Getting ready for any wedding is the opportunity to don a special outfit, but when it’s your daughter (or son!) saying “I do,” there’s even more reason to dress your absolute best. As the mother of the bride or groom, you play an important role in the festivities; we’re talking pictures, small talk, and a special dance! While exciting, this also means shopping for a day-of look, which can ultimately feel a little overwhelming. With so many options out there, it makes sense why comforting and optimistic hues—like green, sage, and emerald—are favored among modern moms. In fact, green mother-of-the-bride dresses are one of the most popular options for all seasons.
What makes green such a fantastic choice for mother-of-the-bride dresses is its versatility. With so many shade variations, there’s a good chance you can find a hue that fits the venue’s aesthetic and the season of the celebration. For instance, rich emeralds are perfect for fall and winter weddings, light sage shades are ideal for spring nuptials, and bolder hues are fun for warm, summer events.
To help you narrow down your options, we sourced the best green, sage, and emerald mother-of-the-bride dresses from some of the most reputable sellers. Read on to see our favorite options for every season, formality, and style!
Courtesy of David’s Bridal
Size: 2-24 | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor-length
If you’re looking for timeless beauty, it truly doesn’t get more elegant than this satin vision from Oleg Cassini. The side draping on the pleated bodice adds to the enchanting style, while the sweetheart neckline and green gem hue nod to the sophistication of the evening.
Courtesy of Tadashi Shoji
Size: 00-20 | Materials: Crepe | Length: Floor-length
Between the sheer long sleeves, form-fitting (yet flexible!) fit, and metallic green embroidery on the bodice, this spellbinding Tadashi Shoji design looks right at home in winter wonderland aesthetics. Pair with silver accessories and a faux fur shrug for a festively seasonal ensemble.
Courtesy of David’s Bridal
Size: 0-30 | Materials: Crepe | Length: Floor-length
Between the youthful high side slit, back ruching, and one-shoulder cut-out neckline, it’s easy to see mothers of the bride and groom gravitate toward this chic Galina Signature gown. With sewn-in bra cups and a figure-flatting silhouette, this modern dress will have you feeling party-ready all night long.
Courtesy of Adrianna Papell
Size: 0-22 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length
Whether it’s a forest, desert, or industrial event, a boho wedding calls for a whimsical and unique dress, like this earthy, olive-hued frock from Adrianna Papell. Short flutter sleeves add coverage, the keyhole back shows the ideal amount of skin, and the floral sequin embellishments elevate the charming design as a whole.
Size: 0-24 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length
Sophisticated in style but contemporary in cut, Amsale’s Pryce dress marries the trendy with the timeless for a fashion-forward look. The singular off-the-shoulder neckline draws the eye up, while the column silhouette flatters every figure. We especially love the look in the dark green shade to fit any mom’s VIP status.
Courtesy of Adrianna Papell
Size: 0-26 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Cocktail-length
Even though cocktail weddings allude to shorter hemlines, that doesn’t mean you can’t stand out in a special dress. This emerald number from Adrianna Papell showcases elbow sleeves, a bateau neckline, and glittering gems that make for one showstopping wedding vibe.
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size: XS-L | Materials: Silk, Chiffon | Length: Floor-length
Drawing on traditional flamenco styles, the Karina gown exudes joy with its shirred, figure-forming bodice and tiered ruffled skirt. Wear gold accessories to match the metallic detailing, and don’t forget a jacket in case you get chilly in the strapless design.
Courtesy of Revelry
Size: 0-36 | Materials: Velvet | Length: Floor-length
Fitted, flattering, and forgiving, Revelry’s Dawson velvet dress does it all. We love how the V-neckline lengthens the torso, while the strategic gathering hugs the silhouette but covers the tummy for a balanced and defined look. The style comes in 25 hues and six different shades of green to effortlessly tie into any day-of color scheme.
Courtesy of Azazie
Size: 0-30, custom sizing | Materials: Lace, tulle | Length: Floor-length
Lace is easily one of the most romantic fabrics, which makes it a perfect material for such a remarkable gown. This Azazie gown blends lace with tulle to give off an ethereal effect while incorporating popular features such as cap sleeves, a mermaid silhouette, and an elongating V-neckline.
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Size: 0-18 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length
Bring on the bright colors and floral patterns for springtime celebrations, like seen in the Regina gown from JS Collections. Green embroidery dances along the blue column gown, before morphing into a sheer capelet that offers arm coverage for comfort…and to fight any seasonal chills!
Courtesy of Azazie
Size: 0-30, custom sizing | Materials: Mesh | Length: Floor-length
Whether you want your statement accessories to shine, or you just prefer a more streamlined look, Azazie’s Selah mesh dress is a refined favorite for moms with pared-back aesthetics. What’s more, the A-line gown’s most beloved feature is the artful pleating that compliments all shapes and sizes.
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size: 00-14 | Materials: Faille | Length: Floor-length
Loose-fitting and dreamy as can be, A.L.C.’s Luca maxi dress is a delightful summer frock for moms with bright and bold tastes. Coming in a shade called “Lucky Green,” this gown can easily be dressed up or down, and the faille fabric will keep you cool, no matter the venue or locale.
Courtesy of Dillard’s
Size: 4-18 | Materials: Sequin, polyester | Length: Floor-length
Want a little glitter and glam with your green? Mac Duggal has you covered with this dazzling A-line gown. The crew neckline, short sleeves, and covered back give you plenty of security, while the sequin embellishment—which adorns the bodice and trickles down the skirt—sparkles from every angle.
Courtesy of David’s Bridal
Size: 2-24 | Materials: Polyester, chiffon | Length: Knee-length
Even less formal events require a special mother-of-the-bride outfit, and Oleg Cassini fits the bill with this tasteful cocktail dress. The jersey sheath design boasts a wispy chiffon capelet that provides draped coverage, and the embellished shoulders add a pop of elegance to the understated look.
Courtesy of Moda Operandi
Size: 0-10 | Materials: Silk | Length: Floor-length
Made from 100% silk to keep you cool in humid climates, the Era of Palms maxi was made for sandy celebrations and beachside nuptials. From the square neckline to the printed palm design, this slim-fitting design will have you feeling the tropical vibes from the moment you slip it on.
Courtesy of Needle & Thread
Size: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester, tulle, sequin | Length: Ankle-length
Vintage-inspired and seasonally chic, Needle & Thread’s Alina dress is a gift in itself for holiday “I dos”. Sequins and tulle create a lustrous, ’40s style silhouette that feels both festive and feminine, and we especially love how the sweeping skirt stops at the ankles for a playful design.
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size: 2-12 | Materials: Velvet | Length: Floor-length
Hello, Hollywood glamour! The Rosie gown from Galvan is the definition of old-world elegance that, when made in the most stunning green emerald velvet fabric, is an autumn wedding must. Whether it’s the one-shoulder neckline, single long-sleeve, or sultry side slit, this is one gown that’ll bewitch beyond the big day.
Courtesy of Azazie
Size: 0-30, custom sizing | Materials: Chiffon, lace | Length: Floor-length
Want to take your mother-of-the-bride look to the next level? Give off goddess vibes with Azazie’s Gypsy gown. This floor-length chiffon dress—which comes in three different green hues—features hand-beaded embroidery, a slimming empire waist, and notable bell sleeves that evoke an undeniable air of mystique and glamour.
Courtesy of Amsale
Size: 00-28 | Materials: Mikado | Length: High-low midi
Midi dresses work well for various wedding formalities, and we love how this Amsale gown modernizes the ball gown silhouette with a shorter length and high-low hem. Add in the blue/green abstract design and strapless beaded bodice, and you have a truly one-of-a-kind dress that’s fit for any season.
Courtesy of Azazie
Size: 0-30, custom sizing | Materials: Crepe | Length: Floor-length
Turning heads as the mother of the bride or groom is a balancing act, but Azazie’s Ellen gown masters the art of a subtly sexy look. Asymmetrical neck straps form an origami back bow that pulls the eyes in, while the side slit and curve-hugging silhouette make them pop without feeling inappropriate.
What to Look for in Green Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses
With so many green dresses on the market, selecting the perfect option can feel daunting, which is why you’ll want to choose your ideal hue first. From dark emeralds to light sage, green is extremely versatile so it’s best to figure out your shade to help narrow down the choices. Many boutiques and stores let you request a swatch, which can give you a better idea of how the color will look in person.
Once you know what specific shade you’re after, you’ll want to keep the dress code, season, and venue in mind. Traditionally, full-length gowns in darker colors are more appropriate for formal and evening weddings, while shorter, lighter-hued looks work well for daytime, semi-formal, or warm-weather celebrations. When in doubt, though, it’s always best to get approval from the to-be-weds. They might have a specific green hue in mind, or they could help guide your choice to ensure it’s the appropriate level of formality for the event.
FAQ
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Since green is a fairly bold shade, you’ll likely want to stick to metal, diamond, or pearl accessories to really let the hue stand out. It’s also important to pay attention to the cut and formality of your dress in order to determine the exact accessories to wear. For example, if your gown has a higher neckline, skip the necklace and opt for dangly earrings instead.
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The best part about selecting a green dress is that the color works for every season. An emerald green is perfect for winter, fall, or holiday events, while pastel or brighter greens pair well with spring, summer, and warm-weather affairs. Keeping the season, as well as the wedding color palette, in mind will help you select the best green hue.
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Since green is such a popular color for mother-of-the-bride dresses, you can find options at most formalwear retailers. Some of our favorites include David’s Bridal, Azazie, BHLDN, Revelry, and Nordstrom (just to name a few).
Why Trust Brides
Contributing Expert Writer Rachel Varina is a full-time freelancer with over 10 years of editorial experience and seven years of experience in the wedding industry. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Elite Daily, Betches, Zola, and more.