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Gentlemen, let’s talk wedding style. Whether you’re the groom or one of his right-hand men, chances are you don’t spend a lot of time in formalwear. But when the big day arrives, looking sharp isn’t optional—it’s part of the celebration. So what’s the smarter choice for your wedding or event: buying a suit/tux or renting one? Let’s break it down! Why Buy?Buying might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to weddings, but for some grooms (and even certain groomsmen), it’s worth considering. 1. You’ll wear it again. If your calendar is filling up with weddings, formal events, or professional milestones, owning a well-fitted suit is a smart investment. Instead of renting each time, you’ll always have a go-to look ready. 2. You want the perfect fit. Not every body type works well with off-the-rack sizing. If you’ve had trouble finding a good fit in rentals, purchasing a suit that’s tailored to you ensures you’ll feel confident and comfortable. 3. It’s your wedding day. For grooms especially, owning your suit or tux can feel meaningful. It’s a piece you’ll keep, and it represents one of the most important days of your life. Plus, it’s yours—no return date, no one else has worn it before, and no compromises on style. Why Rent?For many grooms and almost all groomsmen, renting is the way to go. Here’s why: 1. Matching the wedding party matters. Most couples want a coordinated look for the groomsmen, and rentals make it easy to keep everyone on the same page—styles, colors, and accessories included. (Ask us about our curated selection of styles that come in both a rent or buy category!) 2. Budget-friendly and convenient. Buying a tux or suit isn’t always practical, especially if it’s something you won’t wear often. Renting gives you the polished look without the price tag. 3. You need it for one big day. If you’re not likely to wear a tux again anytime soon, there’s no need to invest in owning one. Renting is quick, easy, and gets the job done. 4. Variety and style options. Maybe you want a modern, slim-fit tux for one wedding and something more casual for another. Renting gives you flexibility to change up your look without committing to just one style. Bridal Traditions Has You CoveredAt Bridal Traditions, we’ve been helping grooms and groomsmen suit up for weddings since 2005 as an authorized retailer with JFW then gaining and maintaining Elite Dealer status since 2007 with Jim’s Formal Wear.
Whether you’re leaning toward buying for the long haul or renting for convenience, we’ll walk you through the process and make sure you look the part on the big day. From tuxes to suits, ties to shoes, our collection is designed to take the stress out of wedding prep. All you have to do is show up and celebrate. Grooms, groomsmen—let’s get you suited up. When the High Country Event Professionals team gathered creative minds for a styled wedding shoot at Sky Retreat, we knew it would be something special, and we were thrilled to be a part of it. Set against sweeping mountain views and crisp fall air, the day was that mix of energy and ease that happens when professionals come together to do what they love. Bridal Traditions was delighted to outfit the groom for the occasion, bringing timeless, well-tailored menswear to balance the organic textures and colors of the outdoor setting. The result was effortless — the kind of natural elegance that fits right in among the Blue Ridge peaks. From the "wildly" romantic florals by Wild Sweet William to the delicious spread from Reid’s Catering NC, every detail felt grounded and authentic. Captured beautifully by Natural Craft Photo and guided by the planning vision of Stephanie Milosh at Beauty Budget Events, this collaboration celebrated the region’s talent and the kind of wedding style that feels right at home in the High Country. Vendor ListSponsor @HighCountryEventProfessionals
Venue @skyretreat Photographer @naturalcraftphoto Planner @beautybudgetevents Planner Assistant @LeraysEvents20 Florist @WildSweetWilliam Hair and Makeup @shear.shakti Dress Shop @juniperjamesbridal Groomswear @bridaltraditions Linen Rentals @thefestiveelk Place Settings @missmatchrentals Lounge Rentals @abushelandapeckvintagerentals Baker @stickboybreadco Caterer @reidscateringnc Officiant @revjaybowman Donkeys @bloomsandburros Musician @mountainpeaksound Content Creation @highcountrycontent Every bride starts dress shopping with ideas — some clear, some wildly out of reach, and some that change the second you step into your first gown. To get honest, real-world insight, we asked a few of our recent brides this question: “If you could give brides-to-be one piece of advice about dress shopping, what would that be?” Their answers weren’t about trends or rules, as much as about mindset — staying open, trusting your instincts, and remembering whose reflection you’re really dressing for. Whether you’ve been saving inspiration photos for years or have no idea where to start, these nuggets just might help you approach the process with a clear head, and a little less stress. When we reviewed the responses, a few themes stood out:
Below are their unfiltered words — a mix of encouragement, confidence, and lessons learned — from brides who’ve been right where you are. What Our Brides Said“Take people with you who will be honest yet supportive, but remember — it’s your decision. The dress I chose wasn’t everyone’s first pick, but I loved it, and on the wedding day everyone agreed it was perfect.” “Keep an open mind and heart. You will know when you’ve found the dress and that’s a wonderful feeling.” “Don’t be afraid to try anything on! Go outside your comfort zone and don’t settle. It’s your day — make your dress the one you’ve dreamed of.” “Come in with an open mind. You might be surprised at what makes you feel and look good. Don’t settle on the first one you see — there’s always a dress you’ll love that won’t break the bank.” “Trust your gut and try on a variety of dresses. Sometimes the vision you start with completely changes once you explore.” “Don’t think you have to try on a lot of dresses to find the one. It can happen fast — especially at Bridal Traditions. They’re doing something magical there.” “Go out of the box when getting your dress. Even if you have a vision, take the advice of the consultants and try their suggestions — you might be surprised.” “Trust your gut and choose the dress that makes you feel beautiful. Don’t let anyone else’s opinion steer you off course.” “Explore options outside what you think you want, because that might be the one you say yes to. And go to a shop where you feel special and stress-free — it makes all the difference.” Every bride’s journey to finding THE ONE is different — but the through-line is clear: confidence, comfort, and connection matter more than anything else. When you work with consultants who listen, who know the process inside and out, and who understand that it’s not just about a dress but about you, the experience becomes memorable for all the right reasons.
At Bridal Traditions, that’s the goal every single time — to make finding your gown feel effortless, joyful, and completely your own. Whether you walk out with the first dress you try or the tenth, you’ll know it when you see it. Sometimes love finds you in the most unexpected ways — like on your front porch. Amanda first met Chad when she went out to apologize to her mail carrier for all the packages she’d ordered. Chad was kind and gracious, and over the next couple of years they became friendly faces in each other’s day. When they ran into each other again at a local restaurant, everything clicked. Their friendship grew quickly, filled with kayaking trips, hikes, shared meals, and endless laughter — the kind that comes easily when you’ve found your person. Their summer wedding at The Barn at Honeysuckle Hill in Asheville was every bit as lighthearted and full of warmth as their love story. The barn glowed with sunlight streaming through the slats, creating a soft, golden backdrop for the buttery beiges and creams that our couple chose for the day. Amanda and Chad said their vows surrounded by family, friends, and that unmistakable mountain air that makes Asheville weddings so unforgettable. When Amanda saw Chad at the opposite end of the aisle, she said it was everything she had imagined — a moment suspended in pure joy. The Bridal Traditions GownAmanda’s gown from Bridal Traditions was a romantic masterpiece: delicate spaghetti straps, a lace-covered bodice, and a crepe satin skirt that floated as she walked. The buttons down the back led to a stunning train adorned with floral details — a vision of effortless elegance and movement. We think that all of our BT Brides are stunners and choose wisely, but Amanda's gown suited her, suited the day and the love story with Chad. Congrats to this lovely couple!
On a beautiful June day at Whispering Ridge Farms, Alexa Church became Alexa Van Pelt as she married her best friend, Jordan. Their love story began in 2016 when they met at the apple festival through mutual friends, and from that moment, they’ve been inseparable. Alexa describes their journey simply: “We are truly blessed and have the greatest love story.” For Alexa, one of the most unforgettable parts of the day was the moment she and Jordan saw each other for the first time. That instant captured everything they had been building toward since the fall festival where it all began, and it set the tone for a joyful celebration surrounded by family and friends. The Bridal Traditions GownOf course, her gown was every bit as memorable. Alexa came into Bridal Traditions envisioning something simple and sleek but walked away with a ballgown that made her feel like a true bride. The dress featured a gorgeous low back and a sweeping train—details that made her glow with confidence and elegance. It was the perfect choice. Bridal Traditions also had the pleasure of suiting up the guys for the day and everyone looked amazing in their classic black and white attire. A huge thank you to Katie Shew of Shew Ridge Photography for capturing every beautiful moment of Alexa and Jordan’s day. We couldn’t be happier for these two as they start their new life together!
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November 2025
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