Wedding dress shopping

My family lives in Missouri and I (as well as my FMIL) live in Texas. I made a point to go home and try on dress with my mom and sister helping. My plan was "just to look" and buy it with my FMIL when I get back to Texas. Unfortunately that plan did not play out like I had thought and ended up buying a dress when in Missouri so my FMIL missed out... but because she has been able to attend my fittings whereas my mom and sister haven't been able to. I felt like it was the perfect balance. Maybe this is an option for you?

Then there's the curve ball... I began to second guess my dress and everyone knew and their opinions became too overwhelming. I ended up going to David's Bridal last week, ALONE! Once I found "THE" dress, I sent my mom a picture and then we FaceTimed. She loves it and it was a perfect moment given the situation. My dress arrives the same weekend as my bridal shower, so my mom and sister will be in town and will go with me to my fitting and see it in person! My FMIL still doesn't know I bought a new dress.. I'm actually afraid it may upset her that I went alone and didn't invite her for this opportunity.. but I plan to take her to my "final fitting" once the dress comes in (after my family sees it). I love the memory and feelings I have/had when I found the dress that I am just not ready for opinions or her to be upset yet!

I live in Florida and my bridal party is scattered except for one girl. We had her phone and my phone, and between the 2, we had everyone on video. It was like they were all there in person with all of their opinions. But they got to experience it with me. I was also a one visit and done girl - found the dress, paid and left.

You can have your dress altered anywhere. If it's easier for you to go shopping by your mom, you can have the dress shipped to you and do your alterations locally by a seamstress. Or see if mom and your BM's can fly down to you so that you can include your FMIL. As for how long it takes - that can vary with every bride. My daughter and I found her dress at the first shop we visited but then we went to 3 more the next day just to be sure.

I feel like doing it closer to home is going to be easier and less stressful on you. Facetime the ones who can't make it to go shopping with you.

I'd go with your mom. I know mine would have been really hurt if I had gone with my FMIL and not her. I ended up being able to go with both at the same time but if that hadn't of been an option, I would have gone with my mom. The central meeting place was 3 hours from where I live now. I'll have to go pick up my dress and bring it home and get alterations done here. Most bridal salons don't do them in house anyway. They also gave me the option to ship it to my house for $60.