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Grandmother of the Bride Dresses: 15 Picks for Grans of the Bride or Groom

Find an elegant and stylish outfit for your grandchild's special day in our edit of grandmother of the bride or groom dresses

older model in dress holding rose with rose backdrop

older model in dress holding rose with rose backdrop

Finding the perfect grandmother of the bride dress is key to feeling and looking your most confident on your grandchild's wedding day. 

There are a few things you should consider though, like the formality of the event - this plays a big role! For a grand, black-tie affair, a tailored dress exudes timeless elegance. If the wedding is a more casual celebration, a flowy silhouette or a charming tea dress might be ideal. But remember, you're never too old to showcase your unique style!

And of course, all these looks are perfect for the grandmother of the groom too. 

15 Elegant Dresses for the Grandmother of the Bride or Groom

We've curated 15 stunning dresses that strike the perfect balance between elegance, comfort, and timeless sophistication. Whether your taste leans towards classic silhouettes or something a touch more modern, we've got you covered. So, get ready to shine bright (almost as bright as the happy couple, of course) as you celebrate this special day!

Grandmother of the Bride Dresses

1. Floral Beaded Blouson Tea Length Dress in Navy Blush - Adrianna Papell 

mature model in blue dress with pink background

This stunning Adrianna Papell dress is a perfect choice for the grandmother of the bride or groom, offering a beautiful blend of elegance, sophistication - and a touch of sparkle ideal for a wedding celebration.

The fitted bodice and full skirt create a classic and universally flattering shape. This style cinches the waist and flows gracefully from the hips, offering a comfortable and elegant look throughout the day.

  • Expert Take: While the silhouette is classic, the floral beadwork adds a touch of modern flair. This keeps the dress from feeling too traditional and ensures you look current and stylish.
  • Sizing: UK 4 to 24 
  • Price: £240 

£240 | Shop Now

2. Aurelia Cascading Floral Print Silk Midi Dress - John Lewis 

floral dress with red bag and shoes

As far as grandma of the bride dresses go, this one from Hobbs is sure to turn heads in all the right ways! This midi dress boasts a refined A-line tea silhouette, crafted from luxuriously soft silk for a drape that feels as beautiful as it looks. The v-neckline offers a touch of elegance without being too revealing, while the ever-so-slightly puffed sleeves nod to a modern trend in a subtle and age-appropriate way.

  • Expert Take: This Hobbs dress embodies the brand's signature floral aesthetic, with a print that's both timeless and perfectly suited for a celebratory occasion - and we can’t get enough! 
  • Sizing: UK 6 to 20 
  • Price: £349

£349 | Shop Now

3. Deanna Dress - Hobbs

Model wearing a pleated floral navy grandmother of the bride dress

Pleats are universally flattering and particularly great for petite frames as they draw the eye downward, creating a lengthening effect. The Deanna dress is an excellent choice for the grandmother of the bride or groom, featuring sheer balloon sleeves for a contemporary touch and a super pretty floral print. 

Defined by a beautiful placed waterlily print and pleated skirt, the Deanna dress ensures you'll exude elegance with every step—whether you're attending a wedding or another elegant event. 

  • Expert Take: Lighten up the look with some pearl accessories—or some of these beauties! This combination guarantees you'll look both modern and sophisticated, perfect for the special day.
  • Sizing: UK 6 to 18
  • Price: £149

£149 | Shop Now

4. Diamond Midi Dress - Whistles

Model wearing a diamond print grandmother of the bride dress

Another fabulous printed grandmother of the bride dress, this time from Whistles. Modern elegance are two words that come to mind with this gown, making it perfect for a sophisticated country house wedding.

Elegant, modern, and vivacious, this grandmother of the bride dress is sure to turn heads all year round. Designed with a fitted waist and short fluted sleeves, it’s ideal for summer days, while the printed diamonds make a bold statement. 

  • Expert Take: Style it with everything from sandals to heels, depending on the occasion and complete the look with delicate jewellery and a matching clutch for a perfectly polished outfit. 
  • Sizing: UK 4 to 18 
  • Price: £99

£99 | Shop Now

5. Giovanna Floral Belted Split Sleeve Dress - Phase Eight 

blush pink floral dress with sleeves

The Giovanna dress is an excellent option for a grandmother of the bride or groom dress for several reasons.

Designed with an all-over floral print, it exudes elegance and sophistication, making it perfect for such a special occasion. The feminine V-neckline enhances the dress's delicate charm, while the matching belt provides a flattering silhouette. The split sleeve detailing adds a contemporary touch, ensuring you stay stylish and chic.

  • Expert Take: Pair the Giovanna dress with colour-matching accessories to create a cohesive and event-ready look that will make you feel confident and beautiful! 
  • Sizing: UK 6 to 20 
  • Price: £95 

£95 | Shop Now

6. Jillia Dress - Ted Baker

Model wearing a navy grandmother of the bride dress with puff sleeves

Looking for a designer grandmother of the bride dress? Ted Baker's Jillia dress is a stunning option! As one of our top grandmother bride dresses, it features short puff sleeves, functional waist ruching, and a zip fastening at the back. 

This dress strikes a perfect balance between timeless elegance and modern flair. The puff sleeves are a major trend that adds a touch of youthful whimsy, while the overall silhouette remains flattering and sophisticated.

  • Expert Take: For a truly polished look, pair the dress with classic metallic accessories in silver, gold, or pewter. This creates a cohesive and effortlessly stylish ensemble that will ensure you look and feel your best on your grandchild's special day.
  • Sizing: UK 8 to 16 
  • Price: £124

£124 | Shop Now

Grandmother of the Bride Dresses with Jackets

7. Emeline Jacquard Dress & Jacket - Gina Bacconi

Model wearing a blue jacquard grandmother of the bride dress

For the grandmothers of the bride, or groom seeking a sophisticated and polished ensemble, Gina Bacconi offers a stunning selection of grandmother of the bride dresses with jackets. These luxurious coordinates exude elegance and ensure you feel confident and comfortable throughout the wedding festivities.

This sophisticated duo features a dress with a concealed back zip fastening and a fully lined interior for added comfort and structure. Paired with a complementary jacket, the Emeline ensemble is crafted from luxurious floral jacquard material. The lighter colour palette ensures a fresh and youthful feel, avoiding any hint of frumpiness.

  • Expert Take: The beauty of Gina Bacconi's grandmother of the bride dresses with jackets goes beyond just aesthetics. The high-quality materials drape beautifully, offering a flattering silhouette. Plus, the coordinated sets take the guesswork out of outfit building, allowing you to focus on enjoying this special occasion. 
  • Sizing: UK 8 to 16 
  • Price: £140

£140 | Shop Now

8. Lace Collarless Longline Coat & Matching Dress - M&S

pink lace dress with coat

As the grandmother of the bride, you want to look your most elegant on this special day. Phase Eight's longline coat is the ideal finishing touch to your occasionwear ensemble, 

This coat and matching dress are crafted in a regular fit, designed to flatter a variety of body types. The open front of the coat creates a clean and elongating line, while the bracelet-length sleeves add a touch of polish. The collarless design steers clear of traditional elements, keeping the look modern and fresh.

  • Expert Take: Phase Eight's longline coat and matching dress transcends fleeting trends. The combination of classic silhouette and beautiful lacework creates a timeless piece that will remain a treasured part of your wardrobe for years to come.
  • Sizing: UK 8 to 20
  • Price: £199 & £169

£199 | Shop Coat Now

£169 | Shop Dress Now

9. Joanna Hope Soft Blue Sequin Dress and Jacket - JD Williams 

blue matching dress and jacket for wedding

This elegant Joanna Hope dress and jacket set is an ideal choice for those seeking sophisticated grandmother of the bride dresses with a jacket. Crafted from luxurious fabric, the set features intricate beading and sequin detailing that add a touch of glamour. The matching cropped jacket includes scallop detailing and 3/4 length sleeves, providing a clean-cut finish that complements the dress beautifully.

Designed in a slimming shift shape, this set offers an effortless and flattering fit. The dress is completed with a centre back concealed zip and a hook-and-eye closure, ensuring ease of wear. Both the dress and jacket are fully lined for added comfort and a polished look.

  • Expert Take: With a dress length of 41 inches (104 cm) and a jacket length of 17 inches (43 cm), this ensemble is perfectly proportioned for a stylish and elegant appearance, making it an excellent option for grandmothers looking to shine on the special day.
  • Sizing: UK 10 to 32 
  • Price: £195 

£195 | Shop Now

10. Delores Jersey Midi A-Line Jacket Dress - Gina Bacconi 

blue dress with matching cardigan

As a grandmother of the bride, you deserve to feel radiant on this special day. Finding an outfit that reflects your elegance and grace is an exciting part of the celebration! Sometimes, striking the balance between sophistication and modesty can feel like a puzzle. But fret no more! This beautiful dress with a coordinating jacket offers the perfect solution. 

This dress embodies a classic silhouette that flatters many figures. It provides ample coverage without appearing outdated, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable throughout the day. The complementary jacket adds a touch of formality, making the ensemble suitable for both the ceremony and the reception.

  • Expert Take: We love the delicate embellishments that adorn the neckline - they add a touch of understated elegance without compromising on modesty.
  • Sizing: UK 12 to 22
  • Price: £130 

£130 | Shop Now

11. Elize Crepe Jacket & Addison Pleated Dress 

magenta outfit with dress and jacket

Embrace your inner fashionista with this stunning grandmother of the bride or groom ensemble. This combination guarantees you'll turn heads and feel confident on your granddaughter or grandson's special day.

Together, the Elize jacket and Addison pleated dress create a truly unforgettable ensemble. The rich colour adds a touch of vibrancy to the wedding celebration, without overshadowing the happy couple. The flattering silhouette of the dress combined with the modern edge of the jacket ensures you look and feel your absolute best. 

  • Expert Take: This stunning ensemble isn't just about looking fabulous; it's about celebrating a momentous occasion in comfort and style. The luxurious crepe fabric of the jacket drapes beautifully, while the dress's pleating offers a touch of forgiveness and ease of movement. This combination ensures you can celebrate with joy and confidence throughout the entire wedding day. 
  • Sizing: UK 6 to 22 
  • Price: £109 & £135 

£109 | Shop Jacket Now

£135 | Shop Dress Now

12. Alisha Double Layer Lace Peplum Dress & Alisha Lace Jacket - Phase Eight 

matching grandmother dress and jacket in grey silver

When paired together, the Alisha Dress and Jacket by Phase Eight create a truly unforgettable ensemble. The soft lines of the dress are beautifully balanced by the structured texture of the lace jacket. The overall look is modern, sophisticated, and effortlessly elegant, perfect for the discerning mother of the bride or groom.

  • Expert Take: This duo isn't just about looking fabulous; it's about feeling confident and comfortable on a special day. The scuba fabric of the dress allows for ease of movement, while the detachable lace bodice offers versatility. The jacket adds a touch of warmth for cooler evenings, ensuring you can enjoy the celebration to the fullest.
  • Sizing: UK 6 to 26
  • Price: £105 & £99

£105 | Shop Jacket Now

£99 | Shop Dress Now

Trouser Suits for Grandmother of the Bride 

13. Crepe Envers Satin Trousers & Silk Georgette Blouse - Marina Rinaldi

Crepe Envers Satin Trousers & Silk Georgette Blouse - Marina Rinaldi

As a grandmother of the bride, you want to find an outfit that reflects your elegance and style, while also prioritising comfort for a long day of celebration. Look no further than this luxurious trouser and top set, designed to be the perfect foundation for a stunning grandmother of the bride trouser suit.

The beauty of this set lies in its versatility. These trousers can be paired with a variety of tops to create a complete outfit that reflects your personal style. For a more formal look, pair them with a matching jacket or a luxurious blouse. For a slightly more relaxed feel, consider a silk shell or a beautifully embellished top.

  • Expert Take: We love the fact that these versatile trousers can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for a variety of special occasions or even a night out. With their timeless design and luxurious feel, you'll get endless wear out of this versatile piece.
  • Sizing: UK 14 to 30 
  • Price: £153 & £159

£153 | Shop Top Now

£159 | Shop Trousers Now

14. Mariposa Lace Jumpsuit - Phase Eight

Liliac 14. Mariposa Lace Jumpsuit - Phase Eight

If you are on the search for something a little more alternative, then look no further than the Mariposa Jumpsuit - a stunning and modern alternative to traditional grandmother of the bride pant suits.

This jumpsuit offers a fresh take on the classic pant suit, combining the sophistication of trousers with the ease and comfort of a one-piece outfit. The wide-leg silhouette flatters a variety of figures, while the baby blue shade adds a touch of elegance and whimsy.

  • Expert Take: The jumpsuit is crafted from a luxurious fabric that drapes beautifully and ensures you feel comfortable throughout the day. Simply pair it with a clutch, heels, and the matching Mariposa Jacket (sold separately) for a complete and sophisticated ensemble.
  • Sizing: UK 6 to 26
  • Price: £189

£189 | Shop Now

15. Mabel Three Piece Jacquard Trouser Suit - Gina Bacconi

Mabel Three Piece Jacquard Trouser Suit - Gina Bacconi

This 3-piece ensemble is a sure winner for grandmothers of the bride looking for elegant trouser suits. It includes soft jersey trousers, a vest top adorned with a detachable necklace, and a stylish waterfall jacket. Together, these pieces create the perfect, complete look for any special occasion. The ensemble offers both comfort and sophistication, ensuring you feel confident and stylish throughout the event.

  • Expert Take: Ideal for those seeking a modern alternative to traditional dresses, this outfit is designed to impress with its thoughtful details and flattering silhouette.
  • Sizing: UK 10 to 22 
  • Price: £280

£280 | Shop Now

What Colour Dress Does the Grandmother of the Bride Wear?

Traditionally, the grandmother of the bride avoids wearing white or ivory, as these colours are typically reserved for the bride herself. However, the wedding dress code has become more relaxed in recent years. 

Most importantly, you want to choose a colour that complements the overall wedding palette but doesn't clash with the bride's dress. Elegant jewel tones like sapphire, emerald, or ruby are always a safe bet. Lighter colours like soft pastels or champagne are also lovely choices for a summer wedding. 

Ultimately, the best colour for you depends on your personal style and the formality of the event.

Where to Buy Grandmother of the Bride Dresses?

There are a variety of stores and websites where you can find beautiful Grandmother of the Bride Dresses. Many traditional bridal shops carry a selection of dresses specifically designed for mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom. 

Department stores and specialty occasion wear stores are also great options. For a wider selection and convenience, consider online retailers that specialise in Grandmother of the Bride Dresses with extensive search filters by colour, style, and price.

A few of our highstreet favourites include Oasis, Coast, Hobbs and Wallis. If you have a little extra to spend on this special outfit, consider Gina Bacconi and Adrianna Papell - their designs are wedding-appropriate as well as being on trend. 

Now you've got your outfit sorted, you'll want to come armed with a thoughtful present. You'll find tons of wedding gift ideas here!