Mother of the Bride Dress Shopping Timeline: When to Start Looking for the Perfect Dress

The Ideal Timeline: Start Shopping 6-8 Months Before the Wedding

The sweet spot for mother of the bride dress shopping is 6 to 8 months before the wedding date. This timeframe gives you enough options without starting so early that your style preferences or body might change. It also provides adequate time for ordering, shipping, and multiple rounds of alterations if needed.

Several factors can influence your specific timeline. Destination weddings often require earlier planning to account for travel logistics and international shipping. Custom or made-to-order dresses need additional production time. If you anticipate extensive alterations or have hard-to-fit sizing needs, building in extra buffer time is wise.

🗓️ Mother of the Bride Dress Shopping Timeline

Timeframe Before Wedding	Key Actions & Focus	Notes & Tips
8 - 10 Months	Research & Planning	Discuss with the bride the formality, venue, and color palette for the wedding. Confirm that the bride's gown and the bridesmaids' dresses have been chosen. Set a realistic budget. Look online and in stores to determine preferred styles and silhouettes.
6 - 8 Months	Shopping & Purchasing	Start shopping in earnest. Book appointments at bridal/formal wear boutiques. Crucial step: The Mother of the Bride traditionally selects her dress before the Mother of the Groom (MOG). Communicate your selection to the MOG so she can choose a complementary (but not matching) outfit. Place the order for the dress. Be aware that special-order gowns can take 4-6 months to arrive.
4 - 5 Months	First Fitting & Accessories	The dress should arrive! Schedule your first fitting with a seamstress. Alterations typically take a few weeks and multiple fittings. Begin shopping for shoes and accessories (jewelry, wraps, clutch). Wait until the dress is in hand to ensure they coordinate perfectly.
2 - 3 Months	Final Fittings	Attend your second fitting (and third, if needed). Break in your shoes by wearing them around the house. Schedule hair and makeup trials, keeping your finished dress and accessories in mind.
2 - 4 Weeks	The Finish Line	Have your final fitting (bring your shoes and all accessories). Pick up the dress and store it safely. It should be perfect and ready to wear!

 

⚠️ Important Considerations:

• Custom Orders: If the MOB requires a custom-made dress or needs specific colors/details ordered, start closer to the 8-month mark.

• Off-the-Rack: If buying a dress off-the-rack (ready to take home), you have more flexibility, but still allow at least 2-3 months for alterations.

• Rush Fees: Waiting too long might require paying rush fees for ordering or alterations.

• Communication: Keep the bride and the Mother of the Groom informed about your timeline and choice to ensure a cohesive look for the wedding party.

Getting Started: What to Do First (8-9 Months Before)

Before you even set foot in a bridal salon, lay the groundwork for successful MOB dress shopping.

Consulting with the Bride About Dress Expectations

Your first and most important step is consulting with the bride. Discuss her wedding vision, chosen color palette, level of formality, and any specific requests she has for mother-of-the-bride attire. Some brides have strong preferences, while others give you complete freedom.

Coordinating with the Mother of the Groom

Coordinate with the mother of the groom as well. While you don't need to match, it's helpful if your dresses complement each other and don't clash. Consider the wedding venue and time of day, as these factors significantly influence appropriate dress styles and fabrics.

Gathering Style Inspiration for Your MOB Dress

Start gathering inspiration during this phase. Create a Pinterest board, save Instagram photos, or clip magazine pages featuring mother of the bride dresses you love. This visual collection will help you identify your style preferences and communicate your vision to sales consultants.

The Active Shopping Phase (6-8 Months Out)

Once you have direction from the bride and inspiration gathered, begin scheduling shopping appointments.

How Many Dresses Should You Try On?

Mother of the bride dress shopping typically requires trying on 10-15 dresses to find the one that makes you feel confident and beautiful. [Check out our guide to: The MOB's Guide to Necklines: Find the Perfect Dress Top for Your Bust Size]

Decide whether to bring companions or shop solo. Some mothers prefer the bride's opinion, while others bring a trusted friend or sister. There's no wrong approach—choose what makes you most comfortable. 

Where to Shop for Mother of the Bride Dresses

Consider shopping at various venues including bridal salons specializing in mother-of-the-bride dresses, department stores with formal wear sections, and reputable online retailers.

Order: Wisteria Purple Bedazzled Mermaid Mother of The Bride Dresses, 230.00

Setting a Realistic MOB Dress Budget

Budget considerations are important during this phase. Mother of the bride dresses typically range from $200 to $2,000, with most falling in the $300-$800 range. Set a realistic budget that includes the dress, alterations, accessories, and undergarments.

 

Ordering Your Dress (5-6 Months Before the Wedding)

Once you've found your dream dress, it's time to place your order. Standard production times vary by retailer but typically range from 3 to 5 months. Designer gowns and custom pieces may take longer, while department store or off-the-rack options can be available immediately.

Rush order options exist if you're working with a tighter timeline, though they often come with additional fees ranging from $50 to $200.

When ordering, you'll need accurate measurements, your contact information, and the wedding date. Always verify the estimated delivery date and build in buffer time.

[Check out our guide to: How to Measure Yourself for Mother of the Bride Dress Shopping]

 

The Alterations Process (2-3 Months Out)

Professional alterations are essential for achieving the perfect fit. A skilled tailor can adjust hemlines, take in or let out seams, adjust sleeve lengths, and modify necklines to create a custom fit.

When to Schedule Your First Fitting

Schedule your first fitting appointment 2 to 3 months before the wedding. Typical alteration timelines require 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of changes needed.

Timeline for Final Dress Fitting

Your final fitting should occur 2 to 4 weeks before the wedding, allowing time for any last-minute tweaks while avoiding alterations too far in advance.

What to Bring to Alterations Appointments

Bring the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear on the wedding day to each fitting for the most accurate adjustments.

 

Special Circumstances Requiring Earlier Shopping

Certain situations demand an adjusted timeline.

• Custom or made-to-order mother of the bride dresses require 9 to 12 months of lead time. These bespoke creations involve consultations, fabric selection, multiple fittings, and careful construction.
• Destination weddings also benefit from earlier shopping. If you're traveling internationally for the wedding, allow extra time for shipping delays and consider the logistics of transporting your dress. 
• Hard-to-fit sizes or body types requiring extensive alterations need additional buffer time in the schedule.

At Promboutiqueonline.com, all custom mother of the bride dresses can be make for you in 20-30 days, with your own size measurement, your favorite fabric to flattering your body shape, your skintone, and make you feel comfortable confident all day long.

Order: Dusty Blue Appliqued Long Mother of the Bride Dress with Short Sleeves

 

 

Running Behind Schedule? Solutions for Late Starters

If you're starting your search with fewer than three months until the wedding, don't panic. Several options can help you find a beautiful dress quickly.

• Off-the-rack dresses from department stores like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, or Dillard's offer immediate availability with minimal alterations needed.
• Rental services provide designer dresses for a fraction of the retail price with quick turnaround times.
• Fast-shipping online retailers like Revolve, ASOS, or Azazie can deliver within days.
• Department store formal wear sections often have selection that works beautifully for mothers of the bride.

Set realistic expectations when shopping on a compressed timeline. You may have fewer color and style options, and extensive customization may not be possible. 

Focus on finding a dress that fits well off the rack and requires minimal alterations.

Timeline Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from common pitfalls can save you stress and disappointment.

• Starting too early (more than 12 months out) can backfire if your body changes, your style preferences evolve, or the bride adjusts her wedding vision.
• Waiting until the last minute creates unnecessary pressure and limits your options significantly. 
• Not accounting for alteration time is one of the most frequent mistakes—even if your dress fits well, professional tailoring elevates the overall look.

Never order a mother of the bride dress online without confirming you have adequate time for returns or exchanges if the fit isn't right. Finally, always coordinate with the bride before making your final decision to ensure your dress aligns with her vision.

Month-by-Month Mother of the Bride Dress Shopping Checklist

9 Months Before:

• Discuss wedding vision with the bride
• Coordinate with mother of the groom
• Research venues and formality level
• Start gathering style inspiration

6-8 Months Before:

• Schedule shopping appointments at multiple venues
• Try on various styles and silhouettes
• Narrow down your top choices
• Finalize your dress selection

5-6 Months Before:

• Place your dress order
• Confirm delivery timeline
• Order accessories and undergarments

2-3 Months Before:

• Schedule first alterations appointment
• Bring wedding day shoes and undergarments
• Discuss specific adjustments with tailor

1 Month Before:

• Attend second fitting if needed
• Schedule final fitting 2-4 weeks out
• Steam or press dress after final alterations

2 Weeks Before:

• Pick up completed dress
• Try on complete outfit at home
• Hang properly in garment bag until wedding

Wedding Week:

• Steam dress if needed for travel wrinkles
• Pack carefully if destination wedding
• Enjoy the celebration!

Expert Tips for Mother of the Bride Dress Shopping Success

Make the most of your shopping appointments by arriving prepared. Wear appropriate undergarments and shoes similar to what you'll wear on the wedding day. Bring photos of your inspiration looks to share with sales consultants.

Keep an open mind about silhouettes and styles you might not initially consider. Sometimes the dress that looks unassuming on the hanger transforms when you try it on. Don't hesitate to ask questions about fabric care, alteration capabilities, and return policies.

Handle pressure from sales staff by remembering that you're in control of your timeline and budget. A reputable salon will work with your needs rather than pushing you to make hasty decisions. Take photos of yourself in top contenders to review later with fresh eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mother of the Bride Dress Shopping

When should the mother of the bride start looking for a dress?

The ideal time to start shopping for a mother of the bride dress is 6 to 8 months before the wedding. This provides enough time for ordering, shipping, and alterations while avoiding the pitfalls of shopping too early.

How long does it take to get a mother of the bride dress?

Standard delivery times for mother of the bride dresses range from 3 to 5 months after ordering. Off-the-rack options are available immediately, while custom or designer gowns may require 6 to 12 months.

Should the mother of the bride dress shop with the bride?

This is entirely personal preference. Some brides enjoy being part of the selection process, while others trust their mothers to choose independently. Discuss expectations with your daughter to determine what works best for your relationship.

What if I can't find a dress I like?

If you're struggling to find the perfect mother of the bride dress, consider expanding your search beyond bridal salons to evening wear boutiques, department stores, or even cocktail dress sections. Sometimes the perfect dress isn't labeled as "mother of the bride."

How much should I spend on a mother of the bride dress?

Mother of the bride dresses typically cost between $200 and $2,000, with most in the $300 to $800 range. Set a budget that feels comfortable for you and accounts for alterations, which usually add $75 to $300 to the total cost.

Can I wear the same color as bridesmaids?

Generally, it's best to avoid wearing the exact same color as the bridesmaids so you stand out as the mother of the bride. However, you can wear a complementary shade or a different fabric in a similar color family. Always check with the bride first.

What length should a mother of the bride dress be?

The appropriate length depends on the wedding's formality and venue. Floor-length gowns suit formal evening weddings, while tea-length or knee-length dresses work well for daytime or semi-formal celebrations. Choose what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Should mother of the bride and mother of the groom coordinate dresses?

While you don't need to match, it's courteous to coordinate with the mother of the groom to ensure your dresses complement each other. Share information about colors, styles, and formality levels to avoid clashing or accidentally matching.

What if I lose or gain weight before the wedding?

This is why timing matters. If significant weight changes occur, schedule additional alterations appointments. Starting your shopping in the 6 to 8 month window rather than earlier reduces the likelihood of major body changes affecting your dress fit.

Can I rent a mother of the bride dress?

Absolutely! Rental services like Rent the Runway offer designer mother of the bride dresses at a fraction of retail prices. This option works well if you're on a budget or prefer not to keep the dress after the wedding.

Conclusion: Start Your Mother of the Bride Dress Journey Today

Finding the perfect mother of the bride dress doesn't have to be stressful when you follow the right timeline. Remember that the sweet spot for starting your search is 6 to 8 months before the wedding, giving you ample time for selection, ordering, and alterations without the pressure of a rushed decision.

The time you invest in finding the right mother of the bride dress will pay off when you see yourself in photos years from now, remembering how special you felt celebrating your daughter's wedding. Start planning your MOB dress shopping timeline today, and enjoy this exciting milestone in your family's journey.

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