This week on RSVP Thanks, we sit down with Alex from Bella Bridesmaids, who shares everything you need to know about shopping for both wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses. From timelines and alterations to sizing realities, regrets, and trends, Alex gives practical advice to make dress shopping less stressful and way more fun.

We also dive into Bella Bridesmaids’ sister store, Madison Row South, a Charleston bridal boutique where brides find their dream gowns. If you’re preparing to shop for a wedding dress or wrangling your bridal party into fittings, this episode is filled with insider tips, funny stories, and the kind of advice every bride wishes she had.

Bella Bridesmaids Instagram

Bella Bridesmaids Charleston Instagram

Bella Bridesmaids Charleston Tik Tok

Madison Row South Instagram

0:00 – Welcome + meet our guest, Alex from Bella Bridesmaids

1:10 – Alex's background in the industry

2:30 – When brides should shop for their gown

3:45 – How the bridal gown sets the tone for bridesmaids

5:00 – Staying true to your style vs. following trends

6:30 – How many shops should you really visit?

7:45 – Avoiding dress regret + social media pressure

9:00 – Bridesmaid dress ordering timelines

10:15 – Seasonal factors that affect dress delivery

12:00 – Bridal sizing explained (and why it feels so different)

13:30 – Alterations: budgeting + common surprises

16:00 – Alex’s alteration horror stories

18:30 – Finding reliable alteration shops

20:00 – What to bring to your fittings (shoes, undergarments, jewelry)

23:30 – Exclusive designers + how to shop smart

24:00 – Discounts, trunk shows + tax-free weekend tips

28:30 – Sample sales + saving on formalwear

31:00 – Why tailoring can transform a dress

33:00 – Wedding fashion trends

36:00 – Looking ahead at what’s trending next year

40:00 – Bustle tips + avoiding day-of disasters

42:00 – Who should actually be in charge of your bustle?

44:00 – Cleaning + preserving your dress after the wedding

45:45 – Closing thoughts + where to connect with Alex

Got a story, rant, or burning question? Call the hotline at 320-558-RSVP (320-558-7787) and dish it ALL - you might even be featured on the next episode!

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