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 want the Women’s Chaps Surplice Drape-Front Full-Length Dress because I love the length of this dress.
I like the Connected Apparel Floral Shift Dress & Shrug Set in the Lavender Floral or Red Floral. I also like the Connected Apparel Floral Chiffon Empire Dress in Rose Floral. However, I believe I’d be considered a plus size so I like Plus Size Chaps Colorblock Sheath Dres
I would choose the Women’s Simply Vera Vera Wang Handkerchief Hem Fit & Flare Dress in crinkle ditsy a
I like the Women’s Connected Apparel Floral Chiffon Empire Dress in Lavender Floral. I like the fit and the design, love the color too -perfect for a garden wedding.
i like the 1 by 8 Jeweled Ruched Strapless Evening Gown – Women’s it seems very classy and springish
I would ilke the womens jeniffer lopez chain in the wave pattern because i think the style is cute and love the pattern 🙂
I love the Lauren Conrad floral maxi dress. Light and airy and t covers my legs!
I love1 by 8 Jeweled Ruched Strapless Evening Gown i love the color and elegant design!
I would like the Journee collection lois shoes in black because they would go with many of my outfits.
I like the Connected Apparel Floral Shift Dress & Shrug Set in the Lavender Floral or the Mint Floral. I think they’re very pretty and look like Spring colors.
the Apparel Floral Shift Dress & Shrug Set in rose
I like the Simply Vera Wang hankerchief hem dress. I love that type of staggered hem line a lot.
Women’s Chaps Embellished Faux-Wrap Evening Gown…so pretty
I would love to wear the Juniors’ Speechless Lace Sleeveless Dress in pink. It’s very cheerful and it would be a nice dress to wear more than once.
I like the womens chaps surplice like the looks of them
Disney’s Minnie Rocks the Dots a Collection by LC Lauren Conrad Look 1
That one, because it is very simple and it isn’t too fancy, so I could wear it on a day-to-day basis. Plus I love the red color!
I’d choose the Chaps Floral Lace Dress! It has just enough formality for a garden wedding, and I love its flattering fit-and-flare shape.
I’d choose the Chaps lace fit & flare dress. Very flattering and classy. 🙂
I think the Apparel Floral Shift Dress & Shrug Set in rose would be perfect for a garden wedding. Very feminine, modest, but figure-flattering.
I like the Women’s Connected Apparel Floral Shift Dress & Shrug Set. Florals are so pretty.