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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. 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.dDrop 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].
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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 ActionOK, "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 2025Dove 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!
Has wedding gown sizing got you running from the whole enterprise of shopping? Never fear, dear brides. Bridal Traditions can help you through the process with some simple things to remember before you come see us. The first thing to know is that bridal gown sizing is not akin to what we refer to as real world sizing. When we shop in a brick and mortar store, we try on garments and are accustomed to seeing sizes that we wear daily. If your range of garment is between sizes4 - 8 depending on the item, or sizes 16 - 20, you sort of know where to begin when trying on apparel. Even with weight fluctuations or different clothiers involved, you sort of know your range already. This is not so for wedding gowns. There has been a trend toward vanity sizing in ready-to-wear lines; this is where designers size garments down numerically to make the consumer feel better and lull them into a purchase. You've always thought you were a size 12, but THIS manufacturer says you're an 8, ... oh boy!! With wedding gowns, this isn't the way, so we encourage brides to come in with a range in mind and prepare to go up at least 2-3 sizes than they are used to. WE KNOW! It's weird to say the least. Off the rack, your size in a ready-to-wear dress may be 16. If you're trying on wedding gowns, you'll likely find yourself trying on gowns in sizes 18, 20 or higher. When we order for our brides at BT, we use these sizes as a reference number. It helps us make sure that your gown will fit after the last alteration is complete. Don't let it get to you! It's not about the number, it's about how the manufacturer will use this guideline to create your gown. Just see it as a reference and move on. For prom-goers, sizing is much more straight forward. At BT, we've reworked our tags for prom dresses. A tag may say "fits like a size 10" for instance, in order to help young ladies cross the bridge from real world to prom world. We've adjusted our tags because we sell these dresses off-the-rack rather than special order them. So keep in mind: If you're buying a prom dress off the rack from us, our tags are there to assist. If, however, you are a bride-to-be and shopping for your perfect gown, focus on the gown itself - and how it looks on you and makes you feel. This is far more important than a number. It's just a reference. It's not you, beautiful!
We've been considering the bride on a budget and wanted to provide our readers with a few more tips - some Dos & Don'ts - that can really help when you're in the cyclone of planning and price tags for goods and services are snapping you into a fetal position. Breathe; we've got you! Brides should DO these, on a budgetChoose an Off-Peak Date for your Wedding Day Brides save significantly by opting for a weekday or off-season wedding, like winter instead of summer. Winter holidays aid with time off from work, and boy are they romantic. The colors, the seasonal joy, and the opportunity to go "off script" with decor make off season a smart choice. Consider Non-Traditional Venues Parks, groomed family backyards and garden, community centers, arboretums, and libraries are fantastic wedding venues. These are often more affordable than traditional wedding venues, and they show how creative and inventive you are. Rent or Borrow Items Borrow decor, jewelry, and reception items like candles, wooden tables, linens and props. Rental services for these one time use items can be budget-friendly. Just read the contract carefully and keep an eye on returning times and other details. Opt for a Smaller Cake Display a single-tier cake for cutting and serve guests with a sheet cake from the kitchen—it’s much cheaper, but just as tasty. Brides are also opting for donut boards, cookie towers and even savory options like caramel corn in fun containers for those late night munchies you need to keep dancing. Hire a New Photographer Book a talented, up-and-coming photographer instead of a high-profile professional. Many offer packages at a lower price to build their portfolio. And let's face it, a great photographer with an eye will focus on exactly what you want and be willing to experiment with you. Limit the Bar Offer just beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full open bar. Alternatively, consider a BYOB arrangement with a licensed bartender. Send Digital Invitations Use online tools like Canva or Paperless Post to design and send digital invites. They’re budget-friendly and eco-conscious. If you still want paper, you may purchase bulk card stock and work with a local printer to handle the design and printing. Focus on Lighting Affordable string lights, lanterns, or candles can create a magical atmosphere without expensive decor. After the holidays, home stores will put these on sale, so buy them up, set them aside and you'll thank yourself later. Brides Should Consider Avoiding These, When ON a BudgetFeeling Obligated to Invite Everyone We mentioned this in a prior blog, but there is no sin or shame in keeping the guest list small and intimate to reduce costs on catering, rentals, and venue size. Overcomplicating the Menu A buffet or family-style meal can be more affordable than plated dinners. Stick to a simple but satisfying menu. Charcuterie is making a comeback over muliple courses, and food trucks are also a fun and cool idea. Guests enjoy the vibe and who doesn't love a low-fi meal in a fancy setting. The juxtaposition is always memorable and the food truck owner can customize a few menu options for your guests to keep costs down. Going Overboard on Party Favors Many guests don’t expect or keep favors. Opt for a single meaningful item or skip them altogether. A hand written thank you card can often mean way more than a beer coozie or book of matches. Often favors are completely unnecessary and discarded after the event. Assuming DIY is Always Cheaper Calculate the cost of supplies and time for DIY projects. If it's more expensive or stressful, simplify or outsource. Now, dear reader, we've promoted DIY for brides on a budget in the past, but this is an important distinction. If the resources of time, materials and willingness are going to be stressed, consider buying or renting or eliminating that particular element from your day altogether. Forgetting Hidden Fees Ask venues and vendors about extra costs like corkage fees, service charges, or overtime rates, and plan accordingly. If you have a friend or close acquaintance in hospitality, and you're providing bottles of wine and beer from a big box store, then perhaps ask for help if the venue will allow it. Don’t Book a Traditional DJ Create a custom playlist and rent audio equipment instead of hiring a DJ or band. With platforms like Spotify, it's easier than ever to curate a list of songs that resonate with the bride and groom and get others onto the dance floor. Don’t Pay for a Full Floral Design Focus flowers on high-impact areas like the bridal bouquet and ceremony arch. Use minimal greenery elsewhere. Whoever said "more is more" should check out the wedding photos of the truly chic set. They know when to stop and let elegance - simple elegance - speak for itself. Don’t Obsess Over Trends
Stick to timeless and personal choices rather than chasing the latest Pinterest trends, which can quickly inflate costs. "Timeless" is timeless for a reason. We've all seen those wedding albums and heard the bride say, "that was the year setting butterflies free was the thing." And then they invariably tell the story about a bunch of dead butterflies. Don’t Stress Over Perfection Guests won’t notice small imperfections, and your happiness will overshadow any minor hiccups. So, focus on the details and components that matter most, keep your budget and priorities front and center, and just know that your day will be magical! |
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