What to Wear Wedding Dress Shopping as a Guest

Being asked to go dress shopping with the bride is the highest honor—it means she values your opinion and feels confident in your presence. Your job is to be supportive and make her feel like her very best self. So, in terms of what to wear wedding dress shopping as a guest, it's all about keeping the focus on the bride. What will be a good foil to let her shine? What will most help her find "the one?"

While there is no official etiquette here, there are some general rules of thumb to live by. "It all comes down to the bride's vibe and what makes her feel most comfortable," says Tina Wong, the founder and lead designer of Grace + Ivory, who sees brides and their guests in her Chicago salon daily. "I recommend checking in with the bride beforehand to see if she has any preferences or expectations for her dress shopping day. The key is to wear something you feel good in, be ready to celebrate and support her in finding the one!" Here, Wong helps us hone in on some do's and don'ts for looking the part.

In this article:

• What to Wear Wedding Dress Shopping as a Guest
• What to Wear Wedding Dress Shopping as a Bridesmaid
• FAQs About Bridal Dress Shopping Etiquette for Guests

What to Wear Wedding Dress Shopping as a Guest

As a guest, your role is to focus on the bride and offer support and positive feedback. (Pro tip: "Instead of jumping in with personal preferences, ask thoughtful questions like, 'What do you love about this one?' or 'How do you feel in it?'" Wong says.) For your wardrobe, look for clothing and accessories that do exactly that.

DO be mindful of dress codes

"Some brides love a coordinated crew, while others just want their loved ones to show up as they are," Wong says. "If the bride has a vision—matching outfits, a specific color palette or a dressy vibe—respect her wishes." Guests should also be mindful of the salon's dress code. You can find salons in The Knot Vendor Marketplace, then give them a call or browse their site in advance to see if they have any specific attire rules, such as no jeans allowed.

DO wear neutral or soft colors

If there's no required dress code, soft is safe. "Muted or neutral tones can keep the focus on the bride and the dresses," Wong says. Your wedding dress shopping outfit should complement the bride rather than clash with or outshine her, so avoid vibrant, shocking hues. Alternatively, black can provide a nice contrast to the white, but note that salon consultants typically wear black for that reason, so neutral tones will set you apart.

DON'T over-accessorize

"Keep accessories minimal," Wong says. "Big, flashy jewelry or other items can be distracting in photos and mirrors. Simple and classic is more demure." You should also avoid accessories that could snag the fabric; you don't want your bangles or rings getting caught on gowns if you need to sift through racks or help the bride in and out of dresses.

DO wear a crossbody phone carrier

You'll be on duty to document the bride's favorites so she can compare and contrast later, and you won't want to dig through a bag for your phone every time. Opt for a crossbody phone chain like this or this to keep your camera handy. That said, "you want to limit distractions," Wong notes. If you're in charge of photos, "keep your phone on silent and avoid scrolling or texting during the appointment."

DO wear comfortable shoes

Depending on where you are shopping, you may be walking a lot, so be ready with comfortable shoes. You also don't want to step on the train with a sharp stiletto or anything else that could get easily caught.

DO come prepared

As for what to bring to a wedding dress appointment—it's best to come prepared. Have a hair tie in your purse in case the bride needs one, a protein bar for between appointments, lipstick to reapply and see the full vision and, of course, a travel pack of tissues for the inevitable "yes" moment. But most importantly, "bring good energy!" Wong says. "Whether the bride finds the one or is still exploring, your role is to make the experience positive, uplifting and fun. Hype her up, celebrate the little moments and enjoy this special part of the wedding journey!"

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What to Wear Wedding Dress Shopping as a Bridesmaid

"As a bridesmaid, you're not just a guest—you're someone the bride trusts and values for honest yet supportive feedback," Wong says. "You likely know her style, her overall wedding vision, and even how to help navigate family opinions (like tempering mom's comments with grace!)." So, when it comes to dressing for the appointment, all of the above still applies, with a few additional caveats.

"The bride may want your input on how her dress complements potential bridesmaid looks, so be ready to offer insight while keeping the focus on her," Wong says. "Check in with her to see if trying on bridesmaid dresses is part of the plan. (If so, it's a good idea to check with the bridal salon ahead of time to let them know it's part of your expectations; since most salons are by appointment only, they may need to book extra time for your group.)" In this case, come prepared by wearing undergarments or shapewear for a dress you'd be comfortable in at a formal dress fitting, such as seamless options or a strapless bra, Wong suggests. "Be ready to slip in and out of dresses quickly—and most importantly, keep the focus on the bride's experience."

There may be more to bring, too. "To make the day even more special, check in with the maid of honor about any expectations—should you bring champagne, help with a little surprise or keep things on schedule?" Wong says. "We've had bridesmaids call about their appointment to check in with us at Grace + Ivory on all these details. Being there for the bride in both big and small ways will make the experience even more meaningful."

FAQs About Bridal Dress Shopping Etiquette for Guests

While there isn't any official bridal gown shopping etiquette to turn to or follow, you're always better safe than sorry. If you think there's even a chance your attire might upset the bride or not be appropriate at the salon, select something else.

Can guests wear jeans wedding dress shopping?

"This really depends on the setting and the bride's preferences," Wong says. "Some high-end couture salons may have dress codes, but for most bridal appointments, it's more about feeling comfortable and polished. At Grace + Ivory, our showroom is modern, welcoming and all about a fun, stress-free experience—so no strict dress codes here." Even if jeans are allowed, though, consider the bride's vision and vibe. "If she's planning a chic, stylish outing, you might want to opt for something a little more put-together than super casual denim."

Can guests wear white wedding dress shopping?

"I err on the side of caution, so when in doubt, it's best to steer clear of white—unless the bride says otherwise," Wong says. "While it's not quite [as bad as] wearing white to a wedding, you don't want to unintentionally take focus away from her special moment." There's a chance the bride may request her guests wear white, but that would be the only instance when it's acceptable. "Every bride has her own vision, and the best way to show up is by respecting her style and making the day feel special."