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As the mother of the bride, it’s your job to, well, do everything! Just don’t forget to focus on you pre-wedding and select a gown that will flatter your figure and keep you feeling fabulous from the ceremony until the last guest leaves the reception. If the affair will take place during the winter, consider these 12 customer-loved mother of the bride dresses perfect for cold weather. Women who already wore and dance floor-tested the gowns vouch for the comfort and wow-factor of each style. Read on to see the options for your consideration, ranging from long and lace to form-fitting and flattering. Many dresses are long-sleeve, but don’t worry. If you tend to run hot, we threw in several cap-sleeve and sleeveless styles, too. Now, go ahead and relax for a change. After you’re done shopping these top winter wedding mother of the bride dress (and mother of the groom!) options, you can check another to-do item off your list. Now if only the caterer would return your last call…
Shopping for a Winter Wedding Mother of the Bride Dress
Tips:
The first thing to think about when selecting your dress is what silhouette flatters you most. Not sure? Peruse the options below and read reviews to see what women say about the fit of each style. Next, consider the formality of the wedding. A black-tie reception may call for a ball gown perhaps, while you can totally get away with a short frock for a less fancy affair. Color is important, too. Below, we share tips for picking the hue for you. You may wish to ask the bride if she would prefer for your dress color to complement or contrast with her bridesmaid dresses. Finally, have fun! This is about you for a change, and after all you’ve done, you deserve it.
Winter Wedding Mother of the Bride Dress Shopping Considerations
Cost:
The dresses on our roundup range in price from just over $50 (because weddings aren’t cheap!), to a still budget-friendly cost of around $550.
Color:
Winter weddings will typically call for deeper hues like cranberry, navy and hunter green. Black is always safe, so go with that when in doubt. The only rule is that you wouldn’t want to wear white. Leave that honor to the bride!
Style:
We included dresses for all different body types on our roundup, from plus-size to petite. Many styles are going to feature 3/4 or long sleeves, sometimes with an illusion sleeve. A few styles include a capelet or jacket to further shield your arms from any potential chill. That being said, we get that when the pressure’s on, you may prefer a sleeveless or cap-sleeve style, so look for those as well. Want to make a statement on your daughter’s big day? You’ve come to the right place. Ditto if you’d prefer to don a more demure, understated gown. The most exciting thing about mother of the bride and mother of the groom dresses is how many options there are. Now get shopping!
Other Considerations:
If you feel it’s necessary, you may want to send the bride a link to the dress you love before buying. Also some of the dresses below are going on sale, so be sure to click through to see the most up-to-date price!
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1 of 12 Image Credits: David's Bridal
Best Plus-Size Cape Gown
Long Lace Dress with Beaded Capelet
We love this floor-length, lace column dress that features a crystal-embellished, sheer chiffon capelet to keep your arms warm on a chilly winter day. The color is ideal for a wedding that takes place this time of year. P.S. Women swear the gown is super-flattering.
Specifications:
Sizes 14 - 24W
Polyester/nylon
Lined
Back zipper
What Reviewers Are Saying:
“This was so comfortable to wear, and was a very nice shape for a plus-sized woman. I received so many compliments.”
2 of 12 Image Credits: Macy's
Best Plus-Size Gown with Jacket
R & M Richards Beaded V-Neck Dress
With over 230 glowing reviews, this flowy dress is a no-brainer. The eggplant and navy options are perfect for winter. We are staring at the beaded embellishment, and hey, the MOB is allowed to sparkle, too!
Specifications:
Sizes 14 - 26W
Open jacket
3/4 sleeves
Polyester
Pull-over style
Lined
What Reviewers Are Saying:
“This dress is wonderful. I purchased this dress in navy blue. It is beautifully-made, and complementary to any plus-size woman. It fits like a glove, is very slenderizing, comfortable, and extremely elegant. And I don't need any special undergarments.”
3 of 12 Image Credits: Macy's
Best Petite Dress
Alex Evenings Sequin Lace Gown
Reviewers say this navy, 3/4-sleeve gown that features lace and sequins is not only flattering, but comfortable. The scalloped, high neckline makes the petite frock perfect for a winter wedding.
Specifications:
Sizes 6 - 16P
Back zipper
Chiffon overlay skirt
Lined
What Reviewers Are Saying:
“I wore the dress for my son's wedding and it was such a comfortable dress.”
4 of 12 Image Credits: David's Bridal
Best Jersey Dress
Beaded Long-Sleeve Sheath
Meet the long-sleeve, navy jersey dress designed to fit and flatter the body with side ruching and a gorgeously-draped silhouette. The beaded embellishment detailing adds special flare. Just get ready for tons of compliments come your daughter’s wedding day!
Specifications:
Sizes 4 - 18
Polyester/spandex
Back zipper
Lined
What Reviewers Are Saying:
“I bought this dress for my son’s upcoming wedding. When I tried it on, I knew this was the one for me! It's not only flattering, it is comfortable. I’m excited to wear it later this month!”
5 of 12 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Short Style
JS Collection Soutache Chiffon Sheath Dress
The fig color of this knee-length dress alone is enough to make us fall in love with it. Then consider the details, like a sexy, dipped back, illusion long sleeves, and the gorgeous, lush lace detailing. You go mama!
Specifications:
Sizes 2 - 14
Bateau neck
3/4 sleeves
Polyester
Lined
What Reviewers Are Saying:
“I love, love, love this dress because it hits me in all the right places, doesn’t show the arms, and the hem is just below the knees.”
6 of 12 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Statement Dress
Carmen Marc Valvo Ruffle Off-the-Shoulder Gown
Don’t be afraid to make a statement at the wedding. Indeed, you’ll hear a lot of “wow’s!” if you wear this Carmen Marc Valvo-designed crepe gown that features off-the-shoulder cap sleeves, and gorgeous, two-tone ruffles that cascade down the skirt.
Specifications:
Sizes 4 - 14
Polyester/spandex
Back zipper
Lined
What Reviewers Are Saying:
“I can't wait to wear it! The dress will make you feel regal.”
7 of 12 Image Credits: Dillard's
Best Ball Gown
Jessica Howard Colorblock Taffeta Ballgown
It's a top with a skirt. No, it's a ball gown, and designed by Jessica Howard, who knows what flatters a woman's body. We adore this stylish, elegant look, and promise the gown couldn't be more ideal for a winter wedding. Just add pearls, and prepare to stun your guests!
Specifications:
Sizes 6 - 18
Notch collar
Tie waist
3/4 sleeves
Nylon/polyester
What Reviewers Are Saying:
“This dress is everything! I especially loved the pockets! No alterations were needed, and the materials used were of very good quality! I felt like the Belle of the ball!”
8 of 12 Image Credits: Dillard's
Best Mesh Dress
Adrianna Papell Metallic Stretch Burnout Gown
If you'd like to wear a black dress to a more formal, or even black tie wedding, try this Adrianna Papell mesh, body-hugging style on for size. The flattering dress with illusion sleeves and neckline strikes a sexy, yet elegant note.
Specifications:
Sizes 2 - 16
Round neckline
Zipper back
Polyester/nylon/elastane
What Reviewers Are Saying:
“The material is stretchy and comfortable, and fitting for a New Year's Eve wedding.”
9 of 12 Image Credits: Bloomingdale's
Best Red Dress
Tadashi Shoji One-Shoulder Crepe Gown
Say “yes” to wearing a red dress to a winter wedding. This stunning gown, which features an asymmetric neckline, a dramatic, oversized bow, and a flattering, A-line skirt with a fishtail hem is sure to turn heads. Just note the Tadashi Shoji design fits large, so order one size down.
Specifications:
Sizes 6 - 14
Side zipper
Non-stretch crepe
What Reviewers Are Saying:
“I couldn't be more proud of my beautiful, elegant mother-of-the-bride dress!”
10 of 12 Image Credits: Bloomingdale's
Best Lace Dress
Tadashi Shoji Illusion Off-The-Shoulder Gown
Behold this elegant, dark pearl gown that features allover, intricate, embroidered lace, a dramatic floor-sweeping design, and a sexy, off-the-shoulder, illusion neckline. Again, note the lovely Tadashi Shoji design fits large, so order one size down.
Specifications:
Sizes 4 - 16
Round neck
Column silhouette
Pooled back
Mid-stretch fabric
Lined
What Reviewers Are Saying:
“I bought this dress for my daughters wedding. It is beautiful and elegant.”
11 of 12 Image Credits: Walmart
Most Affordable Gown
Ever Pretty Cap Sleeve Lace Dress
We get it; weddings are expensive. That's why we love this affordable black gown that doesn't skimp on style. Available in winter wedding-friendly hues like green, navy and black, the floor-length gown features lace and rhinestone cap sleeves, ruching at the side and bust, and a sexy, open back.
Specifications:
Sizes 4 - 20
Floor-length
Chiffon
Back zipper
Polyester
What Reviewers Are Saying:
“This dress was absolutely beautiful and very well-made.”
12 of 12 Image Credits: Macy's
Best Sleeveless Dress
Adrianna Papell Belted Lace Gown
If you tend to run a bit warm, forget the sleeves! Consider this richly-hued ruby lace gown that features allover lace and a sash belt. Mothers of the bride or mothers of the groom (!) will look cool, calm, collected and super elegant all night long.
Specifications:
Sizes 2 - 16
V-neckline
Back zipper
What Reviewers Are Saying:
“I ordered the dress for my daughter's wedding, and it fits and looks amazing.”
