Mother passed away - who do i invite dress shopping?

You already have a lot of people coming, so I would use that as an excuse. TV shows have normalized huge entourages, but they do that specifically because more opinions means more potential drama and conflict.

I would use the language Erin suggested but let him know that you plan to include his wife in the centerpiece shopping. I think as long as he knows that you are not trying to exclude her completely he will probably be ok. Good luck!

It's ok to not invite her. I agree with the wording that it's a private and personal experience and that you need a small audience there. I love the idea of presenting something less emotionally charged for her to help with, like cake tasting or centrepiece shopping.

I agree that smaller is better. I had a very negative experience dress shopping with my mother, grandmother and MOH when I got married the first time 20 years ago. All three of them tried to bully me into picking what they liked without considering what I wanted. My mother and grandmother also repeatedly called my then size 6 self "too heavy" and "too hippy" for anything but a ballgown. So taking my mom shopping this time around was a hard no (especially since size 6 left the building a LONG time ago).

The only person I brought with me was my fashionista 16 year old son. He has great taste and told me that he hoped I wouldn't "diet just for one day -- you look great the way you are." Love that kid!

I think it would be best to invite the people who will build you up rather than put you down. Too many opinions can make dress shopping a lot harder. Just watch any Say Yes to the Dress episode, you will see all of the drama that comes with big groups.

I'm sorry you're having to stress about this. We are so much alike and I've had similar situations throughout wedding planning. My mother also passed away years ago and my father didn't remarry until I was 30 so I don't have a close relationship with his wife. My suggestion, don't invite your father unless you really want him there. Sounds like he and his wife don't appreciate/understand how emotional this process is for you and for all of us brides who lost a mother. Another reason for not inviting him is that most bridal shops (at least in California) have guest limits of 3-4 people so you'll have to cut someone from the list anyway. I went to a few shops with friends, a few other shops with my MIL and SIL and a third time by myself. I ended up finding my dress when I went by myself because I could focus on what I liked and what my mother would say if she was there. Sounds like you have a great support system with your sisters and aunt so you probably don't need anyone else. Whatever you do, don't invite someone you don't want there. This is an emotional event and you deserve to pick who you want there with you. For once don't worry what other people think.