The BIG 80s were just that. Everything was oversized. For those of you who were born in the 80s and too young to remember, or those of you born in the 90s, who never had a chance to use 9 cans of hairspray to create your "do" for single evening, well..... you missed out. Here was the hairstyle that dominated that decade.

Yup, huge. These are class photos, and this style covered every socio-economic class, every region of the country and every personality type. (There was a competing style in the 1980s, Preppy - and we'll save that for another blog.) If you liked metal bands, this was your hair. If you liked Prince, same. If you liked Madonna, Davie Bowie, The Steve Miller Band, Rush, Duran Duran, it didn't matter. You got up early, you sprayed your hair out into orbit and made it to first period looking...…….. like this. And it wasn't just the girls. For those of you keeping score at home, everyone in this image below is a dude.

But I digress. The 80s weren't just about hair and MTV and rock-n-roll. Google "the 1980s" and when you emerge in a month, pale and hungry and humming U2 songs, you'll never be the same. 

​Meanwhile, wedding dresses were like everything else in the 80s - enormous. Certainly one of the most famous wedding gowns of that era was worn by Princess Diana when she married Prince Charles at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. For non-royal watchers, royal weddings are usually held at Westminster Abbey or smaller venues like Windsor Chapel. St Paul's is, wait for it, HUGE. Diana chose it because she wanted as many of her friends like Elton John and other non-royals inside, and as many common people as possible outside to feel included, effectively inaugurating her reign as "The People's Princess." 

The grooms never have "as much" to do with regard to what they wear and that was certainly true then. Grooms basically needed a shower, their tux to fit, in some cases a mustache comb,,,, and of course, hairspray.

Notice the work-out type headband situation on both brides above? "An heirloom comb with fresh flowers and some tulle for your hair, Me-Lady?" Nope. "Let's make me look like a workout poster for Jamie Lee Curtis or Olivia Newton-John on the biggest day of my life." 

And Lord help them, there were no breaks for the bridesmaids. In fact, I believe that the gorgeous options for the 21st century bridesmaid are a direct reaction to the dresses they were made to wear in the 80s. Poooooofy sleeves, balloon skirts that are essentially mullets if you look closely and by golly, if the bride is wearing a satin wrapped tennis headband, then so are you!!

Dresses for 80s weddings were Disney, if you know what I mean. Guests often forgot they were at the joining of two lives and two families to witness vows, but rather had stepped through a looking glass. When the bride made her entrance, there was no missing her in some understated frock.

But that was then, right? We've come a long way since then, 30 years in fact and we've left all of that behind. I mean, fashion is cyclical and all but we wouldn't REALLY get back to this type of look...….. would we?

Well, we did it. 
Again.
And we lived to tell the tale.
We say that like tired pilgrims, home from the promised land, but the truth is that The Wilkes Wedding Expo on March 10th was a hit and we couldn't be more proud, more gratified and more excited to have people turn out year after year. And yes, we're glad to have the rest of the year to recover and plan. This sucker doesn't happen by itself, but it does happen and between the curious brides and wedding vendors, we all get that little buzz that comes from being in the wedding industry. It's pretty hard to beat. 

Our vendors for 2019 included Roush Video Production, Bliss Vacations, The Emerald Hill, A&J Rental, Wisteria Vine Bakery, Winding Creek Wedding Barn, Waterhouse Studios, Rustic Rentals, Carolina Weight & Wellness, Pixels on Paper Photography, Cooks, Inc., DJ Grooves, Mary Kay and more. Check out the complete list.

This year we hosted 118 guests at the Expo. We had 42 brides and their supportive companions, 38 vendors and lots of fun. We're happy to share that through admission fees, BT raised over $650 for a local charity. And congratulations to Sanders Ridge for winning the $50 cash prize for best booth!

The greatest compliment we received this year came from a mother of a bride to be who said, "I thought we already had everything figured out, but this has given us a lot more to think about." If you came to the event and have questions for us at BT, we would be happy to answer them and assist you in any way possible. Here's to another big wedding season. 

We defy you not to fall in love with this couple: Elissa Yoder and Shonn Conner. Theirs is a story that could easily go in the once-in-a-lifetime category (right place, right time) and they are incredibly sweet, both as individuals and as a couple. You know the phrase heart-warming? It was invented to describe them.

So, here's a little bit of their backstory. Elissa is originally from the midwest - Indiana to be precise - and moved to the great state of North Carolina for a music internship. This lady is right-brained, for sure: musician, poet, and artist. She took a part-time job at a diner and one night waited on a family. The parents just happened to be neighbors of hers and their son, Shonn, was in town from Texas. Imagine if they had missed the chance? But they kept in touch after she provided what we can only assume was exceptional service and they fell in love. Shonn manages an office, loves to be outdoors or in his shop fixing things and the pair love to hike together. The fact that this outdoorsy hunter and poet/musician came together is proof that timing and proximity make all the difference in the world. 

They held their wedding at Christmastime just last year so that they could have all of their loved ones with them, and enjoy a season that already brings with it so much joy, happiness and grace. 
Elissa: "It was very special, and so wonderful to see how supportive and loving our family and friends were. So many people were willing to help out, and show love by giving gifts and words of wisdom." 

Like many brides, Elissa wasn't sure where to start other than to try to get ideas. She came into Bridal Traditions not expecting to buy anything, but knowing that she preferred a dress more traditional and classic than one with an open back and "a lot of gauze." She also knew that she wanted the price to be reasonable. Elissa told us that while she knew that she was having her wedding a couple of days after Christmas, she didn't expect her gown to turn out to be more winter-y. But it is. It just worked out that way, and she looked absolutely gorgeous in it.

"I ended up choosing the gown because of the lace on the back of the dress.  I loved the bead work and the style of neckline as well.  It was the first dress I tried on at the shop and I fell in love with it immediately."

Shonn rented his tux from BT as well and looked fabulous. Elissa shared that he too was impressed with Kelly and the BT team. We wish these newlyweds nothing but happiness, laughter and love for many decades to come. 

Photos courtesy of:
www.nathanbinglephotography.com

At BT, we serve the gentlemen as well as the ladies who come into our boutique and we're happy to help the guy who knows what he's looking for as well as the one who doesn't have a clue. Both want to look their best and impress their dates - be it at prom or on his wedding day. ​

What if I Just Want to Rent?
We do sell tuxedos for those who want to buy, but most people want to rent and rentals are the majority of our tuxedo business. We don't carry tuxes in-stock at BT. We're a boutique that orders them for delivery, so you'll come in and select your style and get measured first. 

Where Does My Tux Come From?
We order tuxes through Jim's Formal Wear - a national and reputable tux distributor - that works with independent boutiques like ours to outfit the guys who have a one-time need. Coordinating with JFW allows our customers to have a much larger selection to choose from, because they stock thousands of tuxes. Imagine coats spanning from a boy's 3T all the way to a men's 66, combined with 4 different jacket length sizes, in a variety of styles and, well, you need a warehouse or two. At BT, we have a small try-on section where guys can get a sense of fit and style.

What Happens When I Go to BT to Rent?
When you come into BT, the first thing we do is discuss what you need and what you're looking for. Is there a color that you like or that has been dictated by the event. We sit down with you and let you go through our JFW books to see all the styles and colors and check out prices. Our prices range from $65 to about $145 and that includes coat, pants, standard shirt, vest and tie. 

Can I Wear Some "Flair?"
Yes. Along with your tuxedo kit (coat, pants, standard shirt, vest and tie), you can also add shoes, an upgraded shirt, pocket square, and socks. Those are extra little add-ons, but some guys like to coordinate their groomsmen or for prom. 

We focus on the ladies, but the gentlemen who make the effort to look sharp are just as memorable at these big events, so get organized and come in to check out the many options you have.

We're approaching the year 2020 and that got us thinking about the 1920s - the so-called ROARING 20s of nearly a century ago. The industrial age changed everything and farms, lovely estates, royal elites and quiet working classes were replaced with the newly-minted noise of machinery, "motorcars," rowdy rebels who wanted fair wages and suffragettes who wanted to vote. And of course the quiet of the Victorian era was replaced with the horns of the gilded jazz age that led couples to speak easies to drink and do the Charleston. If you've read The Great Gatsby, you know that the characters were smack in the middle of that era. They were posh and had little to do, but drink gin and change clothes and move from one intrigue to the next.

Naturally, wedding gowns followed suit during this new age and stuck to the styles of the day. From the flowing lace, straight sheath style, creative bejeweled head pieces and veils, any dress from this era can easily be picked out of a line up of dresses from other decades. 

Art Deco was a design that took over every type of art and industry, from textiles to furniture, visual arts to architecture. If you've seen the Chrysler building, you've seen art deco. It's a style that you can spot immediately - like the fashions - once you know what to look for. Tiffany lamps, towering inlays, gold and black in combination and lots of abundant repetition of patterns. Art deco looks architectural even when it's mimicked in fabric or on a poster for cocktails.

Maybe like many of us, you were swept up in the tidal wave that was Downton Abbey, The gowns of the Crawley sisters, all Ladies and the daughters of the fictional Earl of Grantham - were in keeping with this style and they were elegant to say the least. While they were all fashionable in their own way, Lady Mary "carried the day," as it were. Glance at the slideshow above and you'll spot details that can be found in her dresses.

Lace was a big deal not only for wedding gowns but for evening dresses for the upper classes. Cut outs, beadwork, crystals and architectural details in all colors were sewn into gowns. Any transparent spot on a woman's evening gown made it provocative without being overtly naughty. 

These wedding gowns are slightly more demure versions of their bright jazz-age counterparts worn for going out. It's her wedding day, after all. The structure of wedding gowns remained fairly simple and like a column - with no big poofy skirts with hoops underneath. Where brides were able to really shine and show some elegance, personality and imagination, were in the head pieces and veils.

Veils were made into caps, covered with lace, beads, sequins, pearls, tulle and sometimes diamonds. Some brides chose head bands with jewels or flowers and skipped the veil and these pieces made amazing statements as well. 
We're in a new century with new views and some new values, but brides will be brides and whether the gown is a throwback to another time or completely new, flashing back to see what came before is a great way to get inspiration.

We pay bills on our phones while in waiting rooms, or downtown traffic.
We swipe our cards and our tanks fill with gas.
I want this song. Bought it.
I'm sending you this video. Got it? Hilarious, I know!
Several clicks and you've joined the group, bought the plane ticket or registered for the class.
"I love this shirt." and BAM!! Amazon sends it and you're wearing it 24 hours later.
Took the photo. Posted the photo and now the world - or MY world - knows.

​Weddings? Brace yourselves: Those are different.

​{harp music to create the scene} 
In a perfect world, you would decide to get married, think about where to get married, when to get married and what you want to wear and then you'd immediately find a gown. You'd stroll into a shop like ours and pull something off the rack. You love it! It fits! Done.
Then you find the venue - HEY! they have an opening on the very day I want! Catering? Photography? DJ or 4 piece quartet? Accommodations for my guests? Magically - think: "what did i do to deserve this!?" - it's all right there for you.
{AND........ SCENE!}

Ladies: this rarely happens.

We're not trying to kill your joy, but there are factors beyond your control that come into play. If you're getting married: you need to plan, because your timeline intersects with the timeline of everyone you want to work with or have help you. Every vendor is trying to make a living with multiple clients, so while you want to believe you're the only bride in the world, you aren't to wedding industry vendors. 

Erica Minton and Walker Trexler were married in September of last year in a traditional ceremony at East Elkin Baptist Church. The day was beautiful and they made it theirs with rustic themes, gorgeous flowers and coordinated colors. This Registered Nurse and Police Officer began dating in 2016, became engaged almost exactly a year later (at sunrise on a cruise ship, no less) and were married a year after that. They both work long hours, so when they were ready to start their happily ever after, they got on with it!

The "Day of" contains one pre-ceremony story that's pretty funny. Erica was pulled over for speeding on her way to the church. Yup. The officer knew her husband and while this sounds like a cheeky way for Walker to set up his bride, it was not at all planned. She was simply speeding and got busted!!

The rustic details and color palette for Erica and Walker's wedding are not only indicative of their personal styles, but a perfect fit for a celebration taking place as summer finally turns to autumn. Brides often let what Mother Nature is doing take center stage for their weddings and this allows the bride to shine in more earthy and elegant ways. 

Erica shared that the most memorable moment for her was walking down the aisle. "The only thing that kept me from crying as I was making my way to the front of the church was our two little attendants - the flower girl and card holder." As she was walking to the front, these two two year olds were walking back down the aisle and cracking everyone up on their way. What was to be a processional was a slooooooooooooow processional. 

Erica: "When I went to look for a dress I really didn’t have anything in particular in mind. I had
seen a few that I liked on Bridal Tradition’s Facebook page; however, I ended up
choosing a dress that Kelly had suggested I try on. The dress I chose was PERFECT.
My strapless dress hugged my figure. Beautiful lace and beading covered most of the
gown while the tulle bottom flowed out, almost like a mermaid style dress. The back of
the dress laced up, which was a beautiful detail in itself."

Erica is a tall, slim girl, so she made the strapless dress with mermaid bottom detail absolutely shine. She wore cowboy boots with her gown and their stitching mimicked the lace from her dress. The result was perfection. And just look at her. Yes, this is her wedding day, but with the sunshine and autumn bouquet - she glows.

Erica wore a veil despite not thinking she wanted or needed one. Kelly again made the suggestion and it worked. Her bridesmaids also bought their gowns from BT and the deep wine color was a nice touch with the flowers and season. 

At BT, we love helping brides, bridesmaids, grooms and others find exactly what they need for one of life's biggest days - a wedding. We wish these newlyweds nothing but adventures (within the speed limit) and lots of love ahead. 

Hannah and Austin married in September of 2018, almost exactly 4 years after meeting at a friend's Labor Day celebration. They drove back and forth to each other (living 2 towns apart) before Austin asked her to be his girlfriend and later his wife. They are now settled in Virginia.

The ceremony was held outside at the River Retreat in Saltville, Virginia and Hannah shared that the river and barn setting - despite the heat - were a perfect spot for saying their I Dos in front of the closest friends and family. Her father even provided a last minute "something old" in the form of a penny from 1945 and she plans to treasure it forever. 

Hannah is like many brides we see enter our shop: she may have a vague sense of what she does and does not want, but hasn't ripped out a single page and carried it around for months.

"Being from a small area with only a handful of wedding dress shops we decided to venture out a little and ended up in North Wilkesboro NC at Bridal Traditions! I am such an indecisive person and have a hard time making up my mind. I went once and tried on some dresses, and one dress ended up staying in the back of my mind. Luckily Kelly was getting a shipment of new dresses in a couple weeks. So we waited and went back. I tried on the dress I had in the back of my mind and then another one that just had come in. I ended up falling in love with the newer of the two. It was just exactly what I was dreaming of, but not necessarily what I had originally thought of in the beginning." 

And that's how it happens, ladies. Have a sense of what you think you'd like and keep an open mind. I always say that you don't need to try on more than 10, but you do have to be open to the possibilities out there.

"Everyone was so helpful in helping me find the perfect dress. Because we had to travel a bit, my mom and cousin were the only ones able to come with me, but the staff at BT made up for my friends/ family who couldn’t make it! I’m so thankful that BT had a big part in my wedding day."

[side note: When Hannah's dress arrived we needed to add a corset and keyhole to allow it to fit better. Julie with Sew Fitting Alterations made the adjustments and no one could tell that the dress wasn’t originally designed that way.]

Congratulations to Hannah and Austin on their beautiful day and the best of luck for many happy years of marriage.

So prom is sort of the evening of escaping school, .... except that you do it with the very people you sit with in class. It's an event within the context of school, so at the risk of making this a history lesson, let's have a quick look at the origin, and dare we say, HISTORY of prom.

​The word prom comes from "promenade" and the students at Concord High School up north are doing just that (see below): parading passed family, friends, teachers and neighbors. It's a big deal every year to this day, but prom is actually older than sliced bread (seriously) and started with Ivy League schools in the Northeast of the US during the mid to late 1800s.

Prom is for everyone and perhaps the reason for this is a middle class response to the debutante balls that were thrown for people of means. Everyone wants to get dressed up, dance and celebrate - be the end of a school year, a coming of age or being together when you're young and have energy. Regardless, proms continue to be an annual event. That, at least, is consistent.

What is not consistent are the style. As we've been sharing the gowns for 2019, it's also fun to check out how far we've come in the last 70 years. At BT, we'd be interested to hear what YOU think of these styles.

The 1930s meant your best suit and your prettiest dress. Add a corsage and a ribbon belt and off you go. Girls tended to wear white to mimic the debutant style of Coming Out into polite society. This is how girls met future husbands. 

In the 1940s, the dresses were still long and demure, but they started showing off a girl's figure with pulled in waists and fitted bodices. 

Hellllooooooo Hoop Skirts. These skirt enhancers allowed young teens to go from the girl in the third row to Scarlett O'Hara for an evening. 

The '60s were about big hair and tan skin. The dresses were full, Jockie Kennedy inspired and in the Easter colors that made a spring break tan shine.

It's hard to know how to describe the prom wear of the 1970s and even if we did know what to say, you wouldn't be able to hear it over those outfits. 

Everything was BIG in the 80s. The hair was big and sprayed within an inch of its life, it was teased or more likely permed (maybe both), and there was plenty of fabric below the waist,  poofy sleeves or strapless tops and all to showcase tan skin. 

While the prom dresses of 1990s still showed off some of the loud, big oomph of the '80s gowns, this decade was the very first inkling of making prom gowns less like the proms of the past and more like fashion that was "grown up." 

Finally, today. We are sneaking up on 20 years into the 21st century and gowns are more decorative, more elaborate, more sophisticated than ever. They are still fun. This we know from the ones that come in daily to our shop.
We hope you'll come have a look at our amazing selection as the spring sneaks up on all of us and prom history is made again.

 ... and our prom going ladies are going to shine too. The word "brilliant" in its true definition comes to mind when describing the styles this year: bright, dazzling, blazing, lustrous, luminescent, radiant, and incandescent. Several months ago, the ladies of BT and some of our pals went to see what was in store for Prom 2019 and there was a definite theme: sparkle and shine. The Prom Market in Atlanta did not disappoint and now the dresses are coming in to BT. ​

The palette for prom gowns is frankly just about every color that you can think of so we have options for those ladies with an idea in mind. Textures are, thankfully, all over the place too, which means you can choose satin, shine, sparkle, sequins, gauzy and sheer or deep and velvety. Many dresses have a combination of textures, structure and flow. Add a belt to accessorize and you're done. 

Necklines? I'm so glad you asked. They are as varied as the sweet girls who come in to BT ready to try something new. Sweetheart, deep V, halter, with Illusion, lace, spaghetti straps, off the shoulder, keyhole, we have them. 

And the patterns are AH-mazing too. Florals, laces, washes of color, panels of brocade and little nods to the 4th of July. These are NOT those dresses from way back that were cut from a single bolt of a demure pink fabric that made a girl's corsage do all the work. These dresses are bold, truly interesting, cut in a variety of shapes and sizes, flattering and yell "FUN" when you put them on. They'll make the flower around your wrist sit back and take the  night off. 

And finally, back to sparkle and shine.... I hope you noticed as you've been reading this blog the overwhelming number of dresses with sequins and sheen, those that give the effect of crystalized sugar, or a fiery shine peeping through lace, or in folds of satin. Sunglasses need to be purchased by any young man escorting a girl in one of these gowns. 

Friends: they are leaving our boutique as fast as they are coming in, so we encourage you to plan a time to come in to view our selection, try on some that take your breath away and get ready. Do not wait until the last minute.

​See you soon!!