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 would like the Indication by ECI Midi Scuba Sheath Dress. I’d pair it with a black sweater and some blingy jewelry. It looks comfortable and cute
This dress is just right for a garden wedding! Plus Size Jennifer Lopez Caftan V-Neck Dress in Aurelie Marble. Flowing & great colors!
The Juniors’ IZ Byer California Pintuck Dress would be suitable attire for a garden wedding as a guest. Several of the items pictured would be most suitable for the bride though.
Easy Street Flattery Evening Dress Heels – Women because they have some shimmer and a short heel on them.
I like the Chaps Floral Lace Dress because it’s pretty and practical.
I like the Women’s ELLE™ Textured Fit & Flare Dress in clematis blue because it’s a classic style that suits. me.
Women’s Indication Floral Asymmetrical Sheath Dress would be pretty for a garden wedding
The Petite Chaps Surplice Faux-Wrap Dress would be perfect for a garden wedding. It is so feminine and I love the purple color.
i want to get the Chaps Embellished Drapeneck Faux-Wrap Evening Gown. it is beautiful and would be great for my body type.
I like the 1 by 8 Jeweled Ruched Strapless Evening Gown – Women’s. Love the beading.
The Journee Collection Lois Women’s Peep-Toe Platform High Heels, love a new pair of shoes.
I love the Plus Size Chaps Floral Sheath Dress. It’s just a beautiful dress that would be flattering for anyone who wore it. Thank you!
I would choose the Chaps Lace Fit & Flare Dress. It is a nice and simple dress that can be worn for a lot of events/places.
I like the LC Lauren Conrad Lace Shift Dress. It is so pretty with the lace, but basic enough that it could be worn for many occasions!
I love the La Laque Couture’ Nail Lacquer in blue violet. Lovely dress for a wedding
I love the Candie’s® Women’s Ankle Strap High Heels though I may break my leg in them lol. They’re so cute.
I really like the HeartSoul Belted Peasant Dress. It looks so comfortable and I’ve always liked this style.
I like the Plus Size Jennifer Lopez Caftan V-Neck Dress because it does have a little sleeve coverage but it looks light and floaty. Perfect for the summer.
I really think the 1 by 8 Jeweled Ruched Strapless Evening Gown – Women’s is very pretty. I like the style and it is different from anything I wear.
The LC Floral maxi would be perfect as it is a garden event