Monthly Archives: May 2024

We’re hosting a body-inclusive trunk show with Essense of Australia, June 14–15. Come see the collection!

It’s that time again! Once or twice a year, our bridal salon has the great pleasure of hosting a trunk show with one of our designers. We’re excited to announce that this summer’s trunk show has an extra special twist: a plus-sized collection from Essense of Australia.

For two days, we’ll have twenty additional dresses in sizes 20–34 alongside our regular plus-sized collection. If you’ve always wanted to try on a style but have struggled to find it in anything but a straight sample size, this is a fabulous opportunity to indulge your curiosity!

Wondering if this event is for you? Read on for more details.

What is a trunk show?

A trunk show is like having greater access to a designer’s new collection. They bring dresses that are so new, we haven’t received them as a shop… and sometimes they bring in dresses that we did not pick up for the TWD collection, which is all great news to our brides who will get to shop the selection during the trunk show. We love the energy in our store on trunk show days, and the general excitement that comes from bride’s saying yes to dresses—all at a great prices. If you’ve never been to one, it’s certainly worth making a priority!

We’ve written a whole article on trunk shows, and it’s worth reading if you want to know more! In the meantime, the highlights are:

• You’ll get to see a wider range of dresses than we regularly carry in store.
• You’ll be able to try the freshest of the fresh styles.
• These dresses are only available while they’re in our store! It’s a love at first sight sort of situation, so if you see a dress that makes your heart sing, don’t wait!

Okay, so what is EveryBody/EveryBride about?

You can think of EveryBody/EveryBride as a collection within a collection. As a label, Essense of Australia specializes in modern gowns with a romantic flair. However, for this particular collection, instead of just taking a straight-sized gown and scaling it up, these gowns have been designed to put the needs of plus-sized brides foremost.

That means better support where you need it, a fit that is both more flattering and more comfortable, and sexy design details that love and celebrate bodies of all sizes. Whether you want show-stopping sparkle, a daring low back, slinky lace, or a maximalist ballgown, this collection says “yes” to it all.

How are plus-sized gowns designed differently?

Many plus-sized brides have specific desires when it comes to the structure and design of their gowns and Essense of Australia adds all of that to their plus-size dresses. So as opposed to just scaling up by a few inches as you go up the size chart, they specifically look at what is needed to support and enhance a figure, size by size – by adding more boning, changing the cup, modifying lace placement – all while making sure the dress looks exactly the same, regardless of size.

For instance, if you have a larger bust, you’ll want to be sure the dress can provide the right support without uncomfortable digging or poking. Long sleeves have been a major trend for the past few years, but they can also be hot and restricting—which is why newer styles have focused more on looser sleeves or off-the-shoulder looks.

Overall, the difference is one of mindset. Rather than start from assumptions that rule out certain styles, these gowns assume that making a particular style or trend work is the job of the designer. Brides shouldn’t have to change their vision to meet the limitations of their gown selection. Ultimately, that’s what EveryBody/EveryBride is about.

I can’t make the trunk show. Do you carry plus-sized samples the rest of the year?

Yes!

We recognized several years ago that the lack of plus-sized sample gowns was under-serving the brides in our community. Of course, sample sizes never fit anyone perfectly, which is why we use clips and extenders to help brides get a sense for how the gown will look. But these can only go so far, and for brides who have specific concerns about how a style will look on them, there’s not much they can learn from holding a dress up in front of a mirror.

Accordingly, we’ve expanded our selection of plus-sized wedding dresses to encompass a broad range of fabrics, silhouettes, styles, and trends. Whether you want to try a lacy boho look, long sleeves, or a glamorous style with lots of bling, we’ve got your back.

Reserve your trunk show spot today!

We’d say we’re living in the golden age of plus-sized bridal fashion, but honestly, we hope this is just the beginning. There’s so much to enjoy with these looks, and we’re excited to see what more designers can do with their gowns by embracing more inclusive designs.

We’re incredibly impressed with the range of designs Essense of Australia has put together, and we can’t wait to have them in our store so that our brides can see them for themselves. Book your appointment today to reserve your slot!

Bridal shopping is an event. Celebrate saying yes to your dress with a meal at one of these fantastic spots.

Shopping for your wedding isn’t like any other kind of shopping. It’s not just one more thing to check off your list—it’s an experience that you want to savor. We’ve designed the whole shopping experience at The White Dress around the idea that finding your dress is a journey to enjoy. So why should the fun stop when you leave our store?

Trying on wedding gowns is hungry work, and downtown Brighton, MI has a ton of great restaurants where you and your bachelorettes—or any friends and family who are joining you for shopping!—can keep the party going. Whether you’re here just for the day of your appointment, or you’re celebrating a full bachelorette weekend, Brighton has plenty to offer you. Read on for a few of our favorite places.

Brunch

Who doesn’t love a good brunch? It’s the perfect way to kick off a day with your crew. If you’ve scheduled an appointment with us at The White Dress, and you’re looking to sit down to breakfast beforehand, then the place for you is Lynn’s on First.

Breakfast is served at Lynn’s every day of the week, and it’s walking distance from us at The White Dress, so you can grab a bite and be right on time for your appointment. Lynn’s offers everything from hearty breakfast sandwiches to fresh fruit and yogurt in their cozy, friendly space.

If you’re staying in Brighton for the weekend, several other local spots offer brunch on Sunday mornings, too. Within walking distance of The White Dress, you can find:

• Bourbon’s. Enjoy Southern brunch staples with a Michigan twist: huevos rancheros with Michigan corn, chicken and waffles with Michigan cherry syrup, and more.
• Label. This bar and kitchen offers multiple flavors of mimosa (as well as a bottomless one!).
• Lu + Carl’s. Spice up your brunch with a trip to the Bloody Mary bar!
• The Reserve. For options that are a little more elevated, visit The Reserve and try their kobe brunch burger or an Aperol spritz.

Lunch/Dinner

Maybe brunch just isn’t in the cards for your group—you’re not a morning person, or you’d prefer not to fill up on food just before you go to try on wedding dresses. If you prefer to head out for a celebration after your appointment with us, you’ll find some great choices right here in the neighborhood. Give one of these spots a try:

Mexican:

• El Arbol. This taqueria has options for everyone—the Brussels sprout taco is one of our favorites, and it’s vegan! They also serve top-notch cocktails.
• Casa Tequila. If you’re looking for heartier Mexican fare, this is the spot for you. You’ll find traditional Mexican specialties here, with vegan and vegetarian options as well.

Italian:

• Ciao Amici’s. Just a couple doors down from The White Dress is one of Livingston County’s best Italian restaurants, with a pretty view of the millpond from its outdoor tables.

Sushi:

• Sushi Zen. Mix it up with a Hometown Roll or one of Sushi Zen’s many specialty rolls. Sushi Zen also has gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and pregnancy-safe menus, so everyone has something to enjoy.

Pizza:

• Captain’s on Main. Try one of their unique pizzas—like the Funguy or the Cuban—or spring for the roasted garlic cheese bread.

American:

• Brighton Bar + Grill. This swanky bistro has a range of tavern food and a full bar, with plenty of wine, beer, and cocktail choices.
• Label Kitchen + Bar. Not just for Sunday brunch, Label’s stylish dining room also offers comfort food and a creative menu of craft cocktails.
• The Reserve. Sometimes, only a steak will do. This steakhouse prides itself on its high-quality menu and exemplary service.
• Bourbons. Sample Southern comfort food from New Orleans to Nashville and everywhere in between.

Pubs and bars:

• The Pound. Enjoy burgers, pizza, and wings—and a rooftop bar where you can soak up the great weather.
• Jameson’s. A classic Irish pub—but with the added excitement of dueling pianos on select nights.
• Lu + Carl’s. A favorite downtown Brighton hangout, Lu + Carl’s features live music, DJs… and a lot of pictures of happy pups on the walls.
• Sidecar Slider Bar. The name tells you what you need to know! Mix and match creative sliders with your favorite craft beers to find the perfect pairing.
• Jezebel’s Saloon. Everyone loves a good dive bar. Revel in the vibes as you sip your drink from a red Solo cup.

Take the time to enjoy your dress shopping trip.

The planning and anticipation that go into a wedding are all part of the joy of the experience. At The White Dress, our goal is to make choosing your gown comfortable, exciting, and satisfying, so you can enjoy the lead-up as well as the big day itself. We offer a wide range of dress designers and styles, as well as jewelry and accessories, and our knowledgeable TWD-ettes are ready to help you pick the one that speaks to you.

Spend an afternoon with us, and then head out to beautiful downtown Brighton to continue the celebration with drinks or a meal. Book an appointment with us today to get started!