Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress

Working alone- it can be a blessing and a curse! Finding community can be difficult for seamstresses, especially when our local peers may keep their cards close. So, what can we do when our business owner to-do lists feel never ending, and we need support from others who just 'get it'? In this episode, business community-builder Jessica Guzikowski shares simple steps to find like-minded business w...

Have you ever thought about starting your own bridal sewing business? What’s holding you back? In this episode, New York seamstress Kirstyn Gillies shares how she left her career at a big box store to start her own bridal alterations home studio. This decision did not happen without careful thought and deliberation- you may hear that her hesitations resemble your own! But Kirstyn had the secret in...

Season 3 is here, and you may notice a few changes! My content is changing to serve bridal seamstresses, and offer educational support for their growing businesses! Here’s what you can look forward to, starting with season 3: -Interviews with successful bridal seamstresses that will encourage you in your own journey -Savvy business tips and strategies from featured business and marketing pros -Q &...

Season 3 is bringing a few changes to the podcast! Listen to hear what’s new.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to have a custom wedding gown designed and curated uniquely for you? If you have a specific design in mind that you’re not finding in boutiques, a bespoke gown may be an exciting alternative option for you. In this episode, designer Catrina Munoz unveils the mysteries behind a custom bridal look. She shares the first steps to finding your designer,...

What comes to mind when you think of shopping for your dream dress? Do you feel excited and hopeful, or overwhelmed by the amount of dresses that are out there!? In this episode, bridal boutique manager, Kate Davis, shares key insights that will help simplify your dress search. Shopping fatigue, or over-shopping, is becoming a trend with modern brides. We have so many gown images at our fingertips...

Planning a wedding? Wedding planners are becoming a common staple in most weddings, even what we would consider ‘low key’ celebrations. In this episode, PNW Wedding planner Lacey Larsen shares the wonderful benefits of wedding planners, and event coordinators. As a bride who didn’t invest in her own professional planner, Lacey is passionate to help brides sidestep this potential stresser, and inve...

Brides-to-be, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! As we head into the busiest engagement season of the year, I want to make sure you’re feeling confident and prepared to start your dress shopping journey. Last week, we covered the key decisions you need to make before you even start trying on dresses. If you missed that episode, CLICK HERE to receive your free download to keep the key decis...

Once we’re engaged, the FIRST thing we want to do is race to the local bridal shop and start trying on dresses. But is that the best time to start shopping? In this episode, I share 7 key decisions every bride should make BEFORE stepping foot in a bridal shop. Sounds pretty intense, right? But shopping for your dream gown can feel a little overwhelming if you don’t have a solid game plan. Taking s...

This episode is for the bridal seamstress, and the bride-to-be! For our listening brides, Melissa Oddo shares great insider info as a seamstress and as a day-of personal stylist. She has seen it ALL, and shares what you can do to enjoy your day to the fullest. For my fellow seamstresses: This conversation left me feeling so grateful to work in our incredible, unique industry, and I’m so passionate...

While you’re finalizing the wedding details, be sure to plan ahead and pack a wedding dress emergency kit. This life saver will include all the necessities for your big day. Listeners submitted their own wedding day emergency kit items- maybe their suggestions are just what you need to hear. Get ready to take some notes, this episode is a must for the prepared bride!

In today’s episode, we’re heading into a brand new season of Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress! There are some fantastic interviews lined up for this season- I can’t wait to get started! We’ll kick things off with a listener-led Q & A… One of our questions was about my own wedding gown, and I was pretty jazzed to share those details: What was the style of your wedding dress, and would you change...

Choosing the right friends and family to bring with you on your dress shopping adventure is a huge decision! The opinions, encouragement, and support of your shopping team will have a huge impact on your overall wedding gown experience. To help us narrow down who to invite, Lauren Moss, owner of Something Blue Boutique, shares her professional insights. Lauren has worked as a bridal stylist since...

To bustle or not to bustle? For me, that’s NOT a question! I’m here to share all the reasons you should invest in a bustle for your gown! Adding a bustle gives you freedom to enjoy your reception without having to worry about damaging your train, or tripping on it while hitting the dance floor. Because bustles aren’t included in the dress, they’re an alteration cost to consider. Let me tell you ho...

Is there a trick to feeling calm and confident during your fittings? The secret is all in the details of your planning! In this episode, I offer three tips to create a more enjoyable, relaxed, and confident fitting experience with your seamstress. I chat about some small details that make a BIG difference in how you feel at your appointment. Some are obvious- give yourself ample time, plan ahead,...

Is walking in a formal gown something new to you? Or do you have vague memories of that one dress you wore to prom…? If this describes you, you’re not alone! Keeping an elegant strut while wearing your wedding gown is no small feat, and it does require specific skills, and practice. Who better to share these secrets than Mrs. Washington candidate, Kama Montermini. In this episode, Kama shares prac...

Bridal stylist and bridal boutique owner Courtney Foreman shares the ABC’s of wedding gown care. Where’s the best place to store your dress after you bring it home? Do bag styles matter? These two tips will help you get started after you’ve made the decision on your dream dress. What’s next? (Alterations, of course!) and then, steaming your gown. Is there such a thing as a gown that doesn’t need s...

Last week, I asked my Instagram fam what they’d like to know, and the questions came in. In this episode, I answer the following questions… Do I need to have my wedding shoes at my first fitting? Why are bridal alterations so expensive? Do I need to wear a bra with my dress? Why do you host markets at your boutique? How hard is it to add sleeves to my sleeveless gown? Do you have a question you’d...

Is there such thing as a perfect length? The answer is YES! Here are the tips you need to know to guarantee the perfect dress length. You want to feel chic and confident walking in that gown- with no thoughts about tripping down the aisle! In this episode, I also share how different dress styles will yield different price points in your alterations bill.

How small is too small? And is there such a thing as a dress that’s too big? Before you start shopping for the dress, consider these parameters when it comes to the correct dress size. In this episode, you’ll learn how far your can stretch the limits with your sizing options. Set yourself up for shopping success with these four simple tips to take with you.

Have you ever considered an adventure elopement? These wedding alternatives are a beautiful way to exchange vows surrounded by the beauty of nature, with your nearest and dearest nearby. In this episode, real bride Erin shares her own story as an adventure bride. Because what we don’t see behind the scenes, are all the practical details leading up to the vows, like… Where do you change into the go...

This episode is loaded with double the insider info! Listen as Tennessee bridal seamstress Andra educates us about the different types of bridal seamstresses you can work with on your own gown. Andra also shares the fun story behind her bridal looks, and debunks the myth that you can only wear ONE outfit on your wedding day! Get ready to take notes on today’s packed episode!

Are you considering buying a used wedding gown? This episode is packed with helpful tips to prepare you for your shopping trip. What should you expect to spend? How specific can you be with your wedding gown checklist? Is it necessary to dry clean a used dress? I’ve covered all these points and more so you can feel confident as you hit those used dress boutiques!

Imagine opening a new bridal boutique in the middle of a pandemic…That’s exactly what shop owner Annastasia Hatton did! In this episode, Annastasia shares her passion for serving brides, and creating a special, beautiful space for curvy brides in the PNW.

Setting health goals is common for brides, but at what point is it just too much? Dietician Becki Parsons shares basic steps to feel your best as you walk down the aisle with a healthy glow! She also shares 5 ways you can tell if your wedding day weight goals are pushing the limits of your personal health.