How to Navigate Wedding Dress Shopping With Your Mom

Your mother will be your biggest supporter on your wedding day. She has likely dreamed of this day for you from the moment you were born and is excited to be a part of the festivities. This means that she will want to be present at your bridal appointment to help you choose the right dress.

Knowing how to navigate wedding dress shopping with your mom is crucial for a successful bridal appointment. The dynamic between you and your mother may make the situation unique, especially if one or both of you has a strong personality or is very opinionated.

Learn how to successfully wedding dress shop with your mother, and see why it’s so important to have this very special lady with you as you pick the right gown.

Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping With Your Mom

If you want to have a successful bridal appointment and find the perfect dress to say, “Yes!” to, consider these tips for wedding dress shopping with your mom.

Be Clear With Your Wants and Needs

This is your special day. From the get-go, you should be clear about your wants and needs. Before you even start shopping, have an open and honest conversation with your mom about what you’re looking for in a wedding dress. Discuss your budget, style preferences, and any must-haves or must-nots.

Being clear with your wants and needs ahead of time can give your mom insight into what you’re looking for so she isn’t blindsided. Your mom then has something to work off of as she watches you try on each gown, and can help you keep your expectations top of mind.

It’s also important to decide beforehand how much time you have to shop. This will help you and your mom stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Ask for Her Honest Opinion

Even if Mom’s opinion is hard to hear, you’ll want to know it all. Arguably, your mother may give you the most honest opinion out of everyone at your dress fitting, so it’s important to know what she has to say.

Encourage your mom to be honest and open with how she feels. Let her know that you value her input and you want her to be a part of the buying process. This will help you make a decision that you both love and will cherish for years to come.

Take Her Comments Into Consideration

You should be open-minded when hearing your mom’s honest feedback. Your mom’s opinion is important, so listen to her feedback and consider any suggestions. Your mom may notice how one dress style fits you better than another, or what you should accessorize with, before you do.

Discuss What Your Mom Will Wear Too

There may be certain anatomical elements of a wedding dress that your mom would want reflected in her own style for the big day. Shopping for a mother-of-a-bride dress is also important for your wedding ceremony, so it’s best to consider this as well during your bridal appointment.

Keep your mom’s style in mind when choosing dresses to try on. While you don’t have to match her style exactly, it’s helpful to choose something that she would appreciate. If anything, it will give her inspiration for her wedding day outfit.

Common Challenges When Wedding Dress Shopping With Your Mom

Unfortunately, there are a few common challenges when wedding dress shopping with your mom. Oftentimes, this stems from conflicting opinions, ineffective communication, and emotional stress.

Consider the following challenges ahead of time and keep these in mind to avoid major conflict when finding your bridal style.

Conflicting Style Preferences

It’s not uncommon for brides and their moms to have different style preferences. If you’re having trouble finding a dress that you both love, try compromising or looking for a gown that incorporates elements of both of your styles.

For example, if your mom prefers a more traditional look but you want something more modern, consider a classic silhouette with a more modern neckline or fabric.

Effective Communication

It’s important to communicate openly with your mom. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, don’t be afraid to express your feelings. Open communication is key to a successful shopping experience, especially if conflict arises.

Dominant & Overbearing Personalities

Some moms may be more involved in the wedding planning process than others. If your mom is being overly opinionated, try the following:

• Set Boundaries: Politely let her know that you appreciate her input, but ultimately, the decision is yours.
• Communicate Openly: Express your feelings in a calm and respectful manner.
• Involve Her in Other Ways: Find ways to involve your mom in other aspects of the wedding planning process, such as choosing flowers or decorations.

Budget Disagreements

If you and your mom have different ideas about how much to spend on your wedding dress, try to find a compromise. You may need to adjust your budget for other wedding expenses to accommodate the cost of your dress. Work together to create a budget that you both agree on.

Emotional Stress

Wedding dress shopping can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what you want. Consider taking a break and stepping away, or talk to your mom about how you’re feeling.

Remember that you’re shopping for a dress to wear on one of the most special days of your life. Try to focus on the excitement and anticipation of your wedding day.

At Savvy Bridal, we want you to have a great wedding dress shopping experience with your mom! Book an appointment at our Kansas City or St. Louis locations today.