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! 

Bachelorette Weekend Themes

As 2021 has come to a close, we have decided to take a pause on “wedding dress talk” and instead transition into some girl talk. The fun kind of girl talk. When you become a bride, there are many factors in your life that begin to change. You have to be prepared or at least informed. So take this as your pre-cursor. But for today, we want to focus on the fun part. Some might describe this event as your last hoorah. Your last dance. It really depends on how you see it. What we’ve noticed is the massive amounts of Bachelorette weekend themes this year. If you don’t have a theme, what are you doing? So, naturally, we have a list of themes for you and your girls. These are all original, fun, and totally doable. 

Last Disco

Our first pick is a trend that’s been circling around for a bit. It can pretty much be the theme for any type of party. As a bride having her last hoorah, a disco is definitely in order. This theme can be done for a party or one of the nights of the bachelorette weekend. You and your girls will need some go-go boots, funky prints, and Farah Fawcett blowouts. Think Cher and Cher only. The 70s was full of psychedelic prints and whimsical clothing. Some affordable places to find your bridal party outfits are Shein, Amazon & Shop Cider. The vibes are retro. Besides outfits, you’re also gonna want to have a scene set. Party decor and fun backgrounds are necessary for the post-worthy pictures. And don’t forget the disco ball! Your bridal party will be looking absolutely stellar. 

It’s The 2000s

Our second pick might not be everyone’s favorite but with the Y2K trends coming back it’s a right of passage. The 90s has been a theme for a while and it’s never disappointed. But the 2000s just hit different. Lately, trends everywhere have been paying homage to the 2000s queens like Britney, Lindsey, and Paris. Outfits will be the comfiest you’ll ever wear. Grab your velour sweatsuits and uggs because this one is going all out. You more than likely lived through the 2000s as a kid or teen so you’re bound to remember something. This theme is fun for a Bach weekend because it really is a trip down memory lane. Some other fun ideas for this theme include wearing matching bang-bump hairstyles with your Balenciaga City bag. And don’t forget your flip phone and frappuccinos. 

Bridgerton Inspired

Lady Whistledown has entered the chat to inform you that this theme is for you if the others did not impress. There is no way that you entered 2021 without watching or hearing about Bridgerton. Since this show’s release, the Regency-era style has made its appearance again. We’ve seen it in the bridal trend area and so we had to offer up this bachelorette idea. It’s like a grown-up tea party. Who doesn’t love a good tea party? This theme will be the most elegant and simple. You’re gonna want to pull out the tiny hand gloves and puff sleeve dresses. And if you don’t own any, some places to hit up are Amazon, Asos, and Etsy. When you and your girls finally have your looks down, you’ll need to pick out a Bridgerton name. For the names, everything starts with “Lady” and ends with a first or last name or some kind of combo. And if feeling creative, add your city name for a fairytale twist. 

Space Cowgirls

Next up is for our partier bride. If you’ve paid attention to any of the trends this year (or listen to Kacey Musgraves religiously), you’ll know that cowgirl is the vibe more often than not. “Space cowgirl” to be more exact. This theme is fairly simple. Think music festival without the festival. You’ll need all the glitz and glam as well as some cowgirl accessories. Almost all of these accessories can be found on Amazon for very inexpensive. And the photos will definitely be amazing. This theme is especially fun for country music-loving girls. Having fun is an order for a bachelorette weekend. And with a theme like this, there’s no doubting a good time. As for inspo, Kacey Musgraves Golden Hour album will be the soundtrack to your weekend. This is more than a suggestion. It’s a push in the right direction for your last yeehaw. 

Monochrome Looks

Our last theme is by far the simplest and easiest to pull off. It’s a common bachelorette theme, maybe a little basic, but we can help you with that. This monochrome look is a different one because it won’t be boring. Don’t worry, you won’t look like every other bachelorette Instagram post. The fun thing about this theme is that essentially it will be a wig party. That’s right. Full throttle wig cap in a stylish color of the rainbow bob. This theme has been trending for many other occasions but we think the bachelorette weekend could be the coolest. Once again, Amazon is going to save your budget. The goal here is for every girl to pick one color of the rainbow and run with it from head to toe. We’re talking green hair, green matching set, green makeup look, and green shoes. If you’re worried that you’ll look like one of the many rainbow-colored skittles, don’t fret. That’s the goal. Your wedding day is the day for you to look the most pristine. Bachelorette weekend is where you let loose and have fun. And yes, you will still look cute for photos. 

There you have it! 5 very original Bachelorette Weekend themes. There is no need to be boring that weekend. And if you had no idea what to do, now you do. We hope you found one of these to be your best pick for you and your bridal party. And if you’re not the bride but the bridesmaid planning, we’re glad you chose our advice! Remember to have fun because you’ll only get to do this once (hopefully). Take all of the pictures and tag Brides Of Florida on this special day. Until next time, happy bridaling! 

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! 

2022 Bridal Shoe Trends

Finding the right shoe for your wedding look is a very important task. There are many ways to go about this. As trends come and go, the options for shoes grow. There is also the option of switching your shoe which most brides do in order to be comfortable. We’ve seen many trends from the past such as a classic heel, flat, or sneaker. For 2022 there are some very specific trends that you’re going to want to get in on. No matter what kind of bride you are, there is something for you. Follow along below to hear more! 

The Block Heel

This one goes out to the comfort bride. A block heel allows for the utmost comfort while still elevating the bride’s look with some height. This style of shoe has become very popular especially as elegant designs begin to roll in. This style of shoes ensures stability, comfort, elevation, and elegance. A perfect example of this shoe is the Loeffler Randall Knot Mule. This mule has the addition of the perfect bridal bow as well as an easy slip-on for the bride on the go. No buttons, clasps, hooks, or itchy fabrics. Just ease!

The Lace Shoe

Lace will simply never be “last season”. She will always stay. She will survive and arise even the oddest of trends. Lace never goes out of style. This sophisticated option will go with most bridal looks if you’re unsure of what you want. The beauty of this trend is that it’s actually a staple that is not going anywhere. A lace shoe can also be found in various styles and heights. So whether you’re looking for sky-high, kitten, flat, or sneaker, she exists! For the sneaker bride, a very popular lace style is David’s Bridal Carrson lace sneaker! Now if you’re looking for lace with more height then definitely go with Jimmy Choo Lace and Pearl Heels.

The Embellished Shoe

While the term “Less Is More” has found its way into today’s fashion trends, it has not taken over bridal fashion completely. If you’re the bride that can’t have enough of the glam, you might want to look into an embellished and/or bedazzled shoe. There are so many ways to go about this as the options are endless. A jewel-encrusted heel or flat is the shoe you need if you want to feel like a princess on your special day. A simple dress with a dramatic shoe is a bridal look that has been sweeping the trends. Some options for this are the Badgley Mischka Embellished Sandal or their Jeweled Slingback Flat. 

The Classic Pump

As mentioned earlier, some trends never go out of style. One of these is the simple, classic pump. A shoe like this is guaranteed to go with any dress no matter the style. So whether you have no idea what shoe you want or would like to balance out your dress with something more understated, this shoe is for you. A very attainable and affordable option for this style of pump is the Sam Edelman Pointed Toe White Pump Heel. In this case, less is definitely more and then some! 

The Flat Shoe

We’re not just talking about flats here but any shoe that does include a heel. Beauty is a pain but comfort is key. It seems that bridal trends are continuing to lean towards comfort which makes total sense. Many brides are opting out of a heel and going straight to an elegant flat or sneaker. Some of the options include Margaux The Pointe Shoe, The Stuart Weitzman Pearl Embellished Sneaker, and the Bella Belle Pearl Flats. Cute and comfy is the vibe here. 

Pro-Tip

Lastly, we want to cover an issue most brides face with picking a shoe. It is a common theme to go from a heel to a sneaker/flat. The main thing that most brides don’t think about is the hemline. When picking the shoe to switch into, you’re going to want to consider the hemline. This is important because dragging your tail around is not cute. Not only will it ruin your dress but it could cause you to trip. Or worse your party guests will step on it. While you might have a bustle installed, this will not help the hemline situation. It can help with the dragging but it will not help our main issue.  A bustle allows you to almost magically shrink the back of your dress without ruining it. Talk to your seamstress about the bustle and hemline when altering your dress. This is going to be very important when putting your bridal look together. As for the shoe, you may want to consider switching the shoe. While most brides desire to be comfortable on the dance floor, sneakers aren’t the only option. An option for comfort while maintaining the height of your hemline is a wedge/platform shoe. A shoe like this will answer both questions while simplifying the hemline scenario. We recommend this solution to most brides because while a sneaker is comfortable, it will alter the brides’ silhouette. Maintaining the silhouette of the dress is important because it will make or break the look. Some options include Women’s x Kate Spade New York Triple Glitter Sneaker, the Loeffler Randall Natalia Knotted Platform Sandals, and the Stuart Weitzermen Wedge Sandal. 

Now, at the end of the day, this is your party and you can cry if you want to. The bride is always right. If you want to switch out your show from a tall heel to a flat shoe, by all means, go ahead! But it is our job to simplify your wedding season and help you make the best decision for your wedding day. We want you to not only look your best but feel your best. The shoe trends above are certain to make you a stunning bride no matter the case. And if you really need some shoe help, follow our pro tip. Until next time, happy bridal-ing!