One of the most common questions we hear in store is:
"How far in advance should I start shopping for my Mother of the Bride outfit?"
The answer is simple:
Earlier than you think.
Finding the perfect Mother of the Bride or Groom outfit should be an exciting part of the wedding journey, not a stressful last-minute task. Starting your search early gives you access to the widest choice of styles, colours and sizes while allowing plenty of time to find a look that makes you feel confident and beautiful on one of the most important days of your life.
At Nicola Ross, we've been helping Mothers of the Bride and Groom find their perfect outfits for over 30 years, and if there's one piece of advice we always give, it's this:
Don't leave it too late.
When Do Mother of the Bride Collections Arrive?
Timing is everything when it comes to occasionwear.
Our most sought-after collections arrive well in advance of the wedding season and many of the most popular styles are secured quickly by customers who shop early.
Spring & Summer Weddings
If you're attending a wedding between March and August, our Spring/Summer collections begin arriving from mid-December and continue throughout January.
This is one of the busiest times of the year in store, with many Mothers of the Bride and Groom eager to secure their outfit as soon as the new collections arrive.
The best styles, colours and sizes often attract immediate interest, so we always recommend booking your appointment as early as possible.
Autumn & Winter Weddings
For weddings taking place later in the year, our Autumn/Winter collections begin arriving from mid-June onwards.
These collections feature rich seasonal colours, elegant fabrics and the latest occasionwear trends for autumn and winter celebrations.
Again, the earlier you shop, the greater the choice available.
Why Shopping Early Matters
Unlike everyday fashion, Mother of the Bride and Groom collections are often produced in limited quantities.
Many of our designers create exclusive collections and, in many cases, we may only receive one of each size in a particular style.
Once a size or style is sold, it may not be available again.
Shopping early gives you:
✔ Access to the newest collections
✔ The widest choice of colours and styles
✔ Better size availability
✔ Time for any alterations if required
✔ More choice of matching hats, shoes and bags
✔ A relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience
Waiting until a few weeks before the wedding can often mean compromising on your first choice.
Why Booking an Appointment Is Essential
Mother of the Bride and Groom season is one of the busiest periods of the year at Nicola Ross.
Many customers travel long distances to visit us, and our styling appointments are in high demand, particularly when new collections arrive.
Booking an appointment ensures you receive dedicated one-to-one styling advice from our experienced team and allows us to give you the time and attention needed to find the perfect outfit.
Our stylists will help you explore different styles, colours and silhouettes while ensuring your outfit complements the wedding setting, season and your personal style.
Most importantly, we'll help take the stress out of the process.
Don't Forget the Accessories
Finding the dress or outfit is only part of the experience.
The accessories are what truly bring everything together.
At Nicola Ross, we're proud to be a genuine one-stop shop for occasionwear, with coordinating hats, fascinators, shoes and bags available in store.
Many customers love being able to complete their entire look during the same appointment rather than having to search elsewhere afterwards.
When everything is styled together, the result is a polished and beautifully coordinated outfit from head to toe.
"But I Want to Lose Weight First..."
This is something we hear all the time.
Our advice?
Don't wait.
Finding the right outfit is often the hardest part of the process. Minor alterations closer to the wedding are usually far easier than trying to find your dream outfit when stock levels are limited.
The most important thing is securing a style you genuinely love while the selection is at its best.
Why Choose Nicola Ross?
For more than 30 years, we've helped thousands of Mothers of the Bride and Groom find outfits that make them feel elegant, confident and comfortable.
Our experienced team understands that every customer is different, which is why we take the time to find styles that suit your shape, personality and the occasion.
With exclusive collections, personal styling appointments and coordinating accessories all under one roof, we make finding your perfect outfit an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Our Advice?
If your wedding is within the next 6–8 months, now is the perfect time to start looking.
The most successful Mother of the Bride and Groom shopping experiences happen when customers plan ahead, book their appointment early and shop when the new collections first arrive.
After all, your child's wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
You deserve an outfit that makes you feel every bit as special as the day itself.
Ready to start your search?
Book your Mother of the Bride or Groom appointment today by calling 045 875 181 and let our expert team help you find the perfect outfit for the big day.
