https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:16:46 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob/page/2#post-1996945 Tue, 29 Jan 2019 17:53:38 +0000 Eliza 1996945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exciting to be MOB. As to what to wear, I think it is whatever makes you feel your best on the big day, assuming the bride is happy, too. Our daughter was married in a formal wedding last year. There was no question of the MOG and I being on exactly the same page, as she was wearing an elegant sari, while I was in a simple silk gown. The mix of saris and largely cocktail attire on the women guests was stunning (made for gorgeous photos). I would have considered a very dressy pants look, but my daughter preferred the gown option for me, likely because she had not seen how formal pants can be.&nbsp;</p> <p>If the lovely dress you described is your "it" dress, then enjoy it. If your mind is open to other possibilities pleasing you even more, hang onto if you can and keep your eyes open for something that tops it. But I wouldn't sweat the length. You will look beautiful either way and few would be comparing by dress length. Sounds like a lovely time lies ahead.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob/page/2#post-1996815 Tue, 29 Jan 2019 03:45:24 +0000 tulle 1996815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Ah, Unfrumped, I was hoping that maybe someone else had been in the same position!&nbsp; Good to know that the difference didn't seem to matter in your case. I agree completely about quality--a simple dress of excellent design and quality has more presence than a fancy, flimsy one--and this becomes even more important, I believe, as we age.</div><div>Aquamarine, I do feel lucky that my daughter is (so far!) a calm bride who just wants everyone to feel good and have fun. So I'm working on completing the short-dress outfit that will be ready to go when needed, but also, as Karen recommends, keeping an open mind to serendipity in the form of a knockout designer gown--preferably on deep discount!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob/page/2#post-1996662 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 17:09:35 +0000 karen13 1996662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tulle - 18 months ago I bought a long gown for two family weddings (I wasn’t in either, but it was the dress I liked best and was appropriate to the events, plus sun coverage for Hawaii in July!). Last year I hemmed it to a shorter length that was more in keeping with my style, and wore it to DD’sgraduation. I agree you should wear what you love and makes you feel best, particularly if the bride doesn’t want something specific. But have an open mind as you approach the event. Congrats and have fun with this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob/page/2#post-1996609 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:25:29 +0000 Aquamarine 1996609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If the bride doesn’t care, I say do what makes you most comfortable. Your dress sounds lovely. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob/page/2#post-1996607 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:06:34 +0000 unfrumped 1996607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Would love to see the dress but I’d say fit and quality trump length. Long gowns can be hard to find also and many times I’ve seen ladies in formal wear that looks nothing special if the gown dies nothing for their body type or best features. Or has any other advantages, such as, sometimes with a long gown one can get away with lower heels ( if willing to have it hemmed).<br /> I may be biased because at my daughter’s wedding I wore a Kay Unger cocktail dress while MOG wore a long gown. It was all good, I thought. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob/page/2#post-1996577 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 04:26:47 +0000 tulle 1996577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Thanks for the support, everyone.&nbsp; I suppose I should have started a new thread, but after writing the tome inspired by this one, I will probably wait awhile before doing so.&nbsp; Maybe closer to the wedding--especially if I have not yet located the perfect silver shoes! <br /></div><div>Rachy, corsages are another one of those traditional things that I have always avoided, but I did think of pinning a gardenia to the flap of my clutch bag, for that heavenly scent...<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob/page/2#post-1996562 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 02:42:56 +0000 Alicewonderland 1996562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your dress sounds perfect! I think you should wear it. You don’t have to match or blend in. I remember when a good friend got married, her mom wore a suit to the church ceremony. It was so chic and classy. It was so simple, yet it’s the only outfit I remember from that day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob/page/2#post-1996507 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 19:33:37 +0000 rachylou 1996507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds lovely! Will you have corsages? Corsages orchestrate everything... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob/page/2#post-1996484 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 18:48:59 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1996484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tulle, so many parts of that dress sound just right for you, and like it fits in with the bride and groom's ideas for the wedding very well. The nice part of being MoB is that it is a unique role; you don't have to match anyone. Yes, there is a MoG in a similar role, but I don't see why either of you have any pull or rank over the other. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob/page/2#post-1996475 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 18:33:38 +0000 Angie 1996475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another who thinks you deserve your own thread! Exciting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob/page/2#post-1996426 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 15:17:48 +0000 Jules 1996426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree, start a new a thread. Where I will chime in to tell you to wear the dress you planned on! It sounds lovely and well-thought out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob/page/2#post-1996401 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 13:03:13 +0000 ChrisM 1996401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I say - wear your lovely ensemble and a big smile because you know you look your best and you are celebrating a very happy occasion. Do not succomb to the pressure to be matchy-matchy with dress length especially since 1) you found something you love and “sparks joy” (as elusive as that feeling can be) 2) DD said to wear what makes you more comfortable and 3) your friends obviously think it’s appropriate because they told you to be true to yourself.</p> <p>It sounds like you will not be mistaken for a guest - you have plenty of celebratory glitz and polish built into your ensemble (the silvery accents, the lovely fabric of the dress. </p> <p>Congratulations!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob/page/2#post-1996400 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 12:47:42 +0000 Liz 1996400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Tulle, I'd suggest that you start a new thread for this. It sounds like you'd really appreciate some feedback, yet on long threads like this, people tend only to see the original poster's question and they'll miss the really important question you'd like to have feedback on. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>FWIW, your dress sounds lovely and perfectly appropriate. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob/page/2#post-1996387 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 09:54:36 +0000 tulle 1996387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Friends, I would like to revive this thread with a long entry, if I may, because my daughter will be married next October, and I am feeling a bit wobbly about what to wear. It will be an evening wedding in a beautiful historic building, with cocktails and a seated dinner after the ceremony. My daughter's dress is a chic, stunning, one-shouldered Carolina Herrera gown. The bridesmaids will wear lovely midnight-blue velvet wrap dresses asymmetrically hemmed from knee-length in front to tea-length or longer in back. Their bouquet flowers will all be white, the centerpieces also, in deep blue-and-white porcelain containers.&nbsp; I began looking for my own dress early, because I knew it would present a challenge.&nbsp; Most of the MOB standbys--drifty chiffon, full skirts, floral prints, and delicate lace--make me look and feel hopelessly frumpy, and so many of the current trends in dresses (bathrobe-like wraps, ruffles, very high or low necklines, droopy hemlines, slinky fabrics, splashy prints) just don't suit me at all. I feel best in a body-skimming, slightly structured dress with luxe details. I thought I was in luck when I found a short a-line dress with a v-neck and dramatic trumpet sleeves, made of heavy, almost metallic, openwork lace in a gorgeous shade of steel blue (one of my favorite and best colors.) It's beautifully made, with a lighter blue silky lining showing through the lace to create a brocade effect. The hem and sleeves are shaped by the curved edge of the lace. My plan was to wear shimmery sheer hose and silver shoes, and carry a pretty silver beaded envelope clutch.&nbsp; The dress has a&nbsp; retro '60s vibe, so my mother's vintage rhinestone earrings and brooch seemed like the right touch of bling. &nbsp; I'd thought I was all set, until the mother of the groom told me that she definitely intends to wear a floor-length gown. My daughter assures me that I should wear whatever makes me comfortable, and my friends urge me to go with the length and style that suits me best, but I can't help worrying that I may look insufficiently dressed up, especially after reading some of the above comments about the difference between wedding guest and MOB outfits, and that this could in turn make my daughter's future mother-in-law uncomfortable. I would really rather not wear a long gown, and have not yet seen anything in tea-length (a possible compromise)&nbsp; that "sparks joy", as Marie Kondo&nbsp; would say.&nbsp; I don't usually dither this much over wardrobe choices, but for such an emotional occasion, I would really like to get the tone right. &nbsp; Any advice would be helpful.&nbsp; Thanks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob#post-1951256 Sun, 26 Aug 2018 02:08:48 +0000 Aquamarine 1951256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FashIntern, I know for sure one MOB will be wearing a long gown. The other I am not sure about. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob#post-1951123 Sat, 25 Aug 2018 09:43:28 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1951123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think searching for “wedding guest”, “MOG/B” and the like is a decent way t get an idea, before you move on to looking for your own style. </p> <p>For her son’s outdoor wedding last summer, my sister wore a bright blue dress that ended just below her knees with matching blue block heels. Her hair was sleeked back. No beads or sparkles anywhere. She looked fantastic. The bride’s mom dressed more closely to your formula. </p> <p>My first posts on YLF were about my dress for the wedding. I wore a Maggy London fit n flare with an all-over floral pattern. I also looked at Arriane Papel and Eliza J. </p> <p>Do you know the couple or their parents well enough to enquire if your assumptions about what the MOB/MOG will be wearing are correct? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob#post-1951036 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 18:48:58 +0000 unfrumped 1951036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BTW I have tried the Eliza J dress Find above but in the white/ gray overlay. The blue came out after. It was really pretty and ALMOST right, perfect shoulder fit, sleeves, great length, but had a slight “ mermaid “ fit to the midsection that was unexpected and felt too body - con. Might not be s problem now. At the time I also decided the gray/ White version would still be hard to do for a wedding.<br /> I have been tempted to try the blue, which could be a great color , and have had it in my cart. It’s kind of magical thinking that it may fit differently. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob#post-1951029 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 17:55:47 +0000 Aquamarine 1951029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting discussion. I agree the rules are all over the place, as evidenced by everyone else’s experiences. Prints are not completely off the table, but for nighttime weddings at posh venues I worry they can skew unsophisticated. I have very few prints in my wardrobe as I am really picky. And I worry they can be too memorable. </p> <p>So, I do like texture (lace, soutache) and dark colors. Trying to avoid black but a textured black might work. Sequins? Dunno. Seems like the jury is still out on that. There are a lot of fancy sleeves out there. Might like that, too, although I am relatively happy with my upper arms and not opposed to sleeveless.</p> <p>Here are some dresses that caught my eye on the first pass. I also looked at Bloomies but I can’t seem to collect anything from there. I like sheaths but sheaths haven’t been liking me with the 5 pounds that have settled on my middle...hence, I am thinking I will try to camouflage with something distracting. Also, I am 5’4” on a good day so some midi dresses can be overwhelming on me but I do like knee length (39-40” seems to work well).</p> <p>I don’t think any of these scream MOB... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob#post-1951019 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 17:15:14 +0000 Freckles 1951019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Before I started looking for MOTG dresses last year I had a specific do and don't list in my head for myself.&nbsp; Add all the brides and started shopping.&nbsp; What a shock!<br />I ended up with something I wouldn't even have tried on if my friend hadn't made me and it was perfect for the occasion.<br />I said well this will be a one wear dress and was told in emphatic terms that I had better wear it to her sons wedding a year a half away or I'd be sorry...lol.<br />Thank heavens for totally honest friends.<br />I think the&nbsp; rules have totally changed and really don't see much difference between guest and MOTG for formal weddings.&nbsp; A lot of the other women my age wore long dresses to my son's wedding.&nbsp; The best mans mother had on a dress I wished had been available as I would have worn it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob#post-1950969 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 14:50:02 +0000 JuniperGreen 1950969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Echoing Angie's question - are patterns completely off the table?&nbsp; I feel like that's one of the easiest distinctions between a guest and an MOB dress.&nbsp; It's fairly uncommon for members of the wedding party to wear a pattern (though not unheard of).&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob#post-1950957 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 13:54:22 +0000 Bijou 1950957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like sequins and would not have a problem with wearing my sequinned dress to a wedding, because it is not a dress that you expect anyone in the wedding party to be wearing. I recently bought this sequinned dresses that I plan to wear to a ballet opening night, the dress code is black tie - but it is not strictly adhered to with most dressing in cocktail dresses. I have quite a few work events to attend and need dresses that can go from cocktail to black tie, depending on the styling. I like wearing dresses that I know I can move in easily and so I tend to shy away from long dresses and anything revealing.</p> <p>I think the key is to find something that you love and gives you versatility that you want to wear. I can see CJ, Sal and Janet all getting lots of wear from their beautiful dresses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob#post-1950948 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 13:19:50 +0000 lyn67 1950948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Why avoiding sequins (<b>Rcarla</b>:-did you mean all over, or at all?), just curious...and yes, why avoiding patterns???? (maybe only if a personal thing, I guess).</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob#post-1950943 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 12:53:20 +0000 Janet 1950943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like the rules have changed in a lot of ways, and that’s a good thing! I like the advice to stay true to your style. Don’t be afraid to depart from the tried and true sheath dress if you see something that appeals to you. I was pleasantly surprised that this halter style dress worked for me for my niece’s wedding, and now I’m wishing for another occasion to wear it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob#post-1950933 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 12:19:52 +0000 Angie 1950933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Why no patterns?&nbsp;</p> <p>There are SOOOO many great dresses. Start showing us the type of thing you are looking for, and we can help you search. Leave plenty of time for alterations.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob#post-1950913 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 11:00:58 +0000 Neelie 1950913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great topic of discussion, I always struggle with this.&nbsp; I am invited to a "black tie welcome" wedding in October and don't know whether to wear long or cocktail length.&nbsp; I find this dress code designation wishy-washy...take a stand!&nbsp; Black tie or cocktail attire! Tell the guests what you want.&nbsp; By leaving it open it just creates uncertainty in my opinion...</p> <p>If I decide to go with a long gown I will rent one from "Rent Frock Repeat" (Canadian version of "Rent the Runway") as I don't own a long gown.</p> <p>Reading everyone's comments with interest!&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob#post-1950821 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 23:28:22 +0000 Irina 1950821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was a wedding guest once and wore a floor length dress. I felt slightly overdressed. On my son’s wedding last year, only I and MOB plus the bridesmaids wore long dresses. Other women wore either short or tea length dresses. I thought it was appropriate. So, my rules will be nothing sparkly or long for a guest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob#post-1950811 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 22:46:22 +0000 The Cat 1950811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It may depend on where in the world you are. In Scandinavia, MOBs and MOGs are not expected to wear certain styles or colours. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob#post-1950810 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 22:33:06 +0000 Anonymous 1950810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you need to travel with the dress, I hear that lace is the way to go. It is supposed th pack well and not show wrinkles. As a wedding guest, I tend to wear a sheath dress. Not black or white. A sheath dress would probably look too casual for a MOB. My favorite is a light taupey beige fit'n flare sheath with nude pink accessories. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob#post-1950776 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 19:46:46 +0000 Sal 1950776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree it is a tricky area to buy for - and the rules are changing and different depending on where you live, the social circle etc..</p> <p>At a recent wedding here the MOG wore a long sleeve pink lace sheath dress - it was gorgoeus, with a hat.&nbsp; Other guests in the same age range wore similar - sheaths with long sleeve or a jacket over the top.&nbsp; There were lots of luxe faur fur wraps.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I wore the dress in the find below with a black slip and pumps.&nbsp; It looked a lot dressier than in the find.&nbsp; I am 48.&nbsp; Others my age wore jumpsuits, trouser suits, midi dresses and dressy shifts and sheaths.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-guest-dresses-vs-mob#post-1950775 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 19:34:22 +0000 Aquamarine 1950775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unfrumped...yes, my filters should probably be narrowed down a bit but I thought it was a good first pass and then I was surprised at the overlap. </p>