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Bridal Traditions' Owner Kelly Shumate recently received the sweetest note, along with these images, regarding her recent wedding in Seattle, Washington. We love hearing from all of our brides about their day, what they loved about their gown on the day, and their experience at BT. tHE wEDDING dAYHi Kelly! I hope you are doing well. I just got married in Seattle, WA last weekend and wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU for helping me find the most beautiful dress for my wedding day!!! My grandparents live in Hays, NC and we would drive by Bridal Traditions every time we went to visit them. I grew up seeing your store and always wondering what my wedding day would be like. You helped me feel like an absolute princess and I could not be more grateful and happy. My cousin-in-law Alexa was there and she got her wedding dress from you too!!). Thank you again!!! Cheers, Emily tHE dRESSEmily's gown had the perfect amount of lace for a traditional vibe, a fitted waist that led to a gorgeous skirt and built-in train, an epic lace detail on the back and beautiful straps and bodice. With her bouquet, jewelry, and lovely smile, she was a knockout bride. cONGRATULATIONSWe could not be happier for this beautiful bride and her new husband!
If you're ready to buy your dress, book a visit using the button below. If you purchased your gown at Bridal Traditions, we would LOVE to share your story and images in our blog. Send us a quick message by clicking the Share Your Story button below and we'll be in touch.
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Isn't she lovely? Yes. The glow says it all! This bride, and ALL of the brides who found their gowns during our 2023 NBSE, were such a pleasure to work with as we helped them find the dress they wanted, while saving money. If you are not familiar with the NBSE - or our annual National Bridal Summer Event - then please ask us. It's always a time to find beautiful attire at a savings. Our National Bridal Summer Event in July of this year was once again, a wonderful success and we wanted to share some of the gorgeous ladies that found their gowns! Disclaimer: The gowns pictured are NOT the actual gowns they chose; we would never kiss and tell like that. ;) Our ladies were greeted with signs for their appointments, and several brought friends and family to support and council. We loved being able to explore options with our brides based on their preferences, budget, theme, season or just whims. Below are just some of the gowns and girls from this year. Our NBSE's are dynamic and watching bride after bride figure out exactly what she wants is what we love and live to do well. Another year is in the books! Phew!
Even if you missed our sale this year we still have amazing pricing, service, and in store experiences all year long, so book today and we can help you find your yes dress! OUR PROM DRESSING ROOM MAKE-OVERWhen neon is involved: it's serious. Bridal Traditions has re-designed the dressing suites we use for clients going to proms, our moms looking for wedding attire, and our bridesmaids, and we had a couple of goals: 1) update and restyle the space, and 2) empower our clients to be bold. And who doesn't love a make-over?? Before Images of Our Dressing SuitesBefore we could begin, we had to reimagine the space and then create some chaos while moving around this part of our boutique. We wanted a sense of more space, more light and more room to walk and see yourself shine. Trying on a new look can feel crackling with fun or intimidating and we are going for the former: have fun, feel supported, look amazing! The Transformation ProcessWe created a wall of greenery, added lighting to the mirrors, and made a space for prom goers, mothers of brides, and bridemaids to see themselves and get excited about the event. The room feels much bigger and we're excited to have clients come see it. After Images of our Dressing suitesOwner Kelly Shumate: "I'm really happy with the results! It was time to freshen up this space and we've added touches that our customers are going to appreciate." Finally, ladies: wait until you see what we found in Atlanta at this year's prom gown buying conference. Buckle up! In the meantime, we're excited about this renewed space, so come see us!
We want to shine some light on our fellows at WCWV, so we're sharing each on the BT blog. Today, our Wilkes County Wedding Vendors deal in greenery and flowers, and sugar and butter, and all of them have creative heft. FloralsApril Flowers and Holy Cow Farms specializes in wedding flowers and florals for events and their work is gorgeous. It's lush, abundant, and elegant. Our other floral vendor is The Pearl and The Petal. They are incredibly talented with custom bouquets and arrangements, as well as ideas for any event or spaces. CakesIn the WCWV cohort, we have a singular baker: Dom Bakeries. They can deliver based on your theme and in budget. If you want to know more about the Wilkes County Wedding Vendors, and how to become a member, we hope you will!
If you are thinking about your honeymoon, considering your options, and making plans, this is Part 2. If you want a bit more and missed our last blog: check out Part 1. 'Sans-Social-Media' HoneymoonsAmericans spend an average of 2.5 hours on social media each day, day after day. We love it, we hate it, we connect with our friends and occasionally our better selves, we find it annoying one minute and exhilarating the next. We also know that know we need a break from it. Newlyweds are deciding to take a break engaging in social media while on their honeymoons. Why post when you're focused on each other and connecting? Couples either remove the app from their phones or they show some self-discipline and simply don't log in. Others choose to post a few images at the end of each day. "Mega-moons," Splurge Moon, & YOLOIt's actually true... you only live once. To that end, if you can spend money, spend with no regrets and plan well. Get the great hotel in the cool part of town or near the sites, book the exclusive reservation at that restaurant, stay an extra week, book first class seats on the plane, do the safari in Kenya instead of something an hour away by car. In other words: shoot for the moon. Create the honeymoon experience that you will talk about for a lifetime. Gourmet HoneymoonsWe are a nation of foodies. You cannot have the diversity of immigrants with recipes in the US, and around 20 million dollars in cookbook sales each year, and deny it. We love to cook and explore and we love to eat. Gourmet honeymoon options are as numerous as they are diverse. Go to Fairbanks, Alaska for the natural beauty and for restaurants serving uniquely-prepared fresh fish dishes. Louisville, Kentucky is perfect for foodies who love a Kentucky Hot Brown with some bourbon on the side. Napa Valley is, well ... Napa Valley. Superb vineyards mean that restaurants have sprung up around them serving organically grown California fruits, vegetables, proteins and flavors. New York City has plenty of distractions, but it is also a mecca for the gourmet. Go to Italy and learn how to make pizza or pasta, understand when figs are ripe, and which olive oil you should use for cooking and which for finishing. Food is where it's at. Celebrate your marriage and walk off the pounds site seeing.
Whatever you choose, set a budget, talk through it, get excited and do what suits you both best! Back in the day, newlyweds went to Niagara Falls for their perfect honeymoon. It managed to be romantic, with lots of natural beauty, had some small town attractions, and yet provided privacy. And it's still a great option for love birds. Or couples said "I Do" and retreated to a cabin, sunned on a beach, or toured some part of Europe to have a mini-adventure. These are the classic honeymoon plans. Things change and they stay very much the same. We are still all in love with romance, with art, with waterfalls, with privacy, and escape in general. Romance while making memories is still key, so if you're planning your wedding and considering your options, consider these trends for 2023 and 2024. Find Your DestinationDestination possibilities are endless if you want to travel abroad. Depending on your goals you can see and/or do NOTHING to your hearts' content. Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard, New Orleans or Miami beach, Aruba, Saint Lucia, the Bahamas, Costa Rica and parts of Central Coast California - are all places where couples are flocking for sun and surf. Interested in something more gothic and romantic: Try Scotland, the Isle of Skye, London, Dublin or the Lake District in England. There is enough natural beauty, history and great culture to absorb, while still feeling like you're the only two people in the world. Responsible HoneymooningFor honeymooners who deeply care about where- and how- they travel, this trend will resonate strike a chord. If your environmental footprint matters, you may want to consider how and where you travel, what kind of impact you make and what resources you use. Traveling responsibly may look like protecting wildlife, preserving culture and heritage, and respecting locals while you're "getting away." Or it may mean camping, driving instead of flying, choosing an AirBnB where resources aren't "one use," etc. Mini-MoonsMiniMoons is another new trend, and it makes sense for new couples. Take a small trip now, and then bigger trip down the road. After the I Dos, run away for a long weekend. Then plan a series of getaways as a couple to destinations (waterfalls, concerts, rollercoasters, national parks, iconic spots) in thoughtful order - when you can - to make the honeymoon last. "New Moons"This is a wonderful option for those who may have missed their post-wedding vacay during the pandemic or for any other reason. Maybe now you are parents. It's happened, ladies!!! And many of these same couples have missed their friends. This new type of getaway has emerged and it includes a traveling party with kids, friends, family and a devil-may-care attitude. Visit the PastAccording to The Knot, "Standing before archaeological wonders and marveling at the preservation of ancient history are trending bucket list items among 2023 honeymooners. Eager history buffs have singled out honeymoons with a focus on Cleopatra's Egypt or the trade-heavy pathways of the Silk Road. This includes seeking out trips that focus on the birthplace of civilization or other historical events that have changed the ways of mankind. From hiring local experts with a deep knowledge of local history to cultural landmarks that paint a deeper tale, the return to antiquities will be seen throughout 2023." Volunteer HoneymoonsVolunteer honeymoons allow the newlyweds to travel the world while giving back to those in need. Such unique honeymoon trends aim at making a difference while creating lifelong memories along the way. Recommended volunteer honeymoon ideas: Organic farming, build shelter for the homeless, help endangered animals, and preserve hiking trails.
Bridal Traditions is proud to be part of the Wilkes County Wedding Vendors non-profit organization, and if you don't know about us, please take a minute to check out the site, the events and offerings - like the Content Day coming up in August - and new blog. This talented group is growing together and supporting each other, and with that in mind, our BT team thought we might use our own blog to showcase and elevate our fellow wedding vendors in Wilkes County. We're making this a series, you guys, so look for more in the weeks and months ahead. Stationery & SignageWCWV currently has two members in the stationery and signage category and they are both fabulous. Morgan Harris Design is a full service art and graphic design business specializing in wedding stationery design. Morgan's work is sublime. It's artistic, it's specialized, and it's memorable. She can create semi-custom or custom designed wedding invitations, and she will even create a wedding crest for you and your intended. These are frameable and gorgeous. Morgan's work has been featured in Southern Bride, High Country Wedding Guide, and Heart of NC Weddings. We encourage you to take a stroll through her portfolio. When it comes to signage - of all types - Precision Printing has what you want. They do it all. Not only do they have graphic design services, but they handle printing signs, creating rubber stamps, cards, programs and much more. Precision Printing is environmentally conscious, has a strong customer service focus and they go the extra mile. These wonderful people have been in business for 40 years and can even handle the mailing. Check out their work, because there are too many options these talented people can create to mention in a single blog. Hair StylistsCurrently, the WCWV team has a single stylist in our ranks, and she's wonderful. Meet Kaylee Davis. Kaylee is a stylist at Healing Waters Salon Therapy, and her goal is to make sure that each and every bride sees her reflection, loves her hair, and has the best day possible. Consider Kaylee your absolute teammate. She is in tune with her brides and committed to perfection. See more of her work at @styledby.kaylee. Interested in WCWV?If you want to learn more, visit the site and find out how to join.
If you haven't been to Bridal Traditions in a while, we have some new opportunities for brides-to-be. We call these our Bridal Experiences and there are several categories, depending on your wishes and needs. We have a little something for everyone, no matter which stage of the process, your style or your timeline. Check out the details below and then make an appointment. We live to help brides find the right gown and have the best experience doing so. **NEW** BRIDAL SUITEThis luxurious fitting room boasts seating for up to 7 of your nearest and dearest, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of our other fitting rooms. Your guests will love the more comfortable seating, and we also provide complimentary sparkling juice and snacks to ensure your visit is as enjoyable as possible. And, who doesn't love more time to shop for the perfect bridal gown? When you book the Bridal Suite, you get an extra 30 minutes to say "yes" to the dress of your dreams! If you're planning an even bigger bash, check out our exclusive after-hours appointment, perfect for up to 10 guests! Seating Breakdown: (how we come up with seating for 7 in the bridal suite)
Classic ExperienceOur “Classic Experience” is completely free of charge and while we know that not every bride will discover her perfect dress at our store, it is reserved for those who are genuinely interested in finding the one. Therefore, we ask that you come prepared to find your dream dress. If your wedding is still far away or you're just exploring options, we're excited to help you too! Check out our "Find My Style" experience to get started. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth bridal fitting adventure with us:
Find my StyleYou've got a shiny ring on your finger, your wedding is ages away, and you're itching to try on some dresses. But hold on, you're not ready to commit to a dress and want to explore all your options, even online (which we don't recommend!). Don't fret, we've got a special treat! For a tiny $49 fee, we'll give you the full dress-up treatment, and to sweeten the deal, we'll credit the full fee back if you snag your dream dress with us within a year. Plus, we'll give you your measurements so you can keep them handy. Can't beat that!
Private Bridal AppointmentEnjoy a VIP Experience While Shopping for Your Wedding Dress! This exclusive appointment is designed solely for the bride and her squad, with room for up to 10 guests. It's time to get the party started and find your dream dress! Get ready to celebrate in style with this ultimate party package:
Seating Breakdown: (how we come up with seating for 10 in the bridal suite)
Deluxe Private Experience + Celebration PackageEnhance your dress shopping experience by adding our exclusive celebration package to your after-hours appointment. This unique offer not only includes all the elements of our standard after-hours package but will also spoil you with:
Please note:
Questions? We're here. Give us a call or book your appointment online. This adventure should be fun, and we get that. See you soon! Ready For your own experience?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. FrancineThe 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. EnolaIt'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. AftonThe 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! BriarThe 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. GretaVery 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. LolaThe 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. UrsalaUrsala 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. MOdern Garters at WeddingsAt 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.
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