and vintage Halle Bob shoes from ebay (). Walt is wearing a Men’s Tall Shirt from Kohl’s () and (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 wearingand. Shelley is featuring 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 wearingand. Shelley is wearing Indication by .
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
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.





I like the Women’s Chaps Surplice Drape-Front Full-Length Dress. The dress looks comfortable and classy!
I would choose the 1 by 8 Jeweled Runch Evening Dress because I think it is pretty.
I would love to have the Women’s Chaps Surplice Drape-Front Full-Length Dress. I love the colors this dress comes in especially the Jade.
I love the LC Lauren Conrad Lace Shift Dress in black! I LOVE Lauren Conrads clothes at Kohls!
i like the draped front full length dress. would look good on a lot of different shapes and sizes.
I would pick the Connected Apparel Sequin Drapeneck Lace Dress because it is glitzy and glamorous
I really like the Womens Connected Apparel dress and shrug in purple. The color is bright but not overwhelming.
The Chaps Floral Sheath is cute; I like that it would cover my less than perfect arms.
chaps solid knot front empire dress
Women’s Chaps Printed Ruched Dress
I love the shoes because they can be worn anywhere and are classy.
I love your pictures! I would get the Women’s Chaps Lace Sheath Dress because I love the simple cut and I also love the color.
Thanks Christy!! The Chief Blonde
There are so many beautiful outfits to choose from, but the one I loved the most is definitely the Women’s Apt. 9 Striped Fit & Flare Dress! It’s so cute I could think of so many great places to wear this classic!
I would get the Women’s Chaps Surplice Drape-Front Full-Length Dress in the green, the color is beautiful and I like the draping in the front.
The Connected Apparel Sequin Drapeneck Lace Dress in Champagne is what I would wear 🙂
I think the Women’s Connected Apparel Floral Shift Dress & Shrug Set would be super cute for a garden wedding!
I would choose the Chaps lace fit & flare dress for a garden wedding. I think this dress looks very comfy and cool and dressy for a garden wedding.
I love the Scarlett capelet dress. It is so cute and not like anything I’ve ever seen before.
I like the chaps floral lace dress. It is fun and springy.
I love the Candie’s High Heels! Candie’s is such a fun brand!