The best places to buy mother of the bride dresses include Adrianna Papell, Mac Duggal, Sachin Babi, Lulus, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and JJ’s House for budget-friendly options. For in-person shopping, bridal boutiques and department stores offer the best try-on experience. These retailers offer options across all budgets, from affordable online dresses to high-end designer styles.
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.
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.
- Nordstrom: Known for elegant, high-quality formal dresses with excellent return policies.
- Lulus: Fan-favorite! Trendy and budget-friendly dresses that work well for less traditional weddings.
- Sachin Babi: Trend-forward for elegant, formal weddings.
- Mac Duggal: Popular for made-to-order dresses, inclusive sizing, and customizable options.
- Macy’s: Great mid-range pricing with frequent sales and a wide variety of brands.
- JJ’s House: Affordable formalwear with tons of color and style options.
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.
Macy’s offers a wide mid-range selection with frequent sales, while Nordstrom provides made-to-order designer dresses, and Sachin Babi is ideal for elevated, fashion-forward looks. For personalized fittings, local bridal boutiques are the best in-person option.
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 Nordstrom or Macy’s.
- If you need fast shipping: Lulus, Amazon, and Macy’s are your best options.
- If you want to try dresses on: Visit Nordstrom, Macy’s, or local bridal boutiques.
- If you need custom sizing: Try JJ’s House.
- If you want designer styles: Look at Adrianna Papell, Mac Duggal, or Sachin Babi.
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: Nordstrom and Macy’s 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, Mac Duggal, and Sachin Babi for elevated styles.
Cheapest Places to Buy Mother of the Bride Dresses
- Amazon (fast shipping and wide selection)
- Lulus (affordable modern styles)
- Macy’s sale section (frequent discounts)
- JJ’s House (custom looks at lower prices)
► On a budget? Need a dress at the last minute? Check out cheap mother of the bride dresses under $100 on Amazon. They ship fast!
Where to Buy Mother of the Bride Dresses In Store
- Nordstrom (high service and styling support)
- Macy’s (department store accessibility)
- 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 (Sachin Babi and Mac Duggal are fantastic options)
- 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.
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
| Nordstrom | High-quality, elegant dresses | Mid–High |
| Macy’s | Budget to mid-range variety | Low–Mid |
| Lulus | Affordable trendy styles | Low |
| Mac Duggal | Custom sizing & made-to-order | Mid |
| Adrianna Papell | Classic, polished MOB looks | Mid–High |
FAQs About Buying Mother of the Bride Dresses
Where is the best place to buy mother of the bride dresses?
Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Adrianna Papell are the most reliable all-around options for quality, selection, and service.
Can I buy mother of the bride dresses online?
Yes—many of the best options are online, including Lulus, Azazie, JJ’s House, and Nordstrom.
What is the most affordable place to buy a mother of the bride dress?
Lulus, Amazon, Macy’s sale sections, and JJ’s House are typically the most budget-friendly.
Do mother of the bride dresses run true to size?
Not always. Sizing varies by brand, so always check individual size charts before ordering.
What stores carry mother of the bride dresses in-store?
Nordstrom and Macy’s are the most common in-store retailers, along with local bridal boutiques that offer curated selections.
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
This guide covers both online and in-store options for mother of the bride dresses, including budget-friendly, plus size, and designer retailers.
Emma Arendoski
Emma is the CEO of Emmaline Bride (est. 2009) and published author of two wedding books: "The Handcrafted Wedding" and "The Inspired Wedding" (Sellers Publishing, Inc.) She is a leading wedding expert, coordinator, wife, mother, and coffee lover. Read her latest book: The Inspired Wedding. Follow on Emmaline Baby for baby + kids inspiration.
