Guest post by MOB Squad contributor Alumni MOB, Cynthia Keeley

Let’s talk about the most tried on and admired dress that most young girls dream about trying on some day… their wedding gowns!

Some keep their vision of being a Princess, bedecked in tulle and lace and over-the-top everything, while others have tailored their tastes to something they consider more ‘classic’ or ‘refined’. The beauty of shopping for such a dress seems to be that each bride will be able to fulfill her vision, with minimal stress and confusion. As one who has been wedding gown shopping in three states over the past 6 years for three different brides, I’m here to tell you that while there are TONS of dresses out there, many of them seem to be exactly the same. What you thought would be a leisurely search, may become more of an obsessed hunt to not be a ‘cookie cutter’ bride.

Another factor that always seems to be an issue is whose opinion of the dress will carry the most weight? How many people are TOO many to take with you when shopping for something so special? One? Three? Seven? No one? Is it important your Mom loves it as much as you do, or does your MOH or best friend know your style better than anyone else and will steer you in making your decision?

We’ve all seen the evolution of wedding gowns over the years, and each new style or embellishment has its certain appeal. Just several years ago, it was scandalous to wear a strapless gown in a church, and is still considered ‘inappropriate’ in some circles. Covering the shoulders was equated with modesty, I suppose, but I think many of the strapless gowns I’ve seen lately actually provide more coverage of an area I consider more important than a shoulder.

The silhouettes of wedding gowns hasn’t changed all that much, but the waist, neckline and sleeves seem to be the most modified. I read about many girls and their complaints of trying to find something with a sleeve that doesn’t have to be added, or having to wear a bolero for some coverage. Mermaid style and trumpet gowns are popular, but I haven’t seen that many figures that make them truly fabulous on the wearer, and I wonder how they can sit down in them! One future bride just yesterday made the comment that they are all choosing such exaggerated ruching, they look like glorified mummies! I have to agree.

I always feel bad for a bride who doesn’t experience knowing her dress is ‘the one’, or have that moment when she doesn’t want to take her dress off, ever. Makes for several girls who become two, three and even four dress brides! They don’t seem to realize that there will always be another dress they HAVE to try on, and really need to stop looking for perfection. It will drive them crazy, and it’s a shame.

I guess I was lucky with my daughters, in that they both, and we all, knew their dresses were perfect for them. It’s a great experience to share with your daughter, and I wish it for all of you!