đź‘— When Should I Start Shopping for My Mother of the Bride or Groom Dress?

At MB Bride, one of the most common questions we hear from mothers is:
“When should I start shopping for my dress?”

The simple answer? Start earlier than you think!


⏰ Why You Should Start Early

Your dress is more than just an outfit — it’s part of the wedding story. Whether you’re the mother of the bride or mother of the groom, you’ll be in photos, greeting guests, and celebrating an unforgettable day.

We recommend starting your search about 6–8 months before the wedding. Mothers dresses can take up to 4-6 months to come in, so you want to have time for:

  • 🛍️ Browsing styles and designers
  • 🎨 Coordinating colors with the wedding party
  • 📦 Ordering and shipping if needed
  • ✂️ Alterations for the perfect fit

đź•’ If You Wait Until 3 Months or Less Before the Wedding

While we can still help you find the perfect dress, waiting this long can limit your options. Here’s what to expect:

  • Limited selection — You may need to choose from in-stock gowns instead of ordering your preferred style and color.
  • Rush fees — Some designers charge extra for expedited orders.
  • Alteration time crunch — You’ll still need alterations, but the schedule will be much tighter, which can add stress.
  • Less coordination flexibility — If the wedding party’s colors or styles are already set, you may have fewer ways to coordinate seamlessly.

Starting early means you’re shopping on your terms, not racing against the clock.


🎨 Coordination Matters

Shopping early helps ensure your look complements the wedding’s colors and style. Many mothers coordinate with each other so their dresses complement — not match — each other. It’s also common to wait until the bride chooses her gown and the bridesmaids’ dresses so the overall look is cohesive.


đź’– The MB Bride Experience

At MB Bride, we offer hundreds of mother of the bride and groom gowns in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles — from timeless classics to modern trends. Check out some of our great selection here.

Our expert stylists help you find a dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful. We take care of any problems that may arise. Plus, we offer professional in-house alterations so your dress fits perfectly. Learn more here: MB Bride Award-Winning Experience.


đź“… Final Tip

If you want the best selection, the most sizing and color options, and a stress-free experience, start early.

Book your appointment today: Schedule Your Appointment at MB Bride