The best places to buy mother of the bride dresses are Adrianna Papell for overall selection and quality, Mac Duggal for elegant designer styles, Lulus for affordable modern looks, and JJ’s House for budget-friendly custom sizing. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, these retailers offer flattering options for every budget, wedding style, and body type.
If you’re trying to figure out where to buy a mother of the bride dress, the options can feel overwhelming. From online retailers and department stores to bridal boutiques, each offers different price points, styles, and levels of convenience.
This guide makes it simple! We’ve rounded up the best places to shop for mother of the bride dresses so you can quickly compare stores, find the right fit for your budget, and choose a dress that feels beautiful and comfortable for the big day.
Quick Answer:
- Best Overall: Adrianna Papell
- Best Budget Pick: Lulus
- Best Custom Sizing: JJ’s House
- Best Designer Styles: Mac Duggal
- Best In-Store Experience: Local Bridal Boutiques
Best Places to Buy Mother of the Bride Dresses (Online & In Stores)
- Adrianna Papell: One of the most trusted names in wedding attire with dedicated mother-of-the-bride collections.
- Lulus: Fan-favorite! Trendy and budget-friendly dresses that work well for less traditional weddings.
- Mac Duggal: Popular for made-to-order dresses, inclusive sizing, and customizable options.
- JJ’s House: Affordable formalwear with tons of color and style options.
- Department Stores / Local Bridal Boutiques: In-store options to try on locally.
Top Pick: The best place to buy a mother of the bride dress is Adrianna Papell for overall selection, quality, and service. Mac Duggal is the best choice for classic, elegant styles, while Lulus and JJ’s House are the top budget-friendly options.
How to Choose Where to Buy a Mother of the Bride Dress
Not all stores are the same, and the best place to shop depends on your priorities. Here’s a simple way to decide where to start:
- If you want the best selection: Shop online retailers like Lulus or Adrianna Papell.
- If you need fast shipping: Lulus and Amazon are your best options.
- If you want to try dresses on: Visit local bridal boutiques.
- If you need custom sizing: Try JJ’s House.
- If you want designer styles: Look at Adrianna Papell or Mac Duggal.
If you’re worried about ending up with something matronly or outdated, take a look at these mother of the bride dresses that aren’t ugly for modern styles that feel elegant and current.
Types of Stores That Sell Mother of the Bride Dresses
What’s the difference? Here’s a helpful guide that breaks down what types of places you can shop MOB dresses.
- Department stores: Some offer a wide range of formal dresses in multiple price points.
- Bridal boutiques: Best for personalized styling and in-person fittings.
- Online retailers: Lulus and JJ’s House offer convenience and wider selection.
- Designer brands: Adrianna Papell and Mac Duggal for elevated styles.
Many mothers prioritize comfort and a flattering fit. If that’s your goal, see our guide to mother of the bride dresses that hide belly with silhouettes designed to enhance confidence.
Cheapest Places to Buy Mother of the Bride Dresses
- Amazon (fast shipping and wide selection)
- Lulus (affordable modern styles)
- JJ’s House (custom looks at lower prices)
If you’re shopping on a strict budget, don’t miss our collection of cheap mother of the bride dresses under $100 that look far more expensive than they cost.
Where to Buy Mother of the Bride Dresses In Store
- Department stores (high service and styling support)
- Local bridal boutiques (personalized experience)
Best Designer Mother of the Bride Dress Brands
If you’re looking for something more elevated or unique, boutique and designer options may be the right fit.
- Local bridal boutiques (personal styling and alterations)
- High-end department store designer sections (Mac Duggal or Adrianna Papell are my go-to)
- Specialty formalwear boutiques in your area
► If you’re still deciding on style, see: what mother of the bride dresses are flattering for every body type.
What Store Should You Choose? (Quick Guide)
Mother of the bride dresses are different from everyday formalwear. Most stores carry limited in-store selections, but offer expanded online collections.
- Sizing varies by brand: Always check size charts carefully.
- Return policies differ: Some boutiques and custom dresses are final sale.
- Alterations are normal: Even expensive dresses often need tailoring.
- Seasonal availability: Popular styles sell out quickly during wedding season.
If you’re 5’4″ or under, don’t miss our favorite petite mother of the bride dresses that are not frumpy, featuring styles designed to flatter smaller frames without overwhelming your proportions.
► Need extended sizing? We’ve also rounded up the best plus size mother of the bride dresses with flattering styles for every body type.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Mother of the Bride Dress
- Waiting too long to order (popular styles sell out quickly)
- Ignoring store return policies before purchasing online
- Not checking size charts carefully by brand
- Choosing style over comfort for long wedding days
- Forgetting to budget for alterations
Important tip: Never wear white, ivory, or champagne, as these shades are traditionally reserved for the bride. It’s also best to avoid anything overly flashy or attention-grabbing—the goal is to look elegant and polished without competing with the bride.
When Should You Buy a Mother of the Bride Dress?
- 6–8 months before: Best time to start shopping for full selection.
- 3–5 months before: Ideal time to order online dresses.
- 1–2 months before: Last chance for alterations and backup options.
► Looking for additional sizing? See our plus size MOB dresses guide.
Quick Comparison: Best Places to Buy Mother of the Bride Dresses
| Store | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lulus | Affordable trendy styles | Low |
| Mac Duggal | Custom sizing & made-to-order | Mid |
| Adrianna Papell | Classic, polished MOB looks | Mid–High |
| JJ’S House | Traditional MOB looks | Low |
Where Do Most Mothers Buy Their Dresses?
Most mothers of the bride purchase their dresses from a combination of bridal boutiques, department stores, online retailers, and designer websites. The best choice depends on budget, style preferences, and whether they want the convenience of shopping online or the ability to try dresses on in person.
Bridal boutiques are popular for personalized service, fittings, and styling advice, while department stores offer a wide variety of formalwear at different price points. Many mothers also shop online through retailers like Adrianna Papell, Lulus, and JJ’s House because they provide a larger selection of colors, sizes, and styles than most local stores can stock.
Designer websites have become increasingly popular as well, allowing shoppers to browse the newest collections directly from brands like Adrianna Papell and Mac Duggal. For many mothers, the ideal approach is to research styles online first, then visit a boutique or department store if they would like help with fit, alterations, or final dress selection.
More Mother of the Bride Dress Guides
FAQs About Buying Mother of the Bride Dresses
Where is the best place to buy mother of the bride dresses?
Adrianna Papell is one of the best overall places to buy mother of the bride dresses thanks to its combination of quality, selection, sizing options, and customer service.
Can I buy mother of the bride dresses online?
Yes. Many of the best mother of the bride dress retailers are online, including Adrianna Papell, Lulus, and JJ’s House. Online shopping often provides a wider selection of styles, colors, and sizes.
What is the most affordable place to buy a mother of the bride dress?
Budget-friendly options include Lulus, Amazon, and JJ’s House. These retailers offer affordable styles while still providing a variety of formal dress options.
Do mother of the bride dresses run true to size?
Not always. Sizing varies significantly between brands, so it is important to review each retailer’s size chart and measurements before ordering.
What stores carry mother of the bride dresses in-store?
Department stores and local bridal boutiques are the most common places to shop for mother of the bride dresses in person. These locations often provide fitting assistance and styling support.
When should I buy a mother of the bride dress?
It is best to begin shopping 6 to 8 months before the wedding. This allows time for ordering, shipping, alterations, and finding a backup option if needed.
Is it better to buy a mother of the bride dress online or in a store?
Online shopping offers a wider selection and often better pricing, while in-store shopping allows you to try dresses on before purchasing. Many mothers research styles online and then visit a boutique if they need additional fitting assistance.
Do mother of the bride dresses usually need alterations?
Yes. Even high-end dresses often require minor alterations to achieve the best fit. It is wise to budget for tailoring when purchasing a mother of the bride dress.
Final Recommendation: Best Overall Place to Buy
The best place to buy a mother of the bride dress depends on your budget, timeline, and whether you prefer shopping online or in person.
Best overall starting point: If you’re unsure where to begin, Adrianna Papell is the safest all-around choice for most mothers. It offers a strong mix of style, sizing, and online options.
Still browsing styles? If you’re worried about finding something outdated or frumpy, don’t stress—we rounded up elegant, modern mother of the bride dresses that feel polished, flattering, and anything but boring.
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
