We love seeing our bridal selections show up at the boutique, and our team springs into action to get them steamed and accessorized and ready to showcase. We have several new additions that we'll be rolling out in blogs over the coming weeks, so stay tuned. 
Today: two absolute stunners. The Wren gown and the Camille. 

This gown is a column with gorgeous lace that starts on the bodice and around the waistline, and is picked up in the sheer lace overlay that creates a lace train. The result is breathtaking, ethereal and delicate. It's a classic in the making that nods to traditional lace gowns, but with modern spaghetti straps.

In a study of contrasts, next is the Camille gown, which has no lace, but is the picture of elegance and a new favorite of our team at BT. We've already had a bride drive from Ohio to our boutique to purchase this gown off the rack. It's pretty spectacular.

What do we love about this gown? The damask brocade fabric, the deep V in the front and back, the pleats around the nipped in waist, the lovely line of buttons, and yes - the pockets!

Adding the right veils, shoes and jewelry complete the look with all of our gowns, and both the Wren and Camille barely need more than a little accessorizing and you're ready to say, "I Do."

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.

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.

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.

If 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! .

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!

Croquembouche. Instead of a traditional wedding cake, French weddings often feature a croquembouche, a tower of cream-filled profiteroles bound with caramel.

Stefana. 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.

La 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.

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.

Oczepiny. 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..

Polterabend. 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!" 

This 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 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.

Congratulations to Sabrina and Stephen as they start their new life together! We love that we were part of their big day!

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. 

So 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.
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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.

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. 

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.
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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.

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.
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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. ​

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.

Bridal 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.​

No 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.

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!

Coordinating 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!

At 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.

We 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!