August 14, 2019

What to Expect in Your Bridal Appointment

August 14, 2019/ Brilliant Bridal

Now that you’re prepared for your bridal shopping experience- it’s nice to know what you’re getting yourself into the moment you enter a bridal boutique.

We don’t know what happens out there, but we do know that here at Brilliant Bridal, magic happens and we want to share that magic with our brides!

Keep scrolling for what to expect in a Brilliant Bridal appointment.

NElson Cinematic

Trust Your Stylist

The world of bridal is a world of its own and bridal dress shopping is nothing like walking into Target or Macy’s. You are a BRIDE. Which means you’re pretty much royalty and just like any royal, you have your own personal stylist. 👑

Trust your stylist. Yes, you are putting your bridal dress dreams into the hands of a complete stranger but we promise, we are here for you.

Don’t be afraid to show your stylist photos of a favorite at another bridal boutique. Sharing this information with your stylist actually helps her help you. There’s a reason you have a favorite and there’s a reason why you left it - it’s our job to help you work through that process.

At Brilliant Bridal our stylists are not commission based and have your best interest at heart. We are lovers of all things bridal and genuinely want to help guide you in finding “the one”. Weddings are stressful enough, so head on over and let’s have some fun!

Emily Brault

Walking Into The World of Bridal

You have your most trusted ladies with you and you’re walking up to the bridal boutique in hopes to find your dream wedding dress. It’s okay to get all the anxious feels - it’s a big deal! That’s why we’re here to help you feel at ease and make this a memorable and exciting experience.

When you enter Brilliant Bridal, you and your gals will be greeted by your stylist who will then escort you over to your own personal viewing area. Now that you’re here, take a deep breathe and enjoy the process. You deserve this moment!

Adam Trujillo

Let’s Talk All Things Wedding!

Once you’re settled in your viewing area, before shopping - your stylist will get to know you as a bride. This is your time to gush about your big day! We want to hear it all! We work in bridal for a reason and LOVE hearing about your venue and vision.

*If you read the previous blog “How To Prepare For The Dress Shopping Experience” we mentioned to be prepared with photo inspo and an idea of your dress budget in mind. This is why.

These two elements are key for your stylist. Having an actual visual of what you’re drawn to in a wedding dress, will paint a picture for your stylist so she can understand what you want and what to pull for you.

As far as price point goes - Brilliant Bridal ranges from $95-$3000 so knowing what range you’re comfortable with will help guide your stylist to navigate the dresses properly. Girl, we get it! Weddings cost a pretty penny, so we understand and respect budgets.

Now, we know you didn’t come here to chat and you’re probably itching to get those wedding dresses on your body - so let’s go shop the racks!

Adam Trujillo

Next week we will be sharing the full bridal appointment process at Brilliant Bridal! No secrets and no catches - we want our brides to know what to expect and feel at ease in our store. 💙

August 12, 2019

Our Brilliant Bride Jennifer | Desert Botanical Garden

August 12, 2019/ Brilliant Bridal

Our brilliant bride Jennifer and her hubby, Cullen, made it official at the gorgeous Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. This couple stole all of our hearts from the very beginning! Their joy and love for each other is so evident through their photos, and we can’t get enough!

“’I’ve never had a couple laugh so much. The happiness is real. ⁣” - Matthew Wheeler

Jennifer looked absolutely incredible in her Maggie Sottero gown. This gown is a complete show-stopper! 🤩The deep V neckline, blush floral appliqués, and tulle ballgown skirt created an absolute dream!

Keep scrolling for our favorite photos and adorable first look from Jennifer + Cullen’s wedding courtesy of the amazing Matthew Wheeler Photo 📸

August 07, 2019

How To Prepare for the Dress Shopping Experience

August 07, 2019/ Brilliant Bridal

As a new bride, you get thrown into the world of bridal the moment that ring is on your finger. Aside from all the excitement of getting engaged, you’re also expected to plan and coordinate an event that is so different than anything else in life. I mean, it’s your wedding!!! It’s a big deal - it should be a fun and memorable process not a stressful mess.

So let’s build that excitement back up and talk wedding dresses!

After landing your honey, the next big step is finding your dress! We have designed an entire blog series dedicated to making the dress shopping experience as smooth as possible for our brides. Keep scrolling for tips on how to prepare for finding your dream dress!

Nelson Cinematic

What is the Difference Between Ordering and Off the Rack?

In most bridal boutiques, you order your wedding dress - which typically takes anywhere from 4-9 months for you to receive the dress. The process is longer because the dresses are made to order. This means that when you go in for your dress appointment - you will be trying on sample sizes (usually a bridal size 10 or 12) then get measured to order your size. This does not mean it will fit perfectly. Wedding dresses are made to be altered - even though the dress will technically be in your size, you will still need work done to hug your body properly.

When buying your wedding dress off the rack - the major difference is that you get to take it home that day! This style of bridal boutique is perfect for the bride who doesn’t have 4-9 months to wait on a dress or if you’d just prefer to have the dress in your possession.

There are numerous types of off the rack bridal options - some ordering stores sell off the rack for select sample dresses. Or in a shop like Brilliant Bridal, we sell high-end designers and brand new off the rack gowns.

TIP: Do your research when scheduling dress appointments and read reviews.

Brilliant Bridal Dallas

Know Your Timeframe

So now that you’re engaged and are ready to start dress shopping, plan out how many months you have until the wedding day and consider the time needed for alterations. Staying on top of this will allow you to actually enjoy the experience and save you from settling. Girl, you didn’t settle on your partner for life, so don’t settle on your dress!

Whether your wedding is in a few months or a year or more out - time flies. It will be here sooner than you think! The best way you can avoid the headache is to plan.

Ideally, brides begin their dress search 10 months out. This way you can enjoy the process rather than rush it.

Why start so early? One word - alterations. Wedding dresses are a lot different than normal clothes and are designed to be tailored so it custom fits your body. This process does take time. In bridal, whether you order or buy off the rack - alterations will typically begin 2-3 months before the wedding day. This is key! Many stressed brides find themselves forgetting about the alterations timeline and it could potentially keep you from getting the dress you want - so be prepared and you won’t run into this issue.

If you and your fiancé are eager to tie the knot - don’t fret! Brilliant Bridal caters to brides with shorter time frames - you can walk out with your dress the day you buy it! **We also offer a list of alteration specialists in your area, many of whom are great with shorter time frames. We got you girl!**

Nelson Cinematic

Figuring Out Your Dress Budget

Purchasing your wedding dress is much more special and intimate than buying regular attire. This is a garment you will be wearing one of the most important days of your life!

Price point is a big factor when it comes to finding your dream dress. So be prepared with an ideal budget. According to The Knot 2018 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding dress in the US was just over $1600. But, we have good news! At Brilliant Bridal, our average dress price is just $750! Whether you’re paying for it yourself or getting assistance on cost, make sure to talk it over with your fiancé or whoever is helping you pay. Really discuss it and determine how much you’re willing to set aside for this portion of the wedding funds. This too will help save you from stress and heartache!

Remember that pesky alterations timeline? Well, alterations cost is another important expense to factor in. In bridal, the average cost of alterations is between $300-$500. However, the cost can range quite a bit depending on the seamstress and how much the dress needs to be altered. So when planning your dress budget, don’t forget to include this important step. The alterations cost won’t be upfront like it will be for the dress. That cost occurs in that 2-3 month period before the wedding.

TIP: Whether it’s your first shop or third - you never know when you are going to fall in love. Always be prepared with your dress budget on hand.

Nelson Cinematic

Get Inspired!

This is probably one of the most exciting parts of the dress experience! It doesn’t matter if you’ve had a vision of your dream wedding dress since childhood like Monica from Friends or have never thought about it until now - preparing with dress inspo will not only help you, but it will help your stylist in the dress appointment.

Ohhh, the wonderful world of Pinterest! Thank goodness for this lovely online platform. Pinterest is a fabulous way to get dress inspiration - pin anything and everything that screams out to you! It’s okay if your inspo is all over the place - this just shows what draws you in. The trying on process is when you’ll truly get an idea of what you want.

Gathering dress inspiration does not mean this is what you have to end up with. Do not get hung up on your inspiration photos. Your inspo should be used as a guide for your search not a definite “must-have”. 90% of the time, brides walk out with something completely different than what they originally thought. The purpose of gathering dress inspo is to see what vibe you’re leaning towards. Remember, they always look different once they are on your own body than they do in stock photos. Be open to options and that will help tame your inner bridezilla.

With that being said - just have fun with it! You’re a BRIDE!!! Revel in every moment of the process and try to not get lost in the stress of it all.

Brilliant Bridal dallas

We hope this blog was a useful tool for preparing for your dress search and stay tuned for the next blog on “What To Expect”. Now that you’re prepared, we’ll share what to expect in your bridal appointments.

August 05, 2019

Desert Elopement | Las Vegas Styled Shoot

August 05, 2019/ Brilliant Bridal

Nelson, Nevada may not be at the top of your mind when it comes to dream elopement locations, BUT it provided the most perfect setting for this styled shoot. 🌵 The combination of open desert, bold tones, and vintage lace created a picture-perfect day. ✨

The bride looked incredible in her one-of-a-kind Pronovias gown. The cap sleeves, lace bodice, and tulle overlay on the skirt created a bridal dream. And, the open-back gave the dress the perfect amount of sexiness. 👰

A huge thank you goes out to Hayway Photography⁠ for sharing these incredible photos with us! Keep scrolling for more inspiration and all the vendor details! ✨

August 02, 2019

New Arrivals | House of Wu + Mon Cheri + More

August 02, 2019/ Brilliant Bridal

Our team gets SO excited when new dresses arrive at the shops. And to prepare for engagement seasons, we’ve been receiving a lot lately. So, we just had to share a few of our favorites with you! If you like what you see, click the ‘book your appointment’ button to say yes to the dress for way LESS!

New Stock. Unbelievable Prices. No Waiting. | Your dress is waiting to be found.

New inventory is always being sourced for our shops. Not just a few times a year, but as frequently as every month! All of which are immediately discounted 30 - 80% off the original retail price, saving you hundreds of dollars! Plus, they are all sold "off the rack,” which means no ordering and then waiting around for your dress to come in. Perfect for short engagements or last minute shopping!

Book Your Appointment