Your wedding, fellas, is a big day to say the least. The wedding industry sells it as the bride's day, but truthfully, it's YOUR DAY, too.

You got the girl. You won! So, you want to look amazing at the end of the aisle; you want to coordinate with the theme, and with the season, and with your wife-to-be.

None of this is complicated, and Bridal Traditions attends to the men with as much care as we do our brides and their gorgeous bridesmaids. While we do not stock rentals (can you imagine the inventory??), we have Jim's Formal Wear - our partner for nearly 20 years - as our ally. JFW has a huge inventory, and they can provide the right style, the right fabric, and the perfect cut for men on their  big day.

​Before you rent or buy, our team suggests that you consider these factors:

• Will you wear a tux multiple times in the next decade?
• Do you have a fit preference?
• Is your budget for a one-time or many-time purchase? Is this an investment?

So, let's break it down! 
Renting a Tux:
Pro: Cost-Effective (Short Term) Renting is generally cheaper upfront than buying, especially if you only need the outfit for the wedding and don’t plan to wear it often. Con: No Ownership After the event, you return it, leaving you with no fancy attire for future formal occasions

Pro: Convenience Rentals usually come as a complete package (jacket, pants, shirt, tie, etc.), and many rental services include minor alterations, cleaning, and fitting. With Jim's Formal Wear, we have this well in hand at Bridal Traditions. 
Con: Rental Deadlines: You have to return the suit by a specific date, which might add stress during an already busy time. If you are organized, it's not an issue.
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​Pro: Variety Men can choose from a variety of styles they might not typically purchase and choose a look that matches the event theme.
Con: Limited Customization: Rental suits may not fit as perfectly as a tailored suit. While minor adjustments are possible, the fit won’t be as personalized.

Pro: Less Commitment There is no need to worry about future wear or storing it in your closet.​
Con: Wear and Tear Rental items may show signs of previous use, like minor stains or fraying, but Jim's Formal Wear takes superb care of their garments. 

Buying a Tux:
Pro: Long-Term Value While the initial cost is higher, buying a suit or tux can be more economical over time if you plan to attend multiple formal events.
Con: High Initial Cost Buying a suit, especially a high-quality or designer one, requires a larger upfront investment. Again, consider if you are going to need this garment more than 4-5 times per decade.

Pro: Tailored Fit When you buy a suit or tuxedo, it can be custom-tailored to your body, ensuring a perfect fit.
Con: Maintenance You are responsible for dry cleaning, storing, and maintaining the suit in good condition.
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Pro: Personalization You have more control over fabric, design, and accessories, allowing for a look that is uniquely yours.
Con: Style Changes: Fashion trends evolve, so a suit bought today may feel outdated in a few years, unless you invest in a classic design.

Pro: Ownership: You can wear it again and again for future events, making it a versatile addition to your wardrobe or a wardrobe investment.
Con: Limited Use If you don’t attend formal events often, the suit may end up sitting unused in your closet, which can feel like a waste of money.

Questions? We've got you. Give us a call, check out our renting and buying options, or consider if you need a wedding party consult. We're here for you!

We will keep this short - pardon the pun. Homecoming season is in full-swing and Bridal Traditions still has a selection of gowns to make your homecoming dreams come true. Girls are wearing all sorts of glitz and glam, in various lengths and styles, but we wanted to showcase a few of this year's shorter gowns. These tell a story, and they are so fun. Ladies, hurry in to see us before your event comes and goes. 

Not going to homecoming, but looking for a party dress? Consider that these dresses are not a one-trick pony. They can be worn for multiple occasions!

Hurry to us to shop for your Homecoming gown or party attire asap! The season is racing passed.

You know we are here to help with the entire bridal dress experience, but we take exceptional care of the bridesmaids as well. So let us be direct and clear: we WANT you to come IN STORE when it's time to get your dress. Read on to know why!

We are taking a break from our bridal gowns, prom and menswear blogs to celebrate the wedding proposal.

What was your wedding proposal like?
How and where did it happen?
Was there a great story about how it went down?
Did anything go wrong?
Was there anything memorable?

We would love it if you shared your story and tagged us on Instagram: @bridaltraditions. In the meantime, if you are ready to pop the question and are looking for suggestions, here are some ideas.​

Underwater wedding proposal:
Some adventurous couples take the plunge, and while scuba diving or snorkeling, the question gets popped! In Florida, the "Christ of the Abyss" statue is a popular underwater location for this type of proposal.

Message in a Bottle proposal:
For a coastal proposal, some proposers choose to bury a bottle with a message on the beach where they know they will stroll. The message, once discovered, can lead to the proposal of a lifetime. 

​Hiking to the Top of a Mountain proposal:
Plan a proposal at the peak of a challenging hike. If your person isn't a hiker, then make sure you know what you're up against and if your intended will figure it out. The physical effort and achievement of reaching the top can add significance to the moment, especially if the location is remote or rarely visited.

Maze proposal:
This one made us grin, because we live in an area where mazes in the autumn are fairly common. Lead your partner through a large, complex maze with various clues leading to the center, where the proposal takes place. And good luck! Hopefully, you won't either need GPS or decide to just give up and live there. 

Eiffel Tower, France:
While the Eiffel Tower is a classic spot for a proposal, some take it a step further by arranging for the lights of the tower to blink or creating a light show spelling out "Marry Me." 

Japanese Lantern Festival:
In Japan, proposing during a lantern festival, where thousands of lanterns are released into the sky or floated down a river, adds a magical touch to the moment. No plans to go to Tokyo? Consider twinkle lights along a path to a firepit or lead her to a special spot with lanterns, a place to sit, champagne and then ask. Twilight is perfect for romance. 

Santorini Sunset, Greece:
Sunset, ANYWHERE. Proposing on the cliffs of Santorini during a stunning sunset is already romantic and if you are a world traveler, this could be incredible. Consider places with panoramic views to make the proposal special. If you don't want to go to Greece, go to Folly Beach or Pawley's Island or your favorite spot at sunset, and make it personal to you and your intended.

Great Wall of China:
A proposal atop the Great Wall of China is a blend of history and romance. Some go further by hiring traditional Chinese musicians or setting up a private dinner on the wall itself.

Safari in Africa:
Proposing during a safari in Africa, perhaps at sunset with wildlife in the background, is a wild and unique way to pop the question. Some lodges offer special proposal packages that include luxury tents and champagne. Save and plan well and this will be the proposal you'll tell your grandkids about.
We love this idea, even if the wilds are the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just keep your head on a swivel for wildlife, gang.

​Northern Lights:
Proposing under the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights (or aurora borealis) could certainly add magic to the moment. Some go the extra mile by arranging a private cabin or igloo with glass ceilings to enjoy the view. Can't find a meteor shower or natural event? Head to the country where the urban lights can't touch you. Find a sky of stars and ask the question!

Already engaged? We want to hear your story (tag us @bridaltraditions) and invite you to visit our boutique to get organized for your big day!