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.





These couples looks so great I like the dresses too they are fascinating
ritoot.com/blog/
I really love the dress you are wearing in the first picture! I would wear that in a second!
I hope to be the mother of the bride one day. I want my daughter to find a good husband to be.
Thanks for the ideas and sources. It can be hard to pick a mother of the bride dress. It’s hard when you are important to the wedding (and going to be in lots of photos). You wonder how formal, length, do you wear the wedding colors, where to shop….I really like the knee length idea and and your places to look.
I like the Women’s Chaps Surplice Drape-Front Full-Length Dress.
I’d pick the Men’s Croft & Barrow® Classic-Fit Mini-Checked Point-Collar Dress Shirt in Paisley Purple because the color is adorable and it looks super comfortable.
I would like the Women’s Apt. 9 Lace Fit & Flare Dress in Hypnotic Blue because it’s fun and flirty.
I love the Lauren Conrad shift dress; it’s cute and modern
I like the Plus Size Chaps Floral Sheath Dress. They have lots of pretty clothes and shoes. Thank you for the chance 🙂
I would wear the Women’s Jessica Howard Lace Sheath Dress because it is beautiful and I just love it.
The Men’s Chaps Classic-Fit Black Tuxedo looks like the go-to getup for this guy! 😀
Kind of has a James Bondy look to it.
God bless,
Miles
I like the womens-jessica-howard-spliced-sheath-dress-bolero-jacket-set. It’s the right one for me.
Chaps Mixed-Media Lace Sheath Dress for the lace
kohls.com/product/prd-2283997/plus-size-chaps-lace-sheath-dress.jsp Is a gorgeous dress that I would love to have.
I would love the 1 by 8 Jeweled Ruched Strapless Evening Gown. This looks classy and comfortable. I would feel good and beautiful in it.
I would get the Women’s Indication Floral Asymmetrical Sheath Dress in violet because of it’s sleek and vibrant style,the artsy floral print and the color
I would like the Women’s Chaps Floral Sateen Sheath Dress because it screams “garden” with the beautiful floral print.
I would pick the Women’s Chaps Pleated Asymmetrical Evening Gown.
I like the Women’s Connected Apparel Floral Chiffon Empire Dress in Floral Aqua print. The floral design makes it perfect for a garden wedding, I love the aqua color, and I am petite so I need a dress that isn’t floor length.
I would like the Women’s LC Lauren Conrad Floral Lace Fit & Flare Dress in the wild rose color because it’s pretty and spring-like.