Never underestimate the power of the little black dress. It has been iconic for more than 4 decades. Check the hashtag on Instagram.

In the wedding business, however, the black wedding gown holds its own power in the modern era, and there is a decided following. Brides who want a themed wedding, a departure from the expected, or to simply break with tradition, are all considering black gowns or dresses with black accents. And they are purchasing them as well.

The latest selections at Bridal Traditions are represented below, but we hope you will make an appointment to stop by and see more. 

The Francine is so incredibly elegant. The front and back Vs, the lean straps, fitted body and beautiful skirt/train make this gown a winner for lots of body types. It's a great dress for showcasing jewelry and looks amazing with a veil.

It's off the shoulder, with a deep V bodice and full, circle skirt. This gown has a long row of buttons down the back and small train as part of the skirt, and it says, "bride with style." We can picture the bride walking in this dress, kicking the front of the skirt as she moves, and looking like something out of a Southern gothic novel. Ladies, don't underestimate the "WOW" of a full skirt.

The Afton harks back to the forest, to the earth, and with a sense of the exotic. Consider it for a boho wedding where flowers and landscape will play minor roles.

But, the Afton also remembers Coco Chanel's love of the combination of cream/nude with jet black. This gown says "Paris," and is perfect for the bride who wants to project a mood, appreciates history and nature and wants to take a few steps away from the expected. This gown is elegance personified. We love a dress with range!

The Briar is for the bride who wants the traditional framework of a lovely, lace-covered gown, but in a darker model! The lace overlay for the skirt, the front bodice V, the demure sleeves... all of these recommend this gown to brides who refuse to wear white.

Very much like the Briar gown (just above), the Greta has a deep V bodice, but it is simplified. The fabric of the Greta is textured with a roses, and feels lush. It has a full skirt and attractive straps for the bride who wants to go sleeveless. Come try on this gown. You will feel as if you're floating.

The Lola is a frothy, sequined and beaded gown with tones of eggplant and lots of black lace and details. This gown is killer. It says Tim Burton, with all of the frivolity, style and whimsical nods. 

Ursala shines. The beading along the hemline, skirt and bodice make this dress into "A Gown." It's gorgeous in person. With the open back and low key hole detail, slim Hollywood straps and graceful front lace bodice, it's a party dress and a gown to say YES to.

​

The garter tradition is one that we love at BT and as members of the wedding profession. It is still being incorporated into most reception antics, but we forget that it has an origin story worth revisiting. Over time, a lovely tradition can morph into something entirely different. We want our brides to have knowledge, because we knowledge comes power.

The ritual of the garter started during the Dark Ages (900 - 1400 A.D.) and in its early years, it was a way to include the community in the wedding's (often overly-celebratory) post ceremony evening. That's the nice way of saying it. Basically, once a couple said their vows and the reception feast had concluded, wedding guests would escort (read: chase and often carry) the new husband and wife to their bed chambers. At this point, the bride would have some of her clothing torn from her as a sign of good luck and prosperity. It didn't take long for the tradition to turn from ripping at the bride's garments to the bride giving some garment away. And it turns out that that garment was the humble garter.

Of course, garters were used practically, if not fashionably, to hold up a woman's stockings - and a man's socks as well. Throwing the garter in later years was a way to keep the guests at the party and let the couple leave on their own. It symbolized a gift to the next community bride, becoming a wife, and hopefully later - a mother. 

At BT, we've seen a decrease in the number of brides who want to wear a garter. Some buy one as a keepsake, but don't toss it. Other brides and grooms have turned the removal and tossing of the garter into something a little less, ahem, dignified. We hope that brides will consider not only buying a garter as part of her attire, but as a keepsake, if not a part of the reception celebrations. Come see us and let us show you our selection at Bridal Traditions.

Our Biggest Sale of the Year with the Lowest Prices of the Year is coming up in about a month, ladies. Grab your most helpful friends and make a plan!
From July 15 - 29, 2023, every wedding dress in the store is ON SALE.
See the breakdown below for details, so you make the best plan possible with your goals in mind. This sale includes wedding gowns, prom dresses, stuff for moms and more!

Reservations are highly recommended!
If the online booking form shows no availability call us at 336-667-5423 to see if we have had a cancellation.

• Reservations last 1.5 hours, so plan accordingly.
• Maximum of 2-4 guests per bride, please!
• Off-the-Rack Wedding Dresses are up to 65% off.
• Final Sale Prices Range from $250.00 to $1500.00.
• Special Order Wedding Dresses are $50 to $100 off.
  
• Final Sale Prices Range from $450.00 to $1500.00

​This is the only time of year we discount special orders!!

There are plenty of dos and don'ts to consider when planning your wedding, but it's also fun to think about the trends that are IN this year. Here is just a sampling!

Star Wars, Harry Potter, bohemian, garden, modern, something from a novel like The Great Gatsby or even a poem, couples are choosing to set a theme and invite guests to engage and be there for it. Give them suggestions, create excitement and be inclusive. 

Unlike the more traditional evening ceremony, a midday ceremony allows for more evening activities, like afterparties, games, and even movie viewing with friends and family. Change your clothes, meet out, and plan an evening of informal play AFTER the ceremony and reception. The most formal weddings, those of royalty and heads of state, usually take place mid-morning. Consider noon or 1pm and then let the afternoon and evening take you wherever!

Whether it's with over-the-top florals, lighting installations, balloon or some combination of elements, raising the roof by creating a unique space on the ceiling is a beautiful way to enclose your guests in your theme.

Cakes continue to be adorned with loads of flowers and multiple tiers. Whether height is your goal or an over-the-top cake topper, incredible wedding cakes are still a statement-maker. 

These are more trendy than ever, especially at outdoor weddings, where petals, stones, hurricane lanterns or pavers can be placed to represent a journey to each other - not always a straight line.

For now, we are going to skip the "what's out" in wedding trends ... but we might revisit later, ladies and gents. For now: YOU DO YOU with your wedding. Make it your own. And, as always we are here to help you with your wedding day look no matter what trends you are or are not following. :)  

At Bridal Traditions, we follow wedding trends, of course, but one has cropped up that is frustrating to everyone, most especially brides.
Any guesses?
It's the epidemic of second-guessing when it comes to purchasing a wedding gown and the need to see every available option on the planet. There are too many options and when brides won't stop looking and shopping in search of the holy grail gown, it complicates the process and the experience. Some brides fall into the trap of going to too many shops. Yes, it is possible and we see it all the time. It's Bridal FOMO!

Our team at BT has noticed that brides are simply overwhelmed. Yes, you should look and feel amazing and like yourself in your gown, but the gown purchase is being inhibited by too much noise, too much social media input, too many vendors, too many options, too much information... or all of the above. 

Brides, hear us when we tell you: you don't have to see every gown on the market. Know thyself. Think about your style and what you will feel good wearing. When you feel that you have to try on every gown or follow the advice of friends or influencers, searching for your gown will become a job. Read that again. Shopping for your wedding gown should be a fun experience, not one filled with anxiety. Too much time in too many boutiques will take the fun out of this decision. 

Most brides end up trying on the same basic style over and over again. There are infinite amount of variations and combinations, but you are trying on the same thing basically again and again. When you see this happening, it's time to say YES and commit. Or! It's time to ask for some guidance from someone on our team. 

We have found that brides who visit multiple shops and continue to research end up more confused and stressed. They also end up eating up their timeline to prepare for their big day. If you start planning one year from your ceremony and you spend 6 months of it unsure and continuing The Big Gown Search, you are also burning through your order time, delivery, alterations, fittings, etc. Once you've run out of time, you're now limited to what fits you off the rack. ​​

We tell our brides this all the time: when you've Said Yes to your Dress, STOP SHOPPING. Stop going to boutiques, stop looking at gowns online, stop asking for affirmation from your well-meaning friends and family. Stay excited about your choice, and work on other aspects of your wedding ceremony. Make an appointment to come in and chat with us if you're feeling stressed and overwhelmed. ​We are here to help!