Ladies: we have them... the sandals with bling that we just need sometimes. Getting married? We have options! Just want a new pair of sparkly shoes for an event coming up? We've got you too!

Open toes, sparkle, small or no heel, we've got them and more styles on the way. Stop by to see us!

Bridal Traditions is currently receiving daily and showcasing some of the most gorgeous Arielle J Bridal gowns. It felt like time to give you all a taste of what's available, and frankly, absolutely dazzling!

This gown below is breathtaking for any season, although you may want to don a wrap if you wear this gown below in December. The details, the lace that pools, the deep V front .... this gown is epic.  

If simplicity and elegance is your jam, this gown with its long row of covered buttons down the back, and pintuck folds, is an instant classic.

If you haven't been to Bridal Traditions yet to see what is fresh and new, now is a great time to pop by. We would love to help you say Yes to your dress!

At BT, we love it when bride's share their wedding day story with us, or even just some images from the day. Recently, photographer Becca Mayberry (@picsbybecccc) sent gorgeous shots from the wedding of Emily and Gavin Huffman. 

Emily's gown was a lace affair, with a fitted waist and a flared skirt. The off the shoulder bodice was exquisite with a deep V in the back and a bit of bling added by her belt. She chose a delicate veil with lace trim to complete her look. 

Add sparkling jewelry, twinkly lights and a beautiful girl and you have an heirloom photo. 

If you are a BT bride, like Emily, we love and appreciate you. Congrats to this new wife and this lovely couple. Many happy years of marriage. 

These two lovebirds were married this year, but they have known each other since kindergarten. You heard us correctly. Ashley shared with us that they were in Mrs. Casey's class at Mountain View Elementary and while she was not aware of Justin, he claims to have been completely aware of her. It took a while, but they found each other again and said "I Do" for life in June.

Groom Justin is family. He has been a part of our circle of friends-that-are-family for more than two decades and everyone at BT loves this guy. We were not just part of helping the bride choose her gown, maids dresses, and groomsmen attire, but we danced and celebrated with them as well. We were so excited to watch Justin become a husband and for these two to make it official.

Ashley: "Our wedding was absolutely perfect. We have the best family and friends. They went above and beyond to make our dream wedding a reality.." Theirs was an outdoor ceremony, with a large gathering of friends and lots of sweet and funny moments. 

Ashley looked amazing in her gown and it was one we knew would work for her.
"I was so sure that I wanted a Cinderella dress with lots of detail. I told myself I didn’t want a mermaid style. Man I was so wrong. Kelly knew the perfect dress for me. I tried several on, but the one I ended up picking is the one she had in mind for me. It was a mermaid style in ivory. Our wedding was planned around my dress. To be honest I wish that I could wear it everyday."

The cathedral veil, the open back and details came together to create the most beautiful silhouette. This bride was a WOW. We understand why she wants to wear her gown around the house.

Congratulations Ashley and Justin! Here's to decades upon decades of happiness! We're always here for you both!

​*Photo credit: Melissa Gardipee (@melissag_photography)

These two lovebirds just happen also to be song birds. Kylie and Sam are musicians who met through marching band and orchestra at the University of South Carolina and fell in love. Both musicians have since graduated and found their dream jobs actually teaching band and music to middle and high school students. Kylie shared that it was amazing that they met through music, have some of the best memories around making music, and now have made it their professions. 
They also happen to be one of the loveliest couples we've seen in a while and are now husband and wife. 

In June of this year, these two tied the knot at Lace House, in a beautiful garden wedding complete with tons of florals and flowing ivy. Florist, Fern Studio, "outdid themselves with the most gorgeous arrangements that made me feel like I was in a fairy tale. I wanted it to look just as if someone had run through a garden and scooped up flowers as they ran. The result was even better than I had ever dreamed!" Kylie's vision was a success and she even made sure to have garden elements in her gown. Keep reading!

Kylie: "The best part about the whole day was having our most cherished friends all in the same place. Every single member of the wedding party was a Carolina Band member, so we were all good mutual friends. We each only had three attendants so it was a really tight-knit group and we had such a blast. My sweet bridesmaids made me feel so special and at ease the whole day. At the end of the whole day after Sam and I had gone home, we discovered that my bridesmaid Taylor had accidentally left her suitcase in my car. We were more than happy to return it to her and actually made some fun out of it; the whole wedding party met up at the groomsmen’s AirBnB for games and we had the most fun time simply decompressing from the day and processing all of the amazing things that had happened. We are just so blessed to have the best friends in the world!"

We love these little moments of prep time and anticipation. The back of this gown is exquisite and Kylie had a helping hand - with a crochet hook - getting all of those buttons buttoned. Notice the lace with flowers that allowed Kylie to stay cool and still make a striking statement.​

Our beautiful bride ended up "sticking with my original vision- even the A-line shape! The lace, the color, the shape, the buttons down the back- everything was simply PERFECT for a summertime garden wedding in the south. My goodness, I want to wear it again!"

Kylie: "Kelly was so encouraging and really dialed in on what I wanted right away. She put me at ease and helped me narrow down all of my options. She also helped me put together a vision for what it would look like more complete with a veil and accessories. It was nice to have an expert there to guide my decisions and encourage me to make the choices that would make me the happiest!"

We could not be happier for Kylie and Sam as they begin their life together in Charleston, and we are so proud to have played a part in their wedding day. Kylie: you looked absolutely gorgeous. 

​*Photo credit: Melissa Gardipee (@melissag_photography)

Let's just start right here, shall we? Have a little look........

This gown is a study in femininity, grace and ......... lace. The lace alone makes this gown otherworldly, retro (think Grace Kelly) and yet timeless. Our boutique tribe has been ga-ga over this particular dress since she arrived. Meet Theodora!

The sleeveless gown has lace covered straps, lace bodice and a million gorgeous details. The addition of jewelry is always the bride's call, and this neckline begs for something demure like a family heirloom, or nothing at all. You can always let the lace do the talking.

Part of what we love about this gown is its silhouette. It is fitted through the waist and hips, but is not so body hugging as to be uncomfortable.
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The lace overlay and train are extraordinary. The DE-TAIL, you guys and the movement and beauty of this train and skirt will take your breath away. The Theodora is a showstopper. 
If you would like to see this gown, stop by the boutique!

The Millicent is a pretty extraordinary gown. This is another beauty with a lace bodice, light netting at the neckline for an illusion that the lace is floating, and elbow length sleeves. The top of the dress alone is a show stopper....

... until you see the skirt. Lovely layers folded into a handkerchief silhouette at the front make this gown a stunner.

The back is just as exquisite. Not only is there a deep V with netting and lace and a long row of buttons, but the skirt and train are stage-worthy.

The BT boutique is brimming with new arrivals and we'll be showcasing even more in the coming weeks. Come see us!

It's time to feature gowns again. We do this frequently on social media, but love to share new items we love in blogs too. We find and carry affordable wedding gowns that are well constructed, and beautiful and these should be celebrated.
Let's start with Julia. 

The lace detail on the back of this gown is heaven and paired with the spotless, wide skirt and train - the results are pretty spectacular.

The bodice of the Julia is a lace and small beaded sheath overlaying a princess neckline. This design allows for the bride to be covered, but still showcase a feminine shape. The Julia also features 3/4 sleeves which look amazing on nearly everyone. Don't knock a 3/4 sleeve until you've tried one and done your research. Some of the most iconic wedding gowns have this sleeve length. It's practically royal. 

Covered buttons, a dip in the back and a defined waistline are all stunning aspects of this gown. It could be worn any season with the right signature touches. 

The skirt, with its yards and yards of fabric, is elegant and here we go back to regal. While stylized and more architectural skirts are also popular, a flowing circle skirt looks absolutely amazing. 

Contact us to get more information on the Julia and keep a look out for more blogs featuring our favorite gowns.

For every season, and every couple planning their wedding, there are going to be pitfalls. Most of them are avoidable. If you are beginning to plan your wedding or are in the midst of planning, here are some helpful tips. There are many others and we'll share those from our research and archives, but for now...
Consider these reminders of what NOT to do.

Once you have set a wedding date and begun creating a plan, set firm milestone dates for follow-up and completion.
- Don't send your Save the Date cards too early or people will forget to RSVP.
- Book your hotel block of rooms, or venue too late and you'll be scrambling.
Securing your vendors, getting the wedding party outfitted, having your own gown tailored, band or DJ booked ... all of this will need to be done if it is part of your wedding day plan. Prioritize and work your plan
Have a schedule and be a slave to it. You'll thank yourself later. 

Not spending the right amount on postage may mean that your invitations are never delivered or have to be resent. Blowing your funds on one item, be it the gown, the flowers, the bar, can mean having to reset your finances and plan as the day approaches. Once you've set your budget, make thoughtful, measured decisions based on your priorities. Have the same respect for your budget that you do for your schedule and timeframe.

We are all getting more and more talented with camera phones, calendar apps, and the like. There is a social media video or course to teach you how to do everything, and with mixed results. The fact remains: your friends need to stay your friends and be guests at your wedding. Unless you're hiring a bona fide pro, who is also a friend, stick with hiring people in the wedding industry.  

And now that you've hired pros over pals (see above), let the pros do their thing. These seasoned individuals spend day and night learning about, participating in, and growing their signature wedding expertise. Tell them your vision and let them work their magic. 

Believe it or not, not everyone who knows or loves you (or knows and loves your parents) needs to come to watch you say "I Do." More bodies means a larger venue, more food and drink, parking considerations, etc. Remember that you may or may not be able to speak to everyone on the day, or afford to feed and host a cast of thousands. As you consider your budget and your vision, make it clear to everyone involved what you want. Don't do yourselves or your guests a disservice by packing the house. 

While we've moved beyond the days when your mother, aunt and mother-in-law to be helped make big decisions, there is still pressure to please those family members. Your wedding party though, is about you and who you love. Anyone in your life who truly matters, supports and loves you - regardless of gender - should be by your side on your wedding day if you want him or her there. It's a big day. Wrap yourselves in love!

Bridal Traditions is a boutique with well-made and reasonably prices wedding gowns. We know that you do NOT have to spend $5000 to look gorgeous on your wedding day. Stop by and see us and we'll show you what we're talking about. In the meantime, you are the bride and should look amazing, but don't squander the bulk or your wedding dollars on just the gown and accessories. And do not assume that the gown is the only cost. You'll also need shoes, a veil and other accessories.

Setting a budget and schedule, staying true to your vision, surrounding yourself with trusted friends in your wedding party and working with pros will make room for you to do what truly matters the most: enjoy the process of planning your wedding. This is a joyful time and even with some stressful moments, it should be fun and it should be remembered as such. 

From time to time we get gorgeous images of brides that we want to share without doing a whole wedding profile. Here are a few more to get you all ready for our National Bridal Sale Event. 

Above, Carleigh and Caleb were married in June of 2021 in a lovely outdoor setting on family property. And Molly Stephens on a mountain edge... is divine. We love the brides who share their day with us or even just a photograph.

If you haven't found your gown or are looking for a deal, Bridal Traditions is hosting it's largest sale of the year. Go to our National Bridal Sale Event page for more info. It runs from July 17 - 31.