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!

Feeling overwhelmed by wedding dress shopping? You’re not alone! In this episode of White Dress Optional, your hosts from Brilliant Bridal break down everything you need to know before stepping into a bridal shop. From understanding fabrics to figuring out whether a fitted or flowy style feels right for you, we’ll give you the language, tools, and confidence to make the process stress-free.

Whether you’re just starting your dress search or you’ve already tried on a few gowns, this guide will help you navigate shapes, styles, and fabrics so you can find the dress 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!

✨ Swiftie brides, this one’s for you! In this episode, your hosts, Melanie + Malea (and bridal shop CEOs) dive into the exciting news of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement. We share our wedding predictions — from dress styles to venue vibes — and have some fun dreaming up what their big day could look like. But beyond the theories, we’re breaking down what celebrity weddings like this mean for the bridal industry and how trends might trickle down to brides everywhere. Whether you’re planning your own wedding or just love a little Swiftie speculation, this episode is packed with tips, trends, and a touch of pop culture sparkle.

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!

Welcome to our Season 2 send-off! Before we head off on summer break, we wanted to highlight some of our top moments from this season. Enjoy clips from our most-listened-to episodes, vendor advice from the “Where to Begin Series,” real couples’ wedding stories, and standout moments with other incredible guests. Thank you for tuning in, we hope this season has been helpful for many of you along your wedding planning journey. Until next time, happy planning!

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!

You asked, so we answered! In this episode, Mel & Malea are tackling all the wedding questions submitted by YOU, and no topic is off-limits. They’re diving into the pros and cons of buffet vs. plated dinners, where to draw the line on plus-ones, navigating a dry wedding dilemma, do coworkers make the guest list, and MORE. If you’re looking for real advice and relatable solutions for your big day, this episode has all the guidance you need!

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!