The short answer: Yes!
Especially now, with so much uncertainty in the world, most brides want their whole gang with them at their bridal appointment. Saying yes to your dress is a special, memorable, and intimate moment. It's completely understandable to want all your loved ones with you for it! However, with current restrictions (and just the messiness of life in general), it's not always possible to have the whole troop with you. That leaves the burning question: "When I find a dress I love, is it okay to say yes without everyone here?"
It's completely normal to feel some level of guilt over a mom, grandma, or best friend being left out of your big moment, but never fret! It's much, much more acceptable than you might think and there are ways still include them in this memorable moment in your life.
Leave some room for mystery
Do you want everyone to know what your dress looks like before you walk down the aisle? Now, we're not saying that no one else's opinion matters, but if you can't have your entire family and bridal party at your appointment, it does leave some room for excitement! There is something undeniably magical about the big reveal of a dress when you take your first steps through those doors.
You only get this moment once.
Allow yourself to enjoy it! Odds are, you're never going to have this extraordinary moment of seeing yourself in your wedding dress for the first time ever again. Second and third follow-up appointments can be fun, but nothing will ever be able to recreate the feeling you get the very first time. Give yourself permission to say yes. It's okay to be happy!
What would they want?
They probably wouldn't want you to miss out on your big moment just because they weren't able to attend. It's so common for brides to be worried about everyone else, and want to make sure no one's feelings are hurt and everyone is included. However, as the bride, all anyone really wants is for you to feel happy, comfortable, and beautiful. You may feel apprehensive to say yes without them by your side, but we guarantee they would feel nothing but excitement for you.
But...
You still need this special person to be a part of your dress shopping journey. That's okay too. We completely understand that some relationships are beyond important, and as a store we value those relationships so much. We get that sometimes it's difficult to feel like the moment is complete without that person by your side. The good news is, there are still ways to have them be a part of it all! Consider having them come with you for your dress pick-up appointment, your final fitting with your seamstress, or join in on your accessory appointment to help you choose those beautiful extras.
Facetime them in!
Technology is our best friend these days. Don't hesitate to ask your stylist to set up a facetime or zoom with a few more members of your squad! This is especially helpful once you're down to your favorite 2 or 3 dresses, so they can still be a part of your celebration when you do say "yes!"
A few final thoughts...
Remember, this is your moment! There is no right or wrong way to go about it. At the end of the day, all anyone wants is that you find the perfect dress to marry the love of your life in. If you're happy, your group will be happy for you.
Photography: Uneven Pavement Productions