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So, if it isn't clear by now, we love ALL of the raw materials it takes to create a wedding, from the photos and movies, to the florals, the venue atmosphere, and extra "stuff," but most especially, we love the gowns. We love making brides look and feel beautiful, and inspiration is everywhere for us.  When we see an alabaster column on an architectural wonder, we also see a modern gown that says sophistication. When we see a bowl turned upside down on a cooking show, we see a ball gown, in all of its romance, fairytales and frosting. And when we see lace, we think tradition, nostalgia, and the classic bridal silhouette. There is so much craftwork that goes into creating the desired illusion with lace gowns, so today we want to give some practical advice when shopping - with trepidation - for a lace wedding gown.  When brides come into our boutique interested in trying on lace, we often see them trying to sort out why the gown looks so strikingly different on the hanger than it does on models. They see the mesh sheath underneath the lace, and slowly back away. "Will I look proper?" "Why does it look dingy?" "Does this look more like a prom gown than a wedding gown?" "What will my grandmother say?" The Rack vs. Reality Gowns with a nude mesh liner look vastly different on the hanger than they do on your body, so we often dispel a bride's concerns with a simple directive: Try it on! We've heard brides say, "this lining looks muddy," but then will try on a couple of options and be thrilled with how the gown looks even on the palest skin. An ivory lace gown with nude, champagne or a similar colored lining looks incredible once you put it on. Even brides with very pale skin are astonished at how the mesh disappears, the white or ivory lace pops, and they still look covered and demure. Trust us on this!  Remember that mesh lining helps create a canvas for the lace. Bright whites and colors pop when the "background" matches the skin, whether it's on your sleeves, under the skirt, bodice or throughout a gown. In the images above and below, the sleeves have a nude liner, and yet it's nearly impossible to spot.   What is White? When our great-great grandmothers got married, they wore their very best dresses. After Queen Victoria chose to wear white for her wedding in the 19th century, it became the standard for brides everywhere. White symbolized virginity, purity, wealth, and so on. But most of those ladies said "I Do" wearing a color more akin to ivory or cream. We didn't have the bright white fabrics that we have today. To prove this point, all of the photos we've shared in this blog are actually using ivory gowns. As with the mesh lining- our eyes deceive us. What looks like a blinding bright white is actually softer and less harsh, while still being classic and modest. If you want to wear bright white for your wedding, we can help you sort that out while still trying on lace. If it's your second wedding and you'd feel better in a softer hue of white - don't fret. We can help you determine which styles of lace would suit the occasion and suit you best.
As always, we urge brides to keep an open mind when they are shopping with us, and encourage them to try on gowns that may not represent what they originally had in mind. You'll be surprised, we promise. If in doubt, try it on and ask questions!
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 McKenna Blevins made it official by saying "I Do" to Jake Dolack, and Bridal Traditions was so happy to do what we love most: get the bride and the attire sorted out and ready for photographers, parents, friends and the memories to come. Treasured Times Studios was on hand in our boutique to grab fitting shots - and expressions - of McKenna and her entourage. We particularly loved the images of "The Gown Search" and seeing the bride emerging from the dressing room to twirl and grin. The Search for a Gown at Bridal TraditionsNuptials with a Water FeatureIf you thought this lady looked pretty fab (or pretty AND fabulous) while she was trying on gowns with us, the images from her wedding to Jake tell the rest of the gorgeous story. A waterfall, spoken vows, huge smiles and a commitment. Isn't that all you need for a wedding day? Thanks to Bacalao Films Video and Photography for sharing these images with us.      Hello Brides and Summer Readers, Today's contribution to our ongoing blog about weddings features some traditions scooped up from around the world. Have you ever wondered why couples in Greece wear crowns? Or what the gold coins represent in Spain? Did you just find out that your great-great-great grandmother was Polish and want to incorporate a sense of her wedding into yours? We're here to help! . From the United Kingdom Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue. This rhyme highlights the tradition of the bride carrying items that represent continuity, optimism for the future, borrowed happiness, and fidelity. This one made it across the pond to our shores and is still quite common in American weddings. Confetti and Rice. Guests often throw confetti or rice at the newlyweds as they leave the ceremony, symbolizing fertility and prosperity. And yes, we love this one too. Brides have moved away from this a bit and chosen bird seed, but the meaning still spells C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-I-O-N!  FRench WeddingsCroquembouche. Instead of a traditional wedding cake, French weddings often feature a croquembouche, a tower of cream-filled profiteroles bound with caramel.  La Mairie. French couples must have a civil ceremony at the town hall, often followed by a religious ceremony if they choose. The French manage to be such a culture of romance, and yet a civil service is all that is mandatory to be married. Tres chic.  Wedding TRaditions in GreeceStefana. The bride and groom wear crowns connected by a ribbon, symbolizing the union of two people into a single couple. These crowns can be ornate or made with natural elements, but the symbolism is unmistakable.  Money Dance. Guests pin money to the bride and groom's clothing during the reception, providing financial support for their new life together.  iTALYLa Tarantella. This traditional dance at Italian weddings is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Confetti (Sugared Almonds). Five almonds are given to guests, symbolizing health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. wEDDING tRADITIONS IN sPAIN Arras. During the ceremony, the groom gives the bride 13 gold coins, known as arras, symbolizing his commitment to support her. Seguidillas Manchegas. A traditional Spanish dance often performed at weddings. We love our bride/groom, father/daughter or other choreographed dances, so we co-sign on any kind of dance that kicks off a reception. Poland's Wedding TraditionsOczepiny. A post-midnight tradition where the bride's veil is removed, symbolizing her transition from bride to wife, often accompanied by playful games. Cheers to long receptions that bleed into games and stories after midnight! Bread and Salt. Newlyweds are greeted with bread and salt, symbolizing prosperity and the ability to overcome life's challenges. These two elements are the food and flavor of life, as well, so consider pulling them into your ceremony as gestures to yourselves and your guests..  GermanyPolterabend. On the night before the wedding, guests break porcelain dishes to bring good luck to the couple. The bride and groom then clean up the shards together, symbolizing teamwork.  Log Cutting. After the ceremony, the bride and groom saw a log in half together, demonstrating their ability to work together and overcome obstacles. Girls and Guys: if you want to look great while sawing your log in half we've got you!
Sabrina married her beloved Stephen in February of 2024 at Circle M Farms in Lincolnton, NC, surrounded by 140 of their favorite people in the world. Sabrina knew that she wanted a winter themed wedding, and later told us, "it was a party!" The WEdding at Circle M FarmThis outdoor wedding was truly beautiful, from the wooden hexagon adorned with flowers from Noble Artistry Floral, to the emerald green attire (the bridesmaids' gown and groomsmen's ties), to the little wagon that towed their son, Axel to the altar as ringbearer, it was personal, classic and celebratory. Catering for the reception was provided by Roots Cafe and everyone enjoyed the food and conversation.   Sabrina's Winter Wedding Gown Sabrina's gown was gorgeous on her and perfect for the season and the traditional atmosphere. What's so wonderful about a winter wedding is the promise of cooler temperatures, especially if you're getting married outside. For Sabrina's gown we suggested adding sleeves, and she happily agreed; they helped complete her vision for a February wedding and went seamlessly with her gown's existing design.  This dress had lots of lace, with patterns that incorporated natural elements like leaves, flowers, vines and branches at the bodice, skirt, and sheer sleeves. It was perfect for the natural setting, and she looked so comfortable and so happy!    Congratulations to Sabrina and Stephen as they start their new life together! We love that we were part of their big day!  |
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