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.
Personally I lobe Maxi Dresses. My MIL rocks them and I wore them all the time while I was prego. They are super comfy and affordable while still looking a little dressy. Ross is my go to place to find cute ones. Maxi dresses ftw.
I love the Chaps Mixed-Media Lace Sheath Dress! The sleeves and modest top are gorgeous!
I like the Juniors’ IZ Byer California Pintuck Dress in seafoam. I think the light color would be perfect for a garden spring wedding.
I like the Dana Buchman Knot Front Dress.
I like the Connected Apparel Sequin Drapeneck Lace Dress
I would like the LC Lauren Conrad Runway Collection Sequin Swing Dress – Women’s
I like the color and detail on the 1 by 8 Beaded Cascading Evening Dress.
kohls.com/product/prd-2480781/1-by-8-jeweled-ruched-strapless-evening-gown-womens.jsp this dress is so stunning
I would choose the Women’s Connected Apparel Floral Shift Dress & Shrug Set in mint from Kohl’s.
I think that the 1 by 8 Embellished Faux-Wrap Dress – Women’s would make a great dress for a garden wedding. It’s cute, classy, but not too fancy. Love it!
kohls.com/product/prd-2201229/chaps-lace-mixed-media-sheath-dress-womens.jsp?color=White_Cream
This cream chaps mid length dress was stunning. I love the lace details.
The Journee Collection Wendy Women’s Wide-Width Mary Jane Dress Heels are absolutely darling – cute and fancy enough for a formal gathering but they look like they’d still be comfortable!
I like the Chaps Solid Knot-Front Empire Dress – Women’s – not too short, v-neck is slimming and I like a dress with sleeves.
If I was the mother of the bride at a garden wedding, I would pick the Connected Apparel Sequin Drapeneck Lace Dress. It’s good to see Kohl’s carrying dresses now. I know about 7 or 8 years ago I couldn’t find any in Kohl’s. Thanks!
I like the Women’s Connected Apparel Floral Chiffon Empire Dress in lavender floral for a garden wedding because it looks comfortable and very feminine
kohls.com/product/prd-2281882/womens-jennifer-lopez-midi-bodycon-dress.jsp I love the way the Jennifer Lopez Midi Bodycon Dress accent your body and looks great to wear to a garden wedding.
I like the Women’s Indication Scroll Handkerchief-Hem Dress (kohls.com/product/prd-2390302/womens-indication-scroll-handkerchief-hem-dress.jsp) because the hem line is fun.
I would get the Plus Size Jennifer Lopez Fit & Flare Scuba Dress in the floral print because it looks like it would fit me well and the floral is pretty!
I want the Women’s Chaps Surplice Drape-Front Full-Length Dress in purple. It is so simple but perfect for spring and summer weddings!
I really like this one. kohls.com/product/prd-2461838/womens-scarlett-lace-capelet-dress.jsp I’m fair skinned so I have to have a little extra protection for most outdoor events anyway so the little cape-let is perfect for me 🙂