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.

Guys: Your bride-to-be loves you. And she needs you. Sometimes it's going to look like a hug and other times, you need to show up with support. Those are things you do anyway. 
Then there is the practical stuff! So take note, as these are items you can do and be a hero.

This can be a blast, if done correctly. Creating the list is not just about who you "should" invite, but about the day and who you want to surround you. Talk about it, laugh about it, make your lists, chat and make the "party" and size of the party, match your dreams.

If you and your wife-to-be are paying for your wedding, help with managing the budget. Be kind. Consider what you both want for the day and can afford. If the bride is paying for the wedding, be helpful with anything that isn't being hired out. 

Choosing your best man is an important To Do. He's probably your very best friend, your brother, your father or someone you've been through thick and thin with. It's not just your job to choose the guy, but to ask for his council, his wisdom, his support when there are touchy decisions, and this guy needs to be front and center not just in a tux but he needs to have your back. Choose well! He's called The Best Man for a reason.

Select the attire for yourself and for your groomsmen. Based on what you and the bride have in mind for your day, you'll need to head up getting the tuxes or suits ordered, rented and managed. You'll need to be measured, as will your guys. Start well in advance with discussions not only with your bride, but with your vendor and your groomsmen.

Get the honeymoon plan sorted and ready, including the details. If you are throwing hammocks, camp chairs and a tent into your wagon and heading to the coast to car camp, then you'll have a fairly simple list. If you're heading to Greece to "take the sun" on Mykonos and gaze at the Aegean Sea, then you'll need to coordinate passports, plane tickets, accommodations and help with packing. Regardless of destination, this is in YOUR bucket of responsibilities, fellas. Take an interest, make lists and create the happy energy that will help your bride.

We suspect that your bride will help with this, especially because you'll work within your own tastes and favorite things. BUT, don't put this on her. Work with friends, research online for ideas, pick the spot (restaurant or picnic or boat cruise or whatever), mind your budget and make it special. This is the night before the Big Deal. It really is a party. Toasts, great food, laughter and anticipation should all be on the menu. 

Write a poem, list your favorite memories, pull in your anecdotes from friends and family, ... whatever it is you choose to say in your toast: make it matter. Make it count. Do your best and be authentic. 

All you need is a couple of good pens, the cards that came with your gifts (OR a list made by the maid or matron of honor), a lovely stack of Thank You cards and a sense of gratitude. Don't forget to write cards to your vendors too. Even though the money was their compensation, they worked hard too and saying you appreciate it is worth so much.

You've got this! Correction: you and your partner have it. Be the stand up guy and be present. 

Summer means that it's time for the National Bridal Sale Event. This is Bridal Traditions' biggest sale of the year and it's a time for brides to find the lowest prices on gowns. Every wedding dress in our store is ON SALE. Read the details below and mark your calendars!!

The Penelope is originally priced at $875 and is on sale for $350.

The Charlotte was originally $975 and is on sale for $480!

While this dress's name isn't particularly romantic, the style is lovely and so is the price: $385.

The Salem was originally priced at $765, but you can grab this little baby for $385. 

The Gwendolyn was $925, but now is $460. YES! Those lovely handkerchief layers and lace details for less than half of the original price. 

Sale prices are good only July 17 - 31, 2021, and dress availability may vary.

​If you want to Reserve a Room, you can right here!

Yes, we are talking about bras, ladies. Some girls love a sticky bra and these are just bras that have an adhesive that allows you to put it on and have it stay in place. Fans call them "sticky boobs," which makes us laugh, but once a fan, almost always a fan. Just know that sweat can cause the adhesive to do less than a perfect job. Secondly, it is a bra that has to be cared for and remembered on the day of your wedding. If you keep a list of items to pack or have ready on your wedding day: don't forget your bra.

Sew in bras are just that: they are bra cups that are sewn into the gown and they not only stay in place and don't have to be remembered (when you're gathering your items), brides tell us that they feel secure and covered. Most wedding gowns need alterations, so having the bra cups sewn in just makes sense. 

Hoops make most of us think of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the Wind. She's elegant (and sassy) until she sits down and the front of her dress flies up to hit her in the face and show her undergarments. The hoop skirts we carry do NOT do that. They have some give, but still allow you to look like you're floating. Hoop skirts allow air flow (important if it's a hot day or your fabric is heavy) and they keep your skirt fabric from folding in on itself. When dresses and skirts have a lot of fabric, it can end up folding and bunching around itself, and then everyone misses the details - like lace or beading. A hoop skirt solves that problem. They also come in different sizes, so if you're not wanting to be Cinderella on you big day, opt for a smaller version of the ones you see here. We have both!

Crinolines are similar, in that they provide structure, but they are often heavier and have more fabric. They work the same way that a hoop frame/skirt does, but they can be hotter. Both work to allow the skirt to float around you instead of gathering around your ankles. You may need to try both before committing to see what works for you. ​

We no longer carry body smoothers and shapers since so many different varieties can be found just about everywhere (from Kohl's to high-end lines from London), but these are a great choice with the right gown. Shapers can give you a sense of confidence and even remind you to monitor your posture. For those of you who seek a gown with cut outs, a sheer bodice or deep V in the front or back, you may not be able to rely on an extra garment underneath to cover you. Once the dress is chosen, work through ALL of your various options for undergarments. Choose the "extra" unmentionables carefully and you'll be set.

Questions? Ask us! We're here to help!

of your head.....
Bridal Traditions knows that it's not just about the gown, although that purchase is significant in terms of emotion if nothing else. Our gowns are affordable and well-made. We do not order or carry items that can be found in the dark corners of a shop or the dark corners of the web. But after the gown is purchased, then what?
You need accessories and we relish adding new ones to our inventory and helping brides find just the right next level bling to complete a look.

One thing that all of these hair pieces have in common is that they appear to float on the bride's head. They are ethereal, delicate and from another era, while being dreamy and modern too. We say, find one that makes you swoon and try it!

Since bridal belts were designed and became mainstream a decade or so ago, there has been no turning back. They accentuate the waistline if necessary; they add a special touch to more understated gowns, and they just look gorgeous. In accompaniment with other jewels, headpieces and accessories, a blingy belt can make a huge difference.

Our selection of earrings and necklaces is well curated. Come in to see what we have to go with any gown, but most especially your wedding gown. These make amazing gifts too.

Ultimately, the veil can make the bride. Once positioned on her head, whether she chooses to cover her face or not, she's transformed. We love the moment when a bride has found her gown and then adds the perfect veil. If there are tears in the mix, that's often when we see them. All hail the veil!!

Coco Chanel said that women should look in the mirror before leaving the house and remove one item or element, ... in other words - less is more. We agree. But you can choose wisely when it comes to accessories and make your look absolutely unforgettable.

We love to profile our brides when we can, but sometimes we only have lovely notes and images that are shared with us. These are worth more to us than we can say, because each one represents time we spent with a girl who comes in a shopper and leaves as a bride-to-be. 
We thought we'd share a few as summer comes into full flower .... much like these ladies!

Congratulations to these gorgeous new wives and to the lucky guys who won them!

Yes, garters are still a thing. Some bridal and wedding traditions hold up and wearing a garter and having your groom toss the garter is often still a part of the day and the reception. 
​But Why??

A garter can be worn on either leg, but if you toss one (or your husband does to the crowd), then you'll need to wear two and let him take the first and leave one for you to keep. The man who catches the garter is considered the same as the girl who catches the bouquet: he'll be the next to get married.

Brides and grooms decide the order of their reception "duties" but the garter toss, like the bouquet, is still a loved custom. If you have a slim fitted gown, but want to send a frilly garter into the crowd, brides will wear one for themselves (and their husbands) and sneak away before the toss to don the more frilly one. The last thing you want (besides rain, and missing rings, and unhappy guests, a food poisoning, etc) is to have a poofy lump in your skirt caused by your garter. Keep it in a bag and put it on at the last second to be hurled into the crowd.

As mentioned, you can wear the garter on either leg, but it should be worn just above the knee. Garters can cost between $15 and $125 of more if they are ornate. The garters we carry are typically under $50, and we have them available in singles and sets, so choose one you love to keep and if you're tossing one, you can scale back. A little side note; our garters are handcrafted in Salisbury, NC!

As summer weddings approach, we are restocking not only gowns but accessories and we'll be featuring more and reminding you of why each item in a bride's look has an origin story. 

You heard us right! Your favorite gowns are back in stock. Scan this blog to remind yourselves, but then schedule time to pop by or make an appointment to visit us and try on!
As these beauties arrived, we remembered WHY you love these gowns so much. 

Gauzy, handkerchief and gorgeous, the hemlines and skirts we've restocked are popular because they float and look beautiful on brides of all sizes. In blush, taupe, or cream, these overlays look amazing.

These gowns combine the most feminine lace, lovely necklines and bodices with the hemlines we mentioned above. The result is a dreamy silhouette. 

Brides-to-be: Would you like to see if one of these is The One? Come to Bridal Traditions and we'll take sweet care of you. Just remember what's here today may be gone tomorrow.