We all know that the classic colors of a wedding are largely black and white, right? The bride's gown and the groom's tux set the stage. But then you are free to add a palette that complements who you are and your day.

What colors do you love? What is the theme of your wedding? Some themes - New Year's, The Gilded Age, and The Roaring 20s for example, call for the addition of gold and bronze and you're halfway there in terms of palette.

​But what about summer? June palettes aren't just about the summer garden. They are about an elegant mix of colors. Check out the options below if you are planning your 2023 wedding!

Pale blue, dove gray, and silver all mix perfectly with whites, creams and fresh greenery to set the tone that says summer and elegance whether you're getting married at the beach or in the mountains, or somewhere more urban. Keeping it monochromatic is sleek and incredibly sophisticated.

Another palette combo we love focuses on gold. Gold sheen in bridesmaids gowns - even the pink ones! - as well as gold elements around the alter or at the reception all work and complement any other textures, outdoor atmosphere or other elements. Gold is like denim for the most part - it goes with everything! And boy does it shine!

Dusty rose and blue are a perfect pair and continue to be popular. These two work well together, but are wonderful secondary colors with other elements as well. If you like a particular color, but are having a hard time making it The Star - consider finding a single place to showcase it - like in floral arrangements, place cards or decor.

June weddings are classic, and brides often gravitate to the spring/June palette because it's elegant, classic, invites the season into the occasion, and is just so unbelievably gorgeous. Think blush, pink, cream, crystal white, greens of all shades, and lots of texture. Add candles of all heights, a variety of floral arrangements, succulents, sheer and robust linens, complementing glassware and tableware and you're on your way.

Finally, don't be afraid to go bold. Weddings attract softer palettes, but they do not have to! If you like orange, create a space with orange lanterns, cocktails napkins and a signature drink with tangerine tones for your guests. Below are some absolutely gorgeous color ways for you to consider for your June wedding. 

Next week: July wedding colors! See you then, brides and planners!

The latest new additions to our collection of gowns are stellar. Here are three more to get you excited about visiting Bridal Traditions to have a look around. 

Brides who love a delicate floral overlay gravitate to this gown. It is both extremely feminine and otherworldly. The sleeves are delicate lace and off the shoulder, and the back showcases a traditional line of buttons. Complete with a sweetheart neckline, the Elyse is romantic and breathtaking.

The Violet has a deep V in the front and back, carefully placed cut outs, and lots of lace. The lace-up design on the back of the gown reminds one of corsets and period films (you into Bridgerton on Netflix, yet?). The long sleeves render this gown both traditional and dreamy. This is another option for the princess who doesn't want a poofy ball gown skirt. 

The Eloise has a gorgeous open back and side mesh cut outs. Between the simple but elegant front to the large bow on the back, this gown is an absolute knockout.

Drop by Bridal Traditions, bring your thoughts and ideas, and let's find the gown that you'll say yes to. We cannot wait to see you!

Breanna Osborne married Jared Gilliam on March 12, 2022 at Amity Creek Farms in Granite Falls, NC. The pair met in high school, after being introduced by a mutual friend and that was that. They fell in love, set a date and made their way to the alter. Everything in life should be so easy and wonderful!

Breanna: "The venue is gorgeous and our wedding turned out to be a dream come true. It was a Victorian antique kind of vibe and everything I could’ve hoped for. The weather was gorgeous, but FREEZING! With the wind it was probably less than 30 degrees and I’m not sure how I made it through without my fingers falling off." 

​While the images capture the very cold temps, the couple and bridal party, decked out in crisp suits and sage green velveteen dresses, celebrated big time, and looked amazing. 

The Victorian theme and feel of the wedding was anchored completely by Breanna's choice of gown. "My dress was what really made my Victorian dream come to life. I love the shoulder piece I got to wear and it really went beautifully with my dress."

Breanna: "I originally saw my dress on Bridal Traditions Instagram and Facebook pages and instantly said it was my dress even before getting engaged. It was the first dress I tried on at BT, and the last dress I tried on. I knew it was the one."

She looked amazing and Bridal Traditions was thrilled to be a part of Breanna and Jared's big and beautiful day. Congratulations, you two!!

Photos Courtesy of: ​Samantha Brooke Photography

For those brides beginning their search or those who still haven't said yes to a dress and are still in search mode: ATTENTION! We have some new additions to our bridal selections at BT. Let's just say that these gowns are elegant, cool and modern. While we've recently had a price increase, as most industries have, our dresses still range in the ABSOLUTELY REASONABLE category - between $450 and $1200. We give you so much dress for the money. Check out these newbies!

Hearts, flowers and vines make the lace on the Elodie sing. The entire back of the bodice has a row of covered buttons and the skirt is flowing. A deep V front, lacey cap sleeves and lots more lace layers on the skirt make this dress traditional and elegant.

Even during the warmer months, some brides love the look of a long sleeve. This gown not only has beautiful lace sleeves, but they are combined with a handkerchief skirt. The Meredith is an exceptionally pretty and demure wedding gown. Tons of lace and an open back modernize it.

Finally, the Quinn is another glorious lace gown, but with lots of around the bodice and along the hemline as well. This is the perfect summer wedding gown!

More to come! If you aren't following us on social media, please do @bridaltraditions. 

Bridal Traditions rolled out the red carpet for some new styles we want to share in the next couple of weeks. These gowns have elements that feel like throwbacks and yet are completely modern. With the season beginning, here is a first offering of what is new at BT. Ladies - take note!!

The Anna has deep Vs on both the front and back, lace details and a delicate tulle overlay. It's a stunner when moving.

Think beautiful lace train and you've got the Cordelia. Gorgeous lace straps and lace back details make this a dress a standout.

The most polite pale blue underlay makes the Ella absolutely dreamy. More lace and a deep V in the back complete the floral look. This gown is romantic and easy to wear too.

Dear Shopper! You've seen prices increase in all market sectors, and at BT, our prices have been adjusted as well. The good news is this: in a world where you don't get what was promised in the online picture, where no one has mastery or knowledge of what they sell in retail, and where prices have doubled and tripled - BT remains the smart bride's best option. Our staff is knowledgeable, customers can ask questions and see what they are buying and our gowns are still between $450 and $1200.

Contact us if you are interested in any of these or if you're ready to start trying on gowns. And keep your eyes peeled for more new arrivals in the weeks to come!

Now that we've passed Easter, we are prepping for the wedding season and there is no slowing down. So here are some of the "best tips from brides" for all of you brides out there who are gearing up! Many of these you have already heard, but that's why they are so solid. 

The planning process can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be all of the time. Enjoy the details, Take time to consider your options and remember that some day you will be telling the story of your wedding and everything around it. Make yours a story of fun, abundance and balance.

At the reception, you'll want to spend time with guests and family - those who love you and have made arrangements to be there for you. Even if you don't do a "first look" with your spouse to be, get as many group shots or you with attendants and him with his groomsmen, you with your parents, etc. as you can. You'll have those in "the bank" (as it were) and can enjoy the rest of the day. 

Ladies: we know you've been told this already and it is difficult to take it to heart, but please try. Things can go wrong, but so what? They make the best stories. Remember that you are surrounded by people who absolutely adore you. Whatever it is that is slightly "off", you will survive it.

A detailed itinerary will help you feel not only less stressed, but it's a nice way to keep everyone on the same page. If attendants and guests know where they are supposed to be, what they should be doing and when, they - and YOU - can relax into the flow with very little upset to the day. 

You've heard this one many times too, and modern brides are not shy about dining, whether it is a sit down dinner or buffet. BUT, as a couple you will be moving through the day based on the timing of things and you'll want to visit with everyone at the reception. You may forget to eat. Ask your planner or a member of your wedding party to have the caterers pack a basket of all the delicious food from the reception. You can nosh on it later!

Brides often tell us that they spend time with their mothers, close family and bridesmaids before the ceremony and work the crowd of beloved guests at the reception, only to realize that they didn't spend as much time with their new husbands. Yes you have your whole married lives ahead of you, but the party is FOR YOU. Take time to soak in the moments, make eye contact with each other, laugh together and celebrate. 

While normally the Best Man and Maid of Honor, fathers and best friends hold court with stories and affection, guests appreciate it when the bride and groom stand to say a word or two. It's a chance to share your depth of feeling for each other and to say thanks to your guests.

We wish all of our Bridal Traditions brides and grooms the very best as the season gets into full swing.

Bridal Traditions bride Rachel married her beloved Zack at Williams Farm in November of 2021. 
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These two had a beautiful fall barn wedding, which was perfect for Rachel's palette, which featured navy and burgundy. Rachel carried a bouquet studded with her favorite, the sunflower. We love all of our brides, but it's always refreshing to see fall or winter themes.

Meanwhile, the sun was shining and Rachel and Zack's ceremony proceeded perfectly. According to the bride, the entire day "was so much fun!"

For a fall wedding, we always have to consider weather, especially when the venue has outdoor elements. Brides should be comfortable and feel gorgeous. The last thing that we want is a bride who feels beautiful, but who is ill prepared for a change in temperature. North Carolina hosts hot winter weddings and cold summer ones from time to time.

Rachel: "I wanted my dress to have sleeves, but was unsure of anything else. I honestly didn’t think I would get my dress on the first day but Kelly and Bridal Traditions had exactly what I needed!" The lace sleeves ended up being perfect for this bride.

What we love about Rachel's dress - beyond the fact that she looked perfect in it - was that the details suited the season and outdoor temps, and when complimented with her veil and bouquet - suited HER. She was spectacular. Our BT team sends this couple of newlyweds our sincerest congratulations. Cheers, you two!

Photo Credit: Rolling Brook Photography

Bridal Traditions took part, yet again, in a styled wedding photo shoot. We LOVE participating in these, you guys, because they not only allow us to showcase some of the styles we carry at our boutique, but they provide our BT brides with great ideas, and introduce vendors you may want to engage. Enjoy the details and see the entire vendor list at the end of this blog!

The indoor and outdoor spaces at The 1915 are a sleek mix of the modern monochromatic and soft traditional atmosphere. A bride with a vision can create nearly any kind of theme and pull it off in this space. 

For an English Tea themed wedding, the colors, textures, and florals made a big statement. The palette of gold, teal, rose, cream, and bronze was mixed throughout, and of course, you have to have the right china, fabrics, flowers and linens to pull the theme together. If you were seated inside or out, you knew you were at a garden party.

The bohemian, or more "cottage core" style of gown was provided by Bridal Traditions for this shoot and the sleeves are the big giveaway that this is romanic, relaxed, and pastoral. The bridal gown had both lace and tulle lended a wistful elegance in the cut of the gown and the veil. 

The groom wore a pale tan suit, complete with vest and pale rosy gold tie. While these two did not actually get married, they appear ready for the close up in a period piece on Netflix!

The glory is in the details and this shoot provided so many. 

Ashley Fox married Hunter Shook just before Thanksgiving of 2021 in a lovely outdoor ceremony at Emerald Hill in Hiddenite, NC. These two met in middle school and became friends, texting and chatting, but mostly keeping their distance. After high school graduation, they remained in contact, but with no special relationship. One day Hunter asked Ashley to dinner and the rest is in the books! They were inseparable and are now happily husband and wife.

The couple had a sweet first look moment together captured by their photographer Malea Hoots (@maleamae.hoots), and then said their vows under a bright sky surrounded by 130 of their closest friends and family. 

Ashley shared that the preparations on the day were, for her, pretty special. "The most memorable part of the day was getting ready with some of my closest friends and seeing all of our family and friends come together to support us. Amy and Kendall Pendergrass from Studio 180 in Statesville did an amazing job doing my bridesmaids hair."

She got the lace she wanted, the flowy skirt, and the deep V in both front and back made this bride a stunner. 

"Kelly at BT made my gown shopping so pleasant and easy. She had so many different styles and options for me to try on to be sure I knew that I was exploring all of my options. Her patience with me while I tried on and decided was impeccable. When I came back into the shop looking for accessories she was so helpful in helping me match everything up with what would look nice with my dress."

BT loved being a part of Ashley's look and the couple's big day. Congratulations to you guys! We wish you only decades of happiness and a bright future.

We are deep into prom season, ya'll.... and we are drowning is sales and gowns and happy prom goers! While we fill orders and make dreams come true, we thought we'd share a few more of the designs we're seeing for 2022. Have fun out there, guys and gals!