What If I Don't Want a White Wedding Dress?

Not dreaming of a fluffy white wedding dress for the big day? Is your Pinterest board being filled with non-traditional gowns? We’ve got you! We’ve been working with lots of brides recently that want a colored gown, not white or ivory and we always cheer this choice on!

Where did the idea of a wedding dress needing to be white originate?

The origin of white wedding dresses is actually a quite recent thing- in 1840, the trendsetter Queen Victoria ditched traditional bridal attire of colorful gowns decorated with expensive colored embroidery and furs for an all-white gown, capturing much attention and ultimately changing the bridal dress industry forever. Because of her wanting to do something different, she re-shaped the way we adorn ourselves on our wedding days. But if white gowns aren’t your thing, why not channel your inner Queen Victoria and ditch tradition, too? If you’re wanting to do something different, go for it!

Because your day is all about you, wear what color makes you feel good! If that’s ivory, great! If that’s blue, great! Below is some inspiration of some of our favorite colored gowns:

Carson by Jenny Yoo, Photography: Kenna Provence Photography

Photography: Whitney Rumpca

Photography: Tracey Randall Photography

Why saying yes to a dress you look and feel good in matters:

Certain skin tones look better with certain colored gowns! Are you really pale? Why get washed out with a white or ivory gown?! Trying different shades, like chai or silver, can be great options! Feeling good matters, and you feel good when you look good! Step out of your comfort zone and experiment a bit with different shades and colors in your bridal appointment. More and more brides are loving colored gowns, and we think that colored gowns are going to be a HUGE 2023 trend- we can’t wait!

Want to learn more about the history of white wedding gowns? Check out this article!

Some Sweet Inspiration: Wedding Dessert Edition

CSB Assistant Manager and #csbbride Liz and her husband, Camden

Photography by Joy Shots Photography

Hey! Not super sure about what to do for dessert on your wedding day and tired of cake?! We wanted to give you some inspiration that would spark some ideas, plus, we really like talking about dessert around here! Remember, your day should be all about you and what you like, and dessert is never something you should ever just settle on- do something that feels right for you!

Donuts

For our brunch-loving brides, donuts are becoming such a trendy thing to have as dessert! We’re loving the donut walls we see on Pinterest and it’s a fun DIY for someone in your family or friend group. Support your local donut or coffee shop with some delicious donuts and they’re sure to be a big hit with your guests!

Cupcakes

Wanting something a little less maintenance than an entire cake? Why not do cupcakes?! We love this idea and it’s so much easier when the dessert is cupcakes to make sure you have a selection of different flavors for guests. Plus, having something that guests can carry around to enjoy makes sure they don’t need to leave the dancefloor for too long!

Pie

We love the pie idea for October/November weddings since it’s super cozy! You can decide on doing standard-size pies in different flavors or you can do mini ones, too! Planning a wedding around Thanksgiving? Pumpkin and apple pie are a great starting point. Pie also is something that isn’t overdone by brides, so guests are sure to get excited about this!

Photography by Ashley Biess Photography

Ice cream bar

Was your first date an ice cream date? Why not re-create it and have an ice cream sundae bar? Guests can scoop their favorite flavors and add candy toppings. We love ice cream bars for summer weddings especially! (And who doesn’t love ice cream?!)

Cereal bar

Not a huge cake person? That’s okay! Cereal bars are an awesome way for guests to relive their childhoods with their favorite kinds. Plus, this is super inexpensive! Go to a bulk grocery store and stock up on different brands and grab some milk (don’t forget a dairy-free option for guests, too!) Cereal bars are super cute for brunch weddings, too.

Photography by Mary Meck Weddings

Cookie table

Originally from Pittsburg, PA, cookie tables are always a delicious option and always great for a grab-and-go! Cookie tables can also double as wedding favors and you can provide cute cookie boxes for guests to fill so they have a snack for the road. Getting family members to have a big baking day is sure to make great memories and it’s also a great way to incorporate family members in wedding planning!

What to Do with Your Bouquet After the Big Day

CSB bride Madison, her wife, her girls, and her gorgeous bouquets! (Photo by @markyyymark_)

Trying to figure out what to do with your bridal bouquet after the wedding? There’s lots of different options, and sometimes it’s hard to know what to decide. This decision is good to make sooner rather than later to ensure the florals don’t wilt or die before you know what you’re doing with them. Scroll for some ideas, bride-to-be!

Shadowboxes are a great idea to display the florals from your big day! If you love a good DIY project, go for it! You can purchase a shadowbox at Hobby Lobby super inexpensively, or you can look on Etsy for businesses that will do this for you! You can include other small details that were part of your special day inside, such as the invitations or you and your spouse’s name cards from the reception.

Having your florals placed in resin for art for little cute coasters for your home is a great way to add some personal touches to your space! With resin, you can also create wall art or ornaments, which are great gifts for family who helped make your wedding day special. This is a great way to preserve your gorgeous flowers in a unique way!

Donate them to a local hospital or a nursing home to brighten someone else’s day! Have someone in your crew grab your florals at the end of the wedding day and have them drop them off to a healthcare facility or organization that is near and dear to you! Are you a nurse? Your passion for helping others is a beautiful thing, so why not re-purpose your florals to help your hospital brighten others’ days! Is someone in your family in a nursing home? Donating those florals there is a wonderful way to make them feel seen. We are big believers in helping others, so we love this idea!

Do a pressed floral arrangement! Small businesses like My Darling Boutique located in Danville, VA specialize in beautiful pressed florals in a frame of your choosing. This is a beautiful way to preserve your bouquet and turn it into an art piece for your home! Make your florals last in a gorgeous way! You can visit My Darling Boutique here for inquiries or check out some floral pressing businesses on Etsy. We love the way that floral pressing looks, and you will, too!

As you can see, there are many options for what to do with your florals after the wedding. Do what’s best for you and what’s near and dear to you! Remember, designating someone to drop them off or ship them out is going to be a lifesaver (plus, your loved ones will be happy to do it!)

What to Expect at a Bridal Expo

Photo from June 2022 bridal expo at Factory Street Brewing Company in South Boston, VA.

Did your friends invite you to a bridal expo and you have no idea what to do or how to prepare? Are you engaged and have heard of bridal expos, but never really knew what they were like? We have your back, bride-to-be! We’ll fill you in on all the need-to-know so you’re prepared and can get the most out of bridal expos!

Often, there is a small fee for a ticket, but it’s such a good investment! Bridal expos are all about forming connections with possible vendors and you can often get great offers by attending!

Bridal expos can seem a little overwhelming, but remind yourself that all these vendors are here to help you have the best day! Already have your photographer booked? Don’t feel pressured to visit photography booths! Does your sister have a gift for baking and is making your cake for the wedding? Don’t feel the need to visit dessert booths (but sometimes they have cake samples!) Visit booths that’ll best serve you! Often, when you visit a booth, they will hand you tickets to enter giveaways for vendor door prizes!

As you visit different booths, you can make connections with the owners and managers of that business. We love the personal touch of bridal expos. They are there to answer questions and offer their services to you! And don’t worry, you don’t need to commit to a vendor that day! You can pop your name on an interest form and exchange info with the vendor and they will follow up with you later. Don’t feel pressure, this is just a way to find out different options. Meeting vendors face-to-face gives you so much peace of mind and will allow you to relax a bit on the big day because you know each vendor’s face and that they are on your team.

The door prizes are always super generous! With Church Street Bridal, we often enter a door prize that is a HUGE discount off a wedding dress. Other vendors, like florists, may throw in a free bridal bouquet when you purchase your wedding party florals with them. Vendors love making life a little easier for the couple, so we get super excited with door prizes!

Bridal expos are just so fun and it’s definitely one of our favorite parts of our job!

Designer Spotlight: Maggie Sottero

Oh, Maggie Sottero gowns- we know and love them so much! Their philosophy is, “We believe every bride deserves to feel exceptional on her big day, whatever her style, budget, and wedding vision.” And oh wow do they live up to that! This week, we’re covering their different collections and some gowns that we love having in our shop!

• Maggie Sottero: This namesake collection is always super romantic and classic with modern touches. Classic silhouettes paired with beautiful details are the essence of this line. Most of these gowns have a perfect amount of lace and beading.

• Sottero and Midgley: This line has more sparkle and glam compared to the namesake line. Love beading and some shine?! You’ll quickly fall in love with this collection!

• Rebecca Ingram: Gowns from this collection are flowy, flirty, and have lots of floral detailing. This line is made for brides who want a more whimsical-inspired aesthetic!

Scroll for some lovely examples of each collection and gowns that we have in-store!

Maggie Sottero Bree gown

Sottero and Midgley Wesley gown

Rebecca Ingram McKenna gown

We have a beautiful selection of Maggie Sottero gowns in a number of sizes, so if you’re feeling inspired by this blog, be sure to ask your bridal stylist to try on some Maggie Sottero, Sottero and Midgley, or Rebecca Ingram gowns. Our favorite thing about Maggie Sottero is there is a gown for every bride and her unique style! You’re sure to fall in love!

Unveiling the History of Veils

CSB Assistant Manager, Liz (and #CSBbride), photo by Joy Shots Photography

As bridal consultants, we are often asked, “Should I wear a veil?” As always, we tell our brides to do whatever they want, not what they think they should do. There are no “shoulds” in the wedding world, well, at least we think so, and we will always cheer on what you want! This week, we wanted to give you a guide to all things veils- the origin and history of them, names of the different lengths, and what looks good with what!

Let’s cover the history of veils. Veils originated in an effort to protect the bride and hide her from evil spirits that threatened happiness on her day and a happy marriage. Most historians believe this tradition dates back to the early days of Rome, but Queen Victoria (who also set the trend of having a white wedding dress) made them a modern-day look! Now, the tradition of a veil is more seen as a rite of passage and more of an “It’s my big day, I want to feel like a bride!” kind of mentality. We always say that your wedding day is the one day in your life to wear one, so go for it!

Next up, let’s talk about veil lengths! Veils come in a variety of sizes to help you pick the perfect complement for your gown and your vibe! From birdcages to cathedral veils, there’s a lot to choose from! Below are the most common lengths:

Birdcage: 4-10”

Elbow: 32”

Fingertip: 38-40”

Waltz: 60”

Floor: 72”

Chapel: 90”

Cathedral: 108-120”

Photo from ahelpfulguidetotheperfectwedding.wordpress.com

Going for a wedding day that is fun and flirty? Go for a birdcage or elbow-length veil! Want drama? Well then, we definitely suggest a cathedral-length veil. But again, there is no right or wrong way to do veils!

Many brides who are saying yes to a veil often will ask us, “What will look best with the dress I love?” Often, we recommend that if a bride’s gown is more simple, making a bold style for veils can be so so stunning! Think of a simple, crepe sheath gown paired with a pearl veil. If a bride is saying yes to an ornate lace-patterned gown, we usually suggest either having a veil that has edging that matches the lace pattern, or going super simple with a veil so it doesn’t take away from the gown’s detail. If your gown has an open back, we suggest not doing multiple layers for a veil, just keeping it simple so it still remains sheer. (Avoid doing a blusher with this open-back design so you can showcase the open-back that made you say yes to the dress!)

As consultants, the biggest piece of advice we can give is “find something you love and something that doesn’t distract from your gown!”

Also, we just got a new shipment of veils in all different lengths! Feel free to stop by any time during our normal business hours to shop them, or try some different styles in your bridal appointment.

Photo from styled shoot collaboration with Jenna Marie Visuals

Seating Chart Inspiration

We’ve been on an “elements of the reception” advice recently, and we’re loving it! This week, we want to give you some seating chart inspiration that is as unique and fun as you! Seating charts are a great way to help take the “where do I sit?” anxiety away for guests and make sure you have your VIPs where you want them! It’s something that can be super easy to make super cute!

Photo from Pinterest (ashleymedrano.com)

Y’all, these!!! These boards are so trendy right now and we love them! For our DIY kings and queens who like painting and maybe have a Cricut, this seating chart is a great idea! You can thrift a divider or build your own, too. Decorate and accessorize in a way that goes well with the aesthetic of the day, and you’re all set!

Photo from Pinterest (Becca Lerum)

Are you and your soon-to-be spouse music junkies?! Why not incorporate that in your seating chart?! Purchasing records at a thrift store is so cost effective and a simple DIY. Putting small touches of your interests in the wedding is so special!

Photo from Pinterest (writeprettyforme.com)

Using mirrors for seating charts- we know it, we love it! Get a friend with awesome calligraphy skills to do this for you and take one less task off your plate. Plus, you can reuse the mirror as decor in your home after the big day! It’ll have sentimental value and purpose.

Photo from Pinterest (burnettsboards.com)

Spring or summer bride? Use this inspiration photo not only as a seating chart, but favors, too! (It’ll save some money!) Buying bouquets from the grocery store or a local farm and cutting the flowers up like seen above is a great way to get pops of color at the reception and can double as table decor for when guests pick their flower up!

Photo from Pinterest (junebugweddings.com)

This is another spin on writing on mirrors! You can buy stands like this and can be used as decor in the future, too. Accessorizing with florals is a great way to make a seating chart stand out so no one is searching for where it is!

Photo from Pinterest (whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com)

Love photos?! Go digging through your guests Facebook and Instagram accounts and print out Polaroid look-alike photos to add a super personal touch for guests. Plus, it’s an adorable way to keep record of who attended your wedding for the scrapbook!

We hope this got some ideas spinning if you were a little stuck on what to do for seating charts. Remember, seating charts really help friends and family know what to do and where to go, and it takes pressure off of them to have the awkward, “can I sit here?” conversation!

The Wedding Is Over...What Do I Do With My Dress?

You did it, bride! The wedding is over and things have settled down (hopefully!) Adjusting to married life is a whole new adventure, and as you’re navigating that, you’re often left navigating the huge pile of decor in your living room- what do you do with the wedding things once the wedding is over?! Often the biggest question for brides is, “What do I do with my wedding dress?” Don’t worry, we got you covered so you have one less thing to figure out!

CSBbride Amber with @tj_images

Wedding dress preservation

Getting your gown preserved helps clean up any armpit or grass stains that were from the wedding day! We highly recommend doing this to keep the gross away and also to make it easier to donate or give to a loved one. This can be a little pricier of an investment depending on the damage done, but definitely worth the splurge! Lots of bridal salons and alterations specialists offer this service. We don’t, but consider asking who did your alterations!

Donate it

This is a super popular option that brides do! We get asked all the time if we accept donations, and at this time, we do not. Looking into some other options of where to donate it is a great way to help a bride-to-be who wouldn’t be able to afford a gown for her wedding. It’s also a great way to say, “Thank you” to those who serve others! Below is a list of organizations that make donating easy!

Brides Across America (This site helps military families get access to a gorgeous gown for their wedding! What better way to thank them for their service than donating your gown!)

Angel Babies (This organization saw the need to help and support families who lost their babies. Donating your gown helps grieving families have a gorgeous outfit for final photos and burial services. Consider donating to help a family that is hurting!)

Local non-profits and shops with similar missions to ours would be a great option!

Local musical theater organizations that could use it for costuming! Many schools have arts programs with very limited budgets, and your gown could help offset some costs for production.

Save it for the kiddos in your life

Have a daughter of your own or a gal in your life that is like a daughter/sister? Maybe they would love your gown not only for the style of it, but also for the sentimental value! Also, sharing different accessories like the veil you wore or jewelry could be a super sweet touch! To ensure that the gown is still in great condition, we recommend still preserving it in the meantime.

DIY a new outfit from it

Can’t get enough of your gown?! Why not hit up alterations again and get it shortened into a cocktail dress for special events? You can also dye it a fun color for a fancy event you’re attending! We’ve had so many brides get a gown from us and dye it and show their creativity! The easiest material to dye is definitely tulle, but with enough research and determination, you’ll be a DIY queen! You can also create it into a cute little outfit for going out with the girls. The options are limitless!

Figuring out what to do with your dress can be a little daunting, but there’s lots of good options. Keep it easy for you and if you donate, consider doing it toward a cause near and dear to your heart!

Centerpieces for Every Bride, Every Style

Hey bride-to-be! Needing some inspo for your centerpieces? Whether you’re a classic bride all the way, or you love the trendy boho vibes, or you fall somewhere in between, let this be a jumping off point for you as you nail down those final details.

For the classic bride

If you’ve always loved classic vibes, traditional silhouettes for gowns, and timelessness, try mixing florals with candles and rounded vases. Another great centerpiece idea is floating candles- they’re traditional and just so stunning!

Photo by Tori Parker Photography, CSBbride Amina’s wedding

For the boho bride

Can’t get enough of the boho look? Try mixing floral with pampas grass and more minimalist vases. Mixing and matching florals and vases help make decor and centerpieces look more boho, since there is such an ease to the aesthetic. Going with antique vases or painting them in earthtones will complete the look!

Photo from ElegantWeddingInvites via Pinterest

For the modern bride

Going with geometric shapes and acrylic table signs is always sure to make a statement. Making the emphasis more onto the accessories and not so much the florals will help tie in the modern vibes you are looking for.

Photo by Amative Creative, styled shoot

For the edgy bride

If you’re an edgy bride, accessorizing with darker colors and a darker aesthetic with pops of bold florals is always a statement. Maybe you’re having a Halloween-inspired wedding or going with a moody aesthetic, but regardless, this theme and the way you can accessorize with this is always gorgeous.

Photo from munaluchibridal.com

For the glam bride

Glam, glam, glam! We love to see it, and the first thing that comes to mind is sparkles and beading! Having sparkly vases that are taller add an element of glamour, and sticking with white florals for these centerpieces is lovely! Simple statements are everything with this style!

untiedwithlove.com

For the rustic bride

We love when brides decorate with wood, such as wooden stands or a table number sign if they’re wanting a rustic theme. Another rustic-loving staple is mason jars because they’re super affordable and a great alternative to vases to hold flowers. Adding elements like a burlap table runner is also very rustic!

Photo by @_markyyymark_, CSBbride Madison’s wedding

Whatever your aesthetic is, stay true to you and what you want! Centerpieces are an easy thing to DIY if you’re creative and looking to be wallet-friendly! Centerpieces can be super ornate or super simple- that is up to you and what you like! Think of things that you would love to have in your home after the wedding to get as much use out of the decor as possible! Hope this helped!

We’ll Do You a Favor: Favor Inspiration for Guests Made Simple

Hey there, bride-to-be! First of all, you’re doing amazing- wedding planning is a whole thing and you’re making it look super easy! If you’re anything like me, (Liz), as wedding planning went on, there were some things that I had absolutely no ideas about and I was too tired to think of any- one of them being wedding favors. If you haven’t heard this yet in your planning process, let me tell you something- you do you! That applies to your gown, your venue, the menu, and going with some non-traditional components that you feel really capture who you are as a couple. The same applies to wedding favors for your guests- you don’t need to do them if you’re trying to cut some things out to save some money, or you can go with favors that are unique to you and your interests! Below can be a little bit of a brainstorm session to get some ideas flowing!

Personalized M&M’s personalized candy bars

Photo from myhotelwedding.com

For our chocolate-loving couples, why not gift it to your guests?! Etsy is a great site to find some awesome options for customizing, or do it yourself!

Cookie boxes with personalized stamps

Photo from Unsplash

One of our consultants, Talia, was just telling me about her friend’s wedding who had a huge cookie table for both dessert and for favors, and as guests were leaving, they could fill up a little cookie box that had a personalized stamp on it with the couple’s name and wedding date! Super cute, and super easy!

Candles

Photo from Etsy (The Hobbyist Box)

You can never go wrong with a candle for your guests, and there’s so many ways to make this super affordable for yourself! Pick a scent that goes with the season you’re getting married in, and guests will love it in their homes!

Mugs

Image from The Knot

One super trendy thing we have been seeing lately is the bride and groom thrifting enough mugs to cover their guest count, and putting them on a favor table and letting guests pick their favorite to take home with them! This idea is inexpensive and so fun to mix and match so everyone is sure to get one they’ll love.

Succulents

Photo from Unsplash

Need I say more?! Succulents are super low-maintenance (even I have trouble killing them, and I have the furthest thing from a green thumb!) which is great for all different lifestyles, and putting some greenery in a space is a little serotonin-boost! You can find them for fairly inexpensive at farmer’s markets and local shops- which is awesome if you’re passionate about shopping local!

Loose leaf tea/coffee beans

Photo from Etsy (GiftsFromIstanbul)

The tea versus tea debate is always a thing, so pick your favorite and gift it as a favor! Loose leaf tea in little bags is easy to do and another way to support local shops! Or, if you side with coffee, get some coffee beans in bulk! One of my best friends did coffee beans as a favor because she got married in a coffee shop and it was a huge hit!

Hot sauce

Photo from Etsy (BeSpokeByBlush)

Add a little bit of spice to your favors and give your guests mini hot sauces! You can customize the packaging on these, too! Hot sauce is a great way to jazz up any meal.

Honey

Photo from Unsplash

Getting married on a farm? Continue the theme with your gift-giving and offer your guests honey! Recipes call for it and it’s a pantry staple! It’s sure to get put to use!

Seeds

Photo from Etsy (PlainJane2424)

Lastly, you can give seeds to different plants! Maybe your bouquet is made up of wildflowers or peonies, so gifting seeds to flowers that made your day special is a sweet idea. Buying seeds is super inexpensive, too!

I hope this served as some inspiration for you or simply to show that you can get as creative as you want with this! Remember, you do you and what you like! Make sure your day is a reflection of you and your significant other, and remember, your guests are there for you, not the gifts!

What Our Brides Wish They Knew Before Wedding Dress Shopping

Photo by Alyssa Swedick Photography

Hey bride-to-be! We know that before your first bridal appointment, stress and anxiety can be running around in your mind like crazy! Take a deep breath, we have your back! Below are some words of wisdom from our #CSBbrides that have gone through the wedding dress shopping experience with us and said “yes!” to their dress!

A common theme when we reached out to our brides was bringing comfortable undergarments! #CSBbride Rose said that thinking through what undergarments are going to best serve you is so helpful! For example, if you know you’re really wanting a dress with a lower back, maybe bringing shapewear with a lower back as well will make it easier to see what the dress will look like on the wedding day. At Church Street Bridal, we encourage brides to bring whatever undergarments and shapewear make them feel comfortable, so if that means a strapless bra or simple cups, that’s perfect! We’ll walk you through the process of what undergarments are needed for what gowns and what your vision is! Don’t sweat it!

#CSBbride Bailey said, “listen to your consultant!” We, as consultants, are there to help you throughout the entire process and to make you feel confident! It’s our mission to make you feel seen and heard. We love knowing what you’re liking and what’s on your Pinterest board, and we are here to help make suggestions and help you get out of your comfort zone a little! Keep in mind, sometimes a dress on the hanger can look nothing like you’re wanting, but once you try it on, it could end up being the dress you say yes to! We’re here for you!

Next, #CSBbride Tess wanted brides to know that trying on dresses can be exhausting! Make sure you don’t overwhelm yourself with a million bridal appointments in one day and bring some water. Some dresses, especially heavily-beaded gowns, can be super heavy! Bring a hair tie or claw clip if you know you get warm easily! We’re here to make dress shopping simple and easy, with no stress or rushing!

Jeannine, one of our lovely #CSBbrides, suggested limiting who comes with you as much as possible. Of course, bring your VIPs, but bringing your aunt’s dog walker’s cousin’s best friend isn’t necessary! Making sure you keep your crew on the smaller side helps you, as the bride, decide on what you love! Plus, this way you’re able to know what you’re thinking so much more easily without getting your thoughts drowned out by others.

And finally, #CSBbride Adrienne had some awesome advice! She suggested that having a Pinterest board of your dream dresses is great, but keeping an open mind to other styles and shapes is also great! You never know what you’ll like until you try it, and more times than you’d think, brides say yes to a gown that is nothing like what they originally came in thinking they’d get!

We hope this helps! We’re here for you, we love helping our brides feel beautiful, we can’t wait to see you and help you find the dress of your dreams!

Unique Guest Book Ideas

Guest books are an easy way to have guests participate when they arrive. This can also be a decorative element to incorporate your theme and fill up space at the venue. Depending on your theme, there are many unique guest book options to choose from. Here are some of our favorites!

Photo from Pinterest

For a bride on a budget, this can be a great option. Go to your location antique shop or Goodwill for an old record. Adding a touch of paint that matches your color scheme can also elevate it. You can also add some photos to it and write on it with colorful sharpies. This is a timeless piece that you can put in your house after as decoration to always remember your wedding day.

Photo from Pinterest

A popular guest book is a Polaroid book. This is a fun way to get photos of all your guests and also have a record of it. Many people will get a book that has slots for the photos and a space to leave a message next to it. This can also double as a photo booth for your guests. Buying extra film can allow guests to keep photos for themselves. Overall, Polaroid’s can be used for many different styles and are a timeless way to look back on your wedding day.

Photo from Pinterest

For all you wine lovers, this is a fantastic way to incorporate it into your wedding. Get multiple wine bottles and write out years 1, 5, 10, and 15 for you to open it on. Have your guests write advice, encouragement, and notes on the bottles. This is a super inexpensive and special way to remember your wedding throughout the years.

Photo from Pinterest

Another unique guest book idea is using a puzzle. It can be a fun decoration to include a picture of the couple. Spend your future game nights putting the puzzle together and have fun reflecting back on your special day at the same time! You can also display it in your home as some decor. Guest books that can be used as decor in your home are so special and help you avoid getting one that will just sit on a shelf and collect dust.

Photo from Pinterest

A more sustainable guest book idea would be using a phone to leave a messages on. This is a great way to save money and not waste it on materials. You can choose to buy a phone that incorporates your theme or you can just have people call in on their own phones. If you need to come up with something last minute, having your guests call in can be a unique and inexpensive option.

Bridal Shower: The Basics

Most brides do not plan their own bridal shower. This can allow the brides to have more fun with their guests and be stress-free. Typically, the mother of the bride or a female family member will offer to plan.

Picking a theme for your bridal shower should be the first thing done. The theme can be separate from the weddings theme and vision. This allows more creativity and makes it easier on whoever is planning it. Some people will opt for a simple theme that is mainly bridal like “Miss to Mrs.” or “Bride to Be.” This can be flexible with many color schemes and decorations. This is a great option for those with a smaller budget. Other people might choose to pick a more specific tagline. Some examples are “She Found Her Main Squeeze” including lemons, “He Picked Me” with flowers, or “She’s Been Scooped Up” including ice cream. Being more specific creates a focal point for the whole shower. Being consistent with the theme you pick will be crucial for decorations and stationary throughout the planning process and day-of events.

After the theme is picked you can then start planning and buying decorations. It is important to first know where it will be and how many people will be attending so there is enough space for decorations and tables and chairs for guests.

Photo taken from Pinterest

The itinerary for the bridal shower can be very flexible depending on the length of the shower and the activities included. The main activities during the shower include: games, a meal, speeches and thank you’s, and gift opening. Games can be really fun and easy for everyone. Common games are print outs that ask questions about the bride and groom in various forms like: “He said, She Said,” “Guess Who,” or bingo. There is not much set up for this and is feasible for all ages. There is usually a prize for the top winners and gives people an incentive to play.

Photo taken from Pinterest

Depending on the time of day, people will serve a meal or appetizers. If the shower is going to be long and not a come-and-go, it’s recommended to do a meal. If the shower is at a restaurant, they will have the meal on the invitations and people will send in what they want with their RSVP. If the bridal shower is at someone’s house or a venue, you will have to get food catered. This can be done by doing a buffet style and just giving the caterer a headcount in advance. When food is served, the bride will usually get up and thank everyone for coming. There might be some speeches from the mother of the bride, mother-in-law, maid of honor, or anyone else.

Photo taken from Pinterest

After everyone is done eating the bride will usually open gifts. Because this can take awhile it can be a good time if people need to leave. After the bride opens all the gifts everyone can leave while clean up is done. Someone might need to get the remaining decorations and help the bride transport gifts. Remind the bride she needs to do thank you’s for all the gifts after.

Photo taken from Pinterest

Focus on the big picture and ticket items before getting into the details. Ask the bride if there is specific things she wants to happen or do during the shower. Remember this is a time to encourage and prepare the bride as she steps into this new married life. Although there is a good amount of work that can go into the bridal shower, it is a great time to celebrate the bride and the women supporting her.

Bridal Party Color Palettes for Spring & Summer

We’ve been feeling so inspired by the warmer weather lately and we’re dreaming of some bridal party color palettes for our spring and summer brides! We’ve received lots of formal gowns lately from our donors, and we are so excited! Come shop with us anytime during our normal business hours for bridesmaid and formal gowns, all priced $110 or less! Let’s highlight some of our staff picks for colors this season!

First up, pink! Pink is perfect for summer and warmer wedding days! Whether blush tones or warmer shades like hot pink, you can easily achieve a great look for your bridesmaids and wedding party! Plus, mixing and matching pink is a great way for every bridesmaid to find a color that compliments their skin tone. Scroll down to see #CSBbride Alecia’s color palette for some inspiration, plus you can see some of our current favorite pink formal gowns!

Photo by Sarah Duke Photography

Next, lilac- lots of our brides are loving lilac and lavender lately, and we are, too! You can match this with sage greens for a gorgeous spring color palette, or with some pops of gray! Lilac and purple tones look great on basically everyone, so you won’t have to worry about a bridesmaid or two not feeling confident! We love this lilac gown that one of our wonderful volunteers is modeling below, and we’ve recently received lavender gowns in various sizes, making it easy to find gowns for your entire crew!

Inspired by flowers this season? We are as well! Your bridesmaids can wear floral prints, too! Dresses that match your color palette but have floral details are a great way to make your bridal party pop! Our donors have been so kind in giving us some beautiful printed gowns recently, and we will take any excuse to show them off! This lovely gown by Jenny Yoo would be great for a matron/maid of honor to make them feel special.

As we’ve been saying around here, sage is all the rage this wedding season! Sage green has definitely been the most popular wedding color among our brides and we’re obsessed! Our inventory is bursting with great options in sage green and pistachio- helping keep you right on trend!

Photo by Meghan Lambert Photography

Loving neutrals? Perfect! Neutral tones with bright bouquets are sure to look stunning, much like what #CSBbride Abby did on her big day! Sometimes the simpler the better is the way to go- giving emphasis to the beauty of your bridal party!

Photo by Meghan Lambert Photography

What do you think, bride-to-be? The options are limitless, so go with colors that are a perfect fit for you! We hope this serves as inspiration as you decide on your color palettes!

Bridesmaid Proposal Gift Ideas

Hey bride-to-be! Your significant other popped the question, now it’s your turn to pop the question to your besties! Having trusted and loving voices surrounding you on the big day is so important, and you couldn’t do it without the VIPs in your life! You’ve most likely given some thought to “who” in your life will be a bridesmaid, but we wanted to give you some cute inspiration for “how” to ask!

First off, you can’t go wrong with some scrunchies! We love this shop from Etsy that sells these adorable velvet scrunchie with a cute little note that says, “to have and to hold your hair back!” This cute touch with a practical gift is so perfect and super budget-friendly!

Next up, we are loving these adorable jewelry dishes! You can personalize them with each bridesmaid’s name, and it is something they’ll use for long after the wedding planning season! Even for your bridesmaids that don’t wear a lot of jewelry, this can be perfect to hold keys on a coffee table or be a cute decorative piece!

For your bridesmaids to use for weekend getaways, we think these personalized makeup bags are just the cutest! These bags also ask the question, “will you be my bridesmaid?” As part of the bridesmaid proposal, you can pop some small items like chapstick, candy, and a gift card in there, too!

Nothing is better than lighting a new candle and having a cozy night in, so why not gift a cute one for your bridesmaids?! These candles have sweet words of affirmation, too! You really can’t go wrong with gifting a candle, either!

Love puns?! Yeah, we do too! This sweet idea is perfect for bridesmaids with a sweet tooth, and this is so budget-friendly, too! You can buy the design here or you can make your own if you’re crafty! This is also a really adorable way to ask the little ones in your life to be a ring-bearer or flower girl!

Bath bombs are an easy way to unwind after a long day and make you feel pampered! If you love making gifts for your favorite people, tap here for an easy DIY bath bomb tutorial! Adding intentionality in your gifts is sure to make them smile!

Self-care goes a long way, and some people need some help in taking a moment for themselves. These proposal boxes that double as a self-care kit make it so simple for even the biggest work-aholic to practice rest.

Going to the beach for your bachelorette party?! Look no further than this cute shop for the cutest bridal party beach and summer accessories! Getting matching bathing suits or flip-flops make celebrating even more fun (and are the cutest photos!)

Have you watched Friends so many times that you can recite all the lines from any given episode? Maybe you love Lord of the Rings, Schitt’s Creek, or Marvel movies? It is SO easy to incorporate those interests and passions into adorable T-shirts or other accessories! Amazon and Etsy have so many awesome options, like these!

We hope this gave some inspo on how to make asking your crew to be your bridesmaids super fun and personalized! They have been by your side through major events in your life, so picking them to be in your bridal party is a no-brainer!

She Wears High Heels...Can I Wear Sneakers?

CSB Bride Erin (Kai Eason Photography) and her bridesmaids showing off their Vans for the big day!

Y’ALL! These boots are EVERYTHING! They’re perfect for the bride who is a little bit country but still wants elevated glam. Channeling your inner Hannah Montana on your wedding day sounds like the best thing ever! For brides who are looking to get married in fall and winter, these will keep you warm and stylish! Alright, we’re adding these to our cart.

Ultimate comfort is met through these sneakers by Keds and Kate Spade New York. For the bride that doesn’t want any heel, these shoes have a small platform (Hello, easier navigating!) and are so sparkly! We love the ease of these, and how you can get so many wears out of them. After the wedding, you can make a trip to the grocery store a little more special! Love these!

Vintage Old Skool Floral/Marshmallow Vans.

So many brides feel pressure to keep tradition and wear heels on their big day. If you’re anything like me, (Liz) you trip over yourself in flats, so added 6-inch heels on a day you’re already having all the adrenaline going sounds a bit intimidating. Just as much as you want your wedding dress to reflect you and your personality, your shoes should do the same! If you’re more comfortable in Vans, who’s going to stop you from rocking them?! Let this post be a place to gather some inspiration for shoes that are comfortable and still so stylish!

SB-Cady Rhinestones by Betsey Johnson.

Keds x Kate Spade New York Triple Glitter.

Recently, I (Liz) had a bride come in with these Vans to try on her dress with. She loved them so much that she decided if her dress didn’t match the vibe of her shoes, it wasn’t the dress! She found something that complimented them beautifully, and since then, I haven’t been able to stop thinking of these shoes! Who doesn’t love a pair of Vans? They come in a few different colors, and I may just have to get a pair myself!

Ultimately, whatever you decide, be confident! A simple white pair of flip flops, white Crocs, and cute strappy sandals are also all great ideas! Or go barefoot! The day is all about you and your partner, and make sure you’re choosing comfort and what makes you feel good! You’ll look great, head-to-toe!

Trend Alert: Intro to Boho

Bohemian-style weddings have taken the bridal world by storm! So many are drawn to not just the aesthetic, but also the personality behind a bohemian wedding because of the laid-back elegance and make simplicity look exquisite.

COVID-19 has been a big contributor to this trend, since micro and outdoor weddings have been a popular choice for couples who want to commit to one another in a stress-free way. Bohemian weddings are all over our Pinterests, and it’s also because they are so budget-friendly and nature truly decorates itself, saving money on excessive decorations. We are loving the bohemian look, and we wanted to provide some inspiration for you! Bohemian weddings remind us of what’s important on wedding days, the couple and togetherness. Brides are loving the amount of personalization they can put into their boho weddings, and we are cheering them on!

Image from idlewildfloral.com.

Okay, first of all, this dress is gorgeous and total boho bride goals. Lace patterns are an easy way to look effortlessly stunning. Sheath and simple a-line silhouettes allow for ease, making them easy to move around in without feeling restricted. With boho, easier is better!

Also, can we talk about how chic this hat looks matched with the gown?! Plus, you’ll be able to wear the hat again and again, not just the wedding day!

Image from weddingforward.com.

You can easily elevate any space with macrame, a simple wooden alter, and florals. You don’t need to worry about renting out an extravagant church, make the ceremony about you and your partner with minimal decor! Minimalism allows the focus and emphasis to be on you and your partner, which is what your wedding is about, anyway!

Weddings are supposed to be about the couple, and we are so excited that the bohemian trend represents couples reclaiming the meaning of their celebration. Truly, we love this trend, we all have it saved to our Pinterest boards, but more importantly, we love seeing brides doing what makes them happy and highlighting details they love and letting the focus be on them. We celebrate you!

We hope this can be a source of inspiration and also encouragement as you decide on wedding-day details!

Up first- flower crowns! We love this look, and beautiful headpieces like this don’t have to be expensive to look gorgeous! Replace a veil with a gorgeous headpiece! DIY your own or shop this look- it’s perfect for brides who want something untraditional and something that reflects them and their personality.

Image from dreamersandlovers.com (Hayley Lace and Wedding Crepe Dress.)

When it comes to decorating, it doesn’t get more simple than bohemian style. Throw a gorgeous delicate lace table runner on, and you have a beautiful look! You can also go to a local fabric store and make your own table runners that highlight your colors and some earth tones. Linens and over-the-top centerpieces can be, well, over-the-top expensive, even to rent! Add some florals, mismatched seating, and you have a reception that is simply gorgeous. One thing we love about bohemian weddings is that you don’t need to spend a ton of money to make your day special, and with small details, your wedding venue will glow!

Image from bridesofoklahoma.com. (Photography: Lauren Rader Photography.)

A Quick Guide to Dress Silhouettes

Hey beautiful bride-to-be! We wanted to provide a resource for you that’s an easy guide to dress silhouettes! Wedding planning and dress shopping can be overwhelming, and sometimes finding a place to start can be hard. We are cheering you on, and when you come in to Church Street Bridal for an appointment, your consultant will walk through everything with you! Let this be a place to grab some initial inspiration, don’t worry about being an expert by the time of your appointment!

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A-line gowns are the most popular silhouette among brides, as they look great on every body type! This silhouette hugs the waist and can make your bust look great! Especially with petite brides, it can help them appear taller. Trying on an a-line gown will make you glow! 

Abernathy from Jenny Yoo.

Mermaid dresses are also a very popular silhouette, known for being stunning, contouring the waist to the knee, then flaring out. This style emphasizes the waist and hips. Rocking a mermaid shows off your figure beautifully, and if this is a little out of your comfort zone, it never hurts to try! Some brides want to stay far away from mermaids, but try one on and end up loving it! 

Kleinfeld Bridal Style #113162XS.

Like a mermaid, a trumpet silhouette will accentuate your hips and waist and flares out, but the flare begins at your thighs. This style will show off your figure and give you an hourglass shape. Trumpets can also be a little easier to walk around in since the flare starts a bit higher. We love this look!

Pnina Tornai Style #4881PT from Kleinfeld Bridal.

Wanting to look like a princess? A ball gown is going to give you the Disney fairytale dress of your dreams! This silhouette flares at the waist, but has some extra shape in comparison to an a-line. Ball gowns accentuate your waist, and are known for drama. Your big day is all about you, so if channeling your inner queen is something that will make you feel super confident, go for it! 

Essence of Australia Style #D3255XS from Kleinfeld Bridal.

Sheath dresses are perfect for a bride seeking a minimal and chic look for her big day. You can accessorize beautifully with this dress, and it is designed to fit you like a glove to show off your gorgeous figure. Most brides go for a stunning veil or statement jewelry to compliment this style. Being the perfect combination of figure-hugging and still flowy, this look has us all swooning!

Rebecca Schoneveld Style #KIMBERLYXS from Kleinfeld.

A tea-length gown is perfect for a fashion-forward bride who also likes some tradition. This style is great for showing off some gorgeous shoes or those wedding sneakers you’re excited to rock! A bride who wants to be unique should definitely add this to their Pinterest board.

By Watters Lynette Gown from Brides.com.

As you can see, there’s many different styles of gowns, but there’s only one of you! It’s all about what you like and you will feel most confident in! In your first appointment, try different styles, but listen to your heart when it comes to picking out your dress!

Which style are you swooning over?!

CSB's Guide to Buying Your Dream Dress during a Short Engagement

Short engagement due to COVID-19? Church Street Bridal has got this!

Wedding date moved up due to military deployment? No problem!

Life throwing a wrench in your wedding plans? Let’s talk!

Church Street Bridal staff has helped countless women with short timelines find their dream dress. (Check out our gallery and praise for CSB. ) Here are our tips and tricks to get your dress, even when the clock is tickin’! 

• Plan to buy a sample gown. Buying “off the rack” isn’t limited to brides with short timelines, but it’s a great option for 2 main reasons.  

1. You will save money! Full-service salons can order a dress from a designer, but you may pay hefty rush fees. In addition, sample gowns are less expensive across the board. For example, all the gowns at Church Street Bridal are priced between $200- $600.  

2. When you buy a sample gown at Church Street Bridal, you get to walk out of the shop with your dress in hand. You have it and can immediately check that off your list, rather than waiting on your dress to be delivered to the salon, be shipped to you, etc.   

• Secure an appointment with a bridal alteration specialist, even before you buy your gown. This means that you have someone that can alter the gown that you fall in love with! This will also give you confidence as you shop. When you find something, you know it can be altered to fit you on your day! 

• Before you go shopping, let our bridal consultants know your timeline and budget. We can tailor our recommendations and advice for your specific situation.  

Photo By Olivia Bauso

Ladies, never forget the tale of the ‘3:30 PM bride’!  

A few years ago, a sweet and soft-spoken bride walked in. So soft-spoken that the bridal consultants thought they misheard her when she said that she was getting married THAT day. Instead of planning an elaborate wedding, they had decided to say ‘I do’ at 5:00 PM. After we shook off the shock, we all got to work!  

30 minutes later she said “yes” to a beautiful ivory gown.  

After years of receiving photos from happy and gorgeous brides, we know you have got this!  

Click here to book your appointment with Church Street Bridal! 

Click here to contact Church Street Bridal with questions about shopping with us!