Grandmother of the Bride Dresses Style Guide (2024)

When Susan was looking for a grandmother of the bride dress to J at her granddaughter’s wedding in Israel, she said she wasn’t sure where to shop for this joyous family occasion.

Susan said because she lives in a small town, her options to find a grandmother of the bride wedding dress in person were limited. So instead, Susan searched the Internet and happily discovered a stunning and equally appropriate dress for her granddaughter Sarah’s wedding on AdriannaPapell.com.

“I was so delighted with my purchase. Thank you for the beautiful dress,” Susan said, adding Sarah’s other grandmother, Kathleen, coincidently also bought a dress for the wedding on AdriannaPapell.com. (We like to say great minds, great style.)

Grandmother of the Bride Dresses Style Guide (1)

Susan wearing our Hand-Beaded Faux Wrap Blouson Long Gown in Soft Silk

While the bride’s gown is obviously the most talked about dress of the day, that doesn’t mean that other family members shouldn’t also get dressed up for the wedding. In fact, your family and friends are sure to want to look their absolute best at your wedding, especially the grandmothers of the wedding couple.

If you are lucky enough to have your family’s matriarch (grandma, granny, mom mom, nonna, oma or savta) at your wedding, consider yourself lucky. She is a true gem, the guest of honor and deserves to wear something beautiful that makes her feel special.

What exactly is a grandma-approved dress? We are pleased to share with you our style guide to what your grandmother can wear to the wedding. We have a huge assortment of dance floor-worthy grandmother of the bride dresses she (and you) will fall in love with. We have a huge assortment of styles – long, short, florals and hand-beaded—all from the Adrianna Papell’s grandmother of the bride dress selection that is sure to show everyone how grandma is still the life of the party.

So, what should a grandmother of the bride wear to her granddaughter's or grandson's wedding? Whatever she likes of course! While mother of the bride dresses will work perfectly for a grandmother of the bride, sometimes grandmothers prefer a few extra flourishes in their attire-dresses with sleeves, easy-to-wear styles and separates. We recommend choosing a style she feels comfortable and confident in, that is easy-to-wear, festive and of course suits her sparkling personality!

So go call your grandma and start shopping our selection of hand-beaded gowns, floral dresses and versatile tops. Our collection of grandmother of the bride dresses are perfect for any venue—from beachy cool to a formal affair and at any time of year. Don’t forget to be available for a sweet treat after browsing our collection.

Long-sleeved wedding dresses for grandmothers of the bride are a classic and sophisticated style that looks amazing in any formal setting. The long sleeves provide added coverage and warmth for a cool evening.

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Hand-Beaded Illusion Long Gown in Bordeaux

We love this regal look for grandma. She’ll feel so glam with the allover hand beading, the long sheer illusion blouson sleeves and the slight flare at the hem for ease of movement. Bonus: the Bordeaux shade is perfect for grandma all year.

Don’t be afraid of bright colors and bold patterns when shopping for a dress for the grandmother of the bride. We especially love floral prints because they are extra cheerful on such a happy occasion in a variety of settings.

Kathleen wearing our Floral-Print Ruffled Chiffon Capelet Long Gown in Blue Multi

Sarah’s grandmother Kathleen chooses this chiffon gown for the big day. We love how pretty and soft looking this floral-printed gown is on. This dress features dainty ruffles and a flattering back cape for added movement. Your grandmother will feel fashionable and special wearing a look that blooms and flows and looks effortless chic on the dance floor.

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Off Shoulder Dress With Floral Embellishment In Vintage Blue

A comfortable and flattering formal gown is always appropriate for the grandmother-of-the-bride—especially if it’s covered in sparkles. We especially love the clean lines and rich textures of these styles.

Sarah’s grandmother Susan wore this stunning long gown to the wedding in Israel. We love the iconic (and universally-flattering) blouson style that’s a sophisticated option for a variety of settings. It has shimmering hand-beaded details, a faux wrap bodice and breezy flutter sleeves.

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Hand-Beaded Faux Wrap Blouson Long Gown in Soft Silk

A full-length gown isn’t required attire for your grandmother to wear at your wedding. A great co*cktail dress goes everywhere and anywhere. Grandmothers often prefer the ease of the shorter hemline. These dresses are perfect for daytime or casual weddings, all the way to a formal evening affair.

This marble-colored sheath dress with sheer illusion flutter sleeves and a hemline that hits just above the knees. It’s dripping with exquisite handsewn beadwork and has a super flattering blouson bodice.

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Hand-Beaded Short Blouson Sheath co*cktail Dress in Marble

The iconic blouson bodice provides extra room in the bust and makes an elegant, yet comfortable choice for grandmas to wear to their granddaughter’s or grandson’s wedding.

The sparkly handsewn beading transforms this grandmother of the bride's wedding dress into a beautiful ensemble for black-tie affairs and co*cktail parties. The flutter sleeves and blouson silhouette will give ample coverage and provide a flattering, yet comfortable fit.

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Grandmother of the Bride Dresses Style Guide (2024)

FAQs

What does a grandmother of the bride wear to the wedding? ›

A comfortable and flattering formal gown is always appropriate for the grandmother-of-the-bride—especially if it's covered in sparkles. We especially love the clean lines and rich textures of these styles. Sarah's grandmother Susan wore this stunning long gown to the wedding in Israel.

What color should a grandmother wear to her granddaughter's wedding? ›

Some couples may also want to ask their grandmas to wear an ensemble that complements the wedding's color scheme, but whatever hue she chooses, her dress should be comfortable, flattering, and make her feel important.

What should an 80 year old woman wear to a wedding? ›

Pantsuits, jumpsuits, and dresses are appropriate choices for casual weddings. Women over 60 can choose knee-length, tea-length, or full-length dresses for most wedding themes. A full-length gown is the most suitable choice for formal or black-tie events.

What should a woman over 60 wear to a wedding? ›

Midi length is the preferred length for many women who want dresses to attend formal or semi-formal events. Maxi Length – Maxi dresses can be flattering if you are over 60 because it makes sure that everything is safely covered. It is elegant and suitable for fancier occasions.

Who should walk the grandmother of the bride down the aisle? ›

Ushers can escort a grandmother if so desired. Grandparents of the bride would follow immediately after & are seated on the left side. If grandparents are not in the condition to walk down the aisle, we recommend pre-seating them prior to the processional.

What is the role of a grandmother at her granddaughter's wedding? ›

Like most “grandmother” jobs, this one is optional. The exception being if you raised your granddaughter, as a good friend of the mine did. In that case, you are the one putting on the wedding. Other than that, the grandmother has no duty but to walk down the aisle before the parents do.

What color of wedding dress should an older woman wear? ›

Older brides looking for a non-traditional wedding dress may love a non-white option for their vow exchange. From glamorous champagne shades to bright blue, there are no rules when it comes to wedding day style, so you can decide what color you want to rock as you walk down the aisle.

What is co*cktail attire for a wedding for an older woman? ›

Dresses: For co*cktail dresses, opt for well-fitted styles that hit anywhere from midthigh to ankle. Some classic co*cktail-dress silhouettes include A-line, sheath, wrap, empire and slip, but you can of course step outside of these bounds—as long as the dress reads as stylish and elegant.

How to dress elegantly at 70? ›

Top 5 tips on how to dress over 70
  1. Fancy up your flats. Thankfully, the days of boring, sensible flats are long gone. ...
  2. Try new collar shapes. Blazers and structured jackets are timeless classics, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun with them. ...
  3. Make an understatement. ...
  4. Bag a trend. ...
  5. Embrace the eclectic.
May 8, 2024

How to dress classy over 60? ›

Know what works.

Some styles work particularly well for senior women, Brock says. Blazers and cardigans pair well with V-neck tops, sheath dresses, shift dresses and button-down shirts. "In warmer months, V-neck tops with elbow-length sleeves are the new T-shirt for seniors," she says.

What do older brides wear in their hair? ›

Whether it is incorporating a bit of color so that you don't look so traditionally bridal, choosing a short veil or headpiece that makes you feel beautifully feminine and chic, or going with a nontraditional cape for a bit of shoulder and arm coverage, the options are endless for older brides.

Can an older woman wear pants to a wedding? ›

Yes, you absolutely can. If you don't like dresses or your legs are not your best feature, pants are totally acceptable, so long as you keep the time of day and venue in mind.

How Much Should grandparents give for a wedding gift? ›

Bottom line: There's no hard-and-fast rule on how much cash to give as a wedding gift. Wedding experts advise starting at $100. From there, you may want to adjust up to $500 based on factors such as your relationship with the couple, your budget and the cost of your attendance at the wedding.

Do grandmothers get ready with the bride? ›

That is completely up to you, who you want with you when you get ready. Most brides have their bridesmaids and mum. Some also have friends, or grandma, and mother of the groom too.

Do grandparents have to walk down the aisle at a wedding? ›

Grandparents: It is optional to have the grandparents of the bride and groom formally walk down the aisle. If they participate, they should enter first after all guests are seated. If they are on their own, they should be escorted by another family member. Groom's grandparents enter first.

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