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.

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.
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.

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!

The original plan was to have a 100+ person wedding in Downtown Lynchburg on Sunday, March 29th, 2020. It was on March 15th that Jess and Karch realized that their wedding would not go as planned. As different orders were issued, their venue, caterer, and other vendors cancelled and returned their deposits.

Although corona virus is an unprecedented event, so many brides have their wedding plans changed. Changes can be caused by a military deployment, financial situation, or illness. No matter the cause, what should brides do when their wedding plans go up in smoke?

A few weeks after her rescheduled wedding, Jess spoke to Church Street Bridal. She provided brides with the following advice:

1. Mourn the loss of your original plans. (With your fiance) It's incredibly disappointing to have to change any aspect of your wedding day. Take time to mourn the loss of your plans with your future groom. Speak openly about what you were excited about, before you start making new plans.

2. Perfectionism is not your friend. An attitude of perfectionism fixates on what is not “right” about the wedding day. Originally, Jess was disappointed to get married at her home. It became one of the most special details about her day.

3. Accept help from friends and family. As Jess talked about her wedding, she fondly remembers the contribution of each person. She talks about how the groomsmen cleaned and set up the front porch. The simulcast was set up and run by a tech-savvy friend. Her mother-in-law decorated the porch. Her sister surprised her with her incredible hair skills. When Jess allowed other people to take control of tasks on her wedding day, she was able to relax and enjoy her day. Rather than frantically delegating details, she viewed each piece of her day at a gift.

Jess married her best friend, Karch, on March 21st, 2020 on the front porch of their home. The sun shone beautifully after a day of drizzling rain. A neighbor let the bridal party take photos in their backyard, among their flowers. A small group of family and friends sat in chairs on the lawn, as people watched online via Facebook Live and a simulcast. The groomsmen and bridesmaid lined the sidewalks as Jess and Karch exchanged their vows.

Rain or shine, small or large….your wedding will bring hope and love to any situation.

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

Bridal Stories: Weddings Amidst Crisis