Who buys dress first, mother of bride or mother of groom?

Tradition places the mother of the bride first, mainly because she often works closely with the bride on the overall look. Once she has picked a colour, length and style, she can tell the mother of the groom what she is wearing. This lets the second mother choose something that complements rather than competes.

Modern couples often prefer to talk about this together. Many brides now ask both mothers to send photos of their chosen outfits before anyone buys anything. This avoids surprises on the day and keeps everyone comfortable.

• The mother of the bride typically leads the conversation.
• The mother of the groom should confirm her choice once she knows the palette.
• Both can still pick different styles, as long as the colours and formality match.

If the couple has a specific dress code or colour theme, follow their guidance above all. When in doubt, ask the bride directly rather than guessing.