Colours Mothers of the Bride and Groom Can (and Can’t) Wear
Introduction
One of the most common questions we hear at Ever Elegant is: “What colours are appropriate for the Mother of the Bride or Groom?” The answer isn’t always black and white (or navy!). It depends on the couple’s preferences, the season, and most importantly — what makes you feel fabulous.
Here’s our guide to choosing colours that are flattering, respectful, and perfectly suited to Australian weddings.
1. Colours to Approach with Care
Traditionally, mothers are advised to avoid white or ivory, as these shades are reserved for the bride. Beyond that, today’s weddings are much more flexible.
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Champagne and blush: Once considered “too bridal,” these are now very popular choices, especially for pastel-themed weddings. They work beautifully when chosen in elegant, structured fabrics that clearly distinguish them from bridal gowns.
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Bridesmaid colour: It’s best not to wear the exact shade of the bridesmaids unless the couple requests it. But complementary tones can look wonderful.
2. Universally Flattering Choices
Some shades consistently look elegant and photograph beautifully:
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Navy → timeless, sophisticated, and one of our best sellers (especially in autumn and winter).
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Cobalt and royal blue → vibrant, uplifting, and a great alternative to navy.
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Pastels → blush, champagne, soft green, and powder blue work beautifully for garden or summer weddings.
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Silver and dove grey → chic neutrals that flatter most complexions.
3. Seasonal Colour Suggestions for Australian Weddings
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Summer garden weddings: light pastels, champagne, blush, and fresh greens.
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Winter black-tie: classic navy, cobalt, and deep jewel colours. (We suggest steering away from metallics for mothers — elegant matte fabrics look more timeless.)
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Beach weddings: brighter shades work well — think cobalt, aquas, blush, and soft neutrals that reflect the light.
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Autumn celebrations: green tones have been especially fashionable in recent seasons, from sage through to deep emerald, with navy also remaining a strong choice.
4. Coordination with the Other Mother
Tradition says the Mother of the Bride shops first, but today many mothers choose together. The goal is coordination, not duplication.
That said, it’s not a hard rule. Some mothers actually look wonderful in the same colour family — for example, both wearing navy — as long as the outfits are different in style. Ultimately, it’s about what feels right for each of you and the couple’s preferences.
5. Be Open to New Shades
Many women arrive convinced they can only wear navy or black — but are pleasantly surprised by how flattering cobalt, silver, champagne, or soft green can be. Being open to suggestions allows you to find a colour that enhances your skin tone and feels truly special for the day.
Closing
The “rules” about colour are much more flexible than they used to be. At Ever Elegant, our role is to help you find a shade that feels comfortable, looks flattering, and works beautifully with the wedding style. Whether you choose timeless navy, uplifting cobalt, soft champagne, or elegant pastels, the key is to select a colour that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
👉 Explore our Mother of the Bride & Groom collections in Melbourne to discover exclusive outfits in a wide range of colours and styles.
Q1: Can a Mother of the Bride or Groom wear champagne or blush?
A: Yes. Champagne and blush are now very popular, especially for pastel-themed weddings. These shades look elegant when styled with structure and detail, making them distinct from the bridal gown.
Q2: Is navy still the most popular colour for mothers?
A: Absolutely. Navy is timeless and remains one of the best-selling choices, particularly for autumn and winter weddings. For a fresh twist, cobalt and royal blue are also flattering and modern.
Q3: What colours should mothers avoid?
A: The only firm rule is to avoid wearing full white or ivory, as these shades are traditionally reserved for the bride. Small touches of white or ivory in trims, prints, or detailing are perfectly acceptable, provided the main colour of your outfit is different. Beyond that, most colours are flexible, as long as they suit the wedding theme and don’t exactly duplicate the bridesmaids’ shade.
Q4: Do the Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom have to wear different colours?
A: Not at all. Coordination is key, but both mothers can wear similar tones — such as navy or cobalt — provided their outfits are different styles.
Q5: What colours are trending right now for Australian weddings?
A: Alongside navy, cobalt, and champagne, shades of green are very fashionable for autumn weddings. Silver, dove grey, and pastels are also versatile and flattering for a wide range of venues.
