The Perfect Attire For Wedding Dress Shopping

what to wear wedding dress shopping as a bridesmaid

Wedding dress shopping is an important part of wedding planning, and it's common for brides to invite close friends, family members, or bridesmaids to come along. When deciding what to wear, it's important to prioritise comfort and practicality. As a bridesmaid, you want to be able to assist the bride as needed, so a simple dress or a combination of a nice top and pants works well. Avoid anything too flashy or revealing that might distract from the bride's experience, and opt for minimal makeup to avoid staining the wedding dresses. It's also a good idea to bring a hair tie to keep your hair out of the way when helping with fittings. While the focus should be on the bride, it's still important to feel confident and comfortable in what you're wearing. So, whether you're rocking a trendy jumpsuit or a flowing skirt, make sure it's something that allows you to easily try on different outfits and move around the bridal salon with ease.

Characteristics Values
Color Avoid wearing all white
Comfort Practical clothing that allows you to try on multiple dresses without hassle
Makeup Minimal to avoid staining the wedding dresses
Hair Bring a hair tie to keep your hair out of the way
Shoes Wear shoes that you can stand and walk in for extended periods
Undergarments Neutral color without any bulky embellishments
Accessories Avoid necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that can snag on the fabric of the dress

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Wear neutral-coloured underwear

As a bridesmaid, you want the bride and the wedding gowns to remain the centre of attention. Therefore, it is important to wear neutral-coloured underwear when going wedding dress shopping. This is because colourful underwear can be distracting and may show through the dresses you try on.

Amy Hidaldo, manager and stylist at Bridal Boutique in Lewisville, Texas, recommends wearing nude underwear or very thin shapewear. She says that “dress shopping is not the time to don your sexy bridal lingerie, so save the corset and garters for your honeymoon".

You will likely be trying on many different dresses, so it is important to feel comfortable and confident in your underwear. Wear what you think you would wear under your bridesmaid dress on the wedding day. For example, if you usually prefer shapewear when wearing dresses, bring your favourite pair.

Additionally, wearing minimal makeup will help you avoid the risk of staining the wedding dresses.

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Avoid white

When going wedding dress shopping as a bridesmaid, it is important to avoid wearing white. This is because the colour white is typically reserved for the bride, and you don't want to be mistaken for her or look like you are trying to upstage her on her special day. Even if that is not your intention, that is how people (and the bride) may perceive it.

The tradition of the white wedding dress began when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840. She wore a white satin gown lavishly embellished with lace, and after photographs of the wedding were widely published, brides began copying Victoria's style. Today, the white dress is a way to honour tradition and pay tribute to family expectations. It symbolises purity, innocence, youth, and new beginnings.

It is also important to avoid wearing colours that are similar to white, such as ivory, cream, champagne, silver, blush, and pale blue. These colours can look like white in photos. If you are still unsure, you can add a bright pop of colour with accessories, such as a belt, earrings, or a statement necklace.

It is also recommended to avoid wearing denim, glitter, and anything too shimmery or distracting. The focus should be on the bride, so it is best to wear neat, casual, and comfortable attire.

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Be comfortable

When going wedding dress shopping as a bridesmaid, it's important to wear something comfortable and practical. You want to be able to assist the bride as she tries on different gowns, so opt for clothing that is easy to change in and out of. A simple dress or a combination of a nice top and trousers or slacks works well. If you're planning on wearing shapewear or Spanx under your bridesmaid dress on the big day, bring them along to the fitting so you can see how they work with the dress. However, avoid anything too bulky or embellished that could show through the dresses you try on.

It's also a good idea to wear minimal makeup to avoid the risk of staining the wedding dresses, and bring a hair tie to keep your hair out of the way when helping with fittings. Remember, comfort is key, as wedding dress shopping can often take several hours. Choose shoes that you can stand and walk in for extended periods, and an outfit that you feel comfortable and confident in.

If you're unsure what to wear, a nice blouse paired with slacks or a casual dress is always a safe option. You can also check out the salon's website or Instagram to see what other customers are wearing. Chances are you'll see a lot of jeans and sneakers, but if you're going somewhere particularly formal, business-casual attire might be more appropriate. Ultimately, you want to feel comfortable and confident while also ensuring that the focus remains on the bride.

shunbridal

Be practical

When going wedding dress shopping as a bridesmaid, it's important to be practical and comfortable. You want to be able to assist the bride as needed, so opt for clothing that is easy to change in and out of. A simple dress or a combination of a nice top and trousers or slacks works well. If you're planning on wearing shapewear or Spanx under your bridesmaid dress on the big day, bring them along to the fitting. That way, you can see how the dress looks with the appropriate undergarments. Just make sure they are neutral-coloured and free of any bulky embellishments that could show through the dresses you try on.

It's also a good idea to wear minimal makeup to avoid the risk of staining the wedding dresses and bring a hair tie to keep your hair out of the way when helping with fittings. As for shoes, choose something comfortable that you can stand and walk in for extended periods. You don't want your feet to start hurting when you're only halfway through!

While you want to look stylish, remember that your outfit should be understated so as not to distract from the bride and the wedding gowns. Avoid wearing all white, as this colour is typically reserved for the bride, and steer clear of overly flashy or revealing outfits.

shunbridal

Wear minimal makeup

When going wedding dress shopping as a bridesmaid, it is recommended to wear minimal makeup. This is because the focus should be on the bride and the wedding gowns, and a bold or heavy makeup look may distract from this. A simple, understated look will ensure all attention remains on the bride and the dresses she is trying on.

Additionally, wearing minimal makeup can be practical when trying on wedding dresses. Wedding dress shopping can involve trying on many different dresses, and a full face of makeup may become uncomfortable during this process. A simple makeup look will also ensure that you don't stain the dresses, which could happen if you were wearing a lot of products on your face.

It is also important to consider the bride's preferences. Some brides may prefer their bridesmaids to wear minimal makeup so that the bridesmaids' natural beauty can shine through. This can create a cohesive look for the bridal party and ensure that the bridesmaids' unique features are highlighted.

However, it is worth noting that some brides may prefer their bridesmaids to wear a certain level of makeup, especially if it is a formal wedding. Some brides may feel that a minimal makeup look is not dressy enough for their wedding, and may request that their bridesmaids wear a specific look or use certain products.

Ultimately, the decision of how much makeup to wear when wedding dress shopping as a bridesmaid should be discussed with the bride. It is important to respect the bride's wishes and find a look that makes both her and the bridesmaids feel comfortable and confident.

Frequently asked questions

As a bridesmaid, your outfit should be comfortable and practical, allowing you to assist the bride as needed. A simple dress or a combination of a nice top and trousers works well. Avoid wearing white, as this colour is typically reserved for the bride.

You may want to bring shapewear or Spanx to wear under your bridesmaid dress, especially if you plan on wearing them underneath your dress on the day of the wedding. If the bride gave you jewellery as a bridesmaid gift, bring it to the fitting.

Yes, avoid wearing white or any other colours that may distract from the bride's experience.

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