Dress Shopping– Must Dos and Must Haves

I have only tried on dresses once and I think it went well. I would say wear the right strapless bra, if you know you will wear heels or flats brings those as well. On the day I tried on dresses I didn’t wear makeup and my hair was not super cute and I regretted it. I think having your makeup done up a little and having your hair kinda cute helps complete the look and really envision how you will look on the big day.

I would definitely look at photos of dresses beforehand and save some pictures of ones you like on your phone. It helps whoever is fitting you pull things you like. I didn't do that, and it took a while to finally try on some dresses I did like. Also, be prepared for the store to not have your size in the stock to try on. It can be difficult to imagine what you may look like in something that is 2 sizes too big or too small, but I think if I had realized that going in I would have been more open to some of the dresses I tried on.

Definitely comfortable undergarments. David's
Bridal had me put their undergarments on and it was miserable! The local boutique let me wear my own and it was much better!

I don’t think having MOH there is a must. I have 3 bridesmaids and didn’t bring any of them because I didn’t want so many opinions. I only brought my mother. Also, if you can get a backless and strapless bra it’s really the best for trying on dresses in case you end up liking one with a low back. Underwear that shows no lines is a must and absolutely bring your shoes.

Also, it helped me to take pictures with my hair clipped up and down.

Strapless bar and full coverage underwear is what every shop told me to wear. I was only able to have my MOH with me the first time I tried on dresses because she lives in a different state but I was happy she was there for that but would of loved her to been there when I found my dress (we did FaceTime her). Don't bring a ton of people but bring people that will make it a great experience for you. Everyone with me was on the same page with what I liked or didn't which was helpful. Just enjoy it ans be open to try different things on! It was a lot more fun then I was expecting

Strapless bra and underwear that you're comfortable wearing in front of someone else. No need to wear your wedding shoes - your dress is going to be a standard size and will probably be too long anyway (if you're short like me), so they'll put you on a block. I'd wear comfortable shoes because you'll be standing all day and getting in and out of dresses.

I went by myself the first two times and it was awesome. The last time I took two bridesmaids, my mom, and my FMIL. They are super chill so it was still a good experience, but I wouldn't bring too many people with you. Too many opinions, too much chaos.

I say bring as few people as possible, you don't want tons of opinions. strapless bra and pictures of dresses that you like so the consultant has an idea of what dresses to start pulling for you.

I went to David's Bridal. They actually let me borrow a corset to try with the dresses and shoes as well. It might be different everywhere else (I found my dress THERE) but they have everything you need to try the dresses

Oh! Eat something before you go (sometimes those appts take a while and you won't be able to concentrate if you're hungry). I would say no on the makeup, but if you plan on wearing your hair up on your day, wear your hair up for the dress shopping (you can get a better picture of how it will look the day of). Not too many people because everyone likes different things. I had my best friend (MOH) with me, her wedding is almost 2 months before mine) and we both found our perfect dress.

I would definitely suggest a strapless bra and WEAR UNDERWEAR. One consultant told me some brides don't wear anything. You are going to be seen without your clothes on. I wore a half slip to my dress fitting. You don't need to wear spanx.
Bring some who is honest with you about how you look in clothes. The fewer people you bring with you, the better.
When you try on dresses, tell your consultant what you like or what you don't like about the dresses- it helps them grab better dresses for you. (I.e. I really like this neckline or, I really don't like lace)

Definitely bring the right undergarments (strapless bra, nude color, etc.). Shoes would be a good thing to bring, but many place do have heels you can try on with their dresses. If you already have your accessories picked out (veil/hair piece, jewelry) it would probably be good to bring those. I just had my everyday makeup on and I was fine with that. It would've been nice to have my hair up, but it was short at the time, so it would've been too hard to try and put up. I had my mom with me for my first shopping trip and my dad for the other two. He helped me pick out THE dress. So I don't think your MOH had to be present.