Ask a Wedding Expert: Who Should I Bring to a Dress-Shopping Appointment?
Shop owner Malinda Macari sets the record straight on this most important of entourages.
Welcome to Ask a Wedding Expert, a series where local pros answer your most pressing wedding-planning questions. Have one of your own? Email rkashdan@bostonmagazine.com.
Photo via iStock.com/jacoblund
If you’ve seen a single episode of any wedding-dress-shopping reality show, you already know that who you choose to bring on your hunt can make or break your chances of finding the perfect gown. So, ladies, who should you call for backup? We got the answer from Malinda Macari, whose Sudbury-based boutique Your Dream Bridal specializes in private, personal appointments where all eyes are on the bride. Read on for Macari’s advice on who to invite, and how to avoid hurting the feelings of those who aren’t asked to come along.
The Question:
Who should I include in my wedding-dress-shopping entourage?
Macari’s Answer:
Wedding dress shopping is such an exciting time for a bride and the ones closest to her, but it’s not uncommon for brides to succumb to the overwhelming opinions of others during the wedding planning process.
To avoid buyer’s remorse when shopping for your gown, limit your entourage to three people whose style and sensibility you admire. You’ll want to keep things as intimate as possible so you have an opportunity to tap into your natural sense about each gown. Choose to bring those closest to you—whether that’s a mother, a sister, a friend, a grandparent, or even your dad—who will champion your instincts, support your vision, and not try to influence your decisions. Of course, don’t forget to bring the person who is paying for your dress as well. If that someone is out of state, no problem! You can always use FaceTime or Skype.
If you feel that everyone wants to have this experience with you, you could also consider doing a big reveal when your chosen dress arrives. It’ll already be in your size and color, and you can have the group help choose your veil or accessories. This is a great way to get everyone involved but keep things pressure-free.
Getting married? Start and end your wedding planning journey with Boston Weddings' guide to the best wedding vendors in the city.
