20 Statement-Making Summer Dresses for the Mothers of the Bride and Groom

The mother figures in a couple's life, whether that's the mother of the bride, mother of the groom, stepmother, aunt, grandmother, or chosen mother, often receive a place of honor at a wedding ceremony and reception—and their attire should reflect it. These leading ladies deserve to wear once-in-a-lifetime gowns that are flattering, stylish, and unforgettable.

Of course, finding a dress that fits all those requirements while coordinating with—but not matching—the wedding party isn't always easy. "The dress needs to be more special than a guest dress, but not so special that it looks like she's trying to be attention-seeking—[moms] often comment that they don't want to overshadow the bride," says stylist Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride. The gown should complement the day in both color and silhouette—and help them feel their very best, she adds.

The 20 dream dresses on this list—including two of Sabatino's favorites—offer a summer-ready option for every taste, from knee-length to ball gown, plunging V-neck to boatneck, bright pink to black, and patterned to plain (but never boring). Still haven't found a favorite? Sabatino often has the mothers she works with bring in a gown they love to have it copied in a more formal fabric. "We often use inspiration garments that we [glam] up for the wedding because we know she will feel amazing in them," she says.