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Believe it or not (and you should believe us because we've been in this industry for over two decades), brides-to-be walk into our boutique a few weeks before their wedding day looking for their dream gown. They're excited, they have a wish list, and we hate to ruin that buzz, but the truth is this: there is a 95% chance that they are not going to get "The Dress" they truly want for their big day. But you don't have to despair. Plan ahead if you can - and read on, because there are options for you if you've run out of time. When this happens, you have to know that we SO want to wave a wand, like the fairy godmother in Cinderella, and whip up a frock just for you out of thin air and hope. What we can do is see what is on our racks or can be acquired quickly. We ask that brides keep an open mind when it comes to their wish lists, whether they've given themselves 12 months or 4 weeks. Brides are often amazed at how many beautiful gowns are available off the rack. So breathe and be flexible. We at BT are always ready to work with you. HOw much time to Choose Your GownSo here is what you should keep in mind if you're engaged and have begun planning. If you come into our boutique 3 - 4 months before your wedding date, you can expect to buy off the rack. You will have a gown to wear down the aisle and we do not stock ugly gowns, ladies! Our off the rack gowns are wonderful, and brides leave with them truly excited, but you may not get everything on your list. We recommend that brides order a dress between 9 and 12 months before their wedding date, and 6 months at the bare minimum. Keep in mind this is specific recommendation for our store and this timeline will be different at different boutiques. Why Do you Need this Amount of Time?When you find your gown, you rarely walk out of the store with a big white garment bag slung over your shoulder. If you do, God bless you. But in most cases, your dress is ordered from the factory, and goes into production so it can be created in your size and colors choice. This takes time. There are no warehouses filled with multiple sizes of every single gown designed by every designer on the planet. This is not fast fashion that ends up at H&M or Old Navy. Wedding gowns take time, whether they have tons of beading, crystals, or sequins, or lace. Even minimalist gowns have to be sewn and created for you. You want a gorgeous look for your day and that means allowing the gown to be made for you. If you have questions for us, we hope that you'll reach out, but the bottom line with is DO NOT WAIT to order your wedding gown. Give yourself the treat of spending time with us. We have bridal suites and experiences, superb vendors and amazing relationships with everyone with whom we work.
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The rehearsal dinner... that evening before the wedding, when famiy and friends gather to celebrate the couple and their journey to the altar. It's an event filled with food, toasts, and often fun little additions like 18 holes of golf for the guys or a spa day for mothers and daughters and bridesmaids. But at the minimum, it's a chance to be together in a more relaxed setting than the wedding day. Hosts: Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is hosted by the groom's family. However, nowadays it's not uncommon for the couple or both families to host the event together. In some cases, close friends or other relatives may also take on the hosting duties. Guest List: The guest list for the rehearsal dinner typically includes the wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer), immediate family members of the couple, and sometimes out-of-town guests who have traveled for the wedding. Depending on the size and budget of the event, additional friends or relatives may also be invited. Remember to listen to your instincts and keep it small if that's what you want. And be respectful of those paying for the wedding. Invitations: Rehearsal dinner invitations are usually sent out separately from the wedding invitations. They can be formal or informal, depending on the tone of the event. Make sure to include important details such as the date, time, location, and RSVP information. Venue and Theme: The rehearsal dinner can be held at a variety of venues, such as a restaurant, banquet hall, private home, or outdoor location. Choose a venue and theme that reflects the couple's personalities and preferences. It can be formal or casual, depending on the style of the wedding. Rehearsal dinners can also be a big party that is unstructured. Do what makes you happy! Timing: The rehearsal dinner typically takes place the night before the wedding, after the wedding rehearsal itself. This allows everyone to practice the ceremony and then relax and enjoy a meal together before the big day. Seating Arrangements: Consider seating arrangements carefully to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and included. Traditionally, the bride and groom sit at the head of the table, with their parents and other family members nearby. The wedding party usually sits together as well. Toasts and Speeches: It's common for the host or hosts of the rehearsal dinner to give a welcome speech or toast to thank everyone for attending. Other members of the wedding party, such as the best man and maid of honor, may also give toasts or speeches to honor the couple. We've all heard about these toasts getting out of hand, so pace yourselves and remember to be respectful of what to say and ... what NOT to say. Gifts and Favors: While gifts are not typically expected at the rehearsal dinner, the hosts may choose to give small tokens of appreciation to the guests, such as personalized favors or thank-you gifts. Similarly, the couple may choose to give gifts to their wedding party as a thank-you for their support. Relax and Enjoy: Above all, the rehearsal dinner is a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the company of loved ones before the wedding day. Don't stress too much about the details—focus on creating happy memories with your closest friends and family members.
While Bridal Traditions is a full service boutique focused on outfitting brides, grooms, bridal parties and prom-goers, we work in the industry. We know brides have loads of questions. When it comes to selecting wedding vendors, there are several important factors to consider to ensure that your big day goes smoothly and according to plan. Here are some key things to think about as you put together your plan. Reputation and Reviews: Research the reputation of each vendor you're considering. Read reviews from past clients to get an idea of their quality of service, reliability, and professionalism. Also, don't hesitate to ask for references or recommendations from other wedding professionals. Hearing about other couples' experiences with a particular vendor can provide valuable insights into what it's like to work with them. Experience and Expertise: Look for vendors with experience in the wedding industry, especially those who have worked at your chosen venue before. Experienced vendors are better equipped to handle any unexpected challenges that may arise and can offer valuable insights and advice. Portfolio of Work: Review examples of each vendor's work to ensure that their style aligns with your vision for your wedding. For example, if you're hiring a photographer, look at their portfolio to see if you like their photographic style and if they have experience shooting weddings similar to yours. The same will be true of florists, wedding planners and DJs. Ask them to showcase what they've done and what they can provide for you. Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential when working with wedding vendors. Make sure that the vendors you choose are responsive to your inquiries and are able to clearly understand and articulate your vision for the wedding. It stings when you think that you were always on the same page about your theme or wishes only to find out that they completely misunderstood you. Create a vision board if you're having trouble articulating what you want. Contracts and Agreements: Always get written contracts or agreements from your vendors that outline the terms of the service, including pricing, payment schedules, cancellation policies, and any other important details. Review these contracts carefully before signing to avoid any misunderstandings later on. Flexibility and Accommodations: Choose vendors who are willing to accommodate your specific needs and preferences. This includes being flexible with scheduling, menu options, design changes, and any other special requests you may have. Budget Considerations: Keep your budget in mind when selecting vendors. While it's important to prioritize quality and reliability, make sure that the vendors you choose are within your budgetary range. Be upfront about your budget from the beginning to avoid any surprises later on. Availability: Confirm that the vendors you're interested in are available on your wedding date. Popular vendors often get booked up quickly, especially during peak wedding season, so it's important to secure your vendors well in advance.
Personal Connection: Lastly, trust your instincts and choose vendors with whom you feel a personal connection. Building a rapport with your vendors can make the planning process more enjoyable and can lead to better results on your wedding day. Good luck!! We know it's going to be brilliant. Who We AreBridal Traditions is a bridal boutique where brides, grooms, wedding parties, prom goers, and gift-givers can shop with ease, discover new options, dream about the possibilities and be encouraged along the way. Bridal ExperiencesNo matter what kind of bride you are, we have an appointment type that caters to your needs. Book your perfect experience below and let's turn this quest into a fun-filled adventure. Gowns, Gowns & Saying Yes!If you are looking for a stunning dress, at an affordable price, in a casual, no-pressure atmosphere then you have found the right place! We DON'T have a lot of rules when trying on dresses. If you want help in the dressing room, we're here to help. If you want a little privacy, we're cool with that too. All we ask is that you be respectful of the dresses, and please do ask for help when you need it. We are also happy to give advice and opinions when asked. Want to preview our store? Take the tour! Bridal Traditions for BridesmaidsCoordinating a wedding party where everyone is local is no easy feat and one that is spread from coast to coast is definitely a challenge, but BT is here to help in every scenario. Locals are welcome to come to the store to check out styles and colors in person and we are available to walk out-of-towners through the ordering process by phone or online. We would love to help you dress your best gal pals for your big day! MenswearAt Bridal Traditions, we offer the option to rent your suit or tux or buy, based on certain styles and what you're looking for. We've been working with JWF (Jim's Formal Wear) for the last two decades, and they are amazing partners. We encourage the guys to come in, chat us up and we'll make sure you leave with everything you need for your event. Bridal Traditions ExtrasWe love our accessories and extras as much as we love fitting brides, bridesmaids and grooms. We call these extras our BT Love-Ups, and they separate us from other boutiques that provide less service, and the online purveyors who are faceless. We would love to know more about your wedding or event, so if you are ready to book an appointment, use the button and we'll look forward to seeing you!
You've said YES! Now, do you know how to move in your dream gown? Are you going to rely on the photographer to see the best angles? Be ready for the portraits before and on the day, with some simple guidelines. You know us at Bridal Traditions. We are here to help! Practice in Advance: Before the big day, spend some time practicing poses in your gown in front of a mirror. This will help you find your best angles and feel more comfortable in front of the camera. You can then collaborate better with your photographer. Stand Tall: Good posture is key. Stand up straight with your shoulders back and your chin slightly lifted. This not only looks elegant in photographs, but also elongates your body. Show off Your Dress: Showcase the beautiful details of your gown by positioning yourself in ways that highlight its design. This could involve gently lifting the train, holding out the skirt, or arranging the veil elegantly. It could also be discussing lighting with your photographer! Engage with Your Partner: Whether you decide to grab shots prior to or after your vows, you'll want to make sure that both you and your beloved respond well to each other. Wedding photographers are great and helping with this creating this mood. Interact with him or her naturally. Hold hands, whisper inside-jokes to each other, steal glances and keep each other relaxed. Find Your Best Side: Most people have a side they feel more confident presenting. Experiment with different angles to find your best side and use these to your advantage when learning to move in your gown. Keep Your Hands Relaxed: Avoid stiff or clenched hands. Breathe. Our photographer friends have shown us this again and again. Brides look better when they are relaxed. Lightly holding onto your bouquet or gently resting your hands at your sides creates a natural look. Express Genuine Emotions: This is not a performance. Don't be afraid to show your real emotions in real time. Again, these natural reactions make better photos. Relax and Breathe: It's natural to feel a bit nervous, but try to relax and enjoy the process. Take deep breaths to calm any nerves. Be Yourself: In other words, be true to yourself. Your wedding day is about celebrating your love and individuality, so let your personality shine through in your poses. We've seen the magazine versions of a perfect pose. Act like YOU.
Collaborate with your photographer: This means trusting your photographer to capture your best moments. Collaborate with your photographer in advance. Have Fun: This sounds trite and we get that, but honestly, aren't the best images of you the ones where you're smiling or reacting naturally? If you are happy and in love (and if you're not, then we need to find another blog for you read!!), then your joy on the day will shine through. Embrace the experience and cherish the memories you're creating. |
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