Your loved one is about to embark on one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning – finding the perfect wedding dress. Here’s how you can be the best support system and make this journey memorable and stress-free.

1. Be Genuinely Enthusiastic

Show real excitement for their shopping journey. Your positive energy can help ease any nerves they might have and help strengthen this bonding time together.

2. Offer to Help with Research

Help them research styles and designers before hitting the boutiques. Create a Pinterest board together or flip through bridal magazines for inspiration. If your bride has ideas, try to help by finding out where their preferred  styles are sold in your area. 

Want to be an overachiever? Volunteer to make appointments for them. Anything that takes something off of a nearlywed’s to-do list is always helpful. 

3. Respect Their Vision

Everyone has their own taste. Even if their dream dress isn’t what you imagined, respect their vision and remind yourself to observe what brings them joy.

4. Be a Calming Presence

Wedding dress shopping can be overwhelming. Be a calming presence and offer reassurance, perspective, and a sense of humor when needed.

5. Know Your Role

Understand your role – whether it’s offering opinions, holding their purse, or simply being there for moral support. Sometimes, just your presence is enough.

6. Keep the Group Small

If you’re organizing the shopping trip, keep the group small. Too many opinions can be overwhelming.

7. Take Photos and Notes

With permission, take photos and notes of the dresses they try on. This can help the bride remember each dress and make a decision later.

8. Encourage a Break

If she’s trying on many dresses, encourage a short break. It helps keep the energy up and the mood light.

Please always check with the boutique about their policy on food and beverages before aiming to make it a snack break. 

9. Be Honest, But Kind

It’s okay to give honest feedback when asked, but always be kind. Focus on what they love about each dress and gently offer constructive feedback.

If you can tell they love something that you don’t, know when to let them have the lead. 

10. Celebrate the Moment

When she finds “the one,” celebrate! Whether it’s a round of applause in the boutique or a celebratory drink afterwards, try to do something to make the moment extra special.

11. Be an Advocate

If you notice your loved one losing their ‘voice’ in the process, sometimes it’s helpful to be their private advocate. Brides and nearlyweds can easily get quiet about their true desires and feedback because they are overwhelmed or don’t want to be outwardly negative. It’s okay to have a quiet convo on the side to get to the bottom of it and relay the message for them if they would like you to. 

12. No Negative Self-Talk

All too often we are our own worst critics. Toxic positivity can be totally cringy but allowing a nearlywed to constantly criticize themselves is a major ‘NO’ in the wedding dress shopping experience. Be sure you are being the hypebeast of your loved ones’ experience and help them avoid harping on any negative self-talk. 

Remember, your support means the world. Enjoy this special time together and make wonderful memories along the way!

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Hi, I’m Melissa, the sassy sewing and wedding pro you didn’t know you needed in your life. 

I’m the owner of deMelis Atelier, a top ranked alterations studio located in Connecticut, and the founder of Stitched Collective, a community for sewing professionals. I’m a master seamstress and wedding dress educator as well as an industry leader and trainer… and a lover of spicy mango margaritas.

I use my fashion and sewing knowledge to help brides and wedding pros alike. 

Be sure to check out my latest endeavors and access some of my favorite products too!