One of your duties as a bridesmaid is helping the bride to pick out her wedding dress! If you have no idea where to start, here are our top tips...
Be honest…
If you’re one of the chosen few accompanying the bride on her wedding dress shopping journey, then you’ll know that she trusts your opinion and wants you to be a part of this momentous occasion. You’re there to help encourage her when she finds styles she loves. However, you are also there to help her pick the most appropriate and flattering dress for her big day. If she’s overwhelmed, then give her your honest opinion on which styles you think she looks best and happiest in.
...but not brutal!
You should be honest but also sensitive and diplomatic! Don’t tear down styles unnecessarily, or make any negative comments about her body. Clothes shopping can be a fraught experience at the best of times, let alone trying to pick out such an important dress. So, appreciate that your bride may be feeling frazzled. Remember that you’re shopping for her dress, not yours, so keep your personal tastes to yourself.
Wait for the bride to give her opinion
So you don't hurt the bride’s feelings, wait until she’s given her opinion on a dress before weighing in. Try to keep your face neutral, and if she asks you for your thoughts, reply with, ‘What do you think?’. If she decides she’s not a fan, then you can agree with her! But, until you know if she loves or hates a dress, keep your opinion to yourself to avoid awkwardness.
Be prepared for the long haul
Wedding dress shopping can be a long, exhausting process - for everyone, not just the bride! Be sure to eat something before to keep you going, and don’t let the bride skip breakfast if she’s worried about feeling bloated in the dresses. Pack water bottles and cereal bars in your handbag. Also, try not to schedule appointments back to back if you think it’ll wear everyone out. Popping into a coffee shop in between boutiques is a good plan. Then, you can refuel and discuss the dresses you’ve just seen.
Don’t encourage bad shopping habits
Dress shopping with your bride can be a great experience, but try not to get carried away. Don’t encourage her to look at dresses out of her price range! If she does try on something over budget, don’t encourage her on to spend more than she can afford. Try to keep other bridesmaids from getting distracted in the bridesmaid section too. The day should be all about the bride!
Think about practicality
Your bride’s main focus is likely to be how she looks and feels in the dress. However, if she’s picking out impractical styles, don’t be afraid to gently point this out to her. For example, she might be getting married on the beach, but looking at heavy ballgowns with long trains! So, don't be afraid to encourage her to look at lighter styles.
Help her find the best boutiques
Unless your bride is on the hunt for a specific designer, then local is your best bet when it comes to bridal boutiques. Take a look at our Bridal Wear section to find the best-rated bridal boutiques in your local area, find out their average prices and see what designers they stock.