#13: Behind the Dresses: Bridal & Bridesmaid Tips with Alex from Bella Bridesmaids

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 InstagramBella Bridesmaids Charleston InstagramBella Bridesmaids Charleston Tik TokMadison Row South Instagram0:00 – Welcome + meet our guest, Alex from Bella Bridesmaids1:10 – Alex's background in the industry2:30 – When brides should shop for their gown3:45 – How the bridal gown sets the tone for bridesmaids5:00 – Staying true to your style vs. following trends6:30 – How many shops should you really visit?7:45 – Avoiding dress regret + social media pressure9:00 – Bridesmaid dress ordering timelines10:15 – Seasonal factors that affect dress delivery12:00 – Bridal sizing explained (and why it feels so different)13:30 – Alterations: budgeting + common surprises16:00 – Alex’s alteration horror stories18:30 – Finding reliable alteration shops20:00 – What to bring to your fittings (shoes, undergarments, jewelry)23:30 – Exclusive designers + how to shop smart24:00 – Discounts, trunk shows + tax-free weekend tips28:30 – Sample sales + saving on formalwear31:00 – Why tailoring can transform a dress33:00 – Wedding fashion trends36:00 – Looking ahead at what’s trending next year40:00 – Bustle tips + avoiding day-of disasters42:00 – Who should actually be in charge of your bustle?44:00 – Cleaning + preserving your dress after the wedding45:45 – Closing thoughts + where to connect with AlexGot a story, rant, or planning question? Call or text the hotline at 320-558-RSVP (320-558-7787) and dish it ALL - all calls and texts are anonymous!Follow us on our socials:Instagram - rsvp_thanks_podTik Tok - rsvp.thanks.pod