When Should Mothers of the Bride and Groom Start Shopping?
One of the most common questions we hear from mothers is surprisingly simple: "When should I start shopping for my dress?" Many mothers assume they can wait until a few months before the wedding, especially after months of helping the bride navigate wedding planning. The reality, however, is that starting early often leads to a much more enjoyable experience and a much wider selection of styles. At The Plumed Serpent, we recommend that mothers of the bride and groom begin shopping approximately six to eight months before the wedding whenever possible. Starting early provides the greatest selection, allows time for special orders and alterations, and helps ensure you feel confident and excited about your look long before the wedding day arrives.
Why Shopping Early Matters
Unlike off-the-rack evening wear, many designer mother-of-the-bride and mother-of-the-groom gowns are special ordered directly from the designer. Once your gown is ordered, production can take several months depending on the designer, season, and style selected. After the gown arrives, alterations are typically needed to achieve the perfect fit. By beginning the process six to eight months before the wedding, you allow plenty of time for both delivery and alterations without feeling rushed. Perhaps even more importantly, shopping early gives you the opportunity to enjoy the experience. Rather than making decisions under pressure, you can focus on finding a dress that truly reflects your style and helps you feel your best.
What If the Bride Hasn't Chosen Her Dress Yet?
Many mothers hesitate to shop because they feel they should wait until the bride has selected her gown. While it can be helpful to know the wedding's overall aesthetic and color palette, waiting for every detail to be finalized often creates unnecessary stress later in the process. Once the wedding venue, season, and general formality have been established, mothers can begin exploring styles and silhouettes. In many cases, finding your dress early actually helps complete the overall vision for the wedding day. Of course, communication between the bride and both mothers is always helpful, but there is rarely a need to delay shopping entirely.
Finding the Right Dress Takes Time
Many women haven't shopped for a formal gown in years and are often surprised by how many options are available. Finding the right dress is about more than selecting a color or silhouette. It is about discovering a look that feels comfortable, flattering, appropriate for the occasion, and reflective of your personality. Trying different styles, fabrics, sleeve options, and silhouettes often leads mothers to fall in love with something completely different than what they initially imagined. Allowing yourself time to explore those possibilities makes the experience far more enjoyable and often leads to a better result.
What If the Wedding Is Sooner?
If the wedding is less than six months away, don't panic. Many designers offer rush options, and depending on availability, there may also be in-store options that can help accommodate a shorter timeframe. While shopping earlier is always ideal, beautiful solutions can often be found for mothers working with tighter timelines.
The Best Time to Start Shopping
As a general rule, mothers should plan to begin shopping six to eight months before the wedding and aim to have their gown selected approximately four to six months before the event. This timeline allows for ordering, delivery, alterations, and any finishing touches without unnecessary stress. Most importantly, it allows you to enjoy the experience and focus on finding a dress that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and excited to celebrate one of life's most meaningful occasions.
Mother of the Bride and Groom Dresses at The Plumed Serpent
At The Plumed Serpent in Westport, Connecticut, we specialize in designer evening wear for mothers of the bride and groom. Our collection features sophisticated gowns from sought-after designers including Audrey + Brooks, Frascara, Fouy Chov, Greta Constantine, Alex Teih, Lucian Matis, Cyril Verdavainne, Kelly Chase Couture, and more.
Our stylists work one-on-one with every client to help you find a look that feels elegant, flattering, and perfectly suited to your celebration. If you're wondering whether it's time to start shopping, the answer is probably yes. We invite you to reserve your appointment and begin exploring the styles that will help you look and feel incredible on the wedding day.
