White Dress Optional
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!
Episodes
80 episodes
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...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 12
•
28:25
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 challenge...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 11
•
32:44
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 t...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 10
•
30:18
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 ta...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 9
•
34:43
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 <...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 8
•
44:12
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 styli...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 7
•
32:27
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 tou...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 6
•
27:30
Champagne Taste, Real-Life Budget: Celebrity Weddings Decoded
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 ...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 5
•
33:54
Who (and What) to Bring to Your Wedding Dress Appointment | Bridal Shopping Tips
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 str...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 4
•
25:19
Wedding Dress Shopping on TikTok: Bridal Shop Experts React
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 ...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 3
•
47:43
Our Brilliant Bridal Story: 16 Years in Weddings
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.
•
Season 3
•
Episode 2
•
30:07
Wedding Dress Shopping Guide: Fabrics, Fits, + Where to Start
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 fa...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 1
•
32:12
Swiftie Wedding Theories: What Taylor & Travis Could Mean for Brides Everywhere
✨ 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 t...
•
Season 3
•
31:39
Best of Season 2
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’...
•
35:51
Real Brides Ask Us Anything Pt. 3
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-...
•
41:36
Part 4: Real Bride’s Journey to ‘I Do’ with Anna Graham
Happy Wednesday! This week, we’re catching up with Mrs. Anna Graham, post-wedding bliss for the final chapter of our “Real Bride’s Journey to ‘I Do’” series. Anna shares the highs, surprises, and lessons from her wedding day—from memorable pers...
•
37:28
How New Tariffs Could Impact Couples Planning a Wedding
Welcome back, listeners! With new tariff policies on imported goods set to take effect in 2025, we know many couples in the midst of planning might be wondering, 'How will this affect my wedding plans?' In this episode, Mel breaks down what the...
•
22:41
Our Favorite Wedding Registry Must-Haves of 2025
Happy Wednesday! We’re back with another round of wedding registry must-haves! This week, Mel & Malea share their favorite registry picks of 2025, from big-ticket investment pieces that are great for group gifts to fun and practical f...
•
31:00
A Wedding Vendor Disappointed You, Now What?
Wedding planning is full of excitement, but what happens when a vendor doesn’t meet your expectations? This week, we’re joined by Cora Mercer, founder of Tailored in White, to tackle the tough questions couples face when things don’t go as plan...
•
31:01
Busting the Myths About Shopping for Men’s Weddingwear with Eric Acuña
Happy Wednesday, listeners! This week’s episode is all about making wedding day style stress-free for grooms, groomsmen, and fiancés. Eric Acuña from Friar Tux joins Mel & Malea to share expert styling advice, highlight the latest trends, e...
•
32:44
RSVPs & Seating Charts Made Simple
Wedding RSVPs and seating charts don’t have to be overwhelming! This week, Mel & Malea share how to set RSVP deadlines, follow up with guests who don’t respond, and manage last-minute additions. They’ll also break down the pros and cons of ...
•
55:36
How to Plan Your Honeymoon Using Points and Miles
What if your wedding expenses could fund the honeymoon of your dreams? Believe it or not—they can! This week, Mel & Malea sit down with Aimee Crosby, a travel enthusiast who has mastered the art of optimizing credit card welcome offers and ...
•
30:14
From Couple to Family: Navigating the Transition to Parenthood
Welcome, everyone! If starting a family post-wedding has been on your mind, you’ll love this episode. This week, Mel & Malea get real about the transition from newlyweds to parents, sharing their personal experiences of adjusting to new rol...
•
41:57
Part 3: Real Bride’s Journey to ‘I Do’ with Anna Davidson
Happy Wednesday, listeners! With just over 30 days until she says “I do”, Anna Davidson is back with Mel & Malea to talk all about tying up loose ends in the final stretch of wedding planning. Anna shares her experiences working with a wedd...
•
Season 2
•
37:48