Some Dos and Don'ts of fittings, dresses
1. Do think comfort. This can be a frightening experience for a young girl. Is the room a comfortable temperature? Is it cramped. Is there a place to sit?
2. Don't have too many prying eyes on her while she's changing. Maybe mommy and one fitter.
3. Do have an audience outside the dressing room to cheer and gush over her.
4. Do keep it from being overwhelming. Don't bring in 20 dresses. Maybe preselect at most five for a given sitting.
5. Do keep her likes and dislikes in mind. If she likes what she's wearing, she'll want to wear it that day.
6. Do make it special for her. Explain what a special part of the wedding she'll be, that the bride chose her especially for this important job. But, don't put pressure on her so she'll fear ruining everything if she doesn't do it just right.
7. Don't bring a cranky, sleepy or hungry child to a fitting. And, consider having a few healthy snacks and water on hand. You may not be able to take it in the dressing room, but at least it gives you and her a chance to take what probably would be a much-needed break.
8. Do bring along a friend for her if allowed. Or, plan to meet a friend or two afterward. Allow her to tell them about her experience. In addition to making it seem more special and grown-up, you may hear some tips on how to make a second fitting, if necessary, better.
9. Do take your time. Don't rush the experience.
10. Do know when to call it quits. It could be 10 minutes, 15 minutes or as much as a half-hour. But, know when enough is enough. If the experience of picking the dress is negative, she won't enjoy wearing it, no matter how pretty she looks.
Norma Sawdy, a designer for Us Angels, also recommended ballet slippers. "They are the perfect look with a tea-length dress," Sawdy said. "Accents on the hair should be delicate for comfort. Also, a prop like a small tote bag, or petal basket can be fun for the girl, and also help them keep their hands from fidgeting
when walking down the aisle."
Roselynn Fiumara, general manager at Bridal Reflections, said the most important thing is to go with the flow. "If she wakes up the morning of the wedding and doesn't want to walk down the aisle, laugh and make it a funny story. Just don't let it ruin the day."
And, after all is said and done, mother-of-the-flower-girl Jane Launer warned that moms should resign themselves to probably only getting one wearing out of a dress that can cost as much as $600. "I'm kind of eyeing it for next Easter, if it holds up," said Launer. The wedding Madelyn will be in is Launer's brother's, which will be in May. "If not, maybe she'll wear it as a Halloween costume."
