bride

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

Bustle Bride: Brittney Vigna Wysong

In a world full of online dating horror stories, it is beautifully refreshing when one of those “swipes” ends in real romance.  While Brittney and Rory’s story may have started in Bumble DMs, it is no question that the authenticity of their connection is something that each of them had never experienced before.

Brittney hugging her husband Rory before their wedding.

When Brittney met Rory she was working at The University of Alabama while Rory was temporarily located in Tuscaloosa for work.  Brittney is a huge craft beer fan (we love a girl who knows a good brew!), so it is fitting that they chose Loosa Brews for their first date.  When Brittney arrived to the brewery, she had so many butterflies that she completely darted past Rory and tried to calm herself down.  In true hallmark movie fashion, the warmth of their conversation quickly put Brittney at ease and she laughed more that day than she had in a long time.  Rory failed to mention that he had NEVER tried craft beer before, so Brittney took the lead and introduced him to her favorites.  Needless to say, he quickly realized that craft beer hits a little different - instant fan!  

The back of Brittney's Bustle gown with her windswept veil.
I knew he was the one when he became the first person I wanted to call for anything. That person had always been my mom. It sounds funny, but that’s when I recognized the fact that this is my person, this is my family.
— Brittney
Brittney and Rory sharing a laugh during their wedding ceremony.

When Brittney felt that shift within herself, she knew Rory was her person. It was undeniable that Rory had put himself in her heart and she would continually find him residing there.  The earnest thing about love is that sometimes there isn’t one instance that tells you someone is “the one.”  It is all of those little feelings that build onto each other until it is absolutely impossible to see that person as anything else.

Brittney's bridal details and stationary.
Brittney with her Mom on her wedding day.
Brittney having a first look with her bridesmaids.

Brittney’s wedding day encompassed all of her most significant dreams.  She never saw herself in a ballgown.  When she had her Bridal Appointment at Bustle, Brittney went in thinking that she would go for something backless with long sleeves.  It is no surprise that she did not choose either of those things.  When Brittney tried on the ballgown, she felt like a bride for the first time.  She was no longer just a girl trying on white dresses.  She was THE BRIDE and had all the confidence to go along with her showstopper gown.  Brittney’s dress did not need a single alteration, so she felt like it was quite literally made for her.

I finally felt like a BRIDE in this gown and the confidence that came with that is the most I’ve ever experienced in my whole life.
— Brittney
Brittney twirling in her bustle birmingham wedding gown.

Brittney’s gown is an ethereal masterpiece from the designer, Mikaella.  The high neckline and lace bodice exude sheer elegance while the chiffon skirt is playful and romantic.  We’ve never met a tulle skirt we didn’t like!  Brittney is a true vision in her gown.  She was able to dance and enjoy her wedding comfortably while simultaneously feeling the most beautiful.

Brittney fluffing her Bustle Birmingham wedding gown.

We asked Brittney to share with us the most memorable aspect of her wedding day and her answer has us all reaching for the tissue box.

My favorite part is when I walked down the aisle and saw Rory. I truly felt like time stopped. I didn’t see anything but him. It was so special and I had no doubt that our forever would be just as beautiful as that moment.
— Brittney
Brittney and Rory with their wedding party at the Clubhouse on Highland in Highland Park.
Brittney and Rory sharing a kiss after their wedding ceremony.
Brittney and Rory dancing on their wedding day.

Vendors:

Hair: Shelby Cox

Venue: Clubhouse on Highland

Florist: Three Things Floral

Tent Rental: Pre Events

Catering: Happy Catering Co

Suits: Black Tie

Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulus

Videography: Kate Elaine

Photography: Hannah Sharriee

Officiant: Chris Clevenger

Bustle Bride: Rachael Thompson Panik

To kick off the beginning of the month, we have a new Bustle Bride to feature - Rachael Thompson Panik! Rachael and her husband William began their happily ever after on a lovely August day. 

Rachael and William said "I do," at the beautiful Faith Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, AL. Our lovely bride looked nothing short of ravishing in her Romona Keveza Vneck satin gown. The pleated bodice and modified a-line skirt was the perfect style for Rachael, and we couldn't be happier that she found her gown at Bustle!

Our officiant was our pastor who has known us for a long time, so having him officiate our wedding was so sweet and joyous. It was wonderful to be totally surrounded by our closest friends and family members while we had a close friend and mentor help us recite our vows together. I also loved overlooking Birmingham during our wedding reception at Vulcan. We love the ‘Ham, so it was just perfect to have an amazing view of the city while we celebrated being married!

Vendors:

Planner: AK Brides

Caterer: Happy Catering

Photographer: Love Behind the Lens

Reception Venue: Vulcan Park and Museum 

Ceremony: Faith Presbyterian Church

Florist: Rita Weller Designs 

Favors: Church Street Coffee

Cake: Katie Moon

Linens and Draping: Decor to Adore 

Invitations: Annabelle's

Tuxes: Mr. Burch Formal Wear

Bustle Bride: Hayden Hurst Creel

This week we are overjoyed to feature Bustle Bride Hayden Hurst Creel! Hayden and her hubby Stone tied the knot in March, and she was definitely #bridalgoals!

Hayden has a fun and unique style, and we wanted to help her find a gown that fit her personality perfectly. She said "yes" to a fabulous Ivy & Aster gown, and she looked nothing short of stunning on her special day. From the hair and makeup to the dress and bouquet, she tied everything together so beautifully and we can't stop ooing and ahhing over her bridal portraits. 

We can't get over this sweet couple and the love between them that is oh so evident! We're swooning over all of the precious moments that were captured on the day they began their happily ever after!

My favorite part of our day was the first look. For some reason I was so nervous and anxious all morning. Hoping my makeup, hair and dress were good enough (which of course Stone did not care.) I was hoping the food, cake and decorations were all coming together. As soon as I saw Stone I was so relaxed. I didn’t care about how cold it was or that there was a 90% chance of rain. I finally realized that it was really happening, we were getting married!

Photography: The McNairs

Bustle Bride: Courtney Shannon Roberts

We're so excited to feature Courtney Shannon Roberts as the newest Bustle Bride addition! This sweet bride and her hubby Johnathon said "I do" on a beautiful June day. She was an absolute dream in her strapless Lea Ann Belter gown, and her lace trim cathedral style veil was the perfect addition to her gown! 

We had a great time helping Courtney find her dream gown. She has such a bubbly and joyful spirit, and it's apparent to anyone who gets the chance to meet her! We're so glad this sweet bride found her gown at Bustle! 

"The best part of my wedding day was spending the whole day with all the people I love most. I've never felt more humbled and loved. It went by way too fast and we couldn't have imagined it more perfect. "

Photos provided by Appear Photography

Bustle Bride: Megan McCord Key

Our newest Bustle bride is Megan McCord Key! Megan and her husband Bobby said "I do" on August 11, 2016 here in Birmingham, Alabama. When sweet Megan came into our store she fell in love with 2 fabulous gowns. However, after thinking on it, she realized she just had to say "yes" to the Olia Zavozina mermaid style gown. 

Megan looked absolutely breathtaking on her special day. We're so glad she found her gown at Bustle, and we loved helping this sweet bride find the perfect gown! 

We're loving all of these precious moments from Megan and Bobby's big day, and the talented Leslie Hollingsworth can work magic behind the camera. These photos look like they could be on the cover of a bridal magazine. Absolutely gorgeous!!

Bustle Bride: Kenslea Ray Carter

Our darling bride, Kenslea, chose an incredible illusion back, fit & flare gown by Tara Keely. She was an absolute dream!

Bustle Bride: Laura Newton Rutledge

Laura looked absolutely stunning in her lace Rivini gown. The dress is tiered lace with bands of delicate beading beneath the lace. Such a unique yet classic style, perfect for this beautiful bride.

Images courtesy of Madeline J Photography.