Choosing the perfect gowns for your gals to don on your wedding day can feel like an overwhelming task to check off your wedding to-do’s, but with the Bella Bridesmaids bunch on your team, the process can be easy, breezy, beautiful! We caught up with Bella Bridesmaids Charleston owner Allison Long and Bella stylists Lissie, Kaylee and Alex to learn the secret to the perfect bridesmaid shopping experience. Scroll on for their top tips and begin planning your dream wedding in Charleston.
1. PLAN AHEAD FOR LESS STRESS & MORE FUNWe recommend making your first appointment with us about eight months prior to your wedding. We like to order all of the gowns six months before the wedding in order to allow four months for production and six to eight weeks for any alterations necessary. This allows for no stress and lots of fun!
LISSIE’S DESIGNER CRUSH: Theia
“We’re the only boutique in Charleston where you can find these gorgeous gowns and we love showing them off to our brides!”
Bring along those whose opinions you value. If there are numerous voices and opinions, the process can feel very overwhelming and the bride’s vision can get lost. We advise inviting one to two trusted friends and/or family members who will help you find the perfect dresses for your day. Once you’ve made your selection(s), you can then bring in the whole crew for fittings!
KAYLEE’S DESIGNER CRUSH: Nouvelle Amsale
“Nouvelle Amsale gowns are light, flowy and so beautiful! Nouvelle is a perfect option if your vision includes your gals in a variety of styles.”
Choose your bridal gown prior to searching for bridesmaids dresses. Many times the bride’s wedding day vision changes when they fall in love with an unexpected dress, changing the atmosphere and tone of the whole wedding. Pick the most important things first (bridal gown, venue, colors, etc.) and everything else will fall into place!
ALEX’S DESIGNER CRUSH: Jenny Yoo
“Jenny Yoo has such beautiful silhouettes and gorgeous colors for any time of the year. This designer is the perfect choice for brides searching for convertible dresses for their maids. Choosing Jenny Yoo allows you to dress all of your girls in the same dress, but show off their uniqueness by tying the gown in ways that fits their personalities and body types.”
4. BE A BELLA BRIDE
My top tip for the perfect bridemaid shopping experience is to visit 43 John Street – the Bella Bridesmaids Charleston showroom – and shop with one of our stylists who will lead you through more than 1,000 dresses to THE PERFECT one (or ones). There really is no other option (wink wink)! After a decade in business in Charleston, we have so much fun with our brides and their maids and that is why we are the chosen bridesmaids boutique time and time again. We have numerous repeat clients that, many times, it feels like family coming through the door.
ALLISON’S DESIGNER CRUSH: Jenny Yoo
“Jenny Yoo’s collection has something for everyone… from florals to tulle, glitter to sequins, to the tried and true classic and chiffon! Simply amazing!”
