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! 

How To Turn Your Out Of Town Appointment Into A Trip

Welcome back to our “Out Of Town Series”. In this week’s blog post, we are going to focus on how you can make the most of your trip when traveling to your fitting at Brides Of Florida. Many of our brides are not local and are coming from many different places. Some even internationally. It can be a daunting idea to go to a new place to find your dress but the Miami sun should not be that daunting. It’s intended to brighten your day. Quite literally. Coming down to Miami is always a treat. I mean it’s practically summer all year round. And so there are perks to going out of town for your bridal dress shopping. This blog post is gonna go in-depth on how to make the most of this visit to sunny side Brides Of Florida. If you have an upcoming appointment with us, keep on reading to see how you can make the most of it.

Where To Stay

After booking your flight, a nice stay is next. Miami, Florida offers a wide range and selection of hotels. There’s a place for whatever budget you have. Regardless of where you pick, the sun will definitely be on your side. As Miami locals, we have hand-picked some options that cater to all kinds of budgets. Our first budget-friendly pick is the Best Western Plus Kendall Hotel & Suites. This hotel is actually located in front of our Bridal boutique. This is convenient for our budget brides and those looking to make a quick trip to Miami because it is within walking distance and located in the same shopping center. Probably the easiest stay, this hotel will make it very easy for you if you want to avoid any stress too. Since Miami was blessed with such wonderful traffic, choosing a hotel this close can help avoid any kind of traffic that Miami decides to have. Second, we have the Miami Marriott Dadeland. This stay is going to be a little more upscale but well worth it. If you have room to stretch your budget but not break it, this one is for you. Located right near the mall too, this hotel is on some level of mid-luxury but not too crazy. The distance is nice too as it’s only a 16-minute drive. Lastly, we have the finest stay. Miami has many options for nice stays but this one was our favorite. The Ritz Carlton in the Grove ranks third and finest here. As our 5 star option, this hotel is going to give any bride the most luxurious Miami stay. This hotel is also a good choice if you are looking to make a vacation out of this experience.

Where To Eat & Shop

Next, we have some of our best attractions. Miami locals hang, shop, and eat at these places.

For our shopping locations, we have Dadeland Mall, Lincoln Road, and Bal Harbour. These locations have all the stores you’re going to want to shop in. If you don’t have your wedding shoes, you’ll find them at any of our malls. Not to mention, anything else you need for your bach weekend or honeymoon. For a closer local mall, you’ll want to hit up Dadeland. It is relatively close to our Bridal shop and has all the spots. For more luxury, designer shopping you’ll have to travel a bit into the city. Bal Harbour and Lincoln Road are your best bets. Not only will you shop till you drop but you’ll experience some Miami culture. As for eating, the opportunities are endless! Many dining spots are nearby shopping locations that way you kill two birds with one stone. Some location options are Cocowalk, The Grove, South Beach, Brickell, etc. The list can go on but these places definitely have everything you’re looking for. The bars, restaurants, shops -you name it. Miami has it!

Where To Hang 

Now Miami is full of fun hangs but we decided to narrow it down to only a couple of options to not overwhelm you. Our first and obvious pick is the beach. Miami is full of beach options. You didn’t come all the way down here to leave without a tan. Some spots include South Beach, Miami Beach, and South Pointe Park. We get it though. Not everyone is a fan of sand. For our pickier travelers, we’ve chosen museums and gardens that are picture-perfect. You’re bound to get at least 1,000 cool pictures. For this one, we’ve chosen Vizcaya Gardens, Perez Art Museum, and the Wynwood Walls. These places are very popular spots to visit when coming to Miami. And if you’re a foodie, all the places are surrounded by food spots. We can ensure you will not go hungry. 

Miami Must Stops

This last section is a special add-on. Miami is full of life and culture. Visiting here means completely immersing yourself in the Latin culture too. Otherwise, you’re not doing it right. You need a cortadito and a croqueta to begin so to Vicky’s, Sergios, or Versailles to get your fix. After that is the experience and culture of Little Havana. And the great part is that as of 2010, there has been the Little Havana Food & Cultural Tour. Lastly, you’re gonna want to stop by the Miami Design District. This neighborhood is full of art galleries, luxury shopping, and modern architecture. 

That concludes this week’s blog post. We hope you feel more informed and confident about your appointment with Brides Of Florida. As a bride, your engagement season is important. You won’t ever get it again (unless you plan on pulling an Elizabeth Taylor). Life can get stressful. Combining families can get stressful. There are many reasons to be stressed out in this season but you’re the only one who can make the most of it. It all begins with the reframing of the mind. Challenge yourself positively. Choose to have fun every step of the way. In that case, make your bridal appointment to Miami a trip worth remembering. Take our tips, advice, and recommendations. Have a blast. And until next time, happy bridaling! 

Tips For Out Of Town Bridal Appointments

This blog post has been a long time coming and we knew this one was going to take some extra attention. Brides Of Florida doesn’t just sell to Florida brides. We cater to every bride from everywhere! Nationwide, international -you name it! Most of our brides find us through social media and/or any online searching. The reason we have decided to create a blog post dedicated to out-of-towners is because of the many details that need to be taken into consideration. Finding the perfect dress for your bridal look is no joke. As a bride-to-be, you do what you gotta do! No need to limit yourself. It is actually very common to travel for wedding dress shopping simply because big cities carry the big names. And that’s why Miami, Florida is on the list. Sunnyside Miami is a city driven by culture, art, sandy beaches, Cuban cafecito, and Latin American influences. There are plenty of more reasons to come to Miami but for today, let’s focus on the dress. Below we have curated top tips and advice for our beloved out-of-town brides. If this is you, you’re going to want to keep reading! 

Why Shop Out Of Town

Shopping for your wedding dress out of town is a very common thing to do and choosing to shop out of town for your wedding dress has many perks to it. Not only do you get a mini-vacay, but traveling for your bridal look allows you to look at top designers in a metropolitan area. If you come from a small town or any state with not so much traffic, chances are you don’t have many options for wedding dress shopping. In these cases, out-of-town shopping is actually quite necessary. The big names are in the big cities so you have to take the travel plunge. And if you’re an online shopper like most of us these days, you’re gonna have to pop your bubble, meke the long drive, or get on a plane.

How To Prepare 

So it’s decided. You’re coming to the Sunshine State to embark on this wedding dress journey with Brides Of Florida. You’ve made the right choice in choosing us. And yes, we are being biased. As per usual, we have tips for you. How to prepare for this out-of-town venture is crucial. It all depends on your schedule and/or wedding budget. Tickets to Miami can at times be very inexpensive especially if you’re coming from another metropolitan city. Tickets can be about $80 or so depending on the time of year you fly. There are many options for travel though. Some brides do a 24-hour day trip while some extend a little more by 3 days. As mentioned above, it’s important that you have some ideas of what you are looking for. Traveling all the way to Miami takes time and money so it’s important that you have some ideas to get your process started. Now, if you have chosen to extend your trip, then you might as well make the most of it. By that, we mean “local attractions”. Book at a nice hotel, go shopping, hit the beaches, etc. We will have a whole other blog post for these kinds of details but it is definitely something to think about!

What To Expect

This section is probably one of the most important so pay extra attention. There are details that you’re not aware of as a bride who is traveling for her dress fitting and that’s okay. You’re not supposed to know all of this naturally. That is why we are here to inform you. Details as such are found out at your appointment. Decisions will have to be made and thought on that might take you a bit to decide. For instance, once you’ve found your dress, it is time to decide on the alteration/pickup timing. Very rarely can a bride just pick the dress and drive off with it. All of our dresses are samples that have been tried on by other brides. Once you choose your dress, we go ahead and order from the direct designer. This process takes about 6-8 months and will require some visits for alterations/pickup. As an out-of-town bride, you have a couple of options. In rare cases, a bride can purchase the floor sample that day and have alterations taken care of with her own seamstress. Again, a very rare case but possible. A more common alternative is to have a same-day alteration with one of our seamstresses. This will require you to come back to Miami once the dress is shipped to us by the designers. This option is a good one because we ensure that everything is taken care of for you. All you have to do is take another trip to Miami, which for some brides can be a nice getaway before the wedding. The last option for brides is having the dress shipped straight to you with no alterations. This is another popular option especially if you’re on a budget. All the bride would have to do is find a seamstress out of the bridal shop for her alterations. This option is cost-effective and still guarantees that you have a brand new dream dress. These packages are all presented at your appointment but sometimes it’s nice to have a heads up to allow some time for processing. 

We hope this blog post on Out-Of Town bridal appointments answered your questions and perhaps concerns. We know how stressful it can be to plan your wedding and also feel your best self as a bride. That is exactly why we create our blog posts! We strive to have you not only looking your best but also feeling your best because it is your day! That is all for now. Stay tuned for more blog posts on our Out-Of-Town experiences. 

Until next time, happy bridaling! 

Top 7 Must Watch Wedding Movies

Wedding movies are the ultimate way to indulge on a girls’ night, solo night, or pretty much any night in. There are too many wedding movies to count. But below we have curated a list of must-watch masterpieces. They have the perfect recipe of drama, love, and/or a handsome male lead that will charm their way into your heart. Whether you’re currently a bride, a future bride, or nowhere close to being a bride -this list is for you. Thank us later. All of the following films will teach you what to do, what NOT to do, and most importantly give you a reason to laugh and cry no matter what season you’re in. Grab your gals, some popcorn, and enjoy!

1. Bridesmaids 

I coin this one as the “funny wedding movie”. If you want to cry from the specific place of “I’m laughing my pants off”, this one’s for you. Annie is a single woman whose life is a mess but when her long life bestie gets engaged she makes it her mission to be the best maid of honor no matter what. The rival bridesmaid Lillian does not make it easy though. Take a random group of girls whose only thing in common is a friendship with the bride, and you get one of the top 10 wedding movies out there. Not to mention the iconic never-ending maid of honor speech. Every bridal party has the responsibility of prepping for a wedding with this movie. Maybe you’ve experienced this kind of bridal group or are trying to avoid it. Regardless, anything with Kristin Wiig and Melissa McCarthy is an automatic work of art. Add this film to your list. 

2. The Wedding Planner

Let me begin with the most obvious statement of all time -anything with Matthew McConaughey is worth the watch. Any other male lead would not have made this movie eligible for this list. They just wouldn’t. And let’s not forget Jennifer Lopez’s stunning appearance. The chemistry between these two will have you wonder why she ever married Marc Anthony. The Wedding Planner will rank here as the good feel rom-com. It gives you what you asked for, with some drama, love, and predictability. A highlight of the 2000s,  this rom-com exposes the reality of women conflicted between success and the desires of her heart. And when this desire is about to marry someone else, you know you gotta tune in. And yes, McConaughey kinda starts off as a misleading douche but he totally redeems himself in the end which is why we continue watching this movie annually. Grab your popcorn because this is a feel-good.  

3. Bride Wars

Imagine you and your best friend get engaged at the same time. Sounds like a dream come true, right? Except not really. Bride Wars follows the wedding planning season of besties Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway. Sharing everything is fun until you both want the Plaza but the reservation is for a party of one bride only. And you’d never dream of sabotaging your bestie but suddenly watching this movie could give you a couple of petty reasons to do so. Word of advice after watching Bride Wars, don’t get married in June. This second 2000s flick definitely makes the cut. Watch this during your wedding planning season as a what NOT to do. 

4. My Best Friends Wedding

Julia “freakin” Roberts. That is where this movie starts and ends. Any Julia Roberts film is already great. But this particular one is a hard pill to swallow. You’ll probably begin to like it the 3rd time you watch it. It is a 90s top-tier film for any genre. But if you’re looking for a feel-good wedding rom-com, leave the chat now. And let’s not forget Dermot Mulroney as the best friend. Julia is in love with him and so are we. This movie stands out in this trilogy of top wedding movies because it’s not like any other. The one where you find yourself in love with your best friend who’s about to marry someone else. So naturally, you take it upon yourself to break the engagement in 3 days’ time. Totally doable right? The coming of age film for your late twenties that you didn’t ask for. Sad but realistic right? 

5. Mamma Mia

Before you say “That’s not a wedding movie!”, yes it is. What’s better than an ABBA-filled, musical wedding movie. Nothing. Literally, nothing. This plot will romance you as you travel to Greece and take a look into the lives of Donna & Sophia. A thick plot but completely heartwarming and necessary for this list. I mean how would you feel encountering 3 exes in one week? But then again, no one handles 3 men better than Meryl Streep. More importantly, how would you feel finally meeting your father on your wedding week?1 The appropriate response is to break out into song obviously. And then maybe a duet later. Weddings come with so much emotional stress and Mamma Mia shows us that so well. 

6. Four Weddings & a Funeral 

This list would not be proper without a British rom-com. And of course, the moment you read “British” Hugh Grant came to mind. It’s okay, we all have a Pinterest board dedicated to him right? The second 90s debut on this list but the addition of Hugh Grant makes it all the more worthwhile. In lieu of adding another ‘happy go lucky’ film following the instinctual ‘not so happy ending’ trend was necessary with the addition of Four Weddings & a Funeral. Two words that should never be in the same sentence (wedding and funeral) somehow make a very intriguing plot. Hugh Grants and his group of friends pride themselves on being single while secretly trying to find the one. The rest of this film follows this friend group at four different weddings all to end with a tragic funeral. Amidst all that fluff is the longing, vulnerable, and scared Hugh Grant as he falls in love with American princess Andie McDowell. 

7. Runaway Bride

How many times can a bride possibly have cold feet? Julia Roberts can answer that. Around 4 ish times. Richard Gere + Julia Roberts = another hit rom-com. After Pretty Woman, it was obvious these two had to be love interests again. Romantic comedies come in all shapes and sizes though. Runaway Bride is one of those ‘battles of the sexes’ with a strong female lead that keeps you on your toes. Julia Roberts is afraid of commitment and Richard Gere is a journalist who’s ready to write this story until he becomes a part of it. Cold feet and then some -this plot is riveting and emotional. Let’s call it another coming of age in your twenties with Roberts because no one is more relatable than her. 

There you have it. Our Top 7 Wedding movies, that are must-sees. Hopefully, you’ve seen them all. And if you haven’t, it’s time to do some homework. Take your pick of these selections and try not to fall in love with someone else, compete with your BFF or get cold feet. 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!