Article written by Jamison Cooper & Tamara Schneider
Weddings are truly the ultimate celebration of a couple's love. I can't think of a better way to celebrate the start of a forever journey than a day surrounded by your friends and family. The earliest recorded wedding dates back to 2350 B.C. and they have come a long way since then. Today, if you can dream it up, you can make it happen. And of course, the big day isn’t complete without the perfect dress. If you’re anything like me, you may have been dreaming about the dress long before you were even thinking about the man. Luckily, Lexington has some of the most dedicated women in the business eagerly waiting to help you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself for your big day.
Relix Bridal was opened not to0 long ago by Chasta Foust, and is located in the Summit at Fritz Farm. With 15 years of experience in the industry, Chasta has made it her mission to provide brides with the most flawless, personal experience possible. Before a bride ever goes into the store, she fills out a thorough questionnaire so that the Relix team can cater the appointment to the bride's preferences and get the best understanding of what she is looking to wear on the big day. Their tag line is "Don't be like the rest of them". To ensure this, Relix offers customization so when a bride is walking down the aisle she not only feels beautiful, she knows her dress is one of a kind. With collections from Elysee, Madison James, Madi Lane, Allure, and many more, a Relix bride will shine in her show-stopping gown and she will feel good about not breaking the bank. Whether you’re ready to book an appointment or just want to browse the store, a trip to Relix is truly an experience. Beautifully renovated, the shop provides such a welcoming and elegant feel. They also have over 74 bridesmaids dresses and all of the finishing touches so all of your besties will be looking their best for your wedding.
Photos courtesy of RelixBridal.com
Gretchen Reece Bridal Couture is another spectacular boutique located downtown on North Limestone. Gretchen is a truly amazing woman dedicated to giving her brides the ultimate one-on-one experience. You will not have to squeeze past other brides to grab a gown and wait in line for a dressing room. Your experience will be leisurely and enjoyable, a truly memorable occasion. When you schedule an appointment, you will be the center of attention for the entire visit because you will be the only bride in the store and have an hour and a half of Gretchen’s undivided attention! Her mission is to work with every bride in a personal way. Evidence of her love for her work is found on the lavender wall in her studio that is covered with the names of her brides and their wedding dates. Her carefully curated collections includes dresses from Allison Webb, Pronovias, Eva Lendel and Amsale Nouvelle. To get the perfect fit, alterations are offered through an on-site seamstress, Jennifer Wesley, who owns The Darling Sew Shop. They even offer custom-made gowns if you just can't seem to find the right dress. And if you're a Sarah Jessica Parker fan, they have the Badgley Mischka stilettos that would make Carrie Bradshaw envious. Whatever you envision for yourself for your trip down the aisle, Gretchen Reece will bring that vision to life.
Photos courtesy of GretchenReeceBridalCouture.com
Some things to keep in mind:
Plan a year in advance. You may think that's a really long time, but if you've ever watched an episode of "Say Yes to the Dress", you know that last-minute brides are the bane of every bridal consultant. It takes 5-7 months for a dress to come in once it's been ordered, and then you need to allow time for alterations.
Don't forget to include the cost of your alterations in your budget. You want the gown to fit you like a glove and that means you are going to need a good seamstress. Typical alterations can start around $300 and go up from there depending on what you need done.
Set that budget and stick to it! Don't try on anything over the budget. You will most definitely fall in love with the more expensive dress and then you'll be heartsick over not being able to afford it. Or worse, go into major debt for a dress you will wear only once.
Research, research, research. Know what silhouette, fabrics, and style you have in mind. At the same time, however, don't be afraid to try on a dress that your consultant recommends for you, and most assuredly don't judge it by the way it looks on the hanger.
Wear the right undergarments, shoes, and have your hair done so you will get a better idea for how you will look when it is all put together. There's nothing that will kill the vibe of a dress than to have you in socks and your hair all messy.
Lastly, we can't ignore the elephant in the room, and that's the COVID-19 pandemic. So many 2020 brides have had to postpone or alter their wedding day plans. We feel so bad for them! Perhaps you're getting married next year and had wanted to search for your gown in Cincinnati or New York or Atlanta but due to the current situation that's just not possible. Don't worry! We are so fortunate to have these wonderful bridal salons right in our own backyard with dedicated professionals who will work tirelessly to make you the best kind of bride...a happy one!