Where To Shop For All Your Bridal Events

Let’s set the scene for you. You just got engaged and found your dream wedding dress. The venue, flowers, and decor are covered. But then you realize that besides the actual wedding day, you have NOTHING to wear. There are many events surrounding the wedding that are not the actual day that a bride needs outfits for. It’s okay if you just realized this. Many brides don’t realize until they look into their barren closet. But don’t worry, we’ve thought about it and have got you covered. There are a couple of events surrounding a wedding where a bride will need something to wear. Let us name a few: engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette weekend, and the rehearsal dinner. These are the main events most wedding seasons carry. Some brides will combine some events or skip others but overall there are 4 events. These four events are all leading up to THE day. Just because it is not the actual day does not mean that you don’t have to care about how you look. That is why we are here to help you figure what to wear and where to shop for all these bridal-related events. If you’ve just encountered this scenario, keep on reading to see how you can solve it.

What To Wear

Now, we want to keep this very simple for you because there is no need to get overwhelmed. With that being said, we want to present different outfit options. There’s this myth that because you’re a bride you have to wear dresses and they all have to be white. That is not necessarily true. As a bride, white is your color and you’re free to wear it but there is room for more. So let us first debunk that idea. Secondly, is the “dress” idea. Again, as a bride, you call the shots. Because you do, we want to present the option of a romper, pantsuit, and even top/skirt set. These options will keep it fun and different. The wedding day is meant for the main white event but the other events have some wiggle room. Choosing something other than a dress can be fun. Now, if you’re fully a dress girl then go for it. And while you’re at it, experiment with different styles. Midi, mini, maxi, off-the-shoulder, slip, square kneck -the opportunities are endless! 

Places To Shop

Before you ask, we’ve done the research for you. There are many shops out there (mainly online) that have all the options and ideas that you might be looking for as a bride with upcoming events. All these websites range from different prices. There is something for every budget. Our first pick is Revolve. Maybe you’ve heard of them and maybe you’ve shopped there before. Revolve is a one-stop online shop for all your party/event needs. On this site, you’ll have all the options you need. Especially if you’re not looking for a white dress. A dress rehearsal look will definitely be on Revolve. This online shop carries many favorite brands. It’s sort of like a Nordstrom for the cool-girl style. The next online shop option is Lulus. Everyone and their mother has heard of this shop. They are known for having great formal dresses for any event. If any of your bridal events are a little fancier in attire, Lulus will be your place. Their styles range from all kinds of colors and fits. Whether the look you’re looking for is midi, maxi, off the shoulder, etc. This shop is going to be more budget-friendly than the first with many options under $100. They also range in many inclusive size options from XXS-XXL. The next shop is probably the most fitting for this blog post. BHLDN carries all things bridal. From bridal to elopement to rehearsal dinner styles. They specialize in bridal wardrobes and we are here for it. Budget-wise, it is on the pricier side but we know that you’ll find something you love. The colors range from whites to light pinks. They even carry co-ord sets & jumpsuits. Another important detail to mention about BHLDN is that they carry bridesmaids and mother of the bride dresses. This online shop alone will make your life extremely easier! Our last shop to share with you is Lela Rose. This website hits the pricier side but has a variety of styles! Lela Rose is a designer from New York that is pretty well known for her artistic and luxury pieces. This final pick is our most luxurious but quite well worth it. Her pieces and fabric are structured in such an artistic and unique way. This site also carries bridal styles. You will definitely find something to love for any upcoming bridal event. 

There you have it! We hope we’ve helped clear your questions and concerns about where to shop for other bridal events. Decisions like this can be overwhelming during wedding planning season but that’s where this blog comes into play. We strive to answer all the tedious and worrisome questions that may come up. Like we mentioned earlier the wedding dress is not the only outfit you need to buy. And Forever 21 and Zara aren’t going to cut it for this special season. So check out these online shops and pick some of your faves. The opportunities are endless. Whether you want white or not. Or you’re looking for something less traditional for your season. Remember, there’s no right answer. As long as you feel your best! Until next time. Happy bridal-ing! 

5 Bridal Trends: Fall 2021

With the Holiday season upon us so is cuffing season. Whether it’s new relationships, new engagements, or wedding e-vites, love is in the air and it’s here to stay. The cycle comes around every year but somehow it overwhelms us all over again the moment we see that engagement announcement on Instagram followed by the 10 others we’ll see throughout the rest of the season. It’s a popular time to cuff, engage, and wed simply because of the celebratory spirit in the air. And what’s better than getting hitched or planning to during the most wonderful time of the year? New brides are rolling in quickly. You might know one or even be one! A wedding is an important occasion. Some would venture to say, the most important one in your life. And with special occasions come special outfits. The right outfit. And so amidst the venue, flowers, and photography “talk” comes the most important talk of all. The talk that no one prepares you for (except us). This conversation will probably put you into some minor (but totally worth it) debt because it’s your day. It is the question that you will ask yourself before anyone else does - what am I going to wear?! 

First and foremost, thank you for choosing Brides Of Florida to assist in this very fun and important endeavor. If a woman does anything right, it’s shopping. As a bride finding her wedding dress, you are essentially shopping for one show-stopping dress for the special ball. 

Below we have curated a list of 5 Bridal trends for Fall 2021. These trends have come before only to make a reappearance and all have the potential for any kind of modernization. Whether it’s a boho, vintage, modern, or sexy style you are looking for -it is all right here. And if you have no idea what you want, you will very soon. 

1. The Corset Bodice

The corset reemergence is back and better than ever. This one goes out to the traditional but sexy bride. Holding onto tradition is still on-trend. The corset bodice will allow the bride to do just that while still feeling timeless and sexy. This style accentuates all the right parts on just about every type of body. Enzoani can show us why corset gowns are back. 

2. The Bell & Balloon “Puff” Sleeves

When it comes to a dramatic sleeve, as a bride, you have two ways to go. The Bell sleeve and Balloon “Puff” sleeve. The Medieval era introduced us to the bell sleeve and then made her appearance within the 70s. This one is especially going out to the Boho bride who aspires to be free and ethereal. As for the “Puff” sleeve, this one goes out to the bride with an 80s kick. While your mother’s wedding dress is not on-trend, the sleeves are. This sleeve design is very Bridgerton inspired as it creates a sense of modern regency without the chaotic Madonna fluff. 

3. The Sexy Cut-Out 

A top trend within Bridal Fashion Week was the sexy cutout. For the bride who dares to be bold, this trend is a lovely one. Whether the dress is modern, contemporary, or boho, the twist of a cut-out can turn any dress into a masterpiece. This specific silhouette is very sexy and understated without giving too much away. As a bride, you still want to be classy but don’t underestimate how much fun you can have with your dress. The possibilities are endless!

4. The High Neck & Halter Necklines

No one can forget Meghan Markle’s Stella McCartney debut in 2018. Modest but not prudish this dress gave future brides some new inspiration for their Pinterest boards. This halter neckline allows for extra coverage with some flare. Not only is this take on bridal sexy but it is also very lengthening to the silhouette. An alternative to this neckline would come with the addition of a sleeve. This gives the bride a Victorian but not at all boring feel. Some would call it a modernized vintage gown. So whether you’re feeling like Markle or very into the Victorian aesthetic, a high neck could be your best friend. 

5. The Colorful Hues 

While wearing white has been the wedding dress shade of choice for centuries, it wasn’t always the case. The earliest wedding dress dating from the 17th century was actually blue. The point was to wear your best dress no matter the hue. It wasn’t until Queen Victoria’s taste that wedding dresses became coined as ‘only white’. She wore an ivory silk gown and so the shade has been heavily popularized ever since. But what goes around comes around. And so, colorful hues are back. Designers have experimented with different hued styles and we’re not mad about it. These undertones range from shades of pink, peach, yellow, beige, etc. This approach is subtle and whimsical. Bridal style is breaking tradition completely with this trend. We’ll see how long it lasts but for right now brides of 2021 are having fun. 

Finding your wedding dress is not simple. So we do not expect this blog post alone to answer all your bridal questions but we hope it flows your inspiration for your big day. In the end, you can wear what you want. Modern, vintage, boho, or a little sexier -it is whatever makes you feel like you! Do not hesitate to question or even keep looking. But more importantly, do not be afraid to choose what makes you feel beautiful.

So check out our dresses on all of our platforms, book your appointment and come say “Yes to the dress!” with Brides of Florida! We are located in Miami, Florida (more specifically Kendall), and can’t wait to hear from you soon.

Until next time! Happy bridal-ing! 

The Truth About Shoes

 When picking out the shoes you’re going to wear on your wedding day, brides can have an unexpectedly hard time.

Many times, girls forget that pretty is not the only goal for your shoes. Here are some Brides of Florida tips to finding the perfect shoes to make sure your feet are as happy as you are on the big day!

In It For The Long Haul

Photo courtesy of @miguelocquephotography

     The shoes you wear on your wedding day will be on your feet for at least 10 hours, the first thing they need to be is comfortable! It takes at least 30 minutes of wearing shoes to know if they’re going to work all day, so once you buy a pair, wear them for at least half an hour at home, preferably on carpet. Give yourself plenty of time because if a pair of shoes doesn’t work, you’ll have plenty of time to return them.

The Trouble with Twos

         Having two pairs of shoes is a very common idea nowadays, brides love to do something elegant (and less comfy) for the ceremony, opting for a more comfortable (and less elegant) pair for the reception. BUT, many brides don’t take into account the issue of heel size. If the heel size of your 2nd pair is longer or shorter than that of your first pair, the gown could be too long and you won’t be able to move around safely. Nobody wants a fallen bride! Here at Brides of Florida we always make sure that the bride has measured the inside of the heel to know exactly what heel length she needs. Even still, finding an option that works for both the ceremony and reception may be the right call.

Nobody wants a fallen bride!

      The Honest Truth

          Unless you’re doing something very nontraditional, you’re going to be wearing a long gown. Therefore, the view of your shoes is going to be extremely limited. I’ve seen brides put as much time and effort into choosing their shoes as they put into picking their gown, big mistake! Of course you want your shoes to look good, but here’s the truth: nobody is going to see your shoes if your gown is long. Should they match your dress and jewelry? Of course! Should they be trendy, elegant and represent your style? Definitely! But the reality is that they will be hidden by your dress 90% of the wedding. So opt for comfort over style every time when it comes to choosing your shoes.

     My Recommendations 

Here are some of my top 3 shoe options that our #bofbrides have recommended as both comfortable and beautiful:  

• Betsy Johnson’s shoes have been raved about by our brides for their style and comfort for years, and their soles are blue (something blue!) Definitely check them out.

https://www.dillards.com/brand/Betsey+Johnson/shoes-women-shoes-bridal

• Badgley Mishka has gorgeous styles, but watch for the fit because some of their shoes are on the uncomfortable side.

https://www.badgleymischka.com/wedding-shop/ceremony/bridal-shoes/  

• Designer shoes! If there’s any day to splurge on some red bottoms it’d be your wedding day. However, keep in mind that most of these high-end options aren’t designed for comfort. So, if you go the designer route, make sure you give them plenty of time to be broken in. Whether you wear them a handful of times yourself, or get something that does it for you.

https://m.saks.com/eSearch.jsp?N=306624275&Ne=399545537

   Designer shoe photos courtesy of @simplycaptivating

Even though this list of advice may seem rigid, keep in mind, there’s no going wrong! Through the years I’ve seen girls in every kind of shoe and color and I can say that the brides who prioritize comfort are always the happiest!

The truth is, any shoe can be a wedding shoe if it’s comfortable and you love it.

I hope you found this informative, and if you did, please like, share and comment your thoughts below!