Who to bring...

I would invite all your sisters to keep the peace. Maybe have a chat with your judgmental sister that she is only to say positive things about the dresses or say "it's not my favorite". Let your Mom and MOH be your cheerleaders. In the end it is about how you feel about the dress. If this one appointment doesn't work out with all your sisters you can always go back with just your Mom and MOH.

I only brought my mom and dad. I didn't need everyone's opinions. My parents were paying for my dress and I take their opinions very seriously. So that is who I chose to invite. Once my dress came in from being ordered, my bridesmaids went with me to pick it up, where I tried it on for them and we had the whole wedding dress experience together. I would not have done it any other way.

Also, many bridal consultants will tell you to leave your large, and opinionated, entourages at home.

This is a great idea. Thanks Lauren!

Meghan, I love the idea of having a "try-on party" with your bridesmaids. That way they can feel included but they don't crowd my appt. Thanks!

I went with just my mom, and it was so nice. I'd plan on going to a couple salons over a few weekends and invite everyone to 1 weekend then go to a few with just 1 or 2 people.

If I were you, I would invite all the sisters, making sure to tell the "judgmental" one what you expect from her. You expect her to be cordial, and as supportive as possible. Tell her you want to leave any negativity at home. If she can't do that, she shouldn't go dress shopping with you.

I'm super lucky that all three of my ladies are strong, opinionated women who will tell me what they honestly think, but in a supportive and loving way. None of them would ever say anything to hurt my feelings, or make me feel bad about my choice. Good luck to you!!

Here goes, long but:

1) HAVE FUN!!! And go to a few places!

2) Try on ALL the styles to see what actually does look good on you. And try on white as well as ivory/cream.

3) Bring the underwear, bra, shape-wear, pantyhose, heels and jewelry options for a high and low neckline you will most likely wear.

4) Bring snacks: gum, mints, candy, crackers. As well as water, juice or clear soda. Bring any meds you take, even if you don’t think you’ll need them. Aspirin and ibuprofen can be a life saver for you, And your girls/guys!

5) Bring only the top 3 people. Too many can make it not a fun experience. Remind them they don’t have to be catty/petty, but can give advice & comments.

6) Go in with Pinterest, magazine or printed out dresses that you like.

7) What does your closet have more of? Slinky and sexy or full and romantic styles of dresses/gowns? That can always be a good indicator of what you are likely to lean towards.

8) Remember, and why they do this I have NOOOO idea, the dress they put you in is going to be one to three sizes BIGGER than what you normally wear. And the sample is not going to fit the same, as it’s been handled and tried on, many, times before.

9) Tell the stylist what the wedding vision is: Church, barn, beach. Winter, summer, indoor or outdoor. Small or large wedding.... That way they can help guide you and your people...

10) Wear the spray on or clear deodorant and limit perfume/lotion. As well as being the deodorant and feminine pads with you. Light days can double as armpit sweat stoppers.

11) Wear limited makeup- no lipstick!- so as you don’t get it on the gowns. If you MUST be full faced bring a clear shower cap to hold over your face when they are putting the gowns over you head( I model and that is a trick we use!).. Trust me the stylist will love ya for it!!

12). Also, remember that the size you wear is going to differ from what they put you in. Meaning if you wear a size 8 they will put you into a 10-12. It can be disheartening to see that larger number, but remember that you are NOT the number, you are the beautiful soul inside that gorgeous gown!!

This may or may not be the best path for you, but I did something a little sneaky that ended up working really well. I made two appointments for the same wedding dress shops a couple weeks apart.

For my first appointment, I brought my dad and his girlfriend, who I love dearly, and knew these two would be my 1000% support team! After getting a good feeling for what I wanted and liked, at my second appointment I had my dad, mom, sister, and close friend. The dress shops were aware of the situation and pretended we had not met before. This was also a really good chance for my dad to be my cheerleader and really gush over the dresses he already knew I liked/was considering. My friend coming along was a positive note for every dress to keep the more judgmental opinions at bay Maybe something similar would work for you?

Haha! Katie, I love this! I will definitely be doing something like this.

Jennifer, this is so helpful!! Thank you so much!