 Summer Sparks married her sweetheart Jerry at Beloved Homestead in April of 2024. This sweet pair were coworkers who finally took the plunge and, as Summer put it, "have been inseparable since." Their outdoor wedding was greeted with enthusiasm and perfect spring weather with an exceptional backdrop.  The green setting was also a contributor to the palette, enhancing the teals and blues that Summer chose for her wedding day. A WEdding First Look While Jerry decided to wait to see his bride-to-be walking down the aisle, Summer shared a very sweet first look with her grandfather before the wedding. She said that seeing his happy face was one of the day's highlights.  Photographer Amber Cheyenne captured beautiful shots of the vows, the wedding party, and the reception that followed. The Wedding Gown Summer came to Bridal Traditions thinking she would choose a gown with spaghetti straps or a halter for her big day. She ended up choosing something a bit more traditional and elegant. Her gown had long sleeves, a full skirt and tons of lace and pearls. Along with a veil she also purchased from us, she looked absolutely amazing.  We loved being able to help Summer find her perfect gown and we wish her and Jerry all the best and Happy First Anniversary (soon!). 
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Prom is coming, and while you work on finding your dress, suit, or tux and make other arrangements with your friends, we want to offer some suggestions that can make prom even more memorable in 2025. Consider adding a few of these to this year's plan! Pre-Prom ActivitiesThemed Group Photoshoots Coordinate outfits and props for a fun, themed photo session before heading to prom. Maybe it's Hollywood glam, being characters from your favorite movies, or even fantasy themes from mythology or books.  Pre-Prom Dinner with friends These are often a typical part of prom, but consider co-hosting a fancy dinner party at someone’s home or outdoor space, or book a unique venue like a rooftop or garden for a group meal. While you may be going with your "one and only," being surrounded by friends before the prom will create even more memories. Arrive in Style Renting a limo or classic car is a great move, but consider perhaps going in on a party bus so that more of you and your classmates can arrive with some flair. And if you can swing it, and the weather cooperates, you might even go with a quirky option like scooters, bikes, or decked-out golf carts. Not for the faint of heart, but certainly memorable.  During The PromDIY Photo Booth You probably already know the member of your group who can make this happen. Can you picture him or her? Have fun props and a Polaroid camera handy so you can create a mini photo "booth." By the end of the evening, everyone will have a handful of personal keepsakes. Custom Song Requests If possible, collaborate with the DJ or band booked for the night to add a few inside-joke songs or even special dedications for your group. If you can keep it a secret, it can make the best, and most memorable, surprise moment. Memory Jar Set up a memory jar for attendees to write and share funny or special moments from the night. Flash Mob Organize a surprise choreographed dance with a group of friends to wow the crowd. Post-Prom Activities Hold a Themed Afterparty Plan a chill or lively afterparty based on a unique theme, like a ‘90s retro bash, Mardi Gras, or karaoke night.  Go Stargazing or Have a Beach Bonfire If your location allows, end the night with a peaceful stargazing session or a fun (and safe) bonfire. Create a Memory Gift Create a collaborative scrapbook with ticket stubs, photos, and notes from friends. Hand out personalized bracelets, photo keychains, or mini Polaroids for everyone to remember the night.  Edit a Video Montage
Have someone record candid moments throughout the night and edit them into a fun video to share with the group. Organize a Charity Challenge As a fundraiser, set up a contest for the best photo that captures the spirit of the evening. Attendees can bet on the best photos and the money can go to a cause that resonates with your group. Don't just buy a gown, rent a tux, and go to prom. Make it an event to remember! Alexis Woodson said yes and I do to Austin Reed in November 2024 at Winter Wood Farm. We at Bridal Traditions were thrilled to be the ones to provide this beautiful bride with her gown and veil, as well as her bridesmaid's dresses.  The couple met on Tinder, started video chatting and "everything just took off from there." Their wedding was filled with dancing, laughter and autumn fun. Alexis shared that her favorite part was saying, "I Do."  The gown Alexis chose was sleeveless with a lace bodice, and full ballroom skirt. She said the skirt reminded her of being in a fairytale. We certainly get it, because she does look like a princess. The gown suited her perfectly.   The gown was ethereal, and the veil took it to another realm. Congratulations to Alexis and Austin from the team at BT.  It's about to be a very busy time in the menswear world with prom and wedding seasons just around the corner. If you have questions, if you're the wait (to-the-last-minute) and see type, or if you've merely forgotten this item on your social "to-do" list, we're here for ya. Let's address some common menswear questions and share a little of what's trending in menswear for 2025. How Much does it Cost to Rent Menswear?At Bridal Traditions, our rental packages range from $130 to $255, based on the style you choose and the rental package. We have two! The Complete Package gives you everything you need, head to toe,... literally. It includes socks and shoes, along with coat, pants, shirt, vest and tie. BT's Basic Package includes the necessary 5 pieces: coat, pants, standard shirt, vest and tie. For those of you who are comparison shoppers, you should know that our packages are "Out the Door" priced. All that is missing is the tax. Online and other retailers will keep adding extra charges to their base price, so that by the time you're ready to check out, you've been 10 and 25 dollared to death. We don't do that at Bridal Traditions.  This red paisley tuxedo jacket makes a statement. What sizes are Available in Menswear REntals?Bridal Traditions has had a partnership with Jim's Formal Wear (JFW) for over two decades, which means we can offer suits and tuxedos to fit every person in your wedding party from boys size 3 up to big and tall size 74 coat. We also offer big and tall sizes in popular brands like Michael Kors, Allure Men, Ike Behar, and Kenneth Cole AND, guys can choose from a wide variety of options including slim fit and modern fit styles. No matter which fit you choose, the garments are designed with each size in mind, so you'll be fashion-forward regardless of your body's shape and size.  You can never go wrong with navy blue. When is the Latest I can Order my Rental Garments?Remember that a rental is a reservation. When asked this, we are keen to remind guys that we only have samples to try on in our shop. We do not carry inventory at Bridal Traditions. We are elite dealers with JFW, and we order directly from them for all of our rental clients. We recommend that you order your rental as soon as you know what you want and when you will need it. Give us a minimum of 2 weeks to place your order. We can - and have - placed orders only a few days before an event, but we do not recommend it because you'll be limited to the styles you can get. We - and you - need that lead time. We'll do our best with a rush if it's critical, but do not wait until the last few days to order your rental. For weddings, we recommend you and your entire party order 6-8 weeks in advance.  When Can I Expect to Get My Rentals?Guys can expect to get their rentals the week of the event. If you are picking up in store, your rental will arrive 2-3 days before your event. If it is being shipped to you, you'll receive it around 3-4 days before you'll need it. Another important note: We cannot do alterations on a rental, so if you are truly hard to fit, you may want to consider buying something you can use for multiple occasions that fits you and can be tailored. What's Trending in Menswear Rentals?Brand new to rent for 2025 is a gorgeous hunter green suit with details in the stitching that has our team swooning. We love this suit for proms and weddings, because the saturated color is breathtaking. Paisley print tuxedos are in for prom and are even being chosen for some weddings. Graphite, cobalt blue, apple red, and black on black are all popular this year. We are sometimes asked to explain the difference between a suit coat and a tuxedo jacket. Tuxedos have a jacket lapel that is made from satin and will have covered buttons. Otherwise, it will look like a suit. Look for satin details. Suits do not have these. The jackets in the gallery above show a variety of both tuxedo and suit coats
At Bridal Traditions, we carry menswear to rent and buy, so if you have more questions, check out our info on rentals and then come see us or schedule an appointment.  Haley Bare and Adam Cleary made it official in a November wedding ceremony at the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir. The couple met when working together in emergency services (EMS) while on an ambulance of all places. Haley: "Our connection was just amazing! We have been together ever since. Truly the best decision of our lives!  The "Dam" provided a gorgeous backdrop for Haley and Adam's "I Dos." It still had vestiges of autumn foliage and their florist did an amazing job creating the arbor for their vows that fit in perfectly for their rustic wedding. Adam's son teared up watching the ceremony, which really moved Haley.  For her gown, Haley wanted lace and a "western" look and that is exactly what she got. It was traditional in feel, and with her veil, her vision was complete. Adam also purchased his menswear from us and the tan suit made him looked perfect by his new wife's side.  Thanks to Lauren Bumgarner for sharing the photos from the Cleary's big day. Everyone at BT wishes Haley and Adam decades of love and adventure!  It's time for a gentle reminder that we can all succumb to those cultural stories we are told over and over again. Like fairytales, they are kind of charming and fun to believe, but boy can they hinder your ability to find the right wedding gown or prom dress. So let's dispel a few of these, and save you ladies some heartache.  Myth #1: When you find your Dress, You Will CryThis is one brides want to be true, but it is rarely the case. In fact, in our 25 years of experience, what we have observed is that when brides find The One, they absolutely beam. It's as if they've been reunited with their best friend after years apart. Now if you are a crier, or easily moved, then let it flow gals. But if that is not your personality, don't let the absence of tears convince you that you need to try on 100 more gowns. The cultural hype, and often our friends, have led us to believe that when a bride finds her gown, she will burst into tears of joy. Sometimes brides tear up because of the weight of the event. Seeing themselves in a gown feels real for the first time. Just take care not to be swayed either way. Myth #2: YOu must stick to Your Original VisionIn a word: nope.  Maybe as a girl you imagined making an entrance in a ballgown, with long lace sleeves and a cathedral veil. But now, you're actually trying on gowns for your wedding, and suddenly, you decide to give the mermaid style a go and absolutely fall in love. This is not a personality switch or a betrayal of your younger self. You've simply shifted your point of view and now love the way your look. We can tell you that 95% of the time brides in our boutique end up giddily purchasing something different from their initial idea. Give yourself permission to try on different styles. You will likely be surprised. Myth #3: Creating a Vision Board is a Must We often think: "the answer is out there, and if I look hard enough, grab images of every type of gown, wedding, and style, I'll be able to make the best choice." More often than not, ladies, all you've done is overwhelm yourself. Vision boards, Pinterest and Tiktok algorithms have their place, but don't get locked in. You aren't bound to anyone else's template. Use those to inform you, but let your own voice, gut, and style lead the way. Give yourself permission to go off script. Myth #5: You cannot wear the same ColorThis myth is aimed at prom goers. If you love the color blue and wore navy last year, you do not, WE REPEAT DO NOT, have to choose a different color for prom this year. Maybe this time, a baby blue number caught your eye, or you realize that blue is a kind of signature of your style. Go for it! If you look great in your dress, you'll feel great too. And one more tip: don't worry about what your friends are wearing. If your bestie also chooses blue, or strapless, and so have you: no big deal. You are different women and you will look singular in your gowns. Myth #4: You have to Shop at Multiple StoresYou find THE gown at the first shop you visit, but you have to keep shopping around because finding IT in one stop seems impossible. NOT TRUE. Often brides find their gown at the first place they go. We've noticed that brides who visit multiple boutiques and try on upwards of 50 gowns don't end up with their dream gown; they end up confused. The same is true for prom dress shoppers. More is not always more. Don't think you have to keep exploring to make the right choice. Once you fall in love, stop looking. Myth #5: My Dress and Theme Must Match Can your wear a goth gown at your garden wedding? Yes you can. Barn weddings don't require a rustic gown. We've seen ballgowns on beaches and bohemian gowns in churches. Your theme can show off your and your intended's personalities, but the gown needs to let you glow.
Again, the same is true for prom. if the theme is under the sea, you don't have to look like a sea nymph in a mermaid gown. You won't remember the theme nearly as much as the gown and the fun you had. We say, arch your backs ladies, choose what makes you happy, and the rest will speak for itself. BT bride Hailei Miller married Noah Davis in November of 2024 at The Emerald Hill in Hiddenite, NC. These two met in 2022 via social media and while Hailei was skeptical about a first date, she absolutely said "yes" when they got engaged exactly one year later. Fate or fluke, this bride found her way down the aisle to Noah for what was a lovely outdoor wedding.  Hailei and Noah shared private vows first, with their backs to each other, and any nervousness they had disappeared immediately. After their I Dos in front of friends and family, photographer Wendy from Shew Ridge Photography captured some truly gorgeous images as the sun went down. Hailei chose a strapless gown with an added long sleeve topper that provided her with plenty of sparkle and lace accents. Along with her jewelry and veil, the whole look was magical. Fun fact: her sister made the topper for her!  The team at Bridal Traditions sends our congratulations to Hailei and Noah as they twirl into this new chapter of their lives!  Bridal Traditions is thrilled to be collaborating with Wilkes Youth Life Development or WYLD as part of their 2025 S.U.I.T.E.D enterprise, and we are SO here for it and for supporting this amazing organization.  Who's ready for prom 2025? S.U.I.T.E.D. stands for Sharing Unforgettable Inspirations Through Elegant Dress, and is a teen action council project whose mission is to help all youth in Wilkes County attend prom dressed in attire that is gorgeous and affordable. We say YES to this. For this 2025 project, there will be 2 pop up shopping events, so the team at S.U.I.T.E.D. is asking for gently used prom attire. This includes - but is not limited to - formal dresses, dress shirts, sports coats and dress pants, as well as men's and women's dress shoes and formal accessories.  pOP uPs FOR 2025 pROMBridal Traditions will be hosting both pop up shopping events at our boutique in North Wilkesboro. The first one will be on Sunday, February 9th from 2:00 - 4:00 and the second one on March 9th from 2:00 - 4:00. Drop-Off Locations for 2025 S.U.I.T.E.d Drop off your gently used prom gear at any of these locations in North Wilkesboro.
Bridal Traditions Wedding & Prom Attire 21 Sparta Rd North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 Wilkes ProHealth 114 Wilkesboro Ave North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 Wilkes Youth Life Development 905 Cherry Street North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 For other inquiries or to be a part of this project, please contact [email protected].  Whether you are getting married or going to prom, interested in renting your attire or making an investment, it's always a good idea to see what's new, what's classic and what is available. We've been partnering with Jim's Formal Wear for more than 2 decades, so we are ready for you. Please note that the styles and items featured in this blog are special order, however Bridal Traditions does stock some menswear so that guys can get an idea of style, fit and color and purchase off the rack. Formal Menswear To Rent or BuyStatistically, if you have a large friend circle, you may be attending a dozen weddings or more in your 20s and 30s, so consider whether you need to make an investment or if renting makes more sense. Want to know a bit more about the pros and cons of renting and buying? Check out our blog about this. Don't Forget Your FeetUnless your event takes place in some lush garden or sandy beach - and you've been told that the occasion is "barefoot appropriate" - you'll need shoes to complete your look. Yes, we sell shoes for the guys at Bridal Traditions. We also have other accessories at BT for gentlemen. Menswear in Action OK, "menswear in action" might sound a little silly, but it's often easier to make a decision about what you want in a tux or suit if you see it on and in the world. No one buys a suit and then just sits in it. So do a little research, see what speaks to you. There is more to formal menswear than just a jacket and pants combo. You'll want to think about vests, ties, and socks as well. Depending on the event, these choices can be a lot of fun. Heading to prom? Chat with your friends and make a statement with your outfit.  2025 has arrived and we are ready to go guys. Are you? We can help you get excited and organized around your tux or suit purchase or rental. Come see us, we've got you covered!
 Prom season will be here in what will feel like minutes. Trust us. One moment, you're adjusting to winter temperatures, and the next you realize that you still haven't thought about the best part of the spring: PROM. Ladies: we have thought about it. In fact we've shopped for it, and with you in mind, and the gowns are coming in. This year is going to be about elegance, of course, but you will also see, glitz and sparkle, ruffles and other stylistic details, and yes - even pockets. Shimmer & Shine for Prom 2025Red Sparkle for Prom 2025Muted, soft hues are certainly back and breathtaking, but gemstone colors never go out of style. If you've never thought of wearing red, this is the year to give it a whirl. These gowns catch your eye, they sparkle, and so will you. Unlike its sister gown above that is column shaped, the slightly more fuchsia gown below flows and floats on the body.  The ruching around the bodice, the large bow, the shine... we love everything about this gown.   Soft Hues, Dreamy FAbrics for Prom 2025 This gown says Cinderella top to bottom, front to back. Dove grey, lavender, periwinkle, robin's egg - however you describe these two featured gowns, their muted and soft tones are ethereal. On the dress above, we love the multiple layers of fabric, the sparkly sequins around the bodice and lacing on the back. Below, the strapless and structured bodice leads to a sea of gorgeous ruffles. Imagine your first twirl on the dance floor in this romantic gown.  BT's "Fits Like" TagsProm gowns are purchased off the rack at Bridal Traditions, and to help you with sizing, we've made our tags customer-friendly. Think of your "real world" size and shop our selection from there with a little help from the tag.  Don't sleep on this season to come. It's just on the horizon. Come see us and shop for the dress you'll love the most this spring!
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