Dresses & Accessories

Can My Mom-in-Law and I Agree on a Dress?

My future mother-in-law and I have very different taste. How do I make sure we don't end up disagreeing over my wedding-dress choice?

This is just the beginning of a lifetime of compromise between you and your mother-in-law. Even if you've already planned to go dress-shopping with your own mother, you should be able to live through a day of dress-browsing with your future mom-in-law. Just make sure she understands that it's a just-looking outing and that you don't intend to buy a dress that day. This way, the pressure is off. If she points out styles that make your stomach turn, you can politely avoid a confrontation by saying, "I don't know" or "I'll think about it." Later, when you're out dress-shopping with your mom, you'll hopefully find what you really want-and buy it.

Still concerned that the day might turn into a battle of opinions? Just invite one of your bridesmaids to join you. A third party is a great way to calm potentially stormy waters, as most people are reluctant to argue in front of an audience.