Wedding Dress Shopping

Some place have a limited amount of people allowed in the stores even with everything being lifted so you may want to ask the stores how many they allow. I made 3 reservations at different stores because they weren't giving enough time and are only allowing 4 people. So I am bringing my MOH, bridesmaid, FMIL and my dad.

First time looking was just me, my mom and best friend (MOH) - went to two locations, put a small deposit on a dress - ended up second-guessing as I also wasn't happy how the one salon treated my mom.

Went to a 3rd location with just my mom, had a few "front runners" and went back with my mom, MOH and 1 of my bridesmaids - they took pictures of the dresses that were front runners, and shared with the other BMs who couldn't make it

3.5 years later I still love the 2nd dress I put a deposit down on, and ordered...a dress, that is hanging up in one of my BMs closets until I get the chance to wear it lol

Yes, some stores may limit the # of people in the store at one time. I would call the stores you are planning to visit to confirm their policies

Thanks all for the helpful tips!! ☺️

I only had one person standing up with me and I found that impossible to find a time that worked her her to come. I went with just my mom (we tend to like similar styles and she knows what I'd feel comfortable in). I never found a dress in a store but fell in love with one online 😅. I basically showed the ones closest to me and they knew it was perfect for me. I'm glad I went in store to try on shapes of dresses so I knew what felt good.

I would just not bring the other bridesmaid or maybe have the other two on video call? You can tell them that there are restrictions in the shops too!
I had a difficult situation dress shopping. I only brought 2 people with me and they liked different dresses and didn’t like the one i liked! I ended up going the next day alone and chose the one i liked! I haven’t told anyone which one I chose. 🤣 I am a people pleaser and that’s why that happened too.

One thing to consider too is some stores only allow so many people when you book your slot. SO that may help you pick your numbers.

I brought the same amount of people you are considering and personally thought it was perfect amount. Granted, I dont have any other bridesmaids to include, but I found the 3 ladies were the right amount of support and advice I needed.

If you don't want/need the bridesmaids there, don't invite them. Anyone who makes a big stink over not being invited to dress shopping doesn't deserve the spot in the bridal party.

I used to work at a bridal salon and just went wedding dress shopping. I bought my mum, MIL and my MOH.


I found ‘the one’ and I set up another appointment a month later and went again with just my bridesmaids to try it on and put the deposit down. I didn’t show anyone the dress I picked and it was so nice seeing their reactions. We accessorised my look and had a quick look through the bridesmaids dresses as well. I was so happy I did it this way and it worked out really well.
Now my bridal stylist opinion:It can be such an emotional and long day depending on how many stores you are going to. I’ve often seen that bringing lots of people can be overwhelming and having lots of different opinions coming at you can confuse you. I’ve also had it happen a few times that the bride gets caught up in the moment and says yes to a dress that everyone else loves and comes back a week later with their mum to re select. Stick to the people that will lift you up and give you their opinion respectfully ( as I have heard some horrible comments towards the bride from family members before) and most importantly have fun with it and do whatever feels right for YOU!

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I hadn't thought of going alone to narrow down some! I might consider doing this, great idea thanks!!

Personally, I would do a time alone if it brings anxiety. Then when you have narrowed down to your top 5, maybe consider bringing everyone? Or I would at least do one where you bring everyone and enjoy yourselves and try on any and every dress imaginable. You don't always have to bring everyone. I went times without my mom, my MOH, or other bridesmaid (my sister). Sometimes I went with just my mom, or just my mom and sister, also went with just my MOH and sister. And I went with all three once.

I only brought my mom dad and my Maid of Honor. Too many people means too many opinions lol and I wanted my dress to be a secret from most people until the big day