Be an Educated Buyer
Being an EDUCATED BUYER is paramount when shopping for a wedding gown.
I am passionate about educating and empowering my clients to make the best purchasing decision possible. You don’t buy a new car without doing extensive research on brands, models, and features—why not treat the wedding gown shopping process with the same thought and care?
Before setting foot in a bridal salon, do your homework:
Familiarize yourself with different fabrics, silhouettes, and design elements to articulate your vision better.
Set a clear budget and shop with it in mind.
Recognize which styles best flatter your body type to enhance your natural beauty.
Research bridal salon reviews and testimonials, which can offer insights into past brides' experiences.
While knowledge is power, it's equally important to keep an open mind; sometimes the perfect dress might be one you'd never have imagined for yourself!
Read through the various sections below to learn more. You’ll feel better armed to begin your search!
Curvy brides
The bridal fashion landscape has undergone a transformative shift, and it's high time. Designers have finally recognized that beauty isn't confined to a size 2 or even a 12. Curvy brides now have an expansive range of options, reflecting the reality that elegance and style aren't size-exclusive.
This evolution in the industry not only offers more choices but also celebrates the full spectrum of beauty, ensuring every bride feels radiant and represented on her special day. We say, ‘bout dang time!
Petite brides
Hello petite brides! We understand the unique hurdles you face in the vast world of bridal fashion. While the industry often showcases gowns on taller frames, we know that beauty isn't defined by height.
Whether it's length adjustments, proportion considerations, or specific style nuances, we're here to ensure your journey to the perfect dress is seamless and tailored just for you. Your stature is exquisite, and it's high time bridal fashion acknowledges and caters to it wholeheartedly.
All About Veils
Veils, integral to bridal wardrobes, trace their origins to ancient times. However, their enduring prominence in bridal fashion was solidified when Queen Victoria donned one for her 1840 nuptials with Albert. The journey to selecting the ideal veil is akin to mastering an art.
While some veils can overshadow the beauty of the gown, the right choice can enhance the overall ensemble, evoking awe from onlookers and transforming a bride-to-be into the epitome of bridal elegance, often eliciting gasps of "Oh my goodness, now you are a bride!" from those witnessing the transformation.
Bridal Shoes
Wedding shoes, once relegated to the background of bridal attire—often concealed beneath flowing gowns—have reclaimed the spotlight. As modern brides increasingly opt for shorter reception dresses, footwear choices have garnered renewed attention. However, while aesthetics are vital, pragmatism is key. Those enamored by the allure of a 5” stiletto pump should also consider practicality. It's wise to have a cozier alternative at the ready, especially post-photoshoot. That said, there's an undeniable charm in a "barefoot bride" celebrating freely at her after-party.
Bridal Headpieces
Brides have worn crowns and jewels in their hair for centuries. Modern brides have continued the practice with updated offerings like headbands, bejeweled bobby pins, and behind-the-ear combs.
Whether you choose to wear a headpiece or not weighs heavily on your intended hairstyle and overall vibe. Some headpieces could elevate a look while others could make the bride appear too costume-y. Finding the perfect one that complements—not competes!—the look is key!
Bridal Gloves
Gloves are poised for a grand resurgence in the fashion realm. Their prominent showcase in recent bridal collections is a testament to this revival, and they've graced the hands of some of the most iconic brides, notably Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. The range is vast—from the regal allure of full opera-length gloves to the delicate charm of fingerless lace options. Indeed, for the discerning bride, gloves are an accessory that promises to elevate the ensemble.
Common Body Shapes
Let’s establish one thing upfront: every BODY is a testament to beauty. No exceptions. While we celebrate this inclusivity, it's also worth noting the five widely recognized body shapes that can serve as a guideline for brides during their gown search.
These classifications often act as a beacon, guiding you towards silhouettes that might be most flattering. But don't get bogged down in details; for a succinct overview, simply click through our guide and bookmark that final slide for your shopping ventures. And remember, if the sea of options feels overwhelming, we're just a message away, ready to assist in your quest for the perfect dress.
Bridal Toppers
Toppers can be an excellent addition to the bridal ensemble. They not only offer brides the advantage of modesty during religious ceremonies but also introduce an added dimension to the overall look, ensuring a captivating presence in photos. Designed to overlay the gown, toppers are typically buttoned up the back and crafted from sheer illusion tulle or lace.
They conclude just below the bustline or at the waist, with sleeve lengths varying from short to long. While they often harmonize with the gown's pattern, there's ample room for individuality, allowing the bride to opt for contrasting designs. A significant benefit of toppers is their versatility beyond the wedding day.
Embracing sustainability, brides can repurpose them for future wear, pairing them with casual outfits like a camisole and jeans, perfect for an anniversary date night. For brides facing dilemmas in choosing the right topper or feeling lost amidst a myriad of dress options, always remember that expert guidance is a email away. We're eager to assist!
Sustainable Bridal
The bridal industry is evolving, mirroring broader trends in fashion by increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly alternatives tailored for the environmentally-conscious bride. Prestigious labels like Pronovias, as well as boutique ateliers like Medusa, are championing sustainability.
They're integrating eco-friendly fabrics into their designs, producing limited collections to minimize waste, and adopting measures to lessen their carbon footprints throughout the manufacturing process. This shift marks a promising direction for the future of bridal fashion, marrying style with sustainability.
Bridal Waistlines
Understanding the six prevalent waistlines in wedding gowns can significantly streamline your dress selection process. Being informed about these styles not only facilitates quicker decisions but also empowers you as an educated buyer when you visit a salon.
Delve deeper into the specifics of each waistline, and don't overlook the Body Shape Cheat Sheet provided in our resources. While it may seem like a wealth of information initially, this knowledge will undoubtedly prove invaluable during your gown-hunting journey.
Toppers & Jackets
It's a sentiment worth echoing: bridal jackets and toppers are a game-changer. Beyond offering modesty for religious ceremonies, they seamlessly amplify the visual impact in photos. Positioned over the gown, these pieces often feature delicate buttoning at the back, crafted from sheer illusion tulle or intricate lace, and typically conclude below the bustling or at the waistline.
Whether you prefer short or long sleeves, the design—be it a reflection of the gown's lace or a stark contrast—is at the bride's discretion. An added bonus? Their versatility extends beyond the wedding day, promising more value for your investment.
So, as you embark on your shopping journey, remember the enduring charm of a bridal topper.
Bridal Purses & Clutches
Bridal purses and clutches add a dash of excitement to your wedding ensemble. Although they might not be every bride's choice, they present a delightful way to infuse personality and ensure you have essentials like lipstick and tissues at hand.
These purses can also serve a sentimental purpose: imagine repurposing a cherished family heirloom as your "Something Old" or "Something Borrowed." If heirlooms aren't in the cards, there's equal charm in selecting a fresh piece, one that might be passed down or shared in the future.
However, a word to the wise: while a bridal purse is a splendid accessory, ensure it complements rather than overshadows. After all, the true star should be you, radiating in your chosen gown!
Vintage Bridal
Ladies, vintage bridal is on the rise. An increasing number of brides are gravitating towards vintage wedding attire, recognizing the incredible treasures available, often at unbeatable prices. Our inspiration stems from our Dream Bride Rachael and her pursuit of the quintessential vintage gown.
It's imperative to spread the word about the breathtaking options accessible with a little dedication and research. And if the search seems daunting, remember, we're always available to assist you on this journey. Dive into our comprehensive guide on navigating the vintage bridal world, and always feel free to reach out for guidance. We're at your service!
Buxom Brides
Brides with larger busts often approach gown selection with apprehension, assuming their choices are confined due to the need for ample support. A prevalent misconception is the necessity for straps or the avoidance of delicate gowns.
Fortunately, the world of bridal fashion is vast and accommodating. There's a plethora of styles tailored to accentuate and comfortably fit those with a fuller chest. And for those wondering about going strapless: it's not just a possibility, it's a fabulous option! Embrace the myriad of designs available and remember, every body type has its perfect gown awaiting discovery.
Bridal Necklines
Beyond my primary mission of making brides feel resplendent on their special day, I am deeply committed to educating and empowering them throughout their wedding dress-shopping journey. To address the infamous 'Dress Stress', let's delve into a topic that often perplexes and occasionally exasperates brides: necklines.
With an astonishing fifteen standard bridal necklines, it's no wonder that brides often feel overwhelmed during their initial appointments. When faced with choices like 'Queen Anne' or 'Jewel', even the most prepared bride may falter. To simplify, I've distilled these into a guide featuring the six most prevalent types, accompanied by a user-friendly cheat sheet for your shopping expeditions.
Remember, while there are always nuances and slight variations within each category, possessing foundational knowledge of necklines and a clear vision of your preference will undeniably streamline your experience, minimizing stress and maximizing joy.