A Look-Book For The Modern Mother Of The Groom This Wedding Season: The Other Matriarch Of The Moment

For decades, wedding fashion coverage has revolved around two unquestioned protagonists; the bride and her mother. Together, they form the visual centrepiece of any celebration – the duo whose looks are dissected, pinned, and endlessly referenced on mood boards. The Mother of the Bride, especially, enjoys a level of attention that borders on ceremonial. Designers court her. Stylists fuss over her. Photographers adore her.

But there is another woman who occupies a seat of equal emotional importance: The Mother of the Groom.

She is the woman who raised the man at the centre of the celebration, the one whose journey – emotional, cultural, and familial – culminates in this moment too. Yet in the whirlwind of bridal couture, the MOG is often left to navigate her wardrobe alone, armed with nothing more than vague directives not to “outshine the bride.”

It’s time to change that. The Mother of the Groom deserves her own fashion vocabulary, one that’s deeply rooted in her personal identity.

With that spirit in mind, we curated a look-book that honours the modern MOG’s individuality, sophistication, and magnetism. Think of this as a style dossier for the woman whose elegance is just naturally there.

Brides and grooms-to-be, consider this your cue to hit “share.” Your MOGs will thank you later.

The Heritage Star

A Nod To Tradition With A Touch Of Today.

Nita Ambani’s powder-pink Kanjivaram sari from Swadesh is a near-perfect template for MOG grace. The fabric is woven from fine mulberry silk, the zari is real gold, and the sari’s surface work includes metallic sequins and intricate cutwork that catch light without overwhelming the eyes. This sari has a certain grandeur to it, but it still manages to look gentle and feminine.

Style Tip: Rather than coordinating a full jewellery set, choose one significant heritage piece such as a navratna necklace or a Polki choker. A low, neat bun and tonal makeup in soft pinks enhance the natural delicacy of the look.

The Colour Maverick

Pink Isn’t the Bride’s. It Can Be Yours.

Manish Malhotra’s fuchsia patched-brocade lehenga is for the MOG who enjoys unapologetic colour. The brocade patches give the skirt a mosaic-like texture, while the velvet blouse with tassels adds depth and richness. It’s festive, flattering and fabulous.

Style Tip: If you’re wearing a bright colour, allow the silhouette to move. A loose drape or a one-shoulder dupatta prevents the look from feeling heavy. Opt for clean, modern heels in nude and replace bulky jhumkas with long, linear earrings to elongate your frame.

The Modern Minimalist

Contemporary Lines, Old-World Craft

This Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla ensemble marries structure with softness. The blush-pink chamoise satin jacket has gentle sheen and the straight column skirt elongates the body without clinging. The embroidery, pearls, rose-toned sequins and vintage Zardozi adds just the right amount of heritage without making it too obvious.

Style Tip: Because the look is structured, precise tailoring is essential. Keep accessories tonal: rose-gold diamonds, pale gemstones or blush pearls. A slick low ponytail or half top knot will sharpen the silhouette.

The Heirloom Guardian

Archival Ritu Kumar For The Woman Who Lives In Stories

The rose-gold Ritu Kumar archival sari feels like something discovered in a grandmother’s trunk but restored for today. The silver tikki embroidery sits on a base of soft silk that drapes beautifully and carries a gentle metallic glow. It is heritage reinterpreted, not replicated. Alia Bhatt styled the look with a sleek blouse and a delicately embroidered jacket, giving the vintage ensemble a fresh, fashion-forward spin. For an even more elevated silhouette, skip the cropped layer and opt for a full-length achkan that adds instant elegance.

Style Tip: Complement the textile with equally textured accessories. A velvet potli, a brushed-gold cuff or a vintage silk blouse with muted embroidery completes the story. Avoid jewellery that looks too modern or rhinestone-heavy; the sari demands old-soul elegance.

The Ivory Connoisseur

When Simplicity Becomes Luxury

Sawan Gandhi’s ivory chikankari sari is an ode to delicate craftsmanship. The hand-embroidery is exceptional while the sequins and tiny beads catch the light in a very understated way. The colour makes it timeless and lets the craft do the talking.

Style Tip: Choose jewellery in warm gold or soft rose gold; bright yellow tones jar against ivory. A mother-of-pearl minaudière adds sophistication. Select lip tones in rose, caramel or muted berry to maintain the gentle palette.

The Subtle Showstopper

Eeksha’s Corseted Grace For The Bold Traditionalist

The Eeksha Regia corset-lehenga stands out for its unusual silhouette. The corset is structured but wearable, the skirt is fluid, and the detachable wings create a sense of couture drama without overwhelming the wearer. The colour story is modern and unexpected, which makes the look memorable.

Style Tip: Let the vertical lines of the corset shine. Swap necklaces for long earrings and style your hair in a bubble braid or high ponytail for lift. Always choose pointed toes like juttis or heels to maintain length.

The Corset Savant

The Structured Saree, Reinvented

Mothers of the Groom, here’s your cue to embrace the corset trend with confidence. If you’ve avoided corsets fearing they add bulk, think again! This silhouette actually hides those cute love handles and tiny paunch and lends a beautifully statuesque shape.

For a couture-worthy corset-saree moment, consider a piece like this: the EVARA Signature Empress Corset by Manish Malhotra, exquisitely hand-embroidered in resham and zardozi. Its floral motifs — tulips for deep love, lilies for purity, and irises for romanticism, draw inspiration from the enchanting Baghs of Kashmir. Paired with a handwoven fuchsia tissue saree, the ensemble strikes the perfect balance between tradition and modern drama.

Style Tip: Skip waist chains and oversized earrings. A neat bun and a single statement neckpiece maintain balance and sophistication.

The Garden Dreamer

Rahul Mishra For Sunlit Celebrations

Rahul Mishra’s Kalidar organza lehenga and his ‘Padma’ ensemble are good choices for garden weddings. The organza shifts gently as you walk, and the floral appliqué and thread work really glow in natural light. These are pieces that feel feminine without being saccharine.

Style Tip: Let nature guide your styling. Pearl drop earrings, vine-inspired bracelets or delicate floral hairpins work beautifully. Keep the skin fresh and dewy with minimal powder, and style the hair half-up with loose curls for a soft, romantic frame.

And Finally, Let The MOG Take Her Moment

The Mother of the Groom is not a supporting character. She is integral to the emotional architecture of the day, and her wardrobe should reflect that. May this guide help her dress in a way that honours her journey, her culture, her personality and the role she plays in shaping the celebration.

And to every MOG reading this – shine. It’s your moment too.