Who Comes Dress Shopping?

There really isn’t a rule, but I would suggest having no more than about 4 people present. My parents, future MIL, and maid of honor came with me. It felt like the perfect amount and I feel like any more and it would have been too many opinions (also some bridal salons actually have a cap for how many people can be present due to space.)

Fewer people the better until you narrow it down for sure. I went by myself the first time, and it was nice to have the time just to myself. We were also able to scratch things I didn't like without feelings getting hurt. I brought my mom with me once it was narrowed down to one or two - she didn't mind a quicker appointment, and it kept everyone from going crazy.

I never wanted a large group to go with me, but I ended up taking my mom, my two sisters, and FSIL (all three were my bridal party). I also invited FMIL but she bailed. If you haven't chosen your bridal party yet, I would only invite those that you KNOW will be in the bridal party. Just so you don't give anyone the wrong idea.

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That's what I kept thinking is that all those opinions might stress me out and make the experience not enjoyable. Thank you for mentioning that some places might limit how many people I can take. I'll be sure to remember that when I make my appointment.

To avoid people getting the wrong idea, I would limit who goes by asking people you are sure about having in your wedding party. If you are unsure on all of them, then keep your party for dress shopping limited to your mom, FMIL, sister, grandma, etc.

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I did consider just going by myself. I already know what I want, and if no one else is there they can't try to sway me. Thanks for your input...I appreciate it!

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I don't want a large group either. I don't want all those opinions. Thank you for the advice!

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I was thinking about just keeping it family. Definitely don't want any hurt feelings. Thanks for your input!

I kept it to just my sister and mom. I surprised my girls and MIL the day of the wedding with a big reveal of me in my dress! I would probably ask your girls first to be bridesmaids before you take them. You could certainly go with your sister, dad, and grandpa first. There's no guarantee you'll find the dress the first time you go! If you do, your girls can go to your fitting then

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That's such a sweet idea, surprising your girls the day of! And taking them to the fitting is a good idea as well. I'll obviously have asked them by then. Thank you for your advice!

I have my bridal party picked (5 ladies), but none of them are local and I do not want them to have the expense of traveling for dress shopping and I do not want a large group dress shopping with me. I will be taking my mom, maid of honor (my best friend) and matron of honor (my sister). All of them are at least within driving distance and I think 3 people is a good number.

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I think 3 sounds like a good number as well. I think any more than that and I would feel overwhelmed. Thanks for your input!

Shop on your own... It’s a less stress, no outside persuasive opinions and easier to make a decision about a dress that YOU like. Regardless of what you pick, everyone’s going to love it that and think you’re beautiful that day when anyway. So surprise them all.

The only two people who have seen my dress (in a picture on a model) is my FH and mom. But neither of them know that I actually purchased it.

I only brought with me my mom and sister (MOH) whose opinions matter to me most. I could have asked my bridesmaids but then it gets to be too many people and every shop warns about bringing too many opinions with you. Also, didn’t want to be choosy about asking one BM and not another because I have a lot of them so I only brought my mom and sissy.

I took my bridal party (6 girls but 4 came) my mom and my future MIL. It may seem like a lot, but they were all very supportive

I took just my mom and my best friend. I hadn’t asked her to be my MOH yet when I invited her shopping actually (but I knew I was going to). I ended up asking her to be my MOH at the end of the day when I was dropping her back off at home after the dress shopping :p

My future in laws are located 6 hours from my family, so they didn't get to make it. I had my grandmother, my mother, and 2 of my bridesmaids.

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I think you may be right. Thanks for your advice!

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I definitely don't think I could handle a whole mess of different opinions. I appreciate your input!

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That's awesome! I'm so glad your group was so supportive of you. Thanks for your input!