Wedding Dress Shopping - First Day Out

The wedding is coming up soon and it's high time I went shopping! My friend Leigh joined me for a day in downtown Los Angeles famed Fashion District. We went in a lot of stores and learned a lot. Mistakes were made. Fun was had. But ultimately, today taught me about what I do and don't want in my wedding dress. Let's try on some wedding dresses!
www.laurelshous...
emilysbridalsh...
Monique Parent is a Hollywood actress and model who has been in the biz for 34 years. UniqueMonique is not just her brand but also her view of life! We all deserve to be unique and to celebrate our individuality! www.uniquemoniq...
Life. Style. Food. Fitness and feeling fabulous after forty!
FTC Disclaimer: All items have been purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using the link provided.

[@dammar117]

That's it! The regal pastel. It brought you to tears for a reason. It DOES NOT wash you out! It goes beautifully with your silver hair. With an updo, a soft makeup (for harmony, no harsh colors!), some matching jewelry, PERFECT! It's like an impressionist painting. 😊

[@west06007]

TOTALLY AGREE. It was gorgeous!!

[@anitabeebe1]

The regal pastel was perfection!! I'm not sure if the color was different in person but in the video, the color was beautiful on you!!

[@louiscassas2491]

I wonder if you can look into having it made ordered in another color or if you love have it made in in another color....A dress maker!

[@ScorpioMoon-fr5xg]

I agree I thought she was so stunning in it! I hope she reconsiders it.

[@Lucky4991]

My favorite is the one that you think is too pale, I think that says bridal and it’s not white and I think it looks absolutely gorgeous on you! To me that says bride!

[@vlink4071]

I love the first blue panic buy dress. It’s perfect for your wedding, BUT, my very favorite is the one you think is too pale. The style is perfect, fabric is lovely for a wedding and with updo and makeup it would not be too pale. I think that is the one, and you loved it too! That’s your dress!

[@MoniqueparentYT]

It's still holding at #1!!

[@dammar117]

Totally agree!

[@Warmfireandtea]

They all look cheap. Buy a 3,000 one and return it after. Ha!

[@melbabowen4389]

mine, as well. The dress you consider to pale for you, is perfect for you, after you have your face and hair done in an upsweep.

[@CaliMel184]

@@Warmfireandtea You can't do that. They get filthy.

[@PaleOpal21]

The panic dress is beautiful, but I really love the one that "washes you out."

[@suzischwabe5807]

I thought the first one at Laurel was stunning on you! You don't look washed out at all. You look gorgeous in all of them.

[@debiapostol]

LOVE that first dress at Laurel’s House … it’s absolutely stunning on you. Please try it on again with your hair and makeup on (and take us with you 😉).

[@MoniqueparentYT]

Thank you! Will do!

[@Catfluff521]

I so agree. It looks sophisticated; the others not so much. Although everything looks fab on this lady.

[@shellcshells2902]

The first dress that brought you to tears is it!!!!!!❤❤❤❤

[@patriciamartinez9415]

I loved the 1st dress you tried on at Laurels House...absolutely gorgeous on you!

[@BarbB56]

The first dress in Laurels house did not wash you out at all. My favorite so far. When you find “ the one “ you will know. Happy shopping. X

[@MoniqueparentYT]

I agree 100% Thank you!

[@Blonde_Somnambulist]

Your panic buy is perfect, but your first favourite is the one !!...absolutely stunning in every way.

[@suegoodwin3335]

Laurels-the pale dress ❤ stunning on you!

[@KE-hr4sb]

Honestly, if you've ever seen "Say yes to the dress," they always say the one that makes you (and your family) cry is the one. That first one at Laurel's House was it for me. Absolutely stunning on you!

[@dianethompson6363]

Love the dress you stated was too pale.

[@eileenceccucci1387]

I was underwhelmed with them because they were all too busy or overwhelming. Ceremony in a classic bias-cut, body skimming sheath, one shouldered or draped v-cut...Garbo-esque. Great accessories ..fascinator with detachable face veil and vintage bracelets. Then a sparkly 50's inspired full-skirted reception dress.

[@calidreamin2441]

Yes Yes Yes! @eileencecucci1387 I cannot agree with you more! Elegant! Understated but glam, skin on display, not too much flounce and figure enhancing in every way! If I had Monique’s figure and class, I’d be letting IT be on display proudly with all the sex appeal she has, accentuated!

[@cluckie]

The second dress, the one you thought might make you look washed out. It doesn’t. Beautiful!

[@emilyevans6989]

Monique, you know I’m all about RULES! We must know them so we can BREAK them! I’ve been watching your videos a long time, and you’ve had some tough times. My proposal: buy 2 or 3 dresses if you want. You can wear one for the ceremony, one for the reception, and one for the after party! Do what you WANT! Celebrate this new life! Dance until DAWN! You DESERVE EVERY GOOD THING! ♥️

[@barbaratodd1769]

That first dress at the second store was perfect! It does not wash you out. I think you described it as regal pastel. Perfect!!!!

[@westernnut8407]

Wow! The first dress at Laurel's House and the one at minute 5:12 are both standouts. When you go back with hair and makeup, I think you should try those again. With your makeup skills, I think you can counteract the pastel issues.

[@suetomfordlaw6673]

The regal pastel….oh my God. With your silver hair. You look so stunning. I have followed you for a long time and seeing you in that dress made my eyes tear up. Not too pale at all. With your hair up and some color to your lips and cheeks, you will knock ‘em’ dead. Best of luck.

[@user-mc3tp5sd2z]

I cannot get past the black and white! It’s perfect, perfect, perfect. Talk to them and see if it can be ordered without the train, if not, they can put hooks to pull it up for after the walk down the aisle. If it’s something ordered, it seems like it could be done. Also, I much prefer things without a seamed waist on you. It tends to cut you in half when others elongate you. Plus, you have a great shape for that style. You will be the center of all attention in the black and white and with your groom in a tux next to you, you’ll both be stunning! What glamour! My next fave is the one you thought washed you out. Do your hair and makeup, then try it on again. See if it comes in other colors. I loved the fabric, it looks like a brocade so my only question is would it be too warm? September in la is hot!

[@PhyllisGarcia-cf7fz]

Well I truly feel that whichever dress you decide on is going to be fabulous!! The first one at the end of your video is so pretty, like that one a lot. Also, the black and white one (ball gown is absolutely gorgeous....love it!! With your hair swept up my silver sister, you're gonna to look STUNNING!!! Howard will be just in awe.... looking at his beautiful bride! 💕❤️👰🤵

[@iChristyD]

That first Laurel’s dress looked divine on you!!

[@Star-zk8ne]

Dear Monique, the black and white dress was the best, it was a garden wedding dress for the ages, and most versatile given the colors!

[@neciefurnish6701]

I liked the dresses by Lauren’s house. I think the green would look amazing on you with your beautiful gray hair. I’m so happy for you and Howard. I remember when you two just started dating. I was like come on and show us. But I understood.

[@mypinklife3415]

Oh my gosh Monique, I love this video !!!!!!!!!! The panic dress is stunning and the one you tried on first at Laurel's are my two favorites.

[@MoniqueparentYT]

Thank you so much!! Same!!

[@Pineabble]

The panic dress you bought is beautiful! Honestly, if you decide on that to wear, you really will look like a beautiful garden fairy. The dress that made you emotional is just gorgeous. I think it goes with your hair so perfectly and there's just something about the way it clings and flows off your figure. Very elegant, yet also fun. I also think the green version of that lavender dress you wore sounds really lovely, too! I'm a big fan of green, so very biased.

[@TheGentleStitcher]

Definitely the 1st dress at Laurel's - you looked like an angel in it!!!! Use the "panic" dress for a change to party in at the reception - when you are ready to really let loose - but the 1st dress - WOW!!!!!!!

[@SABOREAME68]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Monique, the dress at Morilee that was simple but elegant made you look magnificent in it. It's just a pitty that it was out of the budget, and trust me you looked beautiful in that white dress. Looking forward to see which dress you will chose... Abrazos

[@meganngeorge]

That first blue dress, at the first store, is GORGEOUS!

[@lukethomas658]

The green color of the second dress at Laurel's House was stunning. The shape of the first dress at Laurel's House was my favourite, plus, in my opinion, brocade is more timeless than appliques. I wish it came in a green colorway. l LOVE you're wearing color!

[@vikki4now]

I love the blue Cinderella dress👗 you bought. Also that green one was STUNNING on you though uncomfortable. Maybe the green in that asymmetrical one will work too. Cant wait for the event. Happy for you! Im 70 and never found my prince. Thanks for sharing your fun.

[@kensimzadi]

Omgosh, Monique! The pastel one is gorgeous!!! I don’t think it washed you out, I think it was very flattering! Especially with your hair. I know lighting in videos can look different, but my goodness it was beautiful on you. And if it brought you to tears…..that says something.

[@nikkimckenna340]

Most definitely the regal pastel one, that took my breath away and was absolutely stunning on you xxx

[@wiseowl1580]

First white dress. Stunning.

[@sslexus430]

It’s the light blue/gold dress. Perfection, not too pale.

[@suebycraft8319]

The one you think is too pale for you is my favorite too, it’s beautiful on you. If you try it on again with your hair up and makeup on, hoping you change your mind and choose that one. It brought you to tears, after all.

[@CFW1]

The very 1st dress at Laurels you tried on (pale blue) was my favorite on you. It did not wash you out at all. It was the most stunning, beautiful of all the dresses.

[@Gree263]

Oh...*gasp* the second all silver gown...wow! You look stunning in that dress, with make-up & hair done - a breathtaker!!! Your first favorite is YOUR DRESS, 💯 !

[@barbaracossentino2820]

You were absolutely stunning in the dress you thought was too pale. The design and fit was beautiful. Looked like it was made just for you.

[@HalloUTube]

3:50 my breath stocked... I feel it... Dont overthink... The one that make you cry is the real match... 🎉

[@melaniewoodruff1959]

First favorite is beautiful on you. It’s not too pale. It’s perfect!

[@lu_re7198]

I liked the floral dress. 😍 It’s a lovely cream with just enough flowers...and perfect for a garden wedding. 🌸

[@sylviabolte7108]

i thought the one you bought was very flattering on you! the style and color suited you very well and would be fabulous for a backyard wedding!

[@aprilzarychta1912]

I absolutely love that lavender dress from Laurel's House. It's stunning, and such an interesting design! Please let us see the green version when you try it on. I think it will be just as lovely, if not more so.

[@CarmenShenk]

Your panic dress was a great buy, your instincts are good! You could quit shopping today if you wish. Even if you decide against wearing it for your wedding, I am sure you will find opportunities to wear it and be absolutely gorgeous in it. I also love the one you think washes you out, something about the silver with your hair and alabaster skin really works. I also loved the silver dress where you couldn’t move your arms, such a pity you have to actually MOVE in a dress, the nerve! LOL! Honestly, everything looks amazing as soon as it’s on you, so there are no wrong answers here. Also, please try something on in that aquamarine color that matches your eyes! So lovely to see you looking so gorgeous!

[@TheRayjane]

Love the panic buy and the one you think is too pale. I think the color of them both is stunning with your coloring. When you do your makeup and have that beautiful silver hair in an updo, you will see how gorgeous you look💝. You are stunning no matter what. You do you girl

[@judykilger4950]

Love the one that brought you to tears ! It was very bridal , romantic and with your make up skills you would never be washed out !!! That one really stood out , the others are party dresses. You will look amazing in the dress, beautiful figure! Go for it! 😉❤

[@jbooth6155]

The one dress behind the Cinderella dress , pastel flower colors looked amazing for a outdoor wedding. Thanks for sharing

[@Ms7of8]

I watched your 2nd wedding shopping video before this one ! Out of all of these, the black and white is the winner, IMHO. You can always have the train altered out for more movement, dancing, etc. Really, a stunner. The brocade is lovely, but is too pale on your skin tone and also just looks meh against the natural green setting of your wedding (as you showed on the 2nd video). You have impeccable taste, and I know you will be gorgeous and outstanding in your ultimate choice ! Brava, darling !

[@MakeupwithJane]

The second one for sure! And...it does not wash you out, its perfect!

[@janetroberts9243]

Love the one you bought. I didn't even know price when I saw it

[@MultiStephanator]

The blue dress you panic bought is lovely … the Laurel dress you almost cried wearing is lovely but it is the same color as your hair .. yet it will look great with your hair up and makeup but the one you want to go back and try on in “green” may be just right… although truly every dress looked Gorgeous on uuu!

[@IRC1026]

Your First favorite is absolutely gorgeous and does not wash you out. Also, you probably will have a bit more makeup on your wedding day. I agree with some of the others when they suggested you may want to have more makeup and your hair up when you try on dresses to get the "full effect." HAVE FUN!!!

[@AuntieVonn]

Loving the black and white ❤❤❤❤❤

[@dmaextraordinaire8205]

I absolutely adore your blue “panic buy dress!” It is perfection. But I also love the one that you felt was too light.

[@Ravenous304]

I didn't get to shop for my wedding dresses. I LOVED the one that brought you to tears. I think you did look so regal. Whatever your choice, have a blessed union. ❤️🙏🏼

[@kristineanguiano4675]

I love the first favorite at Laurels house. I don't think its too pale for you at all. But I also love the black and white dress. I think that would be perfection for an outdoor wedding!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤💐

[@CaliMel184]

The Laurel House dress!! It's not too pale at all! You'll have makeup and you could always fake tan some to add color. and use the other one for your rehearsal or honeymoon!

[@KrisKin-m9z]

Monique, we already know that you would look beautiful in whatever you choose. I agree that I, personally, like you in colors.

[@asmith5090]

I love the black and white dress it’s perfect ❤

[@EEva-hx5fx]

I really liked the first and the second (6.40), personally I would choose which one would be more beautiful and in the place where the wedding will take place if there is a lot of green around, the first would definitely suit. I wish you all the best

[@user-cs1xz]

sorry for all the comments! I will say with the more saturated colored dresses, i notice the dress before i notice you. in the white dress, the pale dress, and black and white, i notice you first. i think the lighter, muted colors would be beautiful on your wedding day. all anyone will see is you! big hugs this is so fun!!

[@michelles2299]

Yes to the black and white, but the bottle green ones in Laurels house wow

[@FlaNative3]

The one that was a deep V both front and back was the best STYLE for your figure, I even liked the color - dark lilac with bronzey appliqués? My daughter just decided on her own wedding dress - ivory strapless princess skirt with appliqués and lace edging. It’s her first!! Now I am hunting for MOTB dresses - woohoo!!

[@CherylBerryl]

Please know that I don't mean this in any kind of a snarky "judgy" way...I just would have thought that on any day, Ever, that you would have had makeup & hair done to the "9's" when going to try on your potential wedding gown. I don't think that you can truly know what dress color will look good on you unless you have your makeup & hair done, as you would have it done for your wedding day. The dress that almost made you cry IS the style dress that speaks to your heart! It was written all over your face Monique! Your inner "little girl" came out...the one that has been dreaming her whole life of marrying her "Prince Charming". And now you've FINALLY found him! Try on that dress again, with your hair & makeup done, & then see if you feel any different! And if the color still feels too washed out for you, then still try to find that exact style of dress, just in a different color! It was MADE For You!!!

[@juniperjames292]

You look absolutely resplendent in the blue "panic buy" dress!

[@Mar-velousMarlenak8]

Omgoodness this is SO exciting Monique ❤ The pastel dress at Laurels is stunning on you. If it made you cry, then it's made for you

[@bettynap67]

All the dresses were beautiful but my favorite was the black and white.

[@samscaggs2270]

I think the grey is gorgeous on you. I like the blue you bought too, you're beautiful in it also. And the pale one at Laurels was another fave. You look beautiful in all of them, but it's what YOU see in the mirror that matters. We all just have our opinions but yours is all that matters! ❤

[@adellerr]

The pastel one or the black and white: beautiful!!

[@ScorpioMoon-fr5xg]

Oh Monique your "first" favorite makes you look like a queen! I think that's the "one" even though you think it's to light. You looked so gorgeous in it sweetheart!

[@lydiajohnson3592]

I think you look best in the colors. You look good in the lavender, blue, and green dresses.

[@rebeccabarnett6965]

You look beautiful in all of the dresses but my favorite is the 1st dress at Laurels house. It is beautiful on you! So very happy for you!

[@Jo-pp7yj]

Oh thanks for including us in your adventure. So far, I like the one you bought. Excellent choice.😎

[@kathiwake583]

The dresses are all gorgeous. My favourite is the the greyish platinum one that you feel is too pale. With your hair colour I think it would look stunning😊. Very elegant and understated. I know you're not an understated kinda gal though lol. My wedding dress was this colour with the beading but cocktail length. Having said all that, would love to see the emerald green on you. When all is said and done you have to be true to yourself. Whatever you choose, you'll look gorgeous. Thanks for taking us along.

[@christinapasz2061]

I believe this process would be easier if you did not look gorgeous in everything you tried on! The dress you believe may be too pale is lovely and it fits you so well. Glad you are keeping it in the rotation. As you and others have mentioned, you will know the right one. Great idea to shop another day with your hair up and a little make-up thrown on. I just spent the day wedding dress shopping with my sister. When she came out of the dressing room and we all cried…….she knew she had found it! Good luck, have fun and thank you for sharing this journey. Love it!

[@user-cs1xz]

monique I LOVE THIS!!! tysm for taking us with you! i looove seeing you try these gowns on! it's like we're together shopping :) girls trip. i love the 'pale' dress but i think it would be stunning on you in a stark white and wouldnt wash you out. it's very romantic and beautiful on you, no matter what you choose you will be!!

[@meee4217]

Yes, the one you “panic-bought” is my favorite and the color is gorgeous on you.

[@MoniqueparentYT]

It's a great dress! I may use it as my 2nd dress. Or another event. It's timeless and lovely.

[@meee4217]

@@MoniqueparentYT dammit I also loved the lavender, too. I’m curious how it would look in green.

[@FuchsiaFire444]

Out of the last 3 at the end of the video the white and gold is beautiful.

[@enagrimshaw2240]

The silver dress is stunning!!! - and not too pale.

[@robinpinkham9398]

Love the fairy dress you bought. Its ethereal. You looked fabulous in green, I know it wasn't comfortable but it was a stunner.❤

[@cosmeticsandpurseswithevelyn]

Go with what you love and your Heart tells you to choose ♥️ Almost brings me to tears. Its really incredible how you made a future for both yourself and your loved one youve come a long long way since I first started watching your videos years ago...God bless you both 🙏

[@cherieday624]

I love the blue dress you bought. If that's what you end up with, it will be fine. The important thing is you have the right groom!

[@33sunstar]

I love the black and white one on you. It compliments everything about you while being whimsical yet classy. The other ones were pretty but too light I thought. The last one you tried and said you want to go back and try it in green. I'd like to see that. It had that whimsical look yet classy. Purples especially the lighter ones are really hard to pull off on most everyone. They're beautiful but not on. Sounds weird I know. The one you bought...I would have too. Very pretty and a good shade on you. Good luck...oddly enough, so many things come into play. And there's the jewelry...too much, too little, not quite it. You have always been creative and everything always turns out right. Enjoy every step of the process and God Bless you both.

[@aztz3749]

Congrats on the wedding AND your national Fidelity commercial!!!!

[@wendybecker4223]

I like all of the recap ones. Interested in seeing the green dress when you have time to go back. The "panic" dress is very nice. The "tears" dress is lovely. I think I would like black & white more if the bodice had some black feathers on it, like a "black swan" vibe. Maybe they made the "tears" dress in another color and you could buy it elsewhere?? I'll try to catch you on Monday night. Smooches!

[@jacquelinerandall8631]

I love the blue one you purchased. When you modeled the purple dress with the appliques, I thought it would look better on you in green and then you said there was a green version of it. LOL

[@karenhockley]

Definitely the first one at Laurel’s house absolutely stunning on you 😊

[@calidreamin2441]

Hi Monique! Very excited to see your wedding dress shopping! I just have a suggestion that I feel may help you in your search. If you would like to save some $$$$ on a dress for the big occasion, perhaps steer clear of the specialty wedding dress stores (unless you want to splurge). There are some breathtaking and more simply elegant wedding dresses on sites like Lulus (for example). I was browsing there for myself recently and happened to come across some stunning wedding dresses in the $400.00 range. Granted, you do not get to try them on in store unless there is a brick and mortar store where you live, but if you check the return policy before purchasing you may be able to download a return label for little to no $$ as I often have. Personally, i believe you have a lovely figure, but some of the dresses you tried have in my opinion, way too much fabric and flounce if you will! I think you would look absolutely stunning in a dress that accentuated your body shape more. Sleek, elegant, perhaps bare shoulders/bodice and just the right amount of exquisite pizazz/flounce in the body of the dress. Not overly ornamented in detail or poof! Maybe let your jewelry, face/body makeup choices and everything Howard loves about you be on display without a lot of extra “Cinderella!” I think your best bet is to wear the dress without the dress wearing you, if that makes any sense! You are a beautiful woman inside and out, I think you should wear an exquisitely designed (but reasonably priced) stunningly fabulous but understated dress with elegant shoes, amazing updo , a fabulous hair comb etc. You will be amazing and outstandingly lovely regardless of what you wear! Just my humble opinion and suggestions! ❤️ Best of luck! Enjoy the hunt!

[@Cat-id1td]

The dress that made u want to cry that is the one u should go with. u looked beautiful!

[@greenworm7915]

Can’t wait to see you in green!! But I do love the “panic dress”.

[@BelindaSlator]

I love the one you panic bought. Even before you said you bought it I thought aw yes, that’s gorgeous ❤

[@mamatobz2890]

Yes love the laurels favorite one too!!!! With the right hair and makeup you would look amazing

[@cassil.g.455]

The 1,400 dress was a knock out, but I love the panic dress as well. So exciting;) xoxo

[@shelleyanne1079]

The pale brocade dress is gorgeous; the best by far. It does not wash you out at all - the color is perfect with your hair. I also love the silver and blue dress you bought. Perhaps you can find a way to wear both?

[@BrendaStinson-f6m]

I really like the panic dress and your first choice.

[@marciprice1833]

Oh... loved you in the 1st Laural dress.. make up and hair accessories would be gorgeous!! I don't think its pale at all.. its more "wedding" then the 2nd favorite

[@carolclarke5839]

Loved the 1st dress at Laurel’s with makeup on it will look gorgeous Xx❤❤

[@AvidGamerGirl]

You're absolutely gorgeous in ever dress. I cannot wait to see the green optioned dress. 💚 thank you for sharing this beautiful video.

[@Rocky-ry6uw]

You look good in most of them. But the first two you chose I would say look stunning on you. I am so happy for you and Howard.