bustle weddings

Expert Tips: What You Need To Know Before Your Bridal Appointment

Clothes are the story of our lives. And if you were to gather all the clothes you have ever owned in all your life, each baby shoe and winter coat and wedding dress, you would have your autobiography.
— Linda Grant (2010). “The Thoughtful Dresser

We believe the process of discovering your perfect gown should feel like falling in love. We all come to love in our own way and choosing the right gown should mirror that significant experience. We hope that this blog will help ease any dress anxiety you might have and give you the confidence you need to say “YES” to your dream dress.

Woman talking with bridal consultant before her wedding gown appointment.

1.) Consider your wedding date when scheduling your appointment

One of the beautiful benefits in being a Bustle Bride is that all of our dresses are Sample Gowns.  This means that every gown you try-on in the shop is available for you to take home that SAME day - no backordered or delayed gowns here! With all of the supply chain set-backs in the industry, knowing that you will leave with your dream dress in hand is the kind of bliss we all need right now. Keeping your wedding date in mind is also important because you want to allow any extra time needed for alterations.

We want to make scheduling your appointment at Bustle completely stress-free. You can visit our website here to set-up your appointment today.  

2.) Be intentional when selecting your Entourage

Woman trying on wedding gown with bridal consultant.

Your bridal gown appointment is all about YOU. One of the things our bridal experts have learned in their many years of experience is the more you are able to mindfully condense your bridal entourage, the better. The days of needing a crowd of people surrounding you through such a significant decision are over. We have found that intentionally inviting 2-3 of your dearest loved ones makes for an enjoyable day for both the group and bride. We don’t need to tell you that you deserve to feel only love and encouragement on your bridal appointment day - but in case you need to hear it, You deserve to feel immense love and support on your special day. PERIOD.

3.) Don’t exhaust yourself with appointments

You shouldn’t feel pressured to attend more than one bridal appointment in one day. Over the years, scheduling 2-3 appointments in a single day became standard practice and we have seen the stressful effects that has had on our brides. When you are able to give yourself more breathing room, this allows you to make clear decisions that aren’t filled with overwhelmed confusion. By limiting your bridal entourage and the amount of appointments you attend in one day, we promise you will feel empowered to make the decision that is right for you in an unclouded state of mind.

4.) Come to your appointment prepared

The easiest way to feel confident in your bridal appointment is to come prepared. We can always promise you that with Bustle, our sweet stylists are here to make sure you feel comfortable and seen. But, there are a couple things you can do to feel your best on this special day.

Collection of wedding gowns in Bustle Bridal shop.
      • Wear the right undergarments. What you’re wearing underneath the gown matters. We recommend always wearing nude undergarments.

      • Do a little research before hand on what styles you are interested in; but be gentle with yourself. Most often, our brides feel the most stunning in a gown that is completely opposite from what they pinned on their Pinterest board. Knowing what you like, while being open, is the best formula for dress success.

I want people to see the dress but focus on the woman.
— Vera Wang

Birmingham Venue Spotlight: Christopher Glenn and The Farrell

This week, Bustle had the absolute pleasure of shooting photos in the stunning sister spaces: Christopher Glenn and The Farrell. These breathtaking venues are both located in the heart of Homewood, just steps away from Soho. We LOVE how the management style and open-vendor policy gives every bride the flexibility to bring their vision to life. If you are looking for a space that is both sophisticated while exuding the upmost warmth, these venues are for you. We know all-too-well that finding a place that marries those two attributes can be harder than expected. Your wedding is THE day. You want your guests to feel significant and comfortable without sacrificing theatrics. Both Christopher Glenn and The Farrell will make accomplishing that dream effortless.

Christopher Glenn

Christopher Glenn is a vintage venue with 1,500 square feet. This timeless space also features a beautiful courtyard, additional hardscape (idyllic for tenting), and a wonderful caterer’s prep room. This event space is perfect for your smaller gatherings and micro events. In an industry that thrives on grand matrimonies, Christopher Glenn is here to host your more intimate moments. We love how versatile this sweet venue can be: weddings, bridal luncheons, baby showers, you name it!

Photo Credit: Spindle Photography

Dearest Readers, The Farrell is straight out of your Bridgerton dreams. The venue features an elegant main hall with exposed truss ceilings, honed concrete floors, hand-made steel windows and doors draped in linen and velvet. With a 3,200 square ft main hall, two private suites, a European courtyard and a caterer's ideal prep room, The Farrell is a multifaceted dreamboat. This venue is perfect for weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, fundraising galas, corporate events, and the list goes on. It is no surprise to us that this space was inspired by grand properties in Europe. Their stunning landscape mural left our entire team completely speechless - a showstopper.

Photo Credit: Meghan Gray Photography

Photo Credit: Deborah Michelle Photography

The team behind Christopher Glenn and The Farrell value relationships and truly enjoy learning about each bride and their families. You are not seen as just another wedding to check off the list, you are a person with a significant day to celebrate. 

We enjoy making the venue as stress-free as possible!
— CG & The Farrell

If you would like to learn more, you can contact Christopher Glenn or The Farrell to schedule a tour!

Three women in front of a forest mural in wedding gowns.

BUSTLE PHOTOSHOOT CREDITS

GOWNS & STYLING: BUSTLE

PHOTOGRAPHY: ASHTYNN BREE PHOTOGRAPHY

VENUE: CHRISTOPHER GLENN & THE FARRELL

FLORALS: GAIA FLORALS

HAIR & MAKEUP: ASIA NICOLE

MODELS: Hyelim Cho Stockard, Trudie, Ashton Loreal

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT: Laine White & Jillian Darling