White Dress Optional

Welcome back, listeners! With new tariff policies on imported goods set to take effect in 2025, we know many couples in the midst of planning might be wondering, 'How will this affect my wedding plans?' In this episode, Mel breaks down what these changes could mean for couples and the wedding industry alike, how wedding pros are responding, and shares solutions to help you navigate this uncharted territory with confidence. It’s always our goal to leave you feeling empowered and supported along your wedding planning journey!

Related Topics: Nearly all U.S. wedding dresses are crafted by talented artisans overseas—if you’d like to learn more about the relationships that bring bridal magic to life, check out our episode, 'Behind the Seams of Wedding Dressmaking: Our Trip to China'

Thank you for tuning into ‘White Dress Optional’, a wedding podcast by Brilliant Bridal! Join us every Wednesday for candid conversations, expert insights, and heartwarming stories that celebrate love in all its forms. Connect with us on Instagram at @whitedressoptional or email us at [email protected].

If you are in one of our markets and searching for your dream dress, we'd be thrilled to accompany you on your bridal journey. Visit https://www.brilliantbridal.com/appointments & schedule an appointment to shop at one of our boutiques today!
Check out additional resources here!

Happy Wednesday! We’re back with another round of wedding registry must-haves! This week, Mel & Malea share their favorite registry picks of 2025, from big-ticket investment pieces that are great for group gifts to fun and practical finds you’ll use for years to come. Tune in for tips on building a well-balanced registry and snagging gifts that will last well beyond your wedding day. Check out the show notes below for links to all our favorites!

Royal Doulton x Gordon Ramsey Dinnerware Set

Mini Serving Spatula

All Clad Oven Safe Non Stick Fry Pan

Large Round Stone with Handles

White Service Platter

Shoe Storage

Sheet Organizing Boxes

Homesick Candles

PillowFlex Synthetic Down Throw Pillow Inserts

Foldie Bag

Built-in Cable Portable Charger

Adjustable Weight Set

Thank you for tuning into ‘White Dress Optional’, a wedding podcast by Brilliant Bridal! Join us every Wednesday for candid conversations, expert insights, and heartwarming stories that celebrate love in all its forms. Connect with us on Instagram at @whitedressoptional or email us at [email protected].

If you are in one of our markets and searching for your dream dress, we'd be thrilled to accompany you on your bridal journey. Visit https://www.brilliantbridal.com/appointments & schedule an appointment to shop at one of our boutiques today!
Check out additional resources here!

Wedding planning is full of excitement, but what happens when a vendor doesn’t meet your expectations? This week, we’re joined by Cora Mercer, founder of Tailored in White, to tackle the tough questions couples face when things don’t go as planned. Mel, Malea and Cora have an honest conversation about how to handle vendor disappointments with confidence, share real-life scenarios, and offer their best advice for finding resolutions and moving forward. Whether you’re just starting to plan or wrapping up the details, this episode is full of helpful tips you don’t want to miss!

Connect with Tailored in White at https://www.tailoredinwhite.com/ or on Instagram!

Thank you for tuning into ‘White Dress Optional’, a wedding podcast by Brilliant Bridal! Join us every Wednesday for candid conversations, expert insights, and heartwarming stories that celebrate love in all its forms. Connect with us on Instagram at @whitedressoptional or email us at [email protected].

If you are in one of our markets and searching for your dream dress, we'd be thrilled to accompany you on your bridal journey. Visit https://www.brilliantbridal.com/appointments & schedule an appointment to shop at one of our boutiques today!
Check out additional resources here!

Happy Wednesday, listeners! This week’s episode is all about making wedding day style stress-free for grooms, groomsmen, and fiancés. Eric Acuña from Friar Tux joins Mel & Malea to share expert styling advice, highlight the latest trends, explain how their online rental service makes looking sharp easier and more affordable than ever, and so much more. Plus, we’re thrilled to offer our listeners exclusive savings with Friar Tux! Visit www.friartux.com/preferred and use code BBFT25 to enjoy 20% off individual rentals or purchases, 30% off ring bearer rentals, or get one free suit or tux to own or rent when you buy six. Tune in now to learn how to suit up without the stress!

Thank you for tuning into ‘White Dress Optional’, a wedding podcast by Brilliant Bridal! Join us every Wednesday for candid conversations, expert insights, and heartwarming stories that celebrate love in all its forms. Connect with us on Instagram at @whitedressoptional or email us at [email protected].

If you are in one of our markets and searching for your dream dress, we'd be thrilled to accompany you on your bridal journey. Visit https://www.brilliantbridal.com/appointments & schedule an appointment to shop at one of our boutiques today!
Check out additional resources here!

Wedding RSVPs and seating charts don’t have to be overwhelming! This week, Mel & Malea share how to set RSVP deadlines, follow up with guests who don’t respond, and manage last-minute additions. They’ll also break down the pros and cons of open seating vs. assigned seating, plus share creative advice on matching guests based on shared commonalities. Since this task often comes toward the end of planning, it can feel extra stressful—but this episode is packed with tools and tips to keep the process simple, stress-free, and organized.
Grab our Free Wedding RSVP Follow-Up Cheatsheet here!

Thank you for tuning into ‘White Dress Optional’, a wedding podcast by Brilliant Bridal! Join us every Wednesday for candid conversations, expert insights, and heartwarming stories that celebrate love in all its forms. Connect with us on Instagram at @whitedressoptional or email us at [email protected].

If you are in one of our markets and searching for your dream dress, we'd be thrilled to accompany you on your bridal journey. Visit https://www.brilliantbridal.com/appointments & schedule an appointment to shop at one of our boutiques today!
Check out additional resources here!