> Altering any garment is a process. A seamstress is literally fitting a gown to your body. She's molding the dress's structure, shaping the fabric and making sure that dress looks like it was custom made just for you. Getting the perfect fit rarely happens with just one fitting. It's a process that takes tweaking and retweaking.

> Alterations take time... The average bride will have between 3 - 5 fittings based on the intricacies of the gown and types of alterations. Sometimes there are more than half a dozen fittings. You'll want to plan on making those trips to try on your gown, be pinned in again based on new adjustments, try it on with your shoes and veil, and so on. It is not an easy job. It's surgery. Seamstresses are, in some cases, taking your dress apart and putting it back together.

> ... & Timing is Important. Bring your dress to be altered too soon and your weight may fluctuate by the time of your wedding. It happens. No judgement. Wait too late and your seamstress' schedule may be packed. See Communicate below.

> Seamstresses have a backlog. When your dress is pinned and fitted to you the first time, you'll then wait a few weeks before you see it again. This may be due to the number and types of alterations, but it's most certainly because you are not their only client or dress. Your seamstress is not working solely on your gown or bridesmaids dresses. She is slammed, because this is how she makes a living and because this is delicate work. She needs the time to do that delicate work on every gown, not just yours. 

Misty Case is an amazing photographer right here in North Wilkesboro. She is also a wife, a mom to son Finley, a loyal friend and has been a bridal and prom shopping companion to BT Owner Kelly Shumate for the last several years. 

Misty is family. And now she's works with us at BT.

What's so wonderful about having her as part of our team is that her career as a photographer has largely been about capturing images of love. If there's love nearby, leave it to Misty to find it in her lens. Brides, babies with new parents, communities coming together for a cause, a passion for a project, families reunited, Misty has focused literally - on what love looks like for more than 15 years. ​

During those 15+ years, she became a dear friend of Kelly's and a reliable companion on trips to bridal shows to choose gowns, bridesmaids' dresses, prom attire and accessories. She's an asset with a great eye for style and romance, and she's a Good-time Charlie.

With clients at BT, Misty is calm, supportive, knowledgeable and adds her own unique charm to Kelly and the team. Stop by to meet this lady, she's in the store on Saturdays! You'll love her like we all do.  ​

It's prom season and while we at BT are helping ladies and gents get their attire planned, bought or rented, it's a good time to remind our brilliant readers of some of the dos and don'ts for promgoers.

Pick a dress or outfit that you really love. It's a special occasion and you should feel that you look your best and feel amazing. 
Go with someone you enjoy being with. For those of you who aren't dating someone exclusively, make sure your date is fun, respectful and will want to stick with you from start to finish. Going with a best friend is always a good idea.
Compliment your date! Make them feel special by telling them how amazing they look. 
Make an entrance! If you don't want to rent a limo, see if you and your group can find a stylish old car to borrow and the driver to go with it. Otherwise, just enter ready to enjoy the evening.
Wear jewelry and a hairstyle that complement your dress. Nothing makes a statement like an complete look. 
Get your attire ordered and coordinated in plenty of time. We are here for ya!
Dance and have fun!! Prom is about spring, the nearing end of the school year and celebrating with your friends. 

Don't do anything illegal. We had to say it. But seriously, there is no need for regret, regret, regret. Understand the rules set out by your school and the prom venue. Where it says "NO," don't bother trying to get around the rules. 
Don't go tanning the day before your prom. And beware of spray tans.
​Don't choose uncomfortable clothing. Don't wear a gown that is difficult to move in, dance in, sit in, or is just generally makes you feel like you're out of yourself instead of present. The same for your shoes: don't wear heels that you haven't at least walked in long enough to know that they'll work. You will be walking and dancing.
Don't freak out if someone is wearing the same dress. You are you and you'll look singular.
Don't ignore your friends. Make plans to find and see them so that new and old friends and dates can get to know each other and mingle.
Do not overspend on prom. Nor should you think that it's the biggest night of your life. 

Why do we call these blogs "Real Brides?" Largely, because not every bride wants to tell her entire wedding story as one of our "Features," but is happy to share images from her big day. When we receive images from one of our BT brides, we're thrilled. We feel like the distant relatives who played a small part in making the day special. 
We recently got these wonderful photos from Cheyenne Tranter's wedding and she said we could share. Enjoy!

Winter weddings are so much fun, for obvious reasons (see image of groomsmen below), but as a bridal boutique, we cannot stress this point enough: No matter what you're wearing, your venue or your specific palette, if you want to get married during the cooler months: DO IT!

June weddings are fabulous, but so are those that take place around Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and the first part of January. Families often have time off and can gather to celebrate you. And weather is like the fun guest, right?

Cheyenne's palette was gorgeous, with plenty of deep orange, green, gray and, of course, white. The couple shared a sweet "first look" before making their way to the altar.

We love textures and creativity. From the seating charts on vinyl records, to the beautiful invitations and wood elements at their elegant rustic barn wedding, everything was coordinated and contained their vibe and choices. 

The bride's gown and veil were romantic and bohemian with plenty of sparkle and lace. If you get married during cold months, don't think you have to have sleeves and fur, a muff and gloves. Wear what makes you happy and feel beautiful. 

All weddings should end with a smooch. Bridal Traditions sends the best to these two sweethearts with our heart-felt congratulations!

"But it's only the beginning of March!!"
We hear you, but you have to trust us, gentlemen: if at all possible please don't wait until the last minute to get your suit, tux and gear for Prom season 2023. The sooner you start planning, the more fun you're going to have planning, executing and attending your prom.

Are you going to your prom AND a prom at another school? Some guys and girls do, and that means even more planning and logistics. 

So take a deep breath and get excited. Here are some basic guidelines, fellas, and if nothing else, stop by Bridal Traditions and let us hook you up!

First, you need to decide if you're going as a group or if you need to secure your date. The promposal has become a big deal, but you can always play it cool. There's nothing wrong with an old school approach.

It's still the question for most grooms but prom goers usally want to rent. If you are a senior in high school and consider a suit an investment, you may want to buy. Most guys just want to rent something that can wear and return.

Tuxedos are still considered prom style, but black, blue, gray or even tan suits are becoming more popular at prom.
What do you like to wear?
What do you feel great in?
Not sure? Worry not!!
​Via our website, Bridal Traditions can help you build your look! Check it out!

This isn't just about your tie matching her gown. You will want to talk to your date about other ways to coordinate. It can be with attire, with flowers, with socks, with matching or coordinated jewelry or with some other fun form a flair. Talk to your date and companions and check out out selection of all those accessories as well.

Do not go off roading in a dune buggy during your prom in that suit. You will regret it. Have fun, but treat it as though you were prepared to buy it. Rental companies know that stains happen at dinner, but don't be a slob. Return your rented attire before the deadline, please.

​The bottom line: start planning, and when you know what you want to wear, come see us. We can guide you through the process. Don't worry if you just have a week to get your suit plan together. WE'VE GOT YOU!