Being the mother of the groom is like joining a reality show halfway through the season. The main characters are already established, the drama’s brewing, alliances have been formed (looking at you, bridesmaids), and you’re just trying to figure out how not to get eliminated in the group photos.

Unlike the bride—who has fittings, fanfare, and possibly a six-page mood board—or the mother of the bride, who usually gets first dibs on everything from dresses to florals, the MOG is often expected to just… figure it out. Quietly. Elegantly. And with the kind of ESP that lets you coordinate perfectly without ever being told what the actual palette is.

So, yeah. No pressure.

Here’s the thing: You deserve better. You deserve a dress that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and like yourself—just turned up a notch. I’ve worked with hundreds of women in your shoes, and I promise: it’s not just possible, it can actually be fun. But first, let’s debunk some myths and avoid the common pitfalls. Like beige. (We’ll get to that.)

✦ First, Talk to the Other Mom

Tradition says the mother of the bride chooses her look first, and the mother of the groom follows suit. Tradition also said women couldn’t wear pants and butter was the devil, so… take that for what it’s worth.

Still, it’s helpful to open the lines of communication. Ask what she’s wearing, or at least what color she’s considering. This isn’t about matching—it's about not looking like you're attending two completely different weddings. Think of it less like a uniform and more like a cast photo: cohesive, but everyone gets their own personality.

Bonus: it saves everyone from the awkward “So… you’re wearing that?” moment.

✦ Consider the Bridesmaid Color Palette (But Don’t Join the Squad)

You don’t have to match the bridal party. In fact, please don’t. But it’s smart to choose something that plays well with the overall palette. If the bridesmaids are in soft sage, and you show up in fire-engine red, that’s not a look—it’s a hostage situation for the photographer.

Aim for complementary, not copycat. Think: same world, different storyline.

✦ Figure Out What Actually Works for You

Here’s how to start narrowing it down without spiraling:

1. Shop Your Closet
Grab a few things you already own that make you feel amazing—colors, necklines, lengths, silhouettes. Yes, even that one blouse you always get compliments on. These are clues.

2. Stick to Your Style Lane
This is not the moment to reinvent yourself as someone who wears high necklines, boxy jackets, or pastels—unless that’s truly your thing. If it feels like a costume, it’ll look like one.

3. Avoid the Pinterest Trap
Search “Mother of the Groom Dresses” and you’ll be served a buffet of outfits that say “attending a country club memorial service.” You have permission to look beyond the beige jacket sets. Explore rich colors, interesting fabrics, great tailoring. You’re not here to fade into the background.

4. Trust Your Gut
If you have to talk yourself into it, it’s not the one. If you look in the mirror and feel like someone’s well-dressed aunt from a pharmaceutical commercial, keep looking. You should feel like you—just slightly more editorial.

5. Ask for Help (Seriously)
If this feels like too much, let us help. This is literally what we do. We know what photographs well, what travels well, and what makes moms cry happy tears in the dressing room. Even if you have no clue what you want, we’ll help you figure it out. No beige jackets required.

We’ve got dresses in our showroom that you can try on—even if they’re not your final color or fabric. Sometimes just trying things on is enough to get clarity. (Sometimes, it’s how you realize what not to wear—which is progress.)

Let us make this easier. DM, call, text, email, or just show up with a friend, and we'll get you a drink and a dress (win, win!). We’ve got you.

And stay tuned—for my next #AskDavid, we’ll be tackling the other side of this dynamic duo: what the Mother of the Bride should wear (yes, we’re coming for the jacket set next).

Want to see how we REALLY help our clients? Check out these client images!