20 mother-of-the-bride outfit ideas at Nordstrom, from dresses to pantsuits

Not everyone wants to wear a "traditional" wedding guest outfit to a wedding. If your preference is bright colors and bold patterns, we recommend this Ming Wang floral sleeveless dress. The punchy colors are perfect for a summer afternoon wedding, and you'll stay cool with the sleeveless design and cutaway shoulders. Get it in sizes XS to XL. 

This flutter sleeve midi dress is flattering for any size and shape, with a simple v-neck design and small front slit. The metallic-tinged fabric will dazzle under evening lights while the full skirt catches twists and turns on the dance floor. Get it in three colors in sizes S, M and L.  

If you're on a budget or simply don't want to spend more than $100 on your outfit, this stunning ruffled tiered maxi dress is a winner for spring and summer weddings. It's available in two additional colors in sizes XS to XXL. 

Here's a look that works for most people — and a cocktail dress that you're bound to wear long after the wedding's over! The faux-wrap silhouette with side-ruching hides the tummy and flatters the figure while a light compressive material holds everything in place. It'll look just as cute at the ceremony paired with strappy heels as it will in a conference room with flats or wedges. Choose from 11 colors. 

A fit-and-flare style, like this pretty number, is flattering on all body shapes. You'll love how the delicate V-neck accentuates your curves. The delicately embroidered overlay features a lavish garden scene that’s perfect for spring and summer weddings. 

Bring the garden to the party in this stunning midi-length A-line cocktail dress that has shimmering crystal flowers sewn throughout. Though the neckline looks low, it has a modesty panel in place so you don't show more skin than you intend to. Get it in sizes XXS to XL.  

An intricate floral lace overlay accentuates this delicate knee-length midi dress with a V-neck back. The tailored waistline adds a figure-flattering shape to the silhouette.

A dressy jumpsuit is a great alternative for those who'd rather skip the skirt. The open shoulders and ruffled organza sleeves give this wardrobe staple a modern touch. 

When black is your color, but you have to show up in summery floral. This Sachin & Babi maxi dress features a mock neck and sleeveless design. The tie detail at the neck draws the eye upward. It's available in sizes 0 to 18. 

You can't go wrong with this elegant and classy gown that features voluminous ruffles and a figure-flattering cinched waist. The hunter green shade is striking and perfect for giving a toast. 

Prefer a modest look that covers your shoulders, arms and legs? This floor-length chiffon gown with subtle embellishment is a smart choice. The flattering pleating helps to hide the tummy and slim the silhouette; its stretchy material gives you all-night comfort. Petite sizing is available, too. 

Black tie weddings can be notoriously hard to dress for, but this bow shoulder maxi takes the guesswork out of figuring out what to wear. The deep V-neck line amps up the drama, while the sweeping train exudes elegance and sophistication. It's also available in two types of blue, plus red and pink. 

For those planning to dance the night away, we suggest this fun and flirty ruffled dress from Mac Duggal. The floral ruffled mesh overlay will swing and sway as you bop to the beat, but the cap sleeves and high neckline will keep you feeling comfortable and pulled together all night long. Get it in sizes 2 to 18.

This two-piece dress — which can be worn separately or together — is made of a stretchy fabric that skims across the body and drapes elegantly. Simple beading accentuates the delicate scoop neckline. You can remove the jacket as you please during the reception.

Why wear a dress to a wedding if you don't ever wear dresses? For those who'd choose trousers over a dress any day of the week, we recommend opting for a fun statement suit set. This cool split-sleeve pink blazer has a matching pair of high-waisted, wide-leg trousers to complete the look.

For more casual spring and summer weddings, this cotton eyelet dress with tiered ruffles and pockets (yes, pockets!) has plenty of dainty charm. We love this baby blue, but it also comes in a bright green.  

If you don’t want your arms on display (hey, that's okay), this traditional dress includes a lace overlay that works for a breezy spring ceremony or a summer evening cocktail hour. It’s available in sizes 0 to 16, but take note that nearly all of the reviews say to size up as it runs a size small.

For a more formal wedding, this one-shoulder getup from Mac Duggal is a surefire to make a statement. The A-line silhouette is flattering on all body shapes and the iridescent, shimmering fabric is great at catching light throughout the evening. 

This deco-inspired maxi dress is sure to make a statement with its shoulder-to-feet beading and mesh overlay that skims the body. The tulle will radiate under delicate lighting, while the weighted material will sway gently as you take a turn on the dance floor. You can also grab it in gray or navy. 

Can you say stunning? This one-shoulder midi dress offers an eye-catching, elegant silhouette that shows off your curves. It's a perfect length to feature a favorite pair of heels. It's an especially great choice for those who want a bright and punchy color for a cheery summer wedding. It comes in 13 additional hues, too.