Okay, so you're ready to jump into the world
of wedding dress shopping, but this time as a guest.
It's an exciting time.
It is super exciting.
We're gonna make sure you're not just there
at the appointment.
You're gonna be the best guest possible.
Yes, that's the goal.
For this huge moment.
And we have the inside scoop.
Oh, tell me more.
Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo spilled all the tea.
Ooh, I love that.
In their blog post, guest attire what to wear
to a wedding dress appointment.
I was reading through it and.
I saw that one too.
They said some brides bring like 20 plus people.
That's a lot of people.
There's a lot of opinions.
Yeah.
Other brides show up in custom t-shirts.
Oh, that's so fun.
Bridal salons have seen it all.
Yeah.
But let's start with the basics
so you can really help the bride shine.
Definitely.
While those stories are fun,
the basics are really about respect.
Okay.
For the bride and for the environment where you're at.
And one rule just trumps all.
What's that?
Don't wear white.
Yeah, that makes sense.
But why is that such a big deal in the bridal world?
I mean, it's not just like a fashion faux pas.
No, it feels bigger.
It's so symbolic.
The white dress is kind of like the culmination
of so many dreams.
It's about tradition.
It's about standing out on that special day.
And even a hint of white from a guest
can feel like you're stepping on the bride's toes.
Oh, like emotionally.
Yeah, I'm emotional.
Okay, point taken.
So no white.
Yeah.
But the blog also says keep your outfit less formal.
Uh-huh.
Than the brides.
Isn't that kind of subjective though?
It is.
But think about the goal here.
The goal is you're there to support her.
Right.
Not to compete with her for attention.
Imagine if you showed up in like a super tight
bodycon dress and like the highest heels.
Oh yeah.
While she's trying to picture herself walking down the aisle.
It just shifts the focus to you.
Yeah, that's a total mood killer.
Yeah.
So comfy shoes it is.
Yes.
The blog even said quick walking is a must have shoe skill.
Please tell me they're not talking about running
between stores and stilettos.
That happens.
Oh no.
But seriously, appointments can be long.
Okay.
You might be on your feet for a long time.
You might be helping her get in and out of dresses.
So you don't want your feet to be killing you.
Makes sense.
Aching feet are not gonna help anyone.
No, and you won't be as present and as supportive.
Okay, that's true.
Speaking of comfort,
the blog was really into layers.
Yes.
Are bridal salons really that unpredictable
when it comes to temperature?
You have to think about it.
You've got these showrooms that are kind of chilly.
Then maybe you go into a cramped little dressing room
with all this excitement and it heats up.
Oh yeah.
And then plus every bride's different.
Oh, that's true.
Some brides get really hot.
Right, some brides get really cold.
Exactly.
So layers are the way to go.
You can adjust without making a fuss.
Okay.
So that's what it's all about.
Yeah, keep the focus on the bride.
That's the goal.
Okay, so I'm comfy not wearing white.
What about the length of the dress though?
Does that even matter?
Oh, it matters more than you think.
Really?
You've got to remember,
bridal salons have mirrors everywhere.
That is true.
So you're gonna be bending over.
You might be helping her with the dress.
You'll definitely be taking pictures.
Right.
You don't want to have a wardrobe malfunction
on someone else's big day.
Not a good look.
Just be mindful of that.
Okay, got it.
Long enough to be graceful,
even when I'm fluffing the dress and stuff.
Exactly.
Okay, but let's be real for a sec.
What about all this social media stuff
that the blog was talking about?
Yeah, what about it?
Bride tribes, custom outfits.
Is this really a thing?
It's totally a thing.
Social media has turned weddings
and even the dress shopping into productions.
Some brides love that.
They bring their whole squad for moral support
matching outfits a whole nine yards.
That's a lot.
It is, but not every bride is like that.
Right, that's true.
So why does the blog say that two to four guests
is like the sweet spot?
Is that just their rule?
Yeah.
It's more nuanced than that.
Think about the psychology of it.
If there are too many people,
there are too many opinions.
It's overwhelming.
It can be super overwhelming for the bride.
Yeah.
And she needs space to connect with her own feelings.
Right.
And just please everybody else.
Okay.
Plus it just makes things easier logistically.
Oh yeah, that's true.
If there are fewer people,
there's more space in the fitting room.
That makes sense.
It's easier to keep the appointment on track.
Okay, so it's all about finding that balance
between being supportive and not hijacking the experience.
Exactly.
Now, speaking of support,
have you ever thought about how much like
our own online habits affect how we experience these events?
Oh, you're going there.
I am.
I'm all about that rabbit hole.
I mean, think about those picture perfect Instagram feeds.
Tell me more.
Let's be honest.
Those perfectly curated moments
create so much pressure.
Oh, for sure.
You start comparing yourself.
Absolutely.
Thinking your experience has to be just as glamorous.
I do that all the time.
It's easy to fall into that trap.
Totally.
Yeah.
So how do we stay grounded?
That's a great question.
In reality, amidst all this social media frenzy.
I think that's a question for our next deep dive.
Oh, I like where this is going.
Let's unpack that, shall we?
Let's get into it.
I think it really comes down
to setting realistic expectations.
Yeah.
And remembering that social media
is like the highlight reel.
Yeah.
Don't compare your behind the scenes
to someone else's highlight reel.
Okay, that makes sense.
But how do we actually do that?
Right.
It's easy to say, don't compare,
but it's so hard.
It is.
When you're constantly bombarded
with these picture perfect moments.
You're right, it's tough.
But there are a few things you can do.
Okay, tell me.
First of all, be mindful of the accounts you follow.
Okay.
If you're following certain accounts
that make you feel insecure
or pressured to be a certain way.
I'm guilty of that.
Unfollow them.
Just get rid of them.
Yeah, curate your feed.
I like that.
To include accounts that actually inspire you
and make you feel good.
Like a social media positivity makeover.
Exactly.
Love it.
Yeah.
What about when you're actually AT the appointment
and everyone's snapping pics for the gram?
I know what you mean.
How do you stay present
and not get swept up in that whole documentation frenzy?
Boundaries are key.
You don't have to document every single moment.
Put the phone away.
Focus on being there with the bride.
Be present in those conversations.
Offer genuine compliments.
Really savor the emotions of the day.
Okay, so it's shifting the focus
from capturing it for others
to actually experiencing it.
Exactly.
For yourself.
Yeah.
What about giving the bride advice though?
How do we find that sweet spot
between offering our opinion and respecting boundaries?
I think it's all about reading the bride's cues.
Some brides are very open to feedback.
They wanna hear everyone's thoughts.
They want all the opinions.
But others might prefer a more low key approach.
Okay, so how can we decipher those cues?
You know, are there signs we should be looking for?
Yeah, are there any telltale signs?
Pay attention to her body language and her verbal cues.
Is she actively asking for opinions?
Okay.
Is she making decisions confidently on her own?
Or does she seem hesitant or overwhelmed?
Okay, yeah, those would be good indicators.
But what if you're not sure?
Is it ever okay to just ask her?
Yeah.
Flat out, like how much input she wants?
Absolutely.
I think it's always better to be upfront and respectful
than to assume or overstep.
Yeah.
Or just something like, hey, I'm happy to chime in
with my thoughts if you'd like.
But I totally understand if you'd prefer
to keep this decision between you and the stylist.
Yeah, I love that.
That's a good one.
It's direct, it's respectful.
It takes the guesswork out of it.
It does.
Let's talk about a specific role here.
Okay.
The mother of the bride.
Yes.
There's so much emotion tied into that relationship.
Oh, absolutely.
Especially when it comes to weddings.
It's a big one.
How can moms offer support without becoming that mom?
Ooh, that's a good question.
You know what I mean?
I do, I do.
It's essential for moms to remember
this is their daughter's wedding, not theirs.
It's not about them.
It's about letting go of any preconceived notions,
personal preferences, and really embracing
the bride's vision.
That's so much easier said than done.
It is.
I mean, some moms have been dreaming of this day for years.
Oh, I know.
Planning every detail in their heads.
How do they make that shift from my dream wedding
to my daughter's dream wedding?
I think it requires a conscious effort
to really put the bride's needs and desires first.
Okay.
So instead of saying,
I've always envisioned you in a ball gown,
try saying something like,
what kind of style are you hoping to find?
I like that.
Really let the bride lead the conversation
and express her own vision.
Okay, that's a great tip for moms,
and really for any guest.
Yeah, it applies to everyone.
It's about asking those open-ended questions
and genuinely listening to her answer.
Are you sure?
What about giving feedback though?
How can moms or anyone really offer advice
without sounding critical or judgmental?
It's all about framing your feedback constructively.
Okay.
So instead of saying,
that dress washes you out.
Right, which is so harsh.
It is a little harsh.
Yeah.
You could try saying something like,
I think that shade of ivory might not be
the most flattering against your skin tone.
Okay.
Have you considered a warmer ivory or a champagne color?
Ooh, that's good.
It's much softer.
It's specific, it's solution oriented.
And it avoids making her feel bad about herself.
Oh, exact.
Which is key.
Whoa.
Let's be real for a second though.
Okay.
Dress shopping can be emotional.
Oh yeah.
Tears happen.
For sure.
Doubts can creep in.
Absolutely.
How do we navigate those choppy emotional waters
as supportive guests?
Sometimes the best thing you can do is just listen
without judgment.
Yeah.
Offer a hug or maybe even shed a tear alongside the bride.
No.
It's a shared experience.
Yeah.
You know?
It is.
And acknowledging those emotions can be really validating.
Okay, so it's about creating that safe space.
Yes.
Where the bride feels comfortable
expressing her true feelings.
Exactly.
What about those moments when things get a little tense
though?
Mm-hmm.
Like maybe someone in the group really disagrees
with the bride's taste.
Or there's just like a clash of opinions.
I've seen it happen.
How do we handle those potentially awkward situations?
That's where those diplomacy skills come into play.
All right, let's hear it.
If you sense tension brewing,
try to gently redirect the conversation.
Right.
Back to the bride's preferences.
Okay.
Remind everyone that this is her decision.
Yeah.
And the goal is to support her
in finding a dress that makes her feel confident
and beautiful.
That's a good strategy.
It usually works.
But what if the tension escalates?
Uh-huh.
Is it ever okay to step in and mediate?
I think so.
If things get heated,
it might be helpful to take a break.
Or suggest that maybe the dissenting party
step aside for a moment to cool off.
Okay.
Sometimes a little space and perspective can work wonders.
That's a great point.
It's not about avoiding conflict altogether.
Right.
It's about managing it.
Yes.
In a way that preserves that positive energy of the day.
Absolutely.
Now we've talked a lot about the dynamics
between the bride and her guests.
Yeah.
But what about the bridal stylists?
Ah, they're so important.
They are.
They're kind of like the unsung heroes
of this whole experience.
They really are.
How can we as guests work effectively with the stylist
to ensure that it's a positive experience for everyone?
First and foremost,
remember that the stylist is there to help the bride.
Right.
It's not about the guests.
Not to please the entire entourage.
Okay.
It's not a fashion show for the guests.
No, it's about the bride.
It's about finding the perfect dress for the bride.
Exactly.
So trust the stylist's judgment.
Yes.
And be open to their suggestions.
Absolutely.
They might pull dresses
that the bride wouldn't have considered on her own.
Oh yeah, that's true.
Or they might offer styling tips
that elevate the entire look.
Okay, that makes sense.
But what happens when the stylist presents a dress
and the bride seems hesitant about it?
How can guests encourage her to try it on
without being pushy?
That's a good question.
I think it's all about framing it
as an opportunity for exploration
rather than an obligation.
So instead of saying, you have to try this on,
try saying something like,
I'm so curious to see how this looks on you.
Or the stylist has a great eye,
I bet this will be amazing.
Oh, I like those.
Just to kind of pique her interest.
Yeah, pique her curiosity
and encourage her to step outside of her comfort zone.
Right.
But what if she still says no?
Then you respect her decision.
Okay.
It's her body, her wedding, her choice.
That's so important.
It's about supporting her autonomy.
Yes.
Not making her feel pressured
to do anything she's not comfortable with.
For sure.
Speaking of comfort though.
Okay.
What about those post-appointment celebrations?
Ooh, yeah.
Brunch, lunch, cocktails.
How do we strike that balance between celebratory
Right.
and still looking presentable
after a day of trying on dresses?
That's where those outfit planning skills come in handy.
All right, give me some tips.
If you know you're gonna be continuing the celebration
after the appointment,
factor that into your outfit choice.
Okay.
Choose something that's comfortable,
stylish and appropriate for the occasion.
A cute sundress.
Okay.
A pair of jeans and a flowy top.
Cute.
Even a dressier skirt and blouse
if you're headed to a more upscale venue.
Okay, those are great suggestions.
Yeah.
It's all about finding that sweet spot.
It is.
Between looking put together and feeling good.
Yes.
Comfortable enough to enjoy those festivities.
Exactly.
But let's be honest here.
Okay.
Wedding dress shopping can be exhausting.
Oh, it can be.
As guests, how do we ensure
that we're not adding to the bride's stress
or draining her energy?
It's all about being mindful of her time and energy levels.
Okay.
Don't bombard her with a million questions or opinions.
Right.
And if she seems overwhelmed,
give her space to breathe.
Space to breathe.
Offer to help with tasks.
Okay.
Like carrying her belongings
or keeping track of the dresses she's tried on.
Those are great practical tips.
It's about being a helpful presence.
Yes.
Without being overbearing or demanding.
Exactly.
Okay, so we've talked a lot about the do's and don'ts
of being a great wedding dress shopping guest.
But I wanna talk about the bigger picture stuff.
Okay, what about it?
How is social media really shaping
the way brides approach this whole tradition?
That's a good question.
And what can we do to make sure this experience
stays meaningful and authentic
amidst all the digital noise?
That's where things get really interesting.
Ooh, I'm ready.
We've touched on the influence of social media,
but I think we should dive a little deeper
into those implications.
Okay.
And explore some strategies for navigating those complexities.
I like it, let's do it.
All right, so we talked about how to be a supportive guest,
respecting the bride's boundaries
and navigating all the emotions
that come with wedding dress shopping.
Yeah, it can be an emotional roller coaster.
Oh, for sure.
But I'm really curious how social media is
really changing things up.
Yeah, how is it impacting
the whole wedding dress shopping scene?
Exactly.
Like, is it a good thing or a bad thing?
It's kind of a double-edged sword.
How so?
On the one hand, it gives you endless inspiration, you know?
Yeah, so many ideas.
You can connect with designers,
discover trends you never even knew about.
Okay, so that's good.
It is, but all that information can also lead
to unrealistic expectations.
Oh yeah, I can see that.
And pressure to conform to what you see online.
Mm-hmm, and then it becomes less about the bride
and more about creating that perfect Instagram moment.
Exactly.
You're so focused on getting that picture perfect shot
that you kind of forget to enjoy the actual experience.
That's so true.
I mean, I've definitely been there.
Like, you scroll through those picture perfect feeds
and you start comparing yourself and thinking,
oh, my life doesn't look like that.
Yeah, it's easy to fall into that trap.
But weddings just feel different.
It's supposed to be this magical once-in-a-lifetime event.
Yeah, it's a big deal.
And you don't want it to be a Pinterest fail.
I hear you.
And that's where those boundaries we talked about
come in handy.
Right, like setting those boundaries with social media.
Exactly, you have to make a conscious choice
to step away from the screen.
OK.
Limit your social media time and focus
on creating an experience that feels real and authentic to you.
I like that.
It's about making it your own, not just copying
someone else's wedding.
Precisely.
But it's hard, especially when you're at the appointment
and everyone's snapping pics and posting stories.
Oh, my gosh, yes.
The pressure is real.
It is.
But again, it's all about making a conscious choice.
OK, but how do you actually do that?
Like, how do you resist the urge to join in and just
stay present in the moment?
It takes practice, for sure.
But remind yourself that you don't have
to document every single thing.
OK.
Put your phone away.
Truly connect with the bride.
Offer her genuine compliments.
Soak in all those raw emotions.
Those are the memories that will stick with you.
Not the filtered Instagram post.
Exactly.
Now, I think it's important to talk about inclusivity
for a minute.
Oh, yeah, for sure.
Weddings are becoming more diverse, less traditional.
Which is amazing.
It is.
It's a beautiful thing.
But how do we make sure the wedding dress shopping
experience is inclusive and respectful
to everyone involved?
That's such a great question.
Like, where do we even begin?
I think it starts with awareness.
OK.
Be mindful of the language we use.
Right, like avoiding terms that are
gendered or heteronormative.
Exactly.
And we need to celebrate body diversity.
Yes, absolutely.
No comments about anyone's size or appearance.
Exactly.
And when we talk about sizes, let's
focus on the garment itself.
Right, like the fit of the dress.
Not on labeling bodies.
It's about creating a positive and supportive environment.
Where everyone feels comfortable, respected,
and valued for who they are.
I love that.
OK, so we've covered so much today, from wardrobe tips
to social media boundaries to the importance of inclusivity.
It's been a lot.
It has.
As we wrap up this deep dive, do you
have any final words of wisdom for anyone
who's about to go wedding dress shopping as a guest?
Just remember, it's an honor to be
a part of this special moment.
Yeah, it is.
Be present.
Be supportive.
Let your love for the bride guide your every action
and word.
Beautiful.
And most importantly, have fun.
Yes.
Weddings are about celebrating love.
Exactly.
And that joy should be a part of the whole experience.
From finding the perfect dress to the big day itself.
I think we've officially equipped our listeners
to be the best wedding dress shopping guests ever.
I think so too.
They're going to be respectful, supportive, and ready
to celebrate this exciting milestone.
They're going to be amazing.
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive.
It's been so fun exploring this topic with you.
It's been a pleasure.
And to our listeners, until next time,
keep exploring and keep diving deep
into those fascinating topics that spark your curiosity.