When Should the Mother of the Bride Buy Her Dress? The Essential Shopping Timeline

The venue is booked, the invitations are being drafted, and the “to-do” list is growing by the day. Amidst the flurry of planning, one crucial question often gets pushed to the bottom of the list: when should the mother of the bride buy her dress? Many mothers make the mistake of waiting until the last minute, assuming that finding a gown will be as simple as a trip to the local mall. However, in the world of high-end evening wear, timing is everything.

At Jovani, we recommend starting your search as soon as the wedding style is solidified. Proper mother of the bride dress etiquette suggests that you should have your look finalized before the mother of the groom, giving her enough lead time to find a look that complements yours without matching it exactly.  If you’re wondering when should the mother of the bride buy her dress?, the short answer is: at least six to eight months before the wedding.

1. Why the 6-8 Month Window is Critical

You might think eight months is excessive, but the timeline for Mum of the Bride Dresses is dictated by shipping and alterations. Most Jovani formal gowns are crafted with intricate details that require time to order if your specific size or color isn’t in stock.  Furthermore, almost every formal dress requires at least two rounds of alterations to achieve that perfect, bespoke fit.

If you find yourself asking when should the mother of the bride buy her dress? only three months before the big day, you may face rush fees or, worse, a limited selection. To see what styles are currently in high demand and might require early ordering, take a look at our Best Sellers Mother of the Bride Dresses.  These popular pieces often move quickly, so securing yours early is a smart move.

2. Coordinating with the Wedding Aesthetic

Your shopping timeline should also leave room for coordinating with the wedding party.  You shouldn’t make a final purchase until the bridesmaids’ colors are set. Once the bridal party’s palette is confirmed, you can look for Mother Wedding Dresses that harmonize with the group. For example, if the wedding features a “winter wonderland” theme, you might explore a sparkling silver mother of the bride gown to match the cool tones of the season.

Waiting for this information helps you avoid a major wedding fashion faux pas, such as choosing a color that clashes with the floral arrangements or looks jarring next to the bridesmaids in the family portraits.

3. Allowing Time for Special Requests

Sometimes, the bride has specific or traditional wedding rules she would like the family to follow. Perhaps she wants a very modest look for a cathedral ceremony, or maybe she envisions a “black-tie” gala where only Long Mother of The Bride Gowns are appropriate. Starting early gives you the flexibility to search for specific features, such as a Modest Mother of the Bride Dresses option that offers both coverage and high-fashion appeal.

If you’re still pondering when should the mother of the bride buy her dress?, remember that custom adjustments,like adding sleeves or changing a neckline,can add weeks to your timeline.

4. The Danger of the “Last Minute” Purchase

Buying in a panic often leads to choosing inappropriate mother of the bride attire.  When you are rushed, you might settle for a dress that doesn’t fit correctly or a color that doesn’t flatter your skin tone. This is how many Mum of the Bride Outfits end up looking “frumpy” rather than sophisticated.

To avoid this, ask yourself when should the mother of the bride buy her dress? the moment the engagement is announced. Even if you aren’t ready to buy, start browsing silhouettes. Would you prefer a Mermaid MOB Dresses style for a dramatic entrance, or a more subtle Sheath Mother of the Bride Dresses look? Familiarizing yourself with our Jovani formal gowns early on makes the final decision much easier.

5. Seasonal Shopping and Fabric Choices

The time of year you shop can affect the fabrics available. If you are having a summer wedding but shopping in the dead of winter, you might struggle to find a lightweight chiffon mother of the bride ensemble. Conversely, if you want a heavy Satin Mother of the Groom Dresses look for a December wedding, you should be looking during the fall collections. 

So, when should the mother of the bride buy her dress? Ideally, you should shop during the season that matches the wedding date. This ensures you can find a seasonally appropriate mother of the bride attire that keeps you comfortable throughout the ceremony and reception.

6. Final Fittings and Accessories

Once you’ve answered when should the mother of the bride buy her dress? and made the purchase, you still have the “accessory phase.” You need time to find shoes, jewelry, and undergarments that work specifically with your new gown. Having your dress in hand four months before the wedding allows you to take it to shoe fittings and hair trials, ensuring your complete mother of the bride outfit is perfectly balanced.

If you are a petite mother, you might need even more time for hem adjustments. Our Petite Mother of The Bride Dresses are designed for shorter frames, but a final tailor’s touch is usually necessary to ensure the hemline doesn’t trip you up on the dance floor. 

Conclusion

In the end, the question of when should the mother of the bride buy her dress? is about more than just a date on the calendar,it’s about giving yourself the peace of mind to enjoy your daughter’s big day. By shopping early, following traditional wedding rules, and avoiding the stress of a last-minute wedding fashion faux pas, you ensure that you look as beautiful as the occasion deserves.