White Dress Optional

Brilliant Bridal
  • 5.0 (15)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Brilliant Bridal found a new way to help brides & couples navigate all their options before, during, and after their wedding. Melanie & Malea - owners of Brilliant Bridal, hosts of this podcast, & experts in the wedding & bridal industry -  will be sharing their experiences to empower, educate, and help brides & couples.If you are engaged, soon to be engaged, or married, this podcast is for you. When it comes to weddings - we got you!

  1. 12/17/2025

    8 Wedding Dress Shopping Myths Every Bride Should Know

    Happy Wednesday, brides-to-be! In this re-released episode of White Dress Optional, Mel & Malea break down 8 of the most common wedding dress shopping myths that confuse or overwhelm so many brides. Whether you're newly engaged or gearing up for your first appointment, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and insider tips you wish you knew sooner. Discover what real bridal stylists want you to know before you shop—so you can enjoy the experience, trust your instincts, and confidently 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 podcast@brilliantbridal.com. 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!

    28 min

  2. 12/10/2025

    TikTok Wedding Advice: Bridal Shop Experts React #2

    Engaged couples today have access to endless wedding opinions online — but is all that TikTok advice actually good?  In this episode, bridal experts Mel and Malea (with 30+ years combined in the industry) react to viral wedding planning videos and break down what’s genuinely helpful vs. what might lead you astray. If you’re overwhelmed by conflicting advice and want clarity from real experts, this episode cuts through the noise so you can plan your wedding with confidence. Video #1 - Creator Marjorie__Williams Video #2 - Creator Nicki_Andrea Video #3 - Creator Misaki.Yoshizawa Video #4 - Creator Abiwhitfit 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 podcast@brilliantbridal.com. 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!

    28 min

  3. 12/03/2025

    Emotional Wellness Tips for Brides & Couples During Wedding Planning

    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 podcast@brilliantbridal.com. 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!

    33 min

  4. 11/19/2025

    Wedding Planning Made Easy: Your Month-by-Month Timeline Guide

    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 podcast@brilliantbridal.com. 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!

    30 min

  5. 11/12/2025

    How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer for You with Guest Raquel King

    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 podcast@brilliantbridal.com. 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!

    35 min

  6. 11/05/2025

    Wedding Cake Trends & Creative Tips with Luxury Cake Artist Armana (A. Cakes Bakery)

    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 podcast@brilliantbridal.com. 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!

    44 min

  7. 10/29/2025

    Stories from the Bridal Floor: What Your Stylist Wants You to Know Featuring Alli Quirin

    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 podcast@brilliantbridal.com. 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!

    32 min

  8. 10/22/2025

    Wedding Planning: Is your wedding really all about you?

    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 podcast@brilliantbridal.com. 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!

    28 min
See All (81)

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Brilliant Bridal found a new way to help brides & couples navigate all their options before, during, and after their wedding. Melanie & Malea - owners of Brilliant Bridal, hosts of this podcast, & experts in the wedding & bridal industry -  will be sharing their experiences to empower, educate, and help brides & couples.If you are engaged, soon to be engaged, or married, this podcast is for you. When it comes to weddings - we got you!

Information

  • Creator
    Brilliant Bridal
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 White Dress Optional
  • Show Website
    White Dress Optional

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