bridal gown shopping etiquette?

[thinkerbell]

When the mother and daughter are shopping for the daughter's bridal gown, is the future mother in law supposed to be asked to go or is this just supposed to be a mother/daughter kind of thing?
Thanks

 

[joats]

I would say whatever you want. I didn't and wouldn't think to invite MIL. I actually went with Mom and maid of honor. It's your special time, do what you want!!

 

[helenabear]

Truthfully it can be anyone you want to be there! I went with a friend of mine for her shopping. I am not sure her mom went with her at all (but she did see pictures of some of the gowns). My sister took her MoH, and I took my sister. So it is all up to you, I think!

 

[Trib]

Who is paying for it?

 

[thinkerbell]

I am. It is for my daughter. I am letting her do what she wants- it is her time to shine. Her fiance told her that she should invite his mother. I didn't know if it was a standard thing that the MIL be invited or not. I told her to do what she wanted.

 

[Minnesota!]

I think that the MIL is a standard - at least around here. I invited her, and I know all my friends/relatives that have gotten married did the same...

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

I did invite my MIL but she declined the invitation. She said she wanted to see me in my dress when I came down the aisle.

Lori

 

[jel0511]

I took my mother, sister and sister-in-law gown shopping with me. I didn't ask my MIL, and neither did my sister when she went shopping. I did take my MIL to the shop AFTER I picked it out to show it to her though.

 

[Kimberle]

My MIL did not come with me. I did not want anyone to see my dress until the wedding.

B/T/W, before you purchase the dress, make sure what hours they do fittings. Often the stores are open in the evening and weekends, but only do fittings 9-5, M-F. It can be a real problem if the bride is working a 9-5 job.

 

[ead79]

I don't believe that the MIL needs to be included according to etiquette. Also, I think it's best to not have too many opinions, that way the bride doesn't feel pressured to choose a gown that others like more than she does. She should invite whomever she feels most comfortable taking with her.

 

[KiminChicago]

and also my Dh's grandmother. Since my husband was one of two boys, I figured the only way my DMIL would get to enjoy the experience was if I invited her.

 

[caitycaity]

definately only go with people who you feel comfortable with. i did not invite my mother in law (she lives far away from us, but even if she didn't i wouldn't have invited her). my mom and my sister (maid of honor) came with me.

 

[CEDmom]

I've honestly never heard of taking your future MIL bridal gown shopping. There's no way I would have done that even if my DH had suggested it. However, that's for another topic. I'd say if you want her to go than by all means invite her but don't do it just because you feel you should.

 

[Kallison]

Mil saw my gown after it was picked out and the bridesmaid including Sil went for a fitting for their gowns. She doesn't have to take anyone, except you!

 

[vald1977]

I invited my mil, my MOH, and my mom. I was paying for the dress myself and practically had to twist my mom's arm to get her to come (but that's another story entirely!). Your daughter should do what she wants. If she wants it to be only the two of you, nothing wrong with that .

 

[mtemm]

I invited my MIL to go with us. My dh is an only child and I knew it would mean a lot to her. It helps that I like her and value her opinion.

 

[Chattyaholic]

If she likes her future MIL, and wants to invite her, I think that's fine. But if she wants it just to be the two of you, that's fine too. I don't think there is any "right" or "wrong" way to shop for a bridal gown. The bride should be able to ask, or not ask, whomever she wishes to go with her.

I paid for my daughter's wedding gown and went shopping with her several times. She asked her future MIL to go once with us, and her maid-of-honor and bridesmaids went along too. We had lunch while we were out, it was a very nice day. The last time we went, when she finally found the "gown of her dreams" it was just her, myself and her maid-of-honor.

 

[Disney Doll]

I, too, would say whomever your daughter wants to go should go. If she likes her future MIL, and wants her to come along, then by all means, take her. However, if she just wants it to be a mother/daughter thing, or a mother/daughter/MOH thing, then that's fine too.

Tell her to tell her fiancee to butt out!

 

[Pin Wizard]

DH and I went. He waited somewhere else while I shopped alone.

 

[Rajah]

Didn't invite mine. Wouldn't really have wanted her there, to tell the truth -- our tastes are too different. I had my mom and brides maids come.