The mothers of the bride and groom are in almost every photograph at an Indian wedding. They greet guests, take part in rituals and stand beside the couple through the day. Their outfits should look rich, feel comfortable for hours and sit well with what the couple and the rest of the family are wearing. Here is how to choose.
Start with Three Questions
- What are the couple wearing? Ask the bride and groom for their colour palette so you do not clash or match exactly.
- Which function is it? Ceremonies call for traditional silk. Evenings can carry more shimmer.
- How long will you be dressed? Choose a fabric you can sit, stand and walk in comfortably.
Colours That Work
- Maroon, wine and deep red: classic and auspicious, especially for ceremonies.
- Emerald, bottle green and teal: rich and photograph well on everyone.
- Mauve, lavender and dusty pink: soft and elegant for day functions and receptions.
- Gold and mustard: warm and festive, good for haldi and day events.
Avoid the exact colour of the bride's lehenga and, in many families, plain white or black at ceremonies. When unsure, ask a senior family member.
Fabrics That Suit the Role
Soft silk, Banarasi and tissue sarees give a dignified look with a gentle drape. Heavy brocade can be tiring in a hot hall, so look for a lighter weave. Georgette with handwork is another easy option, since it does not weigh you down.
Blouse and Jewellery
Choose a comfortable blouse with elbow-length or full sleeves and a neckline you can wear for hours. For jewellery, one statement necklace and matching earrings are enough when the saree has detailed work. Keep the bangles and the hair accessories simple.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a very heavy saree for a long ceremony.
- Wearing a new pair of heels for the first time on the day.
- Leaving the blouse stitching to the last week.
- Matching the bride's colour exactly.
Picks from VJV Now
- Mauve Handwoven Banarasi Tissue Designer Saree – ₹10,700
- Golden Kanjivaram Soft Silk Saree with Beads Work – ₹8,000
- Sky Blue Wedding Designer Dola Silk Saree – ₹4,600
- Traditional Green Banarasi Rangkat Natural Silk Saree – ₹5,600
For the rest of the family, see our guides to wedding guest outfits for women and what to wear for every Gujarati wedding ritual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colour should the mother of the bride wear?
Maroon, green, mauve and gold are safe and elegant choices. Check the bride's colour palette first and avoid matching it exactly.
Should the mother of the groom match the mother of the bride?
No. Coordinating colours is nice, but each should have her own look. A shared palette is enough.
Is silk or georgette better?
Soft silk looks traditional and rich. Georgette is lighter and easier to wear for long hours. Choose by the function and the weather.
How early should I buy the saree?
At least four to six weeks before the wedding, so there is time for blouse stitching and fitting.
