Building your wedding registry in 2026? In this episode, Mel and Malea share their top wedding registry must-haves for 2026 — the items couples actually use, love, and don’t regret registering for. From everyday essentials to modern upgrades, this episode will help newly engaged couples create a registry that truly fits their life after the wedding.

Registry Items: Crockpot, Ice Maker, Barware Set, Cookie Sheet, Faux Fur Blanket, Step Ladder, Duvet Cover, Online Plant Shop, Newly Named Boxes, Airfly Adapter, Portable Charger, Poker Set, Game Monikers

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!

Bridal shows can feel exciting… or totally overwhelming if you’ve never been to one. In this episode, we’re joined by Emily, a wedding expert who works bridal shows firsthand, to break down what wedding expos are really like and whether they’re worth your time.

We cover what to expect, how to prepare, which vendors to prioritize, and insider tips to help you walk in confident and leave with valuable connections — not just a bag of flyers. If you’re newly engaged or wondering if a bridal show belongs on your wedding planning checklist, this episode is for 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!

Wedding planning officially starts here. 💍
Before you book a venue, scroll Pinterest, or fall in love with a dress, there’s one crucial step every couple should take first: setting a wedding budget.

In the first episode of 2026, Mel & Malea break down how to set a realistic, flexible wedding budget that works for your priorities. With 30+ years of combined industry experience, they walk you through where to start, how to talk about money as a couple and with family, and how your budget should guide every decision that follows.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!