The Gown of HER Dreams

No matter what form of single gal you are; whether you have a boyfriend, are engaged, or are as single as they come...watching a close friend try on wedding gowns can be sometimes very difficult for us single women. We can't help but look at her in that gorgeous satin ivory gown, only wondering when that day will come for us! It's only natural, so really, only feel bad for a split second and then be accepting in these feelings.

To some single ladies, we can keep our own feelings of "when will my day come" subside and just look at a gown, as just that, a gown for our friend. We can see the details we like, heck, we might even cry when we see "the one" on her ( I for a fact cry at the "one" gown for all my friends).

Here are some helpful tips that may make the day somewhat more enjoyable:)

1. Providing opinions for the bride as to what you like/dislike can be difficult, especially if you aren't good with words or thinking on the spot! You now the old saying, "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all". Well, always try to make light of the things you do like, such as "I'm not sure this cut brings out your best features", not, "You really need to maybe get a size bigger, your rolls are showing". That does not work. (REMEMBER: This will be you one day...and you don't want some dumb bridesmaid telling you that you look "pudgy" in that one.)
2. If you still feel uncomfortable providing opinions, see if you can organize with other bridesmaids and friends that are attending the appointment to create a score tally. Think of the Wedding Singer when they all went to look for the future Mrs. Julia Gulia's wedding dress. They held up score cards, like in the olympics for the dresses! You might be laughing that this is an odd idea, but that way you can provide your opinion without having to necessarily say something! You can also make a pact that you won't give any feedback unless the bride asks for it from her "judges". You don't want to sway a brides opinion and then later on, she wants to strangle you for letting her pick "that awful dress!".
   
3. When she's trying on dresses, offer to try on potential bridemaids dresses for her to see colors/styles and fits. Grab one of your girlfriends (buddy system is key) and try on. That way you can be involved!
4. Take pictures when you are allowed but some places will not allow you.
5. Bring a notepad to write down what you liked and disliked about the dresses. If you have an indecisive bride, who gets confused as to what the last dress she saw was, this will help.
6. Most importantly...know that you were asked to accompany the bride b/c she values your opinion and looks to for support as she plans her big day.

And....when this joyous day is done, make sure you have some Excedrin and a big bottle of wine ready. You're going to need it!