Don't Show Them the Dress!

A few weeks ago my wedding dress arrived (SQUEEEE!!!) and Momma Coyote, Bridesmaid P and I popped over to the dress shop to retrieve it. It's been hiding out in my parents' closet until I take it in for alterations, but last weekend MOH D stopped by. It was the perfect excuse for me to try it on again and model it for her. A few hours later some family friends stopped in as well and I was encouraged (without much prodding) to show off the dress and try it on again. As I carefully tread down the stairs for a second time that day MOH D whispered in my ear, "Now don't go showing it to anyone else, it has to be a surprise!"

I have to say, I quickly protested. There are so many other people I would love to show my dress off to before the wedding day. First of all, I'm happy to try it on again for any of my bridesmaids that want a sneak peak as well as FMIL Coyote. I would also really love to show my grandmother. She bought the dress for me and I know it would mean the world to her if she could see me in it before the wedding day.

Honestly, I'm not really sure why the dress needs to be a big surprise to anyone other than Mr. Coyote. And while Mr. C won't be seeing me in the dress before the wedding day, this could also be debated. How many times have I witnessed a groom make an appearance on Say Yes to the Dress? I mean, come on, it really doesn't get any sweeter than this. 

Although the dress is arguably the most central and important part of a bride's attire, it's not the only part. Let me tell you Hive, even though I was wearing a beautiful white gown, as I stood there with my frizzy hair and glasses on and without my shoes and veil, I have to admit that I didn't feel (or look) very bridal.
 
Maybe because I am an over-sharer of information by nature (hell-ooooo, I'm a blogger for goodness sake!) it just doesn't seem that important to me to "hide" the dress from everyone. With a guest list of over 180, I don't see the harm in showing some of my closer friends and family members my wedding dress before the big day. I have a feeling that when I put the dress on for realz, with my hair and face all done up and all of my accessories on, anyone who saw me in the dress beforehand will be just as wowed at how freakin' amazeballs I look (Oh come on, I wouldn't be a true blogger if I wasn't a bit of a narcissist too):

Video via YouTube

So let's chat Hive. Has your significant other seen you in your wedding dress? How about your bridal party? Your family and friends? Do you think it should be kept a surprise from all of your guests or do you think it's okay to show some of the VIPs in your life?