Mother of the Bride & Groom Dresses: When should the shopping process begin?

Shopping for your mother of the bride or mother of the groom dress should be fun! However, we understand that many moms feel overwhelmed and defeated before they begin. While it can be tempting to put shopping off to the last minute, a healthy time frame alleviates pressure and allows space for moms to discover what styles make them feel best.

At Styled by Lily, our stylists pride themselves in eliminating decision fatigue and instilling confidence into every mom who steps on the pedestal. Instead of walking into a department store surrounded by choices with no support, each client is paired with a stylist who will listen closely to styling requests and concerns, ensuring each dress selection is curated with options that feel both elegant and comfortable. It is our hope that this level of support helps avoid the stress moms may feel when shopping independently, and encourages them to begin the shopping process with an optimal timeframe.

Ideally, mothers of the bride and groom should begin dress shopping 6-9 months prior to the wedding date. Starting the shopping process within this timeline eliminates the headache of limited style availability, tight shipping times, rush fees, and rushed alterations. This timing also guarantees access to plentiful options, with over 150 dresses ranging in price, color, material, and silhouette, for your stylist to choose from while curating your selection. As timelines become more constrained, style options become more limited. With shipping times being as lengthy as 4 months, your future self will thank you for starting the process early.

A limited timeframe paired with a modest budget and specific color requests can considerably narrow styles available to order. For example, with a $350 budget, color requirement, and 9 month timeframe, mothers of the bride and groom would have about 50 style options to select from. A 3 month or less timeframe would bring the number of style options down to about half or less. If you are working within a specific budget and limited color palette, it is strongly recommended that you begin shopping at least 5 months in advance.

We understand that life happens. Sometimes beginning your dress shopping within the recommended timeframe is not always possible. That’s okay! We can still help you find your dress with an array of in-stock and off-the-rack options. Stock availability varies widely and off-the-rack options are sold as is. Dresses that are available in stock can be shipped within 1-2 weeks. Off-the-rack options are yours to take home the day of purchase. This is a convenient option, as the alterations process can begin as soon as possible. It is recommended that you begin the alterations process 1-2 months prior to the wedding. If that timeframe isn’t possible, we do have alteration specialist recommendations who offer walk-in service and rush options.

Are you ready to start exploring Styled by Lily's selection of mother of the bride and mother of the groom dresses? Get started by making an appointment and browsing our Pinterest for inspiration to share with your stylist!