Costarellos Mother of the Bride Dresses: Sleeved and Covered Options

The best Costarellos mother of the bride dresses are the sleeved and higher-necked styles: the Aliska silk velvet gown, the Lissie silk velvet gown, the long-sleeved Mellorie, the Verana keyhole column gown, the Shayna lace midi and the Kalissa guipure lace dress. They run from $2,430 to $5,370 at Luxury Shoes . A beaded lace shirt worn with a long skirt is the other route, and it gives you two pieces to wear again.

Quick answer

• Most cover: the Aliska gown in Electric Blue velvet, with a high neckline and bishop sleeves, at $3,730.
• Long sleeves with crystals: the Mellorie gown in Light Rose, at $5,370.
• Midi length: the Shayna beaded French lace crepe midi in Light Blue, with a mock neck, at $3,220.
• Lowest price: the Kalissa guipure lace dress in Vintage Rose and Pearl Blue, at $2,430.
• Separates: the Lilou beaded French lace shirt ($2,320) with the Laudrie velvet maxi skirt ($1,450), $3,770 together.
• Sizes: most styles in UK 6 to UK 18 (FR 34 to FR 46), true to size; the Kalissa in Vintage Rose starts at UK 4.

What a mother of the bride needs from a dress

The mother of the bride stands in most of the formal photographs, greets guests for hours and often dances late. That calls for a dress with some structure, a neckline you do not have to adjust, and a colour that sits well beside the wedding party without matching the bride. Costarellos is a good fit because the house is known for lace and embroidery done in its own workshops in Athens, where Christos Costarellos still oversees production. The detail reads well up close, which matters when you are in every receiving line.

Sleeved and covered Costarellos styles

Velvet for autumn and winter weddings

For a wedding between October and February, velvet is the most comfortable choice. The Aliska gown covers the arms and the neck, and the hand-beaded metallic lace appliqué gives it detail without a plunge. The Lissie silk velvet gown in Deep Blue is quieter, with guipure lace trims, and it also comes in Pine Green. Both are cut in rich, deep colours that photograph well next to a white dress. Velvet also hides creases after a long ceremony, which is useful when the day runs from the church to the dinner.

Crystal and crepe for evening ceremonies

The Mellorie gown is the most formal choice here. It has a column line, long sleeves and a high keyhole neckline in crystal-embroidered tulle. It also has slits at the front, back and sides, so walk in it before the day. The Verana crepe column gown in Magenta is simpler, with a keyhole neckline and floral appliqué, and it gives a strong colour without shine. If you prefer black for an evening ceremony, the Brona beaded lace gown has a high neckline and 3/4 sleeves.

Lace for daytime and garden weddings

A daytime wedding suits lace and a lighter colour. The Shayna midi in Light Blue combines hand-beaded French lace with crepe and a clean mock neck, and the midi length is easy for an outdoor ceremony. The Kalissa guipure lace dress is a style the house has repeated for several seasons, fitted with an asymmetrical skirt. It comes in Vintage Rose and Pearl Blue at $2,430, the lowest price in this edit.

A lace shirt with a skirt

Separates are the most flexible answer. The Lilou beaded French lace shirt ($2,320) has a high neckline, a button front and fluted sleeves, and it comes in Black and Off White. Wear the black shirt with the Laudrie velvet maxi skirt ($1,450) for a floor-length look that totals $3,770. For a shorter line, the Chelsie floral-cut satin circle skirt ($1,290) falls to a midi hem, and the Marice crystal pencil skirt ($2,430) is the dressiest option. If you choose the off white Lilou, wear it with a dark skirt so the outfit does not read as bridal. Find more in our skirts and tops.

Our mother of the bride picks

1. Aliska Silk Velvet Lace Applique Gown in Electric Blue

$3,730. Velvet with a high neckline and bishop sleeves, the most covered gown in the collection.

2. Lissie Silk Velvet Gown in Deep Blue

$3,650. Silk velvet with guipure lace trims, also made in Pine Green.

3. Mellorie Embroidered Crystals Gown in Light Rose

$5,370. Long sleeves and crystal-embroidered tulle for an evening ceremony.

4. Verana Crepe Keyhole Column Gown in Magenta

$3,220. A crepe column with floral appliqué and a keyhole neckline.

5. Shayna Beaded French Lace Crepe Midi Dress in Light Blue

$3,220. A mock-neck midi for daytime weddings.

6. Kalissa Guipure Lace Dress in Pearl Blue

$2,430. Corded guipure lace, fitted, with an asymmetrical skirt.

7. Lilou Beaded French Lace Shirt in Black

$2,320. A hand-beaded lace shirt to wear with a velvet maxi skirt.

Shop the full collection on the Costarellos brand page and in our evening gowns.

Read next: Costarellos wedding guest dresses, the Costarellos size guide and the Costarellos velvet edit.

Frequently asked questions

Does Costarellos make mother of the bride dresses with sleeves?

Yes. The Aliska velvet gown has bishop sleeves, the Mellorie gown has long sleeves and the Brona lace gown has 3/4 sleeves. They cost $3,730, $5,370 and $3,670 at Luxury Shoes .

What colour should the mother of the bride wear?

The mother of the bride usually avoids white, ivory and cream and chooses a colour that sits well with the wedding party. In the Costarellos collection, Deep Blue, Electric Blue, Light Blue, Vintage Rose and Magenta all suit the role.

Can the mother of the bride wear separates?

Yes. A beaded lace shirt with a long skirt is a formal look. The Costarellos Lilou lace shirt at $2,320 with the Laudrie velvet maxi skirt at $1,450 makes a floor-length outfit for $3,770.

What size range does Costarellos offer?

Most Costarellos dresses are made in UK 6 to UK 18, which is FR 34 to FR 46, and fit true to size. The Kalissa in Vintage Rose starts at UK 4.