Say Yes to the Dress

Naturally, we had to have a Say Yes to the Dress experience.

So Lexie booked an appointment at a bridal boutique on a weekend when my two sisters from Toronto happened to be in town, and we all traipsed off to enjoy the occasion.

Because Lexie wasn’t exactly following the traditional wedding timeline, she had to be a little…shall we say… vague about her plans. Apparently bridal boutiques are very particular about budgets, venues, wedding dates, and timelines.

Before we went in, she gave us strict instructions.

“Just keep your mouths shut. I’ll do all the talking. You just sit there and do the oohing and aahing.”

My youngest sister, who is almost completely legally blind, announced that she had her own strategy.

“When Lexie comes out in a dress, I’ll just say, ‘Nope, can’t see you in that one.’ Then the next dress: ‘Nope, can’t see you in that one either.’ And finally, ‘Wow, I really can’t see you in that dress.’”

We laughed all day.

Before the appointment, we all went for pedicures and then headed to Lina’s Italian Market for lunch. We made an entire day of it—an experience rather than an errand.

After all, even though Lexie was planning to sew her own wedding dress,  we still wanted us to have the wedding-dress-shopping experience.

And it was wonderful.

We took countless photos and admired gowns that were far beyond anything most sensible people would ever buy. For a few hours, we got to play bride and entourage, and it was every bit as much fun as I had imagined.

A couple of months later, Lexie booked another appointment at a different bridal boutique and invited me along with several of her friends.

This shop was a little more upscale. The dresses were somehow even more beautiful—and considerably more expensive—than the first boutique. They served refreshments while we waited, which only added to the sense that we were participating in something special.

And honestly, from the very first dress she stepped out in, we were captivated.

Lexie has one of those unfair advantages in life: she makes every dress look beautiful.

For a brief moment, I found myself wishing we actually were buying one.

Not because we needed to. Between the two of us, we’re perfectly capable of designing and sewing exactly the dress she wants. Ours will fit her properly from the start and won’t require expensive alterations.

Still, it was fun to imagine.

The entire journey has been wonderful so far.

As my one and only opportunity to be Mother of the Bride, I am absolutely lapping it up and making the most of every moment.

I know I make this sound as though it’s all about me.

And, well… hello?

It kind of is about me too.

I gave birth to a girl. I raised a girl. I taught her to walk, talk, eat, sew, bake, and dress herself.

I think it’s about time I got something out of this relationship.

At the very least, I deserve a few bridal boutiques, some pedicures, and a front-row seat to the wedding.