Become a TDR Bride and Save 15% off your Wedding Dress and Claim an Exclusive Gift
We are celebrating 15 years of TDR Bridal and to help us celebrate the launch of our new website and fresh new makeover, we are giving you lots of lovely benefits to enjoy!
Visit us to see what everyone’s talking about throughout July and August and save 15% off your wedding dress and claim a special gift! Book your FIRST wedding dress appointment with TDR Bridal throughout July/August 2022 and claim a special gift.
(only available for first dress appointments – offer ends 30th August)
Enjoy browsing over 400 gowns and trying on your favourites in one of six beautiful bridal suites.
Give us a call on 0121 423 2777 or book online to join the TDR Bride Club!
We invite you to join us to celebrate on the 13thJuly 2022, for an evening of fabulous fun and fashion, with Champagne, catwalks, canapés and more! Entry is FREE but spaces are limited, so please book to secure your tickets now, which can be ordered online (limited to two tickets per bride)
This week we caught up with our amazing Premier Retailer TDR Bridal in Birmingham, which is less than 30 minutes’ drive from Birmingham City Centre.
What have you been up to since we spoke last year? Have there been any major changes at TDR?
We have lots of major developments ahead of us this year, that we are keeping under wraps for now, all we can say is WATCH THIS SPACE it is going to be HUGE!
Carrie – style 5919
Do you offer any specialised appointments? Afternoon tea, fizz etc?
Every appointment is VIP at TDR! We don’t do exclusives, it’s just not our style. We celebrate every single bride who walks through our door, every single bride is important to us and deserves the experience they had always dreamed of! So that means lots of fizz and lots of fun, every time, for every bride!
Do brides have to pay for appointments?
No, absolutely not! We do not believe in paying for appointments, every bride is important to us and why should they have to pay for the experience? It is what they deserve, and every bride should be allowed to enjoy these life moments without having to pay.
Constantina – style 1066
We loved your diverse Instagram post of your wheelchair wedding dress, can you tell us more about how that came about and what the response was?
Thank you! It is incredibly important to consider the experience of each and every bride that comes into store, that be of different races, genders, sizes and disabilities, visible or not. We know, the bridal industry needs to do more and that sadly, some believe inclusivity isn’t always luxurious, however, despite this, it is indeed a necessity.
The response was amazing and since then, we have been introducing more strategies in store, such as the team learning British Sign Language, which has had such a huge impact! We even had a bride message last week to say she “cancelled her first dress appointment because of the anxiety of being deaf and having to communicate” and seeing that we were BSL trained made her feel so much better, even it if is only a few signs! She has now rebooked with us and we cannot wait to help her first her dream dress!
Rasia – style 5773
How were things for you during covid? And how have you recovered? How are things now?
Believe it or not, during lockdown we were very busy! We used this time to really get ahead of ourselves in terms of marketing and forward-planning. We decided that to close completely, was just not an option, so we operated from home, replying to emails, answering calls and essentially continuing the majority of our behind the scenes work. We know during this time our brides really needed us for some support and guidance as it was a tricky time for everyone. We used our social media platform to spread positivity for our brides during lockdown, we started doing our live videos once a week for our brides to watch, which from the feedback we received, really kept them going!
Now, we are BUSIER THAN EVER and are looking forward to a very busy, successful year for TDR and our brides.
Do you prefer working with brides who come in knowing what they want or those who have no idea?
There is no right or wrong way to feel before you begin your wedding dress shopping, some brides know exactly what they want and will not change their mind once they begin trying on our gowns and others have completely no idea where to start, either is ‘normal’ and we love the experience with each bride no matter what. The main thing for us is finding every bride their dream dress, and once we get to that point it doesn’t matter where we started!
What do you love about the Morilee brand?
We love their inclusivity, we love how their gowns make our brides feel confident, offer support and style all at the same time! We also love the price point of these gowns, we know that no matter what price, Morilee ALWAYS deliver on high quality gowns. We love how well Morilee work with us to deliver a brides gown on time for her wedding, no matter how short the wear date.
5919 Carrie – a plainer, more understated gown in slim fitting crepe with sheer lace panelling and lace train. This is a great dress for small weddings or boho brides.
1066 Constantina – a gown of pure decadence! A soft A-line with sleeves, plunging neckline and beading. This is the gown of a modern-day princess!
5773 Rasia – Another great slim fitting crepe gown with lace details and an open back. This gown has such a pretty sheer low back and matching lace petal train.
6941Bonnie – This is our favourite halter neck gown! It is great for summer or destination weddings with its high slit and peekaboo bust.
2303 Bonita – Another halter neck gown with peekaboo bust detail, this time in lace without the slit and a more decadent petal train.
8283 Lizzie – An absolute classic! A delicate crepe design with exquisite embroidery, appliques and beading with an alluring keyhole back.
6922 Scout – A super modern on-trend gown with detailed bodice and crepe skirt which comes with a detachable net overskirt for a look you can change from day to night.
2139 Sophia – Another classic lace fit and flare much like Lizzie, but this time with more silver beading to the neckline meaning there is no need to wear a necklace.
Sophia – style 2139
Is there a typical TDR bride?
No! Every single bride is different and that is what we LOVE! That is why we make sure we have so many different style gowns in store, in all colours, shapes, styles, sizes, so that every bride can find a dress with us at TDR, no matter what.
What are the hot trends at TDR right now?
Hot trends for us right now are Less is More. We are seeing an increase in brides loving square, modest necklines, with a simple, clean line skirt. We are also seeing an increase in 3D detailing, puff sleeves and princess style wedding gowns!
Lizzie – style 8283
Why should brides follow your socials?
Our standard posting regime for social media includes x5 posts every single day and multiple story posts, this ensures our followers feel we are interactive, always providing new, exciting content, so we can offer inspiration to our followers. Social media is our first go to when we are announcing competitions, events, discounts etc. so in order to be the first to know about each of these, you must be following our accounts!
What would you like to see more of from the Morilee brand?
REAL BRIDES! We know, from our own research, that brides want to see REAL BRIDES not unrealistic models, we want REAL, it is as simple as that. We know our Instagram isn’t the prettiest, most ‘Instagram worthy’ account, BUT we know it’s fun, interactive, inspiring, and REAL and that’s all that matters to us, and our brides.
14% off all Bridal Gowns at TDR Bridal Birmingham on your first visit!
Hello lovely ladies.
To celebrate the day of LOVE we are launching our 2022 Valentine’s Promotion!
Save 14% off all bridal gowns purchased on your first appointment between Monday 14th Feb and Friday 18th Feb.
Terms and conditions: Discount only applies for your FIRST appointment with TDR. You must be happy for your images to be used in our marketing or on our social media (don’t worry, we won’t show you in your dress until after the big day!).
See you soon lovely ladies!
Lots of love
TDR Bridal Birmingham
Xxxx
Knowing when to shop for your wedding dress can be confusing at best. Here’s some handy tips to help you understand what your options are. Hope it helps
Hey there lovely lady! Wondering when is the best time to start looking for your Wedding Dress?
So, there’s no set “rule” to this, every bride is different. It ultimately depends on you and your individual circumstances. We know that many of our brides have had to postpone wedding dates, or, take the first date available at their wedding venues, so we know its tight, we get it! There is a number of things that are really essential if you are at this stage:
TDR Designers
Our relationship with our designers is SO important. Although our designers have certain standard delivery dates, there are a few, reputable designers, who have a ‘rush cut’ option when ordering, which means your dress will be delivered sooner than ‘standard’.
Alternatively, some of our designers also carry stock of particular gowns in particular sizes, which means they can be shipped straight out to us – sometimes this means you may have to go up a size or two in order to receive your gown in time but do not panic, this is what our onsite seamstresses are here for, they will be able to alter your dress down to your size.
Seamstresses
It is with upmost importance that when searching for your wedding dress, you must do you research to ensure the shop you choose has experienced seamstresses (specifically experienced with wedding dresses).
We have worked with our seamstresses now for over 10 years, they work independently (which means we take no commission from them or have ‘set alteration fees’ which some other shops may have) but they work on-site, which means they are easily accessible, just like us. This also means that we know for certain, that they can alter your dress in 24-48 hours if needs be! Which for you, is peace of mind that if delivery dates are tight, no matter what, we will get you fitted to perfection in time for you to walk down the aisle.
Let’s Talk Timescales
24 – 30 Months Before Wedding Date
You might want to be super organised like some of our brides and shop 24-30 months in advance- this gives you longer to plan, organise & budget well for your wedding.
12 – 18 Months Before Wedding Date
You might want to shop 12 – 18 months in advance- the majority of our brides do this as it still gives us plenty of time for your wedding dress to arrive and for all your fittings to be done.
6 – 12 Months Before Wedding Date
You might only have 6 – 12 months because you got a great deal on a shorter lead time with your venue. This is no problem for us at all. We will still have plenty of time to have your dress made & delivered to us plus we have the added benefit of 4 onsite seamstresses so you’re guaranteed to have your dress fitted perfectly in time for your special day.
1 – 6 Months Before Wedding Date
You might have 1 – 6 months, don’t worry! We can help you! Lots of our Designers hold stock and we are able to “live pick” that stock so that you can have the dress you want in the size that you need. Again, our amazing onsite Seamstresses will get you Aisle ready in no time!
Whatever your timeframe, we’ll always do our very best to make sure you have THE most amazing time with us and that your journey from Miss to Mrs will be full of lots of happiness and memories for you to treasure.
Some say you need to visit lots of different shops to find the perfect dress, our brides say you don’t. That’s because we’ve got over 400 individual styles to suit every shape, size & style and budget plus an unrivalled service too!
When you buy from us you get to meet over 1400 other brides who have bought from us, all of which, will sing our praises and support you too on your journey. It’s totally unique, there’s nowhere else like It.
We really would love to meet you, we really would love YOU to be the next TDR Bride; And we promise you, you’ll have the best time, and we will care for you and look out for you, every single step of the way, You’re In Safe Hands
Below are some dates to pop into your diaries for exciting events happening at TDR this year! These events are your chances to gain exclusive discounts and see some of next years styles ALL in store for one weekend only.
What is a Trunk Show?
A trunk show is your chance to view (usually) ALL of the next seasons collection, also known as either a ‘first look’ or ‘preview’ weekend. This means designers will ship new collection gowns into store for one weekend only and is your chance, as a bride, to be one of the first to try and order these style gowns. (P.s. there is usually an exclusive discount for these gowns too!). You will still be able to try on our usual store collection (over 400 gorgeous gowns) so the new collection gowns will just be a bonus!
So, our advice is, if you like the look of a particular designer, look out for the next trunk show date and get booked in!
Enzoani 2022 Trunk Show
20th August – 22nd August 2021
We are super excited to announce the date of this year’s Enzoani Trunk Show: August 21st – 23rd – perfect for the fashion-forward bride. This designer has become one of TDR’s most popular for their innovative style, quality and fit and finish truly like no other! The attention to detail of these couture wedding dresses is like no other. You are guaranteed to fall in love, we promise! This Trunk Show is by Appointment Only! So, make sure you get booked in early to avoid disappointment, we are also offering an exclusive incentive to any brides who purchase this weekend!!!
This is your chance to have exclusive access to the new Fall 2021 Mori Lee collection before they officially arrive in stores!! The largest range of wedding gowns from size 8-32, we can confidently say that Mori Lee gowns are a bride’s favourite when searching for a gown to make you feel more feminine, body confident yet with a modern/traditional twist. TDR Bridal, the first and ONLY Bridal shop for Mori Lee Wedding Gowns in the Midlands. We are officially taking appointments now, so get booked in loved ladies!!! Keep your eye out for sneak peaks of the brand-new collection.
TDR Macmillan Accessories Night
Wednesday 22nd September 2021
Macmillan is a charity close to our hearts so every year, we try to do all we can to raise money for an incredible charity, who provide support to people when they truly need it. TDR support the annual Macmillan Coffee morning every single year, without fail! However, this year we have decided to do things a little differently and raise money by hosting a TDR Accessories evening!
So, for any TDR Brides searching for the perfect accessories to complete their bridal look, this is the perfect night for you! For one night only, we will have a large selection of sample accessories from all our designers for our brides to purchase with an exclusive discount PLUS a donation to Macmillan.
No appointment needed, so pop the date in your diary and we shall see you there!!
We now have 0% finance to help you purchase your wedding dress and spread the cost into monthly instalments. Budgeting for a wedding can be a daunting task so we have the perfect solution to help you buy your wedding dress.
With just a small 10% deposit and monthly payment you can choose to spread over, 3, 6, 9 or 12 months you can secure your perfect wedding dress here at our West Midlands bridal boutique. There are no admin fees or any hidden costs with our Finance option which is great because you know exactly how much you are paying right from the off.
The credit application is done online and you have an answer, usually within minutes, it’s so easy! We’re all about flexibility and this zero finance option gives you great flexibility! Its easier than Klarna!
You don’t need to make the decision on Finance until you have chosen your wedding dress with us, then one of our Trained Stylists will talk you through the very easy and quick Finance option. There are just a few online details needed and the decision comes back really quickly so you can walk away with your perfect dream wedding dress on the day!
This amazing 0% finance option has given brides extra flexibility on their budget so you really can have the dress of dreams and feel comfortable knowing that you can afford each monthly payment without any worry.
It also enables brides to buy earlier and so have a much wider choice of wedding dress, as there is only a 10% deposit needed rather than the usual 50% requested by many bridal shops in Birmingham and the Midlands.
We are very proud to be given this facility to help our TDR Brides and we are the only Bridal shop in the West Midlands who can offer this, demonstrating our highly regarded, Award winning, position in the Industry.
Just book your appointment online, we would love to meet you!
Getting married is an exciting time for EVERY SINGLE BRIDE and there should be no barriers to this. This is something that means a great deal to us personally here at TDR Bridal and we are dedicated to doing everything in our power to ensure that our brides feel included and valued.
Every bride deserves to be celebrated, every bride deserves to feel incredible, every bride deserves these life moments, without exception!
Shopping for your wedding gown can seem very daunting for brides, with an industry that was once very insular and old fashioned, with set rigid unwritten rules, an industry full of what some may say were traditions and an industry not always great at considering the whole or expanding any further from what they deemed to be “right”.
However, TDR has never thought that way. We have always recognised a need for change in the industry and we have always tried to lead the way for our industry to become more inclusive.
We are proud to be Purple Tuesday members. Purple Tuesday is a programme created and co-ordinate by Purple, a disability organisation that encourages businesses to make changes and to improve the customer experience for individuals with disabilities.
We believe every single bride should have the opportunity to have a wonderful experience when buying their wedding gown, regardless of ability, race, gender or sexuality.
In just the last two years we have:
Installed a downstairs disabled bathroom.
Added ramps to our entrances for easier access.
Increased the size of our changing rooms to accommodate wheelchair access.
Given extra support and training to our staff.
Extended appointment times for individuals with disabilities
BUT WE WILL NOT STOP THERE!
We want to celebrate with everyone, inclusively. We really felt we needed to address the less obvious disabilities too, such as autism, dementia, hearing, or sight. In 2021 TDR Pledge for at least two team members to learn sign language so that we can Say Yes To The Dress and celebrate with every single bride! We also pledge to add the written word to any video we post online so that our content can be enjoyed by a wider audience.
We are making it our goal to take every step we possibly can towards becoming an inclusive environment for our brides, an environment where they feel safe, secure, and most importantly, celebrated.
Because that is what truly matters. For every single bride. No matter what.
We would love to hear any suggestions you may have on how we can be more inclusive, so please feel free to leave us any feedback or suggestions you may have!
From warehouses to historic halls, city centres are full of the perfect venues to tie the knot, with many offering incredible picturesque views and idealistic backdrops for the perfect wedding day photos. We have been doing a little bit of research to find our favourite City Weddings Venues in Birmingham and London!
Birmingham City Weddings
Fazeley Studios
Featured in British Vogue three times, Fazeley Studios is the most fashionable Digbeth City Weddings Venue, renowned for its character, history, and stylish interior. The perfect refreshingly romantic setting for your wedding day, whilst keeping its Victorian heritage, Fazeley Studios has a fresh and contemporary vibe.
Fazeley Studios has its very own art deco bar, featuring high ceilings and modern artwork, as well as their bright garden room overlooking the courtyard, all known to create the most gorgeous atmosphere wherever you choose to Say I Do!
Known as Birmingham’s Glamour Haven Wedding Venue!
A city wedding with a country feel, located just 2 miles from the city centre, this venue is the perfect accessible location that will allow you and your guests to feel distanced from the hustle and bustle of Birmingham City Centre and instead, be surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens offers three gorgeous spaces, perfect for your wedding day. The Garden suite featuring Mediterranean glasshouses, a grand, elegant, and versatile space for a medium to large size wedding party. The Terrace Suite surrounded by cacti and historical features such as high arched ceilings. The Loudon Suite, named after the designer of the Botanical Gardens, perfect for intimate weddings, situated next to the Japanese gardens and beautiful terrace views.
Is Birmingham Botanical Gardens the right venue for you….
A slice of natural beauty hidden in Birmingham City Centre
Beautiful glasshouse entrances, bursting with seasonal colours.
Spacious suites beautifully decorated with private bars
Love all these?! Then Yes! You have found the perfect city centre venue!
For a wedding a little less ordinary, this venue is a unique, bold and romantic choice when it comes to finding the perfect city wedding venue. Voted one of the Best City Wedding Venues, The Bond is a beautifully restored Victorian Warehouse, from the cobbled entrance to the elegant wharf-side setting, this venue is beautifully bold.
Industrial chic and quirky, where the bride and groom have the flexibility to create their perfect personalised wedding date. The waterside room oozes romance, to dancing under the stars with your family and friends in their outdoor canopy area, the Bond Warehouse allow you to tailor your day to exactly how you imagined it.
Unique wedding venue located in a vibrant and cultural city centre.
A unique, historic and versatile space for weddings of up to 150 guests, a beautiful light and airy room, the perfect place to say ‘I do’ in front of family and friends. Built in 1866, the newly refurbished Victorian library and historic wedding venue in Birmingham’s vibrant city centre.
An unforgettable experience all within easy reach of central London, from enchanting gardens to iconic buildings. With 320 acres of botanic gardens allowing for a celebration of up to 200 guests, however, they allow for a variety of different packages including an intimate package for Cambridge Cottage, former royal residence to Duke of Cambridge up to the enchanting 19th century glasshouse allowing up to 200 guests.
There are so many ways to make your wedding day unforgettable for your guests, from escorted buggy tours round the gardens in Kew’s most scenic locations, hosting evening dinner and drinks in their Grade 1 listed Orangery to a rare opportunity for your guests to dine and dance surrounding by 10,000 species of plants from across the world.
The perfect London City Wedding venue, with individual packages to suit your wedding day.
Things that make this city weddings venue so memorable:
Grade I & II listed venues, including former Royal residences and Glass Houses.
Variety of venues for between 10 and 400 guests.
Two venues licensed for civil ceremonies for up to 200 guests.
All function spaces are within the Gardens, offering beautiful views and photo opportunities.
Many local hotel guests and houses can provide overnight accommodation.
Your wedding helps fund Kew’s plant conservation and scientific work.
Timeless, elegant, stylish. An iconic wedding venue that in the centre of London, that is known and praised worldwide. Located in the heart of Mayfair, situated closely to Bond Street tube station, visited by famous actors, members of the royal family, high society elites for decades. This venue screams Audrey Hepburn, Kate Moss, a venue steeped in art deco elegance and unrivalled hospitality. Claridge’s weddings are forever synonymous with timeless luxury.
A charming country house with a modern twist, filled with elegance and style.
If you have your hear set on luxury, romance, and escape from the bustling city centres, then London may not be your first choice when searching for your wedding venue, BUT! We have the solution… you will soon realise just how perfect Morden Hall really is the perfect venue.
This gorgeous wedding venue truly does feel miles away from anywhere, surrounded by National Trust parkland, private gardens and a tranquil River, this gleaming white country house stands proud, surrounded by peaceful greenery and is exclusively yours to enjoy on your special day.
Right through from the Cherry suite, your luxurious dressing room, full of light and modern décor right through to The Willow Room where you can tie the knot with the sunlight pouring through the windows. Morden Hall offers plenty of outdoor space and indoor space, giving you options no matter what time of the year!
Feels a million miles away from the city around it.
Set within the heart of one of London’s most beautiful Parks, the formal gardens and gorgeous lakes make the perfect surroundings for your special day. The backdrops create the most romantic wedding photos and there is even a secret garden, perfect for your wedding shoot!
This gorgeous venue can host anything from up to 500 guests, to an intimate wedding as little as 30 guests, with packages starting at just £130 per person, which is fabulous for a London City Wedding!
We hope these City Wedding Venues have been of some help, we have certainly loved doing our research and finding out about the most amazing venues in the perfect locations. Whether you are searching for a classic city centre hustle and bustle wedding venue, or a venue in prime location that feels a million miles away from the city chaos, then we certainly feel there is almost every option out there!
We are always on the lookout for unique, quirky, picturesque venues, so if you do have any other suggestions please send them our way, we would love to share with our brides!
Here are some gorgeous gowns we thought were perfect for the prettiest season…
When we think of Spring we think soft, floaty and delicate, blue skies, warm sun so you will most certainly want a gown to match all these things and more!
Ronald Joyce Spring Style £1,650
We love this boho style, with heavy lace detailing and 3D florals, we think this is the perfect spring wedding gown!
Sottero and Midgley Spring Style £1,345
The perfect ‘less is more’ style… we LOVE! Simplicity ALWAYS wins!
We can see this gown as the perfect spring option, paired with lots of green foliage and rustic decor.
The White One Pronovias Group Spring Style £1,155
Unsurprisingly this gorgeous gown is named SPRING! What more could you ask for?! Fitting to her name, this gown is the perfect spring option. A darling dress with art deco influences in it’s butterfly sleeves, gently gathered bodice and daring front split. Made of soft, swingy chiffon, perfect for the glorious spring weather!
Justin Alexander Spring Style £1,779
Floaty, flirty and FUN! The PERFECT Boho Spring Style! Dance the night away in this sparkle, A Line gown… so dreamy, so beautiful! TDR LOVES!
Lillian West Spring Style £1,035
We are picturing this gown for a rustic, boho bride, woodland, teepee or barn setting… rustic weddings have never looked so chic! SLEEVE GOALS! Flutter sleeves of dreams…oozing femininity and romance, again, the perfect less is more style for any bride searching for the perfect sleeved boho gown! One of our favourites!!
Enzoani Spring Style £1,485
For a more modern, romantic, versatile style… Evangeline is PERFECT! We love this style, with detachable off the shoulder straps and a soft, stretch jersey lining for comfort and security, this gown is the PERFECT option for a Spring wedding! Not to mention the GORGEOUS floral detail, we are LOVING this colour way – Ivory/Nude/Nude, the perfect pop of colour for Spring!
Mori Lee Spring Style £1,215
Sweet, soft and feminine, the perfect delicate Spring wedding dress style! We love the lace detail.
We hope you loved these Spring wedding gown styles, ALL IN STORE NOW! Guaranteed to take your breathe away!
We are re-opening on the 12th April and could not be more excited, our diary is NOW OPEN!!!
Looking forward to seeing all you lovely ladies very soon!
Lots of love
Team TDR xxx
You may be very aware by now, that weddings come with their own terminology. Some of which you may have heard time and time before, but others you may be thinking ‘what on earth does that mean?!’. If you have found yourself experiencing the latter throughout your wedding journey thus far, do not panic, that is what we are here to do for you!
We have put together an A-Z run through of all things weddings and all things bridal, in the hopes that you won’t feel in the dark again when discussing your big day! If anything, we want you to feel like a wedding pro!
1. Aisle
Whether you are planning an extravagant church ceremony, or an intimate destination celebration, it is more than likely that you have thought incessantly about the moment you walk down the aisle, to marry the love of your life! Some would say it is one of the most exciting and memorable moments of your big day, walking down the aisle as a fiancé and back up the aisle a newlywed, with lots of smiles (and maybe even tears) in between. There are countless ways that you could decorate the aisle to compliment your big day, from a candlelit walkway to a stunning, simplistic aisle runner or even an abundance of bold and beautiful bouquets, the choice is yours and is definitely something to think about to set the tone for the rest of your celebrations.
2. Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids. Now we know this will be a term you’ve all heard of, you may have even been planning who you were going to ask to be your bridesmaids long before you were engaged (I know I have!) or you may be finding it difficult to choose just a few! Your bridesmaids should be the friends or loved ones that you feel you couldn’t do the most important day of your life without them by your side, through every tear, laugh and celebratory glass of champagne! The people that you can rely on to calm you down through every potential bridezilla moment and to pick you up if wedding planning becomes slightly overwhelming. The people you can trust to tell you the truth when dress shopping and to squeeze your hand that little bit tighter before walking down the aisle! Then, of course, the bridesmaid’s dresses! Finding your loved one’s beautiful gowns to compliment your dream dress adds to the list of endless wedding planning excitement! Whether you have a colour scheme in mind and wish for your bridal party to wear matching gowns, or even having them in entirely different dresses, it all helps your day to be unique to you!
3. Bouquets
Choosing the right bouquet to compliment your dream dress can be the final touch to complete your look, the cherry on the cake! Bouquets can come in so many different styles, colours and sizes which makes them all the more unique and therefore all the more beautiful. You may be more of a simplistic bride, who loves the neutral tones and delicate flowers, or you may be a bride who is all about the drama and LOVES the bright, bold and colourful tones. Either way, having a bouquet to match the theme and/or colour scheme of your day is a touch so beautifully subtle, but one that everybody will notice!
4. Bridal Boutique
Pictured at TDR Bridal Halesowen
Pictured at TDR Bridal Halesowen
(Pictured at TDR Bridal Halesowen)
One of the biggest and most important decisions to make when on your journey of becoming a bride is 100% finding a bridal boutique that you can whole heartedly trust to take care of you and your dress every step of the way! It’s one thing finding a boutique that provides endless stunning gowns for you to try on before experiencing the big ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ moment but it’s another to know that you are in safe hands when it comes to the storage of your dress, the aftercare of your dress and having an overall relaxing and enjoyable experience from start to finish, with never-ending support from the bridal shop team who helped you along the way!
5. Confetti
Picture this, you have just walked back up the aisle, hand in hand with the love of your life, as newlyweds (finally!). You walk out of your wedding venue and are greeted by the smiling faces of your loved ones, dad subtly wiping a tear away in the background, and you are filled with a degree of happiness you never knew possible. Suddenly, your friends and family cheer, throwing confetti in the air, celebrating your love and the love they have for you! Confetti on your big day is, of course, optional but is definitely a beautiful way to start the celebrations as you mean to go on, not to mention the stunning photos!
6. (Say Yes to the) Dress!
The Dress. The majority of us would be lying to ourselves if we tried to say that finding the DREAM wedding dress didn’t slightly take the edge of being the most exciting part of the wedding journey (other than tying the knot of course!). Finding the perfect dress for you is it’s own experience entirely, and should be one you look back on in delight for the rest of your life, where you shed tears of joy with those you love the most, and where you truly start to visualise yourself as a bride for the very first time! If you are approaching your first appointment, it is likely you have had that little worry of ‘how could I possibly find a style that I will fall madly in love with, when there are so many styles to choose from?’, but one thing I can assure you of, is that you will! Your stylists will be with you every step of the journey, working through all styles, colours, designers (you name it!) to find the PERFECT dress for you, and the saying is true, when you know you know and you will never look back! The magic you will feel when finally saying ‘Yes to the Dress’, is a once in a lifetime feeling and you will cherish that moment forever!
7. Enzoani
If you are a bride who has done her research on dress designers, then the name Enzoani will likely be very familiar, if not, I am here to give you an insight into the wonderful mind of an unbelievable designer! Enzoani released their first collection in 2005 and have since catapulted onto the bridal scene with a bang, providing high end quality gowns that combine traditional and modern styles, from the more simplistic satin numbers to gowns laced with flirty and romantic applique. High necks with sweep trains, to low backs and trains so long they take your breath away. All styles oozing with sex appeal whilst still finding the balance of elegance and class – the perfect combination! The attention to detail Enzoani provides is next to none and is 100% worth trying, you will not be disappointed! Enzoani have 4 different collections within the brand: Enzoani, Blue by Enzoani,Etoile and Élysée. All the individual collections put their own stamp on the dresses, from boho chic to sleek & sultry – the list is endless, and you will be sure to find a dress perfect for you!
8. First Dance
The First Dance. Nerve-racking for some, and a chance to show off their dance skills for others, but all in all a beautiful, personal moment between you and your new hubby or wife! The chance to showcase your love to a song that has strong meaning to the both of you and which will forever remind you of this special moment! Some couples choose to go for the more romantic, slow dance, arm in arm with their loved one, swaying along to the music and taking all of the love in. On the other hand, there are couples who may opt for a more upbeat track with a thought-out routine, to really get the party started (which often goes horribly wrong, but that’s part of the fun hey!). The first dance is a moment that you will cherish forever, so make sure to do it as elaborate or laid back as you want to, and most importantly, have FUN!
9. Guest List
The Guest List. Start by writing a list of everybody you had once thought you should invite, because this can be the one topic that causes a little bit of a difference in opinion when wedding planning. Understandably, you want to keep the price to a minimum, whilst not offending people you may have to give the chop! It can be tricky, because it is guaranteed that combined you and your partner know far more people than you had once anticipated, but, our biggest advice here is to ask yourselves ‘who could we not celebrate our big day without?’ and then slowly but surely, go through the list and ask yourself why they should be there.
If you met them in the pub 3 years ago and haven’t seen them since, that’s probably a good enough reason to save yourself a little bit of money and space! Don’t let making your guest list put a dampener on the experience, because at the end of the day, it is your celebration and therefore, entirely your decision (plus, you could always just invite them to the evening do!).
10. Hair Trial / Hair Accessories
Of course, one thing every bride wants on their big day, is to feel and look the best versions of themselves! This means that trialling out exactly how you want your hair and makeup to look on the day is a must! Whether that be doing it by yourself or leaving it to the professionals. A hair trial is your opportunity to work with someone who knows exactly what they are doing, to perfect the look you’re after. If you are between minds on hairstyles, this is no problem, trying multiple out helps you to narrow down the perfect look for you and means you can feel at ease and put your trust into the hair stylist as now they know exactly what you want – and they will deliver! A little advice before going for your hair trial – firstly, be completely transparent and honest, if you do not like the way something turns out, tell them! I can assure you, your hair stylist wants to make you feel amazing as much as you want to feel amazing, so making sure to tell them where you want changes is vital! Also, if you are planning on wearing hair accessories on your big day, for example, a tiara or veil, it is a good idea to take sample pieces for your stylist to try out with your desired look! Being able to practice different layouts of your accessories will 100% help to top off any look, then come the big day, you will feel on top of the world!
11. Invitations
The style of your wedding invitations is one of your first opportunities to really set the tone for your big day! If you are planning to stick to a colour theme, incorporating these colours into invitations / save the dates is a lovely, subtle way to give your guests a sneak peek into the beauty of what is to come! Adding floral details which match your bouquet would also be a lovely touch! There are so many ways in which you can make your wedding invitations unique to you, from handwritten invitations to add your own personal flare to even electronic invitations (because you can do anything online these days!).
12. Justin Alexander
Justin Alexander. ‘Classic, Refined and Timeless!’. Justin Alexander’s label first started all the way back in 1946 in New York City and has since expanded to over 1500 retailers across the world! Justin Alexander gowns embody luxury at its finest, with 4 different collections within the brand, all of which display the true array of the designer’s talents! Justin Alexander gowns ooze pure elegance and class whilst incorporating hints of Hollywood glamour, every single dress is a hit and if you hadn’t considered their gowns before, we strongly recommend you do. Pure bliss!
13. (Sealed with A) Kiss
The kiss! Your first kiss as newlyweds, and the most perfect way to put an end to a beautiful ceremony! The moment you have waited for for so long, to finally get to kiss your new husband/wife! The term sealed with a kiss actually originated in the war time, where servicemen would write the phrase on the back of envelopes that they would be sending home to their partners, to indicate that they kissed it as an act of sending their love back home. Romantic then and romantic now, an all-round beautiful moment, sure to stick with you forever – so make it last!!
14. Low Back
Low Backs? yes, yes YES! This gorgeous dress feature is delicate, elegant and sexy all in one! Whether it be a cut-out back, a completely bare low back or even low cut lined with stunning illusion lace detail, it is a yes from us! Low Backs can be a feature on absolutely any style of dress, fit and flare, princess, a line – you name it! So if you are a bride who has always dreamed of wearing a princess dress whilst finding yourself attracted to the beauty of a low back, you won’t have to make any compromise because that dress is out there for you! Low backs can also work with absolutely any neckline, from a structured sweetheart neckline to a fully embellished sleeved gown, the options are endless! Finding a boutique that offers (what appears to be) an endless array of styles for you to try is key when searching for THE ONE.
15. Moodboard
When starting to plan your wedding, you may be faced with a little moment of panic in thinking ‘where do I even start?!’, and you will find there is a lot you need to think about, but starting with creating your own pinterest/handmade moodboards can be a perfect way to begin putting the foundation of your big day together, to make the whole journey feel that slightest bit easier! You could make as many as you feel will help the process! Things to include could be different colour schemes, table decorations, bridal gowns – the list goes on! Moodboards on one hand, can be greatly beneficial on the organisation front, as it can help you to work your way through the jobs that you know need to be done. On the other hand, if you are finding yourself to be quite indecisive, having different options and comparing them side by side can be a good way to help you narrow down to your favourites! So, if you haven’t thought about starting your own yet, it is definitely worth giving it a go!
16. Mori Lee
Mori Lee. This stunning brand was founded in 1953 as a family business. Each Mori Lee gown starts as a hand-drawn sketch in NYC and is developed from that moment on, and it has been this way for generations! Mori Lee is a brand who specialise in both unbelievable bridal gowns as well as a stunning array of bridesmaid dresses! The versatility within Mori Lee’s collections is out of this world, designing dresses of all styles, materials, colours and prices! No matter what style of dress you are looking for, Mori Lee will be sure to have something to offer you! At ‘The Dressing Rooms’ in Birmingham, we are a premier stockist of Mori Lee bridal gowns, meaning we hold the best price point in the UK, as well as having the ability to get any dress from the collection into store. So, if you are finding yourself drawn to Mori Lee, we are definitely the boutique to visit!
17. Nerves
It’s the morning of the first day of the rest of your life. You’ve just woken up, your bridesmaids are singing with joy and preparing to get you ready for your big day, but you can’t shake that crazy feeling in your tummy, so take a deep breath, have a celebratory glass of champers and enjoy the ride, because one day you will look back on this feeling with so much love and so many beautiful memories of the day that followed. Pre wedding jitters, every bride gets them, as does every groom, so if you’re ever feeling like a bit of a lemon with those constant butterflies fluttering around, the one thing to remember is you are not alone! Throughout the day, those nervous butterflies will change into feelings of unbelievable love and happiness as everything you have planned for the big day has worked out exactly as you had hoped, if not even better. You will eventually realise that what you thought were flutters of nerves, were not about the day running smoothly or whether the food will be as good as you remembered, but were more so feelings of delight and overwhelming excitement to finally be marrying the love of your life, so cherish them!
18. Officiant
A Wedding Officiant is any person who performs the role of officiating a legal marriage ceremony. This can include all types of people, from friends or family members who have never performed a wedding ceremony before and will likely never perform one again, to professional wedding officiants who perform hundreds of ceremonies a year. If you are planning to get married in a church, it is likely your wedding officiant will be a priest, however if you are planning a more intimate service, and want to add your own personal flair, having a loved one officiate your big day could be such a wonderful memory to share and reminisce on for the rest of your lives. Either way, the officiant of your wedding is the person who makes your marriage to the love of your life final, so whether they are a loved one or not, you will forever be grateful for the part they played in your special day!
19. Photographer
The photographer. The person who captures all of the raw, beautiful moments that your wedding day holds, from photographs of the dream dress, the first kiss as newlyweds, to the cutting of the cake. The person you can rely on to display all of the memories of your big day to you in picture form, that you will look back on and cherish for the rest of your life! Finding a photographer you can trust is so important, as well as finding one who works in a style that will compliment the finest details of your day perfectly! Every bride says that their wedding day flies by in what feels like the blink of an eye. You are so distracted by the endless hugs, kisses and glasses of champagne the day has to offer that you wish you could do it over and over again, just to be able to witness all of the moments that you may have missed! That is exactly what the photographer is there to do, they capture all of the memories! Of course, you will have the planned photographs of you and your new husband/wife, which we all LOVE, but what often goes unnoticed is the candid moments they can capture too, the moments of pure joy, laughter and fun, and being able to look back on the wonderful memories of your loved ones celebrating your love story, is something you will be forever thankful for!
20. Place Setting
Place Settings. You walk into the reception following the most beautiful ceremony you could ever have hoped for, to the room decked out with the finest table decorations and place settings for your guests. This is another aspect of your wedding that you can make completely unique to you and your big day. Even down to the most subtle details, such as the font used, the colours and even the party favours! When it comes to place settings, the options really are endless, from beautifully handwritten name cards and menus, to personalised napkins or crockery, nothing is too big or too small and your guests will love it regardless because they love you – so make it your own!
21. Questions
Throughout your wedding planning journey, you will likely find that you have hundreds of questions running through your mind every day, and we cannot stress enough how important it is, whether you think it may sound small or silly, that you ask them all. The main reason for this is that, your wedding journey should be an exciting and joyful experience from start to finish, and you don’t want this to be tarnished with worry, or the feeling of being in the dark regarding any detail of your big day! The suppliers you use will want to be there for you every step of the way and are the people with all of the answers to anything playing on your mind, whether it be the dress, the cake, the venue – anything! So, to keep your mind at peace, get them off your chest. We promise it will help!
22. Reception
Your wedding reception! Now ladies, if you have always loved the idea of planning how your reception will look/feel, this really is your time to shine and to go to town on the planning front! The attention that you pay to all of the subtle details and features within your wedding reception really can take your big day from a 10/10 to an 11! This doesn’t have to refer to just the aesthetics of course, but also to features such as having a DJ/band, a dancefloor with a playlist so good you never want it to end, maybe even including a photobooth / polaroid camera book where guests can leave messages!
The list of possibilities to really make your big celebration unique to you, is endless and it is always so exciting to see how couples add their own flair to their day! It is the time where your loved ones can truly rejoice in your love, with dancing, singing, laughing, drinking (sometimes a little too much!) and overall showing overwhelming feelings of happiness. Memories to last a lifetime!
23. Seamstress
Seamstresses. When we say that these people are miracle workers, we truly mean it! The seamstress you choose is the person who will take your dream dress, which of course we are already madly in love with, and make it yours. When you first find the one, your stylist can manipulate the dress to show you how it will eventually look but you still have the most exciting day to come! The day that you get to see the most stunning gown, tailored to fit you like a glove, hugging every curve and enhancing your gorgeous shape! Brides often worry that when it comes to alterations, it’ll mean that they have to compromise parts of the dress, such as the shape, or pattern of applique but we strongly advise you put all of your trust into your seamstress! They are trained in this field and will not finish a job until they know that it is perfect and until they know that you are over the moon with it! Being completely honest with your seamstress is so important, this is your dress and therefore you want it to be everything you have always dreamed, and your seamstress can make those dreams come true!
24. TDR Bridal
Accept nothing less than perfection! We have mentioned previously, how important it is to find a bridal boutique that you can wholeheartedly trust when on the journey to finding THE dress and The Dressing Rooms in Birmingham is 100% that place! At TDR we pride ourselves on the experience our brides receive. To us, it is not just about the dress (although obviously that is extremely exciting), it is also about the service that we can provide, from start to finish. We are there for every single bride, every step of the way! We have a group of wonderful stylists that we can assure you, you can put all of your trust in! We aim to make the experience as blissful as possible for every bride, from a glass of fizz on arrival, to cheering in celebration when you find the one (we would be lying if we said we don’t shed a tear every now and then as well!). With over 400 gowns in store, you have the opportunity to try on as many styles as you need, to put your mind at ease that the dress you have chosen truly is the best of the best and is perfect for you! After 13 years of business, we grow stronger and stronger every day, as a team and as the TDR family. We love each and every one of our brides and are so lucky to play a part in so many incredible women’s journey to becoming a bride!
25. Underwear
‘What underwear should I wear for my big day?’ – a question we are repeatedly asked, and we completely understand why! Firstly, when dress shopping, if you feel you could easily visualise what a gown would look like without a VPL, it isn’t that important what underwear you decide to wear. However, if you want to see how the dress will look in its truest form, we would advise wearing seamless, skin toned underwear, because we appreciate it can be difficult to imagine yourself wearing a dress down the aisle when you are distracted by a bright pink pair of pants! In terms of wearing a bra on your wedding day, you won’t need one! Seamstresses tailor the dress to fit you so perfectly that you will be 100% secure in your gown! We like to say you could do a cartwheel and nothing will move (but maybe don’t try that one!). Despite all of this, it is all personal preference and the most important piece of advice we can give is that comfort is key! Ladies, wear whatever makes you feel the most comfortable and what makes you feel amazing! There is no right or wrong, as long as you are happy in your decision, that’s the most important!
26. Veil
The Veil. Wearing a veil, although very traditional, may not be for everyone! For others, it can be the finishing touch to top off your look! Veils come in all styles and designs, similar to dresses. If you are set on the idea of a veil but aren’t sure of the style you’d like, it is definitely worth trying a load of different styles out whilst wearing your dream dress, to see which one makes you feel the most amazing overall! Veils come in several different lengths, from shoulder length to cathedral, and even longer than that! You can also get veils in either a single tier or 2 tiers, depending on the desired look you are after! Veils can often be completely plain, so if you want all of the attention to be on the dress, plain veils are definitely an option to consider! On the other hand you can also get veils with a satin edge, a lace trim or even beaded all over, so if you have a little bit of glitz throughout your gown and want the veil to match, there will definitely be one out there for you! At ‘The Dressing Rooms’, we have over 30 different styles of veil to try on, so it is 100% the place to visit!
27. Wedding Planner
Some brides may love the idea of planning their big day themselves and have looked forward the opportunity for years! Whilst others may prefer to hire a wedding planner! There are several benefits to hiring a wedding planner. First and foremost, they’re experts! This is the career they work in day in, day out, so when it comes to planning a wedding, you can rest assured they know exactly what needs to be done! On top of this, they will have all of the best resources and connections to really bring your vision to life, the right planner will turn your dream wedding from a fantasy to a reality, so it is important to find somebody you trust! On the first initial meeting with a planner, it is important to make sure that the two of you are on the same page and share the same vision. Whether you’re envisioning an elaborate church ceremony or a rustic barn celebration, the right planner will have access to all of the best venues and suppliers to make it perfect for you! So, if you feel that planning a wedding yourself could become too overwhelming, hiring a planner could definitely be an option to consider!
28. Your Special Day
Something many brides tend to focus on when planning a wedding, is making it perfect for all of their loved ones, as of course, you want it to be a celebration that everybody looks back on with the fondest of memories. But ladies, you must remember that this celebration is all about you and your Mr/Mrs! Make sure to take a step back every once in a while, even if it is for just 5 minutes of the day, and really relish in the moments with your new husband/wife! This is your special day and as much as we all want to please other people, the most important people to please are yourselves! You will adore your wedding day regardless but allowing yourself to take in every beautiful moment you can, will make your big day all the more special! Trust us!
29. Zander
Dare to be different with Zander. Oh WOW Zander! Now, we know this isn’t necessarily ‘wedding terminology’ but, I am sure you can all appreciate that this beauty deserves her own moment in the limelight! Zander is one of many incredible gowns, created by the wonderful minds of designers, Sottero & Midgley! In 3 different colours, black, ivory and champagne, this beauty of a gown could be fitting for absolutely any bride! With an unbelievable illusion lace bodice, fully embellished sleeves and a plunge neckline and back, this gown embodies elegance at its finest and will hug you perfectly in all the right places! Not to mention the full skirt, a mix of heavy lace applique, with a stunning, delicate under layer of traditional Chantilly lace. There is no better word for it, but outstanding! The attention to detail in this gown, is heavenly. There is not one part of this dress that won’t blow your mind. If you are a princess bride, you do not want to miss out on Zander! A DREAM!
30. Zip, Button or Corset? – Fastenings
The fastening on your dream dress is most likely something you haven’t thought too in depth about, as understandably we are more focused on the overall look and the way the dress makes us feel! However, the fastening of your gown is another design feature which can add such subtle beauty and can really finish off the look! Often, with zip backs, brides feel that the dress speaks for itself already, and doesn’t need any extras. For example, if there is already an abundance of beautiful detail, you may not want to add buttons or have a corset back put in as you don’t want anything to detract from the beauty the dress already holds! Button fastenings, they can add so much elegance to a gown, and are a fantastic addition if you want to achieve a delicate, romantic look! From satin covered, to glitzy jewelled buttons, they can really enhance the back of a gown – any style, size or combination! Corset backs, not only do they look stunning and ever so classy, but the true bonus is the structure they can provide! They really allow for flexibility and if you are looking to be cinched in at the waist, with a tight-fitting bodice, then a corset back would be a great option for you! Of course, no fastening is more beautiful than the next, they simply have different benefits and uses, so whichever you go for is 100% going to make for a beautiful feature on your PERFECT dress!
