Dress shopping with the entourage!

I went dress shopping first with my bridesmaids, but did not purchase my dress at that time. I actually went back by myself later to try on different styles. I feel like I had a lot more success by myself, since I didn't have anyone else's opinions to take into account other than my own thoughts. I think going shopping on your own first is a good idea - that way, you can narrow down what styles you like, and then go back with your bridesmaids to pick a specific dress! Happy dress shopping!

There is nothing that dictates who you choose to shop with. I went with my mom. An entourage wouid have been a burden for my out of town close friends. They are largely a consequence of reality TV, not tradition.

I actually went dress shopping alone, I’m going in next week to try it on and finalize the alterations( I’m having lace long sleeved added atop my gown)! Once it’s completed I’ll bring my bridesmaids to see the final look. My godmother tried to convince me to take them when I go in next week, but I’m like why would I do that it’s not the finalized look.

I only brought my mom, FMIL and MOHs it was a lot of fun still. The main reason I didn’t bring my whole group is because I want to surprise them on the day of! So you don’t need the whole group and it’s not weird for either choice! Just have fun and be outspoken about the dresses!

I did the same.

We don’t live in the same area as family and friends so all dress shopping was done without anyone coming along. But I did FaceTime calls with various friends while trying them on (1 person per trip). First, Covid made shops limit the entourage to 2 guests in most places. Then too many opinions will sway you away from your gut feeling. All the trips were fun though.

I actually went dress shopping with only my mom. I had considered going with my friends and wedding party, but didn’t feel like I would get as much accomplished with that many people.

The first time I brought my grandma and MIL & second time (where I said yes) I brought my mom.


I found it helpful to only have 1 or 2 opinions being voiced opposed to all my girls pitching in their ideas!

In my opinion, the only reason to take a large entourage is to play dress up. Take only the people you trust and those who will help you achieve success— that is, finding a beautiful dress that makes you feel stunning. Good luck

Many brides choose to only bring their mother and sister or their closest friend (which is probably your matron of honor) to dress shop. However, you should know before deciding that it is very common to find your dress the same day, especially if you go to multiple appointments to try on dresses. If you do find your dress that day then you will want to get it then and there, not wait, at which point your other girls will not be there for the moment you say yes to the dress. So just something to keep in mind. You could still bring the rest of your entourage to your first fitting appointment do a dress reveal for the others.


I bought my dress during COVID so I didn't have anyone with me so I had my mother, sister (MOH), and oldest friend (bridesmaid) come to my first fitting to see me in the dress for the first time.
Best wishes and happy dress shopping!

I have! I went with an entourage for my first appointment and there were too many opinions. Granted, they were valid and welcomed, but it was skewing me away from the dress i would like. So, I went to another one by myself and chose the one! Through today, it s still the one. All to say, do what s best for you- go with or without the entourage as long as the result is the dress you want.

I went with my mom and both of my grandmas. My mom especially, she knows me and my style and was able to instantly read my expressions when I was trying on a dress. She told me/my grandmas the facts when I wasn't sure how to say it myself and it was really helpful. The less people there are, the easier it is. And when you have someone with you who knows you inside and out, it makes it even easier since they'll be true to you when you won't be true to yourself.

During Covid, I went with my now husband. He was still surprised and overwhelmed when he saw me on my wedding day. Dress shopping is fairly exhausting for someone not into shopping in person. I bought 2 other dresses to get it over with, one was with my parents who wanted to buy me something, the other a credit. Less opinions the better IMO. Good luck.

Hi, Marilynne! Similarly to Brittany's post above, I brought only my mom and my twin sister (maid of honor) to try on dresses for my wedding. After trying on about 10 dresses, I went back to the 2nd dress I tried on and decided to order it that same day! I simply sent my bridesmaids photos of my dress after I chose it. I don't think any of my bridesmaids were offended by that at all, and it was a special experience with just my mom and sister there. My sister in law (my matron of honor) brought about 6 of us to try on wedding dresses for her wedding, and it seemed to be an overwhelming experience having that many opinions, even if we were all supportive of her. I hope this helps!

I went with just my mom and 1 year old son. It made looking around a lot easier without having 5 people all there looking at dresses and allowed me to not feel rushed since me and all my 3 bridesmaids all have kids to attend to I was able to just take care of my son and look around. Now in 3 weeks everyone except my mom will get to see the dress for the first time!

I had scheduled a day for my MOH, Bridesmaids and myself on May 6th but had to reschedule due to my FH and I having to go out of town to take care of some unfinished business for FH and we invited my best friend/MOH to join us and we had fun. Bridesmaids had business of their own to take care of so they couldn't make it either that day so I have it planned for June 3rd and 2 of my bridesmaids won't get to join on this round of dress shopping as one just got married yesterday and will be on her way home from her honeymoon on the 3rd and the other one forgot about the dress shopping date and booked her family vacation that weekend , no harm no foul as this is just a trial run to see what is out there no purchase of a dress til they are all able to attend. So this go around I think it's just gonna be my MOH and myself. as my sister (one of my bridesmaids) has her 2 grandbabies for a week or two from Texas so not gonna bug her about going this round either as she doesn't get to keep the grandbabies all summer this year. So just gonna let her chill out with them and we can all go when everyone is able to.