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This is the first time I've ever been asked this question, but I'm glad you did. There is no
doubt about it: shopping for a wedding gown
is one of the best parts of being a bride. Nothing is quite as fun as getting
to try on all of those fabulous dresses in your search for the one dress that
will truly make you feel like a bride. In the excitement, many brides will want
to invite everyone they know
to join them for the adventure. But before you do, stop and think carefully
about who you should bring wedding gown shopping.
You may be
surprised to hear that when it comes to finding your dream gown, having more
people does not mean having more help. Did you ever hear the old expression,
"Too many chiefs and not enough Indians"?
This is exactly what usually happens when a bride brings along a whole
entourage. Everyone will have a different opinion, and in all of those voices,
it is often the bride's that gets drowned out. Forget about picking a wedding dress by committee or trying
to please everyone: it doesn't work.
The ideal
number of friends or relatives to bring gown shopping is one to three. (And
three can even be pushing it if they are all highly opinionated ladies!)
Although it can be fun to try on gowns for all six of your bridesmaids and have
them ooh and aah over you, remember that the point is to find your wedding
gown, not just to try on lots of dresses. You are better off choosing a couple
of friends who will be able to remain focused on you and on what you really
want.
The obvious
choice for a person to bring gown shopping is the mother of the bride. For many mothers and daughters,
it is an experience they have dreamed about sharing for years. If this sounds
like you, then by all means, bring your mother. Make a whole mother-daughter
day of it with lunch in a nice restaurant
after the appointment (hopefully it will be a lunch to celebrate finding your
dream dress!).
Not all mothers
and daughter see eye to eye, however. If you know that your mother will not be
able to keep your personal taste in mind, then you would be better off doing
your gown shopping with one of your bridesmaids. You need someone who you can
really trust to help you make the right choice. After you have chosen your
gown, you can invite your mother to help you pick out your veil and bridal
jewelry. Shopping for jewelry and other bridal accessories can also be a good
way to involve your future mother-in-law.
Beverly Harris Weddings & Events
(310) 487-9698
