One of the most common questions we hear from mothers is: When should the Mother of the Groom start shopping for her dress?

Our general recommendation is to start looking about 6 to 8 months before the wedding.

Starting early gives you time to understand the formality of the wedding, explore different colors and silhouettes, and find something that feels appropriate for the occasion without feeling rushed.

Why 6 to 8 Months Before the Wedding Is a Good Time to Start

Mother of the Groom dress shopping can sometimes feel a little uncertain because you may be waiting on details from the bride, the bridal party, or the Mother of the Bride.

But you don't need to have every detail figured out before you begin looking.

Starting 6 to 8 months before the wedding gives you time for:

• Finding a silhouette that feels like you

• Choosing a color that works with the wedding

• Ordering your size if needed

• Scheduling alterations

• Selecting shoes and accessories

• Coordinating with the Mother of the Bride

• Making adjustments without feeling pressured by the wedding date

The goal is to give yourself enough time to enjoy the process instead of turning it into a last-minute decision.

When Should the Mother of the Groom Actually Buy Her Dress?

Ideally, we recommend purchasing your dress about 4 to 6 months before the wedding.

That gives you plenty of time for alterations and any final styling decisions.

Even when a dress fits well off the rack, special-occasion dresses often benefit from small adjustments. A hem, waist adjustment, shoulder alteration, or slight change in length can make a big difference in how the dress feels.

However if you find a dress you love.. no matter the timeline... you should get it to ensure it does not sell out. In special occasion wear this happens quite a bit and we hear so many women tell us " I found the perfect dress but I sent it back and now its sold out"... when this happens it can be stressful so go with your instincts and if you love it go for it!

Does the Mother of the Groom Have to Wait for the Mother of the Bride?

Traditionally, the Mother of the Bride selected her dress first and then shared the color and formality with the Mother of the Groom.

Today, it does not need to feel quite so formal.

We generally recommend having a simple conversation about the overall look of the wedding. Knowing the Mother of the Bride's general color, dress length, and level of formality can be helpful, but the two mothers do not need to match.

In fact, they should each choose something that feels true to their own personal style.

You are attending the same wedding, but you are two different women. Your dresses can coordinate without looking alike.

What Color Should the Mother of the Groom Wear?

There is no single color the Mother of the Groom is required to wear.

Instead, think about the overall wedding palette and choose something that complements it without trying to match the bridesmaids exactly.

Navy, blue, green, berry, burgundy, soft pink, teal, and other sophisticated tones can all work beautifully depending on the season and setting.

If you are unsure, asking the couple whether there are any colors they would prefer you to avoid can make the decision much easier.

Is There Such a Thing as Shopping Too Early?

Sometimes.

If the wedding is more than a year away and the venue, season, formality, or wedding colors have not been established yet, you may want to wait before making a final purchase.

You can still start looking at different silhouettes and figuring out what makes you feel most comfortable.

Then, once the wedding details are a little more settled, you will already have a good idea of what you are looking for.

If those details are already decided on you should be OK to shop a year before the wedding. Its always better to get started early than waiting too late.

What If the Wedding Is Only a Few Months Away?

You still have options.

If you are shopping 2 to 3 months before the wedding, focus on dresses that are currently available in your size and allow enough time for alterations.

If the wedding is only a month or two away, look for a dress that already fits well and requires minimal changes.

The closer you get to the wedding, the more helpful it is to keep the process simple.

Don't Feel Like You Have to Look Like a "Mother of the Groom"

One of the biggest things we hear from women is that they don't want to feel matronly or overly traditional.

You don't need to choose a dress simply because it has been labeled a "Mother of the Groom dress."

Look for something that feels appropriate for the wedding while still feeling like you.

That might mean a simple gown with beautiful tailoring.  The title of Mother of the Groom should not determine your personal style.

Our Favorite Timeline

If you want an easy guideline, we recommend:

6–8 months before: Start shopping and figuring out what you like.

4–6 months before: Purchase your dress.

6–8 weeks before: Begin alterations.

2–4 weeks before: Final fitting, shoes, accessories, and any last styling details.

Then you can check one more thing off your wedding list.

The most important thing is finding something that feels special enough for your son's wedding while still feeling completely like yourself.

At Camilyn Beth, we design dresses for women who want to feel like themselves, just a little more dressed up.