This week we’re joined by Karie from SSY (She Said Yes) in Oklahoma—an incredible wedding planner who believes supporting couples emotionally is just as important as planning the details. 💛

Karie shares the real emotional challenges brides and couples face, how to stay grounded when planning gets overwhelming, and simple wellness practices to protect your peace before and after the big day. If you’ve been feeling stressed, stretched, or unsure how to navigate the emotions of wedding planning, this episode will help you breathe easier.

A must-listen for any bride or couple who wants a wedding season that feels joyful, healthy, and truly connected.

Karie's Socials: Instagram,Website, TikTok

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!

Feeling overwhelmed by where to even start with wedding planning? We’ve got you.
In this episode, Mel and Malea walk you through a practical, stress-reducing wedding planning timeline — from 12+ months out all the way to the morning of your big day.

We’re breaking down what actually matters at each stage, the tasks you don’t want to skip, and the common mistakes that cause couples to feel behind (when they really aren’t!). Whether you're freshly engaged or halfway through planning, this episode will help you prioritize, stay organized, and keep the process fun instead of frantic.

If you want clarity, confidence, and a clear roadmap from “yes!” to “I do,” this guide is for you.

Visit our instagram to see our Wedding Planning checklist

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!

Choosing a wedding photographer is about so much more than finding someone who takes pretty pictures — it’s about finding the right fit for you. In this episode, Mel and Malea sit down with wedding photographer Raquel King to talk about how your photographer’s personality, communication style, and creative approach can make or break your wedding day experience. They also talk about the theme and trends that are popping up for 2026. 

Whether you’re newly engaged or deep in planning mode, this episode will help you feel confident about choosing the photographer who will capture your memories beautifully — and make the process stress-free.

Raquel Socials: 

Instagram

Website 

TikTok

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!

Step into the sweetest part of wedding planning — your cake! 🎂✨

In this episode, Mel & Malea sit down with Armana of A. Cakes Bakery, a luxury cake artist known for her sculptural, grand, emotion-driven designs. From a pro-golfer turned pastry artist to creating deeply personal wedding cakes, Armana shares the unexpected journey behind her craft — and the heartfelt stories that shape each creation.

Whether you're cake-obsessed or just starting to plan, this episode will help you dream big, trust your creativity, and design a cake that feels like you. 

A. Cakes Bakery Links:

Instagram 

Website

TikTok

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!

This week, Mel and Malea are joined by Alli — one of Brilliant Bridal’s own stylists — for a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens on the bridal floor. From heartwarming “yes to the dress” moments to expert advice on trusting your stylist, Alli shares stories that will make you laugh and feel more confident walking into your own appointment. 

Whether you’re just starting your dress search or you’re deep in fittings, this episode is packed with real tips, stylist secrets, and reminders that the best dress is the one that feels like you.

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!

Every couple has heard it — “It’s your day!” But when planning a wedding, your guests’ experience plays a big role in how the celebration actually feels. In this episode, Mel and Malea dive into how to balance your dream day with thoughtful touches that make your guests feel welcome, comfortable, and included. From ceremony seating to reception flow, discover how to create a wedding that’s meaningful for you and memorable for everyone who attends.

Tune in for practical tips, heartfelt advice, and plenty of laughter as our hosts share how to plan a wedding that’s beautiful, personal, and unforgettable for everyone who’s there to celebrate with you.

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!

Ever wondered how celebrity weddings look that good—and how much of it you can actually recreate without a million-dollar budget? In this episode, Mel and Malea break down four celebrity weddings, sharing what worked, what didn’t, and how everyday brides can pull inspiration from A-list “I dos.” With over 30 years of combined wedding industry experience, they decode the trends, give realistic alternatives, and show you how to bring a little red carpet magic to your own aisle—without the Hollywood price tag.

Tags: 

Selena Gomez + Benny blanco Wedding 

Demi Lovato + Jordan Jute Lutes

Mel B + Rory McPhee

Hailee Steinfeld + Josh Allen 

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 dress shopping can be one of the most special parts of your wedding journey — but the right (or wrong) guests can make all the difference. ✨ In this episode, we’re sharing who to bring, what to pack, and how to set yourself up for a stress-free, joy-filled bridal appointment.

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!

TikTok seems to be the place for honest opinions, wedding dress shopping experiences is no exception!  — but how much of it is actually helpful? In this episode of White Dress Optional, your hosts from Brilliant Bridal react to 4 TikTok videos from real brides sharing their experiences. From veil pricing and alterations to whether you should get a spray tan or full glam before shopping, we’re breaking down what we agree with, what we don’t, and what every bride really needs to know before stepping into the fitting room. 

The 4 video's from TikTok we are reacting to were created by: 

Quincy Jordan @quincyshaejordan

Gray @grayyygray

Stephanie Leigh @stephanieleighnyc

Emma Travis @emmarupardtravis

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!

From opening our first bridal shop to helping thousands of brides, here’s our story, what inspired Brilliant Bridal, and the wedding planning wisdom we’ve picked up along the way.

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!