For most brides finding their dream dress is a moment they've dreamed of - they want to cry with joy and they want their entourage to love the gown too. A wedding dress appointment can be an emotional whirlwind. Wedding jitters, body image and the pressure of finding 'the one' can make for a very overwhelming experience. That is why the loving support of family and friends is so important during a bridal appointment.

Seasoned bridal expert and White Lily Couture Style Director, Alera Kingham has been pairing brides with their perfect gown for over a decade. In that time she has come across almost every bridal appointment faux-pas and mastered careful turns of phrases to use when sharing ones opinion, so a bride's feelings aren't hurt.

Here is her list of common faux-pas and the tactful solutions.

It's not very flattering on you

No woman ever wants to be told her bum looks big in anything, especially not her wedding gown. Even if you and the bride are sisters or best friends, it is always best to steer clear of comments like "it's not flattering". Instead try saying "what if you tried something in a different shape? I feel this style isn't enhancing your best assets". This is safely implying that the dress doesn't suit her but isn't as abrupt as saying "It doesn't look good on you".

It's okay, but it's not the one

Finding the perfect wedding dress is all about the bride having an unspoken connection with the dress she is going to wear when she marries prince charming. The bride will know when she has found 'the one' and doesn't need her entourage confusing her. Instead of saying "it isn't the one", why not try "how does it make you feel?", or "does it make you feel the way you had hoped?" These two options show her you understand it is all about how she feels and what she wants.

I'm paying for it, so my opinion matters

This one is simple. While you may be paying for the dress and your opinion probably matters to the bride, it is important to remember it is her day and she will be wearing the dress. Depending on the situation, it is best not to discuss payment at a dress fitting, unless it has to do with the budget.

Does it really matter as much the second time around?

Every bride has the right to feel beautiful on her big day whether it be her first wedding or her tenth. Some women place less importance on the gown whereas others make it more of a priority. Depending on the situation a tactful option may be to say "what does this gown offer that you missed the first time around?"

I just don't think it's very you

If the bride walks out of the dressing room and is in complete awe of the gown she is wearing then it is best not to say 'I don't think it is very you', however if she comes out and her reaction is underwhelming then this is a great, honest way to tell the truth. The trick is, watch her reaction before making a comment.

You look great in everything

While this sounds like a great comment for a bride to be, it can be just as confusing to a bride as the negative comments. Even if it is true and she does look amazing in everything it is important to focus on her emotional reactions and draw her attention back to the gown that made her glow. This can be the little push she needs to lead her to 'the one'.

You're only going to wear it once, is it really that big of a deal?

At the end of the day it's not about the time. To most brides it all hinges on that moment when she walks down the aisle, makes her entrance as a bride and exits as a wife. Regardless of how much the gown costs, it's whether she can visualise herself in the moment in the gown.

For more expert advice from Alera Kingham, check out @whitelilycouture on Instagram and Facebook or visit whitelilycouture.com.au

MW x