Mother of the Bride Kaftan: Plus Size Styles with Sleeves
As mother of the bride, you want to look elegant in every photo and still feel comfortable from the ceremony to the last dance. A mother of the bride kaftan does both: it flows, it has sleeves, and it looks dressy without any squeezing. Here's how to choose a plus size mother of the bride dress in a kaftan style, what colours to wear, what to wear to a beach wedding, and how to style it. Most Gypsie Blu kaftans are made in one size that fits 1X-3X, with a 52-inch maxi length.
Why choose a kaftan as mother of the bride?
- Comfort all day: no tight waistband, so you can sit, stand and dance comfortably.
- Sleeves: wide kimono sleeves cover the upper arm.
- Elegant length: a full maxi length looks formal in photos.
- Perfect for a beach wedding: a light, flowing kaftan suits sand, sun and sea breezes.
The best mother of the bride kaftans
Embroidered satin kaftans
Embroidery makes a satin kaftan look truly special. The teal embroidered satin kaftan has embroidery and lace details, and the ice green embroidered satin kaftan has embroidered kimono side trim. Both have a V-neck and kimono sleeves. See all embroidered kaftans.
Black satin for an evening wedding
For an evening or formal wedding, many families are happy with black; check with the bride first. The black embroidered satin kaftan has embroidered kimono side trim, and the black embroidered centre-trim satin kaftan has an embroidered trim down the front.
Prints for a garden or beach wedding
A print feels relaxed and joyful for daytime. The black amber floral satin kaftan and the blue ornamental satin kaftan are both dressy satin with 3/4 kimono sleeves.
Mother of the bride dresses with sleeves, by colour
- Blue: the teal embroidered satin kaftan or the blue ornamental satin kaftan.
- Black: the black embroidered satin kaftan or our best-selling black satin kaftan.
- Floral: the black amber floral satin kaftan.
- Pastel: the ice green embroidered satin kaftan.
All have kimono sleeves that cover the upper arm. See more in our plus size maxi dresses with sleeves.
What should the mother of the bride wear to a beach wedding?
For beach wedding attire, choose a light, flowing kaftan in a soft colour or a print that suits the setting, with flat or wedge sandals that won't sink into the sand. A kaftan moves beautifully in a sea breeze and stays cool in the sun. Planning a destination wedding? See our Hawaii guide and the destination wedding guest guide.
Mother of the bride dresses for fall and winter
For a fall or winter wedding, choose satin in deeper colours like black, teal or emerald, and bring a wrap or shawl for the evening. Our black kaftan guide has more evening ideas.
What colour should the mother of the bride wear?
- Avoid white and ivory, which are usually kept for the bride.
- Coordinate with the wedding colours: ask the bride about her palette and the bridesmaids' dresses.
- Jewel tones like teal and emerald look rich in photos.
- Soft pastels like ice green suit daytime and garden weddings.
- Black can be elegant for an evening wedding; check with the couple first.
How to style a mother of the bride kaftan
- Jewellery: statement earrings or a necklace that frames the V-neck.
- Shoes: block heels or dressy flats you can stand in all day; flat sandals for a beach wedding.
- Shape: add a thin belt if you'd like a defined waist.
- A wrap: bring a light shawl for an evening reception.
- Hair and flowers: a corsage or flower clip in the wedding colours ties your look to the day.
Mother of the groom kaftans
Looking for mother of the groom dresses in plus size? The same kaftans work beautifully: coordinate with the mother of the bride so your colours complement each other without matching exactly. For mothers over 50, see our guide to kaftans for women over 50.
Mother of the groom? The same tips apply. For more evening ideas, see our black kaftan guide and silk vs satin kaftan guide.
When to order
In-stock kaftans arrive in 6-11 business days and made-to-order styles in 12-18 business days, with free US shipping. Order at least four weeks before the wedding so you have time to try it on and plan your accessories.
Mother of the bride kaftan FAQs
Can the mother of the bride wear a kaftan?
Yes. A satin or embroidered kaftan looks elegant and formal, and it's especially popular for beach and destination weddings.
What size should I order?
One size fits 1X-3X for most of our kaftans. Check each product page for its measurements.
Do your kaftans have sleeves?
Yes, most of our kaftans have wide kimono sleeves that cover the upper arm.
What should the mother of the bride wear to a beach wedding?
A light, flowing kaftan with sleeves, flat or wedge sandals, and a wrap for the evening.
Can I wear a kaftan as mother of the groom?
Yes. Coordinate your colour with the mother of the bride and the wedding palette.
What colour should the mother of the bride avoid?
White and ivory, and anything that clashes with the wedding colours. Ask the bride if you're unsure.
Keep reading
- Destination wedding guest dresses
- Plus size maxi dresses with sleeves
- Kaftans for women over 50
- Silk vs satin kaftan
- The ultimate guide to plus size caftans
