Back by popular demand, I offer my top picks of plus size mother of the bride dresses, this time with sleeves! These gorgeous frocks can also work for mothers of the groom too!
Not Matronly but Appropriate
When I look for plus size mother of the bride dresses, I tend to avoid the “traditional” wedding attire brands. With some exceptions, as things are getting better, I find that most wedding retailers offer matronly styles for mothers of the bride.
There is no reason to attend your child’s wedding looking like you’ve given up on life!
You don’t want to look like you’re wearing a prom dress, but you also don’t want to look like you’ve wrapped yourself in layers of chiffon and are waiting to die following the reception.
I don’t want to sound like a jerk, but please don’t wear that type of dress or suit!
If you’re convinced that you want to wear a suit, try something with a modern cut and some structure. Or try a jumpsuit like this one or this one.
To Sleeve or Not to Sleeve
By the way, in case you didn’t notice, all of these dresses are long and have sleeves! If you’d like to see sleeveless and/or shorter dresses for mothers of the bride/groom, please let me know in the comments.
To be clear, I by no means think that anyone of any shape or size should ever feel obligated to cover their arms or more accepted if their arms are covered. Oh hell no! That is not my message.
If you want to wear a sleeveless or strapless dress, please do! And if you’d like to see my picks in that category, just let me know.
24 Plus Size Mother of the Bride Dresses with Sleeves
Just click the images below to go to the dress’ retailer.
I hope this collection of Mother of the Bride dresses has helped you find something amazing to wear!
More Plus Size Mother of the Bride Dresses
You can find more plus size mother of the bride dresses here and here.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on or purchase through certain links, I may receive a small commission.
Can you show some Mother of the Bride suits? I’m not sure what you mean by modern cut.
I mean something like this. And not something like this. And although this is no longer available, its a great example. Also, check this out. We’re between seasons right now so there’s less available, but usually Eloquii would have some good options.
I love these dresses BUT I’d also like to see Mother of the Bride shorter dresses and MOB ones appropriate for an outdoor garden wedding.
Yes! Short for outdoor garden wedding in the morning! Great job Alexa!
Ok, thanks!
Sage color plus size mother of the groom dress
Thank you so much for this post, Alexa. I am, as always, impressed with the amount of work that you put into your posts and I look forward to them every day!!
Thanks, Alissa!
I’d love to see more ideas for an outdoor/casual wedding. I’m a second-time bride planning a backyard wedding and have been scouring websites for dresses. I’m trying to stay away from traditional wedding gowns, so the MOB category seems like a better fit for me. I’m also an apple shape, so I’m leaning toward shift styles.
Have you seen these? They’re perfect for backyard weddings!
I am sure mothers of the bride appreciate these choices but wouldn’t it be nice for the mother if they had models that resembled them, not their daughters. Age is beautiful stop using any such young models especially when it comes to a specific style and demographic ( a mother of the bride will be at least 40 plus in age). Food for thought is all.
This is not a constructive comment. It has nothing to do with the dresses. You’ll need to go try them on yourself to see how they look on your version of mature. I can certainly tell which ones are a good choice for my size, shape and age just by looking at the dress and knowing my good and bad bits.
Love your choices in this collection. I’m shopping for a Mother of the Bride dress for a late afternoon beach wedding in June at Hilton Head Island. At 5’6″ I’m seeking a semi-formal dress that elongates my apple/pear shape since wearing heels on the sand will not be an option. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Hi, I would also like to see shorter (below the knee) dresses for an outdoor spring wedding. I’m 5’ 1” and carry my weight in my abdomen and my thighs. Maybe a pantsuit would be better? I’m really having a hard time finding something.
Thank you
Hi Gayle,
I am going to do another round up for shorter dresses soon!
Thanks!
I forgot to mention the wedding is in Smokey Mountain Natl Park early May. The wedding is fairly casual. I’m apple/pear shape.
Definitely would like to see shorter options – especially above or at the knee. I have great legs and the long/maxi dress adds about 30 pounds to my frame.
Thank you for all you do!
Hi Cary Jo,
I am going to do another round-up for shorter dresses soon!
Thanks!
I enjoyed your post, these are some beautiful dresses! I appreciate they have a sleeve. I find way too many sleeveless styles when I’m wanting a little bit of something on my shoulders. Looking forward to MOTB options a little shorter.
Thank you, “”There is no reason to attend your child’s wedding looking like you’ve given up on life!
You don’t want to look like you’re wearing a prom dress,..”
So many dresses look frumpy, most of your choices are great.
Thanks, Sherrie! ❤
Going to a wedding april 29 2023
Where are you located?
Can I attended for a fitting or is it online shopping?
I like only some of the dresses I’ve seen on you post. I’m an apple sized short woman of 5 ft. I prefer a classic look. Although, I realize that in formal wear for Apple Shaped Women that is an impossibity!
Something shorter would be helpful, perhaps even with an empire waist! My son will likely be holding the wedding in Florida, too! I need all the help you can offer me!!
Where can I find the beige one with the slit sleeves and sparkly top? These are beautiful.