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Thanks to Lindsay Nordyke at Patsy’s, A Bridal Boutique for answering this week’s reader question:
I just got engaged! I’ll be wedding dress shopping soon. All of my bridesmaids want to come shopping with me, but I’m not sure this is a good idea. Who do you suggest I bring with me to my bridal gown appointments?
This is a great question. The guests you select to attend your appointment can make or break your experience. My simple suggestion is to bring three or less, but no more than four guests to your appointment. Many brides try so hard to include everyone. While this is kind, it can result in many opinions flying around. Be sure to ask very close family members and close friends first, but make sure these people are who you want weighing in on your gown choice.
Some of our brides choose to first come alone to select their top gowns and then bring their guests back to help them decide. I think this is a great idea if you are easily influenced by others. If there are family or friends who you do not want to help you choose your gown but you do want to include them in the experience, bring them back for a follow up appointment after you have purchased your dress or to the first fitting. This way the gown is already chosen and they can ooh and aah over your choice instead of giving their opinion. As a side note, make sure that you have a realistic expectation of your experience with your guests. For example: if your mom is not a crier, don’t expect her to cry at your appointment. It will be a bonus if she does! Ultimately, you are the one wearing the dress, so bring those who will keep this in mind as well.
I think this is awesome advice. I just got married in June, and I really am so thankful that I only had those closest to me when picking out my wedding dress. I only invited my maid of honor, my mom and my grandmother. Although I do not care what others think about my taste in clothing, it is still every brides dream to have the perfect dress and so I can see why people end up being persuaded by others.You really do need to take an honest look at yourself before you go wedding dress shopping and consider whether or not it would be best for you to go solo or with a group. Regardless of your decision, I think that the fewer people the better. This ensures your dress is picked out by you and that you feel like it is the most beautiful dress in the world, not being influenced by that one bridesmaid who has opposite taste from you.
@DianaOates, totally agree. I narrowed it down to two dresses I loved. I loved one more, but my mom and friends preferred the other one. My mom cried when I had it on (talk about pressure!) I chose the one they loved and I still have a tiny twinge of regret, even though my dress was still beautiful! PS. I always go shopping alone! I rarely have indecision when shopping. Advice from others really can sway your opinion.