Elevate Your Wedding Day Preparations at Coastal Creative Studios

Coastal Creative Studios can be yours for wedding day prep, as an inspiring backdrop for your wedding photos with your spouse and wedding party or even for other events such as your bridal shower.

Imagine getting ready on the morning of your wedding while overlooking the beautiful Huntington Harbor. You’re with your bride tribe, munching on a delicious breakfast spread as your bridal attendant makes sure everything is running smoothly. And let’s not forget that this space is ideal for all of your getting ready photos. Coastal Creative Studios, a BOLI preferred vendor, is a brand new space in Halesite that features stunning views of Huntington Harbor and is conveniently located across from the Harbor Club at Prime.

New Level of Luxury

The mastermind behind Coastal Creative Studios is none other than Janelle Brooke, of Janelle Brooke Photography, a BOLI preferred vendor. “This space is a dream of mine because I’ve always wanted to have a photography studio of my own,” she says. “Once I saw it, I knew this space was meant to serve others besides myself.”

The space itself is filled with natural light, 12 foot exposed ceilings and all the amenities you need. “I realized brides need to get ready in comfort. So often, we’re crammed into a hotel room, where there’s not adequate space or good lighting,” Janelle says. “Coastal Creative Studios is here to provide that space, that light, and that stress-free, relaxing morning to get ready and look your best before your wedding. I want you to be able to skip the hotel hassle, and upgrade your bridal experience in the studio that is a chic oasis for getting ready in style.”

Brides have their own private suite to put on their dress, and there are plenty of salon chairs for your bridal party to get their hair and makeup done with any vendor of your choosing. There is an outdoor space, perfect for relaxing or taking photos, as well as a kitchen with a full-size refrigerator. You can bring in your own food and drinks – yes, even the boozy kind – or you can book services with Coastal Creative Studios’ partner vendors. When you book, you’ll get two bottles of champagne, an assortment of hot and cold brunch items, and your own bridal attendant. And the best part? The space is a blank canvas, and it’s yours for six to up to 12 hours. You can decorate it however you’d like. The possibilities are endless as you get ready in luxury.

MORE: From Traditional to Non-Traditional: 10 Something Borrowed Ideas 

Multi-Purpose Space

Coastal Creative Studios can be used for more than just your getting ready space. In fact, you can rent the space for the entire day of your wedding and use it as a home base. Get ready in the morning, and have your guests use it in between your ceremony and your cocktail hour. Use it to take photos with your future spouse either before or after the ceremony – do I hear first look in the outdoor garden space?

Even before your wedding day, you can rent the space for engagement photos. Or perhaps you want to take some boudoir photos? Coastal Creative Studios can be that comfortable, warm space for you.

MORE: 6 Reasons Why Rain on Your Wedding Day Can Be Awesome

Expanding in Style

Coastal Creative Studios will be expanding! “I’ll be taking over the space next to us, and in a few months we’ll be able to host larger events,”Janelle says. This could include a rehearsal dinner, bridal shower and so much more. “There’s a lot of opportunity to bring in catering and host the event of your dreams at Coastal.”

Janelle is also partnering with some great vendors to create a boutique one-stop shop at Coastal for brides. “We have recommended vendors for everything – flowers, décor, DJs, flexible food options and even an in-house wedding coordinator,” Janelle says. “We truly want to make everything easy for our brides when it comes to their wedding day or special occasion.”

MORE: 6 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Wedding Planner

“I’ve been doing this since my early 20s and started my business in my childhood home,” Janelle says. “To be able to not only have my own studio, but to be able to share it with others is a gift.” And as she celebrates this next chapter in her life (don’t worry she’s still doing photography!), she is hoping that brides beginning their next chapters will include her. “I love being a part of people’s lives for years to come after their wedding,” Janelle says. “I get to see them change into parents, as I take their newborn photos. It’s very rewarding.” And she knows that Coastal Creative Studios, her next chapter, will be able to provide a beautiful space for all of her brides – past, present and future.

The votes are in! Introducing the 2024 BOLI Diamond Award winners

BOLI Preferred Vendors represent the “best of the best” in our local wedding industry. These are the vendors that go above and beyond to deliver the weddings you’ve always envisioned, working tirelessly to ensure that every bride’s dream becomes reality.

Even though each of our Preferred Vendors deserves unending accolades and praise, only a select few can be BOLI Diamond Award Winners. Our members voted for their favorite venues, hair and makeup artists, DJs, and more. And now, we are thrilled to announce the 25 winners of the 2024 Brides of Long Island Diamond Awards!

Venue

Bellport Country Club

Photography & Video

Silverfox Studios

Bridal Salon

Bridal Reflections

Hair & Makeup

Bridal Rush

• MORE: Bridal Rush Delivers More Than Just Your Wedding Day Glam

Invitations & Stationery

The Stationery Bar

Photobooth

Long Island Mirror Booth

• MORE: Create a Unique Experience for Guests with Long Island Mirror Booth

Transportation

Mark of Elegance Limousine Service

DJ & Entertainment

Fourth Generation DJ & Entertainment 

Planners & Day-of Coordinators

Events by Shannon

• MORE: Events by Shannon Offers Knowledge, Passion, and Empathy as You Plan Your Wedding

Bands & Musicians

Skyline Orchestras

Fun Extras

Don’t Toss the Bouquet

Hotel Block

Hilton Long Island

Decor, Rentals, & Accessories

The Finishing Touch

Alterations & Cleaning

Bridal Alterations Studio by Kirstyn

Dance Lessons

Xtreme Rhythm

Catering Trucks & Piaggio Ape

Dolce & Gelato Catering

Bridal Beauty Prep

Babe Aesthetics

Boudoir Photography

Alli Murphy Photography

Wedding Cakes & Baked Goods

Campbell’s Bakery

Showers, Rehearsals, & Bachelorettes

Insignia

Menswear

Rico’s Clothing

Jewelers

Elegant Jewelers by Mike

Honeymoon Specialists

Melissa Patane — Trip Guy Travel

Florists

With All My Heart Floral Design & Invitation Studio

Officiants

NY Officiants 

 

 

 

Brides received letters stating the venue was closed as of Feb. 1, 2024.

Miller Place Inn shut its doors unexpectedly this month, leaving dozens of brides scrambling to look for new venues.

This week, several Brides of Long Island members received letters stating that the venue was permanently closed as of Feb. 1, 2024. The popular wedding venue in Miller Place was run by the Regina family for more than 18 years. The closure comes “because of the current business environment, the changing dynamics of the catering industry, and the remnant effects of the pandemic lockdowns that still affect so many of our residents and businesses,” the letter states. As a result, the owners determined it wasn’t possible to continue operations.

The brides left scrambling are devastated by the news, now forced to find new venues in just a few weeks or months. BOLI Kelley Tighe, who booked her May 10, 2024 wedding two years ago, told Newsday, “I’m very upset right now. Spending all this money on your wedding and getting it ripped out from underneath you is not easy.”

BOLI Kimberly Lombardi booked her April 28, 2024 wedding in May of 2023. She now has less than three months to find a venue for her ceremony and reception. “To say we were shocked and frustrated is an understatement. Miller Place Inn had been ignoring my calls since January, and now I know why,” says Lombardi. “My photographer is helping me call venues to see if my date is available. We have been overwhelmed with how amazing venues have been in helping us try to get our wedding back on track.”

According to the letter, Miller Place Inn is in the process of refunding any deposits that had been paid towards future events. Brides with cancelled weddings can reach out Miller Place Inn’s attorney, Anthony P. Gallo, Esq., no later than March 15, 2024. He can be reached at (631) 499-2555 or by email at apgallo@gallolegis.com.

If you need assistance relocating your wedding, please contact the BOLI office at contact@bridesofli.com.

The ring is on your finger, and it’s time to start planning your wedding! Here’s why you should start booking your vendors. 

You’ve just joined the best club there is — you’re a Bride of Long Island! Congrats, beautiful BOLI. We know your wedding is going to be perfect.

You may be reveling in that post-engagement bliss, but we’re here to tell you that time moves quickly. Like, very quickly. Even if you’ve decided on a summer wedding two years from now, blink and suddenly you’ll be weeks away from the big day.

So don’t wait to start planning! Here are the major reasons why you should start booking your vendors, no matter how many days you’ve got until “I do.” 

• MORE: The Best Parts of Planning Your Wedding, According to Real Brides of Long Island

Vendors book quickly

Don’t lie — you were researching venues, photographers, and DJs well before you got the ring. And hey, it’s great to have a few “dream team” vendors in mind! But if you’ve seen their work and know they’re popular, chances are they’re already fully booked for this year, booking up very quickly for next year, and may even be booking dates two or three years from now.

This is especially true for certain vendors that can only take on so many clients per day. Hair and makeup artists are usually the first to fill up, since many are working solo or with a small team. You can’t be in two places at once!

You won’t get a “do over” for your wedding day, so make sure you’ve got your top choice vendors locked down now. You don’t want to “settle” for a venue, photographer, or DJ you don’t really love because your favorites weren’t available.

Some gowns can take 1 – 2 years to arrive

You’ve said “yes” to the dress, and now it’s time to celebrate! That is, until you realize your dress is going to months or even a year (or more, depending on the designer!) to get here. 

While the waiting is hard, it won’t be such a big deal if your date is well into the future. But what happens if your dress isn’t scheduled to arrive until after your wedding day? Unfortunately, it means you’ll have to choose another gown.

Remember, you don’t get a “do over” for your wedding day. Making decisions now will ensure you get exactly what you want when it’s time to walk the aisle.

• MORE: 5 Reasons to Have a Long Engagement

Booking now will save you money

Price increases: just like death and taxes, you can ALWAYS count on them. So while your ideal venue may be totally within budget now, if you wait until next year to book, that may not be the case anymore.

Think about it: if your guest list is at 150 and your venue’s current price per person is $200, your total would be $30,000 (before any taxes or fees are applied). If that venue’s pricing goes up by just 5% the following year, your new total would be $31,500. And that’s just for ONE vendor. Florists, DJs, Photographers, and other important vendors will also usually raise their prices each year. 

Locking in all of your vendors at their current price points can save you beaucoup bucks in the long run — we’re talking in the thousands.

There are only so many Saturdays

Saturdays are popular wedding days for a reason, right? It’s the first day of the weekend, and most of your guests probably won’t have to work the next day.

Here’s a little wake-up call for you: there are a grand total of 52 Saturdays in 2024. Same for 2025 and 2026. If your venue books two weddings per day, that means they have room for 104 Saturday weddings. That’s it. And we’re talking all year, here — not just the seasonal months. And for a further wake-call, there are over 23,000 brides-to-be in the BOLI Facebook group. 

So if your heart is set on a Saturday wedding in the summer, we suggest booking your venue tour…pronto. 

There’s a huge influx of couples that are currently planning their weddings (thanks, COVID) 

Let’s face it, competition is always pretty stiff when it comes to Long Island weddings. But because of the pandemic, that competition will be even stiffer in the months ahead.

Most couples that got engaged in 2020 or 2021 decided to hold off on any serious wedding planning until COVID was a thing of the past. Now, many vendors are seeing their calendars booked even further in advance than normal. So if you were planning to hold off on hiring certain vendors, you may find that someone else has gotten to them first. 

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In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, we spoke with Kariel DeBlasio about how time helped to keep her wedding planning stress-free – even when the forecast called for downpours.

When Kariel and Thomas DeBlasio envisioned their wedding day they knew there was a chance it would rain, but they never thought the forecast would call for downpours that caused trains to shut down and highways to close. However, despite the weather, this couple had an amazing wedding day of their dreams.

Plenty of Planning

Kariel and Thomas met in 2016 on a dating app. Five years later, on a quiet night in July, the couple took a walk in their DUMBO neighborhood in Brooklyn when Thomas stopped under the Brooklyn Bridge and proposed. According to Kariel, she started doing research shortly after they got engaged, specifically on venues. Though she sort of knew all along they’d end up at the Bourne Mansion, a BOLI preferred vendor. “We had gone to a wedding there a few years before we got engaged, and I loved it!” explains Kariel. However, Thomas needed some convincing since he wanted to do something different from his friend, who had gotten married there. “Once we took a tour, Thomas changed his mind pretty quickly,” she says. “We both just had a moment that we knew it was meant to be.”

Once they booked the Bourne Mansion for their Sept. 29, 2023 wedding, they focused on finding a photographer, as the venue and photographer were the most important vendors to the couple. They met with Studio 27, a BOLI preferred vendor, for photography and videography, and booked them quickly based on their great reviews from the Brides of Long Island! The rest of the vendors fell into place pretty quickly, and with two years to plan, they had plenty of time to relax and enjoy a longer engagement.

MORE: 5 Reasons to Have a Long Engagement

A Gatsby Affair To Remember

Kariel says what she loved about the Bourne Mansion was the atmosphere and vibe. “We wanted that mansion, Great Gatsby-sort of vibe, and Bourne Mansion hit the nail on the head.” In fact, when it came time for décor, Kariel says she didn’t really have to do much because the grounds and the mansion are beautiful. “I wanted to keep my decorations minimal, so we had greens and white flowers,” she says. “We did use gold mirrors for some of our signs.” And they couldn’t forget their fur baby – as their dog’s face on personalized cocktail napkins.

The morning of the wedding, Kariel says she knew it was going to rain, so she took it all in stride. “I did start to freak out earlier in the week, when they were calling for flooding, but I knew it was out of my control,” she says. It wasn’t until she started getting weather alerts on her phone did she realize the severity of the situation. “Roads were closed, and we had people coming in from Westchester and New Jersey,” she recalls. “Once I really accepted that this was the situation, I had my mother and mother-in-law reach out to the guests to alert them of the weather, and to give themselves extra travel time.” In the end, she says 16 guests weren’t able to make it due to the weather. “At that point, it really was a matter of safety, so I’m just glad everyone stayed safe.”

Despite the weather, Kariel says everyone had a blast. Nocturne, a Hank Lane band, kept the guests dancing all night long. And the oyster shuckers from Red Oyster were the highlight of the evening. In fact, Kariel says they updated her every hour to let her know their ETA and that they were going to get there early due to the rain. “They really went above and beyond for us, which was amazing.”

MORE: 6 Reasons Why Rain on Your Wedding Day Can Be Awesome

Love Is All Around

The moment that really stood out to Kariel and Thomas, though, was as they sat down for dinner. “I remember looking around the room and thinking how unbelievable it was to have all of our friends and family together in one spot for one night,” she says. “I thought that was the most amazing thing for us.”
Fresh off her honeymoon to South Africa, Kariel has some advice for brides. “Plan early! Having those two years to plan really helped keep my stress-level low,” she says. “And don’t have a specific vision for your wedding day. Go with the flow, even if things don’t go as planned.”

Vendors:
Venue: Bourne Mansion, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photographer: Studio 27 (Boy Wonder), a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Videography: Studio 27, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Band: Hank Lane – Nocturne
Florist: New City Florist
Oyster Shuckers: Red Oyster USA
Transportation: Mark of Elegance, a BOLI Preferred Vendor; Camelot; Tran Star Limo
Hair: Ink & Ivy, a BOLI preferred vendor
Makeup: Makeup By Cole
Officiant: Rabbi Sara Shonfeld, a BOLI Preferred Vendor and Reverend Deb Viola
Invitations: Robedee Design
Dress: WONA
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Cake: Campbells, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Tuxedos: Soto and Co.

Is “shedding for the wedding” necessary? Here’s what we think. 

You’re hearing it from everyone – friends, family, even the attendants at the bridal salon. The constant comments about your body and appearance, and whether you’re planning to start “shedding for the wedding” (aka, losing weight before the big day).

You may have never even considered that possibility until now. You hadn’t given much thought to your weight or dress size, but after so many people have offered their thoughts, you might be starting to wonder if you should shed a few pounds before heading down the aisle.

So, is “shedding for the wedding” really necessary? Should you start counting your calories and hitting the gym in preparation for zipping up that dress?

Here’s what we think: HELL NO.

• MORE: How to Get Your Perfect Wedding Day Body

 Why the idea of “shedding for the wedding” is toxic

We’ll just come out and say it: the implication that your body is somehow inappropriate for your wedding is incredibly insulting, and above all else, incorrect.

Guess what? There’s no weight limit to walk down the aisle, and gorgeous white gowns come in just about any size you can imagine. Your fiancé didn’t slip the ring on your finger with conditions like “I’ll only marry you if you drop 20 pounds” (and girl, if they did, RUN). The care from your family and friends isn’t dependent on what you weigh (and if it is, RUN FROM THEM TOO).  The important people in your life love you for who you are, in this moment. And they will continue to love you whether you’re a size bigger or a 2 sizes smaller. 

Weddings are not celebrations of changing your body to meet some warped societal standard — they are celebrations of love. And love happens at any number on the scale. 

When “shedding for the wedding” makes sense

Your body is your business. If you know you feel your best a few pounds lighter, and you really want to work towards that in a healthy and sustainable way, then go for it. But that decision should come from YOU, not from anyone else. You shouldn’t be working out for hours because your future mother-in-law suggested it, you shouldn’t be counting calories because your best friend did it before her wedding, and you shouldn’t be “on a detox” because you learned about it at an expo. 

Remember that you deserve to feel your best walking down the aisle. YOU get to decide what your “best” is.

How to view diet and exercise in the months leading up to your wedding

Chances are, you’ve figured out by now how stressful wedding planning can be. You have enough on your plate, and trying to drastically change your body shouldn’t be one more thing that’s stressing you out. 

Instead, view diet and exercise for what they are: forms of self-care. In the months leading up to your wedding, strive to eat the foods that give you natural energy and nourishment. The same can be said for exercise — find the activities that you enjoy, that leave you feeling refreshed. Don’t force yourself into an OrangeTheory class or a treadmill run if you hate those things! A walk around the neighborhood with your fiancé, or a chill yoga session can be just as beneficial to your physical AND mental health.

So Brides of Long Island, don’t let ANYONE tell you that “shedding for the wedding” is a requirement. You are a bride, and all brides are beautiful — not in spite of, but BECAUSE of the body you’re in right now. 

• MORE: 3 of the Biggest Wedding Myths, Busted

 

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Want to look your best on the big day? These bridal beauty prep vendors have you covered.

Sometimes when we’re planning our wedding, we forget one thing: to take care of ourselves! It’s so important during those stressful days to take time out for yourself. Bridal beauty prep is all part of the wedding planning process! You want to look and feel your best on the big day.

When it comes to bridal beauty prep, Brides of Long Island has you covered. Here are 13 of the best vendors for bridal beauty prep on Long Island.

Suite Skin 
With three locations across Long Island, the goal of Suite Skin is to enhance your natural beauty with non-surgical aesthetic procedures, including Botox and fillers. They also offer chemical peels and IV hydration services to keep your skin looking fresh and glowing for your big day.

Beauty Luxe Skin & Body: Plastic Surgery of New York 
Looking to enhance your natural beauty with a non-surgical intervention? Beauty Luxe Skin & Body: Plastic Surgery of New York in Great Neck provides the best teaching and personalized treatments for every one who walks through their door. Their trained professionals work with you to put you at ease and find the right treatment to make you look your best on the big day.

Smile Vibe
Smiling and weddings go hand-in-hand. So why not treat yourself to a teeth whitening procedure at Smile Vibe in Amityville. Run by best friends and dental hygienists, Smile Vibe offers the best in teeth whitening services so you won’t be afraid to show off your pearly whites when your photographer says, ‘Smile!’

4 Ever Young Cosmetics Injectables 
If you’re looking for a little uplift in the comfort of your own home, Amanda at 4 Ever Young Cosmetics Injectables is your girl. From Botox to getting rid of – dare we say it – a few wrinkles, Amanda is ready to make you look forever young.

MORE: Best Hair & Makeup Vendors on Long Island

GmadeBeauty Organic Skin Healing & Spa
Gillian at Gmade Beauty Organic Skin Healing & Spa specializes in organic skin healing through customized facials. All of her products are natural, organic and plant-based.

SKINMED SPA + BODY
Have your skin looking fresh and natural on your wedding day. SKINMED can’t wait to help you achieve your best skin yet. With cutting edge technology, this holistic spa will meet all of your skincare needs.

Fedora Salon
The team at Fedora Salon in Port Jefferson specializes in hair extensions, hair replacement, permanent makeup, lashes and so much more! This full service salon can wait to be a part of your special day.

Babe Aesthetics
This team of all-female nurse injectors offer a variety of non-invasive treatments, including dermal fillers, botox, aquagold facials, PRP facials, IV infusions, weight management and more. With two locations, one in Suffolk and one in Nassau, they are available for all of your skincare needs.

MORE: 6 of the Most Popular Wedding Dress Silhouettes – Which One Should You Choose?

The Ultimate Glow
This family team is excited to offer spray tans, as well as teeth whitening and more to you and your bridal party. And what’s even better? They will come to you with their mobile spray tanning!

The Bronzed Bar INC
Since 2019, Lexi has made a name for herself as Long Island’s #1 Luxury Spray Tan Expert. Working closely with her brides, Lexi ensures each solution is tailored to their desired color levels.

AKS Spray Tan
AKS Spray Tan offers mobile spray tanning in Nassau. Alexa makes sure her brides feel confident, radiant and smiling after their tan.

Blade & Beauty
From permanent makeup, teeth whitening to waxing and permanent jewelry, Blade & Beauty will make sure to leave you radiant ahead of your big day. Owner Brooke has over 10 years in the dental industry and has perfected the teeth whitening process – painless and using LED technology.

Hidden Smiles Orthodontics
Hidden Smiles’ goal is to make your smile dreams come true! This customized boutique experience uses the most technologically advanced modes to get your smile straight in the shortest amount of time.

Whether you’re looking for a medical procedure or something a little less invasive, any one of BOLI’s bridal beauty prep preferred vendors are ready to make you look and feel your best.

 

Celebrate your upcoming “I do’s” with these 7 unique and fun Long Island engagement party ideas

The ring is on your finger, and now it’s time to party! Getting engaged is a beautiful and exciting rite of passage, and your loved ones will definitely want to celebrate. If your looking for a little inspo, we’ve got it right here! Here are 7 ideas to make your Long Island engagement party stand out.

• MORE: 24 Bachelorette Party Ideas on Long Island

1. Hire live musicians

Whether you want a string quartet from VSMusic4U, a singer-songwriter vibe that Troy Ramey can provide, or an exciting one-man band like Joe Pianos, our BOLI Preferred Music Vendors will liven up your engagement party! 

2. Host a fashionable picnic

Highly-curated picnics are super trendy and Pinterest-worthy. BOLI Preferred Vendor Long Island Lux Picnic can transform any space into an adorable and unique picnic engagement party!

3. Pick a beautiful location

If a traditional setting is more your scene, consider one of the gorgeous restaurants and event spaces we have on the Island. Our favorites include BOLI Preferred Vendors Library Cafe, View, and One10. But those aren’t the only great spots! Check out this list for a few more. 

• MORE: 11 Places to Take Engagement Photos on Long Island

4. Let your guests have a smoke break

Cigars and celebrating go hand-in-hand. Treat your engagement party guests to a live cigar rolling bar, courtesy of BOLI Preferred Vendor Village Cigar Headquarters Babylon!

5. Get crafty

What’s the best favor for a Long Island engagement party? One that your guests make themselves! Host your pre-nuptial festivities at BOLI Preferred Vendor AR Workshop Patchogue and your guests will leave with beautiful home decor.

• MORE: How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?

6. Pick a theme and decorate with flair

The details make a difference! Decorate your surroundings with balloon arrangements from BOLI Preferred Vendor Milan Event Experience, gorgeous linens from BOLI Preferred Vendor The Finishing Touch, or your name in lights from BOLI Preferred Vendor Alpha-Lit Long Island. The decor doesn’t stop there! Check out these other incredible vendors (psst — if your party is outside, don’t forget the potty courtesy of BOLI Preferred Vendor ExcellRent Mobile Restrooms).

7. Don’t forget the flower wall!

You can’t have a party without a flower wall! Let BOLI Preferred Vendor East Coast Party Co. provide the perfect backdrop for all those epic selfies.

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If you have buyer’s remorse, here are some reasons to consider getting a different wedding dress.

It’s a moment most brides look forward to: gathering their bride tribe (or maybe just a good friend or loved one) and trying on wedding gowns. Shopping for a gown is definitely an experience. And we all wait for that moment when we walk out and everyone shouts ‘that is THE ONE.’ It might even bring tears to our eyes as we picture ourselves meeting our future spouse for a first look or at the altar in this gorgeous gown.

We can all get caught up in that moment as we say ‘yes to the dress.’ Sometimes though, as we wait months for our gown to arrive and for our first fitting, we might get “dress regret.” Don’t worry! If you have a little bit of buyer’s remorse, for whatever reason, you’re not alone.

What can you do if you have second thoughts on your wedding gown? First, you should really think about why you feel regretful. Next, you should think about your options and what you’d like to do about it. Before you go running to another bridal salon, here’s when you should consider getting a different gown.

You Don’t Feel Comfortable

Did you get an A line dress, but now you realize you’d really like a mermaid or ball gown? Think about the reason why though. Is it that you’d really love a different style, or do you not feel comfortable in the gown that you got? If comfort is your reason, you might want to consider getting a different gown.

MORE: 6 of the Most Popular Wedding Dress Silhouettes – Which One Should You Choose?

It’s Not What You Thought

When you order your gown, you can get caught up in the day. It can be an overwhelming experience. And let’s face it – sometimes when we go back for that first fitting, the dress isn’t what we remembered. Maybe you wanted straps added to a strapless gown, and it’s not what you envisioned. If you just can’t picture yourself wearing the gown your entire wedding day, it could be a reason to consider a different gown.

You Fell In Love With Another Dress

Sometimes, when we wait so long for our dress to come in, we can’t help but do a little window (or online) shopping. And we may fall in love with another gown. Sure, you might be able to push those second thoughts away, but if you can’t stop obsessing over this new gown, you might want to listen to that little voice.

You Change Your Mind

Sometimes, you just change your mind. And that’s OK. We’re allowed to change our mind on anything we want for our wedding – including our wedding gown. But again, you should still dig deep to figure out why you changed your mind before you consider getting a different gown.

MORE: What you feel when you find THE dress

So, what do you do if you can’t stop thinking about your dress regret? There’s pretty much no return policy on wedding gowns – especially when they are custom-made for you. If you feel regret immediately, try contacting the shop to cancel your order. Make sure to read over return policies, and know the allowable timeframes to cancel your order. If it’s too late to cancel, you could consider selling your original gown and using that money for something different.

MORE: 7 Reasons Why You Need a Reception Gown

With the price of wedding gowns, it’s hard to just get a different one – that’s probably not something you’ve included in your budget. Before you look for a new dress, get a second opinion from someone you trust. Perhaps they’ll see something amazing about the dress that you didn’t notice. You could also consider making tweaks to the gown that might make it more in line with what you envisioned. If you truly can’t picture yourself wearing the gown for your entire wedding day, think about getting a second gown to change into for your reception.

Only you know what you’re feeling, so it is important to go with your gut about your wedding gown. Don’t worry about what others may think, as it is your day and you want to be able to look and feel your best.

Jessica Ciofrone, owner and lead stylist of BOLI Preferred Vendor Bridal Rush, values connection and honesty with her brides

Many brides find that choosing a hair and makeup artist is one of the hardest decisions to make. Of course you’ll want to hire someone who can fully execute your wedding day vision (if you even have one at all!) but you’ll also want an artist that feels like a best friend, confidant, and expert all rolled into one. 

That’s where BOLI Preferred Vendor Bridal Rush comes in. There’s a reason you’ll find their name mentioned in countless glowing reviews, and why they were the recipient of BOLI’s Certificate of Appreciation at the 2022 Summer Soirée – their expertise, compassion, and dedication have earned them an impeccable reputation in the Long Island wedding community. It’s a standing that owner and lead stylist Jessica Ciofrone takes seriously, and one that she’s worked for decades to achieve. 

• MORE: 27 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Hair and Makeup Artist

“This is a work family, and I put that first.” – Bridal Rush

After enrolling in college classes and deciding it wasn’t a good fit, Jessica transitioned into a hairstyling career. However, those first few years weren’t without challenges. “I was working in a salon in my early twenties, and had built up quite a following,” she explained. “I left to have my first daughter, and when I came back, the salon made it very difficult for me to both come back and be a mom – in so far as to take all my client contacts from me, and everything that I had worked for six years to build. I was devastated.”

But that devastation led to inspiration. “I said to myself, ‘there has to be a better way.’ I had no business background, no experience, but people always told me that I was good with updos and formal styling. I wanted to create a better working environment for women, so they had the flexibility to be able to work, make some money, and then also be moms. And it all just sort of evolved organically.”

While Bridal Rush started over a decade ago as one of the first companies to offer on-site hair and makeup services, they ultimately grew big enough for their own brick and mortar. “I had my first salon space and did Bridal Rush on the side, but eventually we built our own studio separate from the salon,” Jessica said. “We’ve been building in New York for quite some time, and we’ve recently begun building teams in Boston, Connecticut, and Tennessee.”

Even as Bridal Rush grows, Jessica stays true to her core business values. “I’ve had the privilege of meeting a lot of women who come to work for Bridal Rush, and they realize that this is a work family, and I put that first.”  

“Unique, individual beauty – that’s what we’re all about.” – Bridal Rush

Thanks to a diverse team of talented and experienced artists, Bridal Rush specializes in a wide range of looks. “We’ve gotten the chance to work with a lot of different people, and a lot of different styles,’ said Jessica. “We can do full glam, we can do natural looks, but we always focus on something that’s timeless.”

Years in the field led Jessica to notice certain trends. “Long Island is really known for high-glam looks and transformations, which I totally respect and admire,” she described. “But, I also feel that leaves out a group of women who maybe aren’t that type of ‘glamorous’ person, or that don’t like that look, and they don’t know where to go. We’re all about taking someone and letting them see how amazing they can look and how beautiful they can feel. Unique, individual beauty – that’s what we’re all about.”

“We represent timeless beauty and positive living,” she continued. “That’s a driving point for our brand. Making our brides feel like they belong somewhere. We’re cheering them on for a special day in their lives, and creating something that can stand the test of time.” 

“We really want to connect with our clients.” – Bridal Rush

What can you expect when booking with Bridal Rush? “We really try to customize the process, and tailor it to the individual,” Jessica detailed. “Everyone has a different situation, and wedding planning can be stressful, so we try to be the least stressful part of the process.”

That customization applies to nearly all parts of Bridal Rush’s services – from trials to payment plans. “If you want a trial before booking, you can do that. If you want to book and have a trial closer to your date, you can do that too. We offer the option for on-location trials or in-studio trials. We even try to schedule the trials around, say, a photo shoot or engagement shoot. That’s not always feasible, but we try. Then once someone decides to book, we discuss payment and what that looks like for them. We want it all to be what’s going to make the bride most comfortable.”

Ultimately though, you should expect a team of artists who are ready to listen. “Our company is one that’s been around for a while, and we really want to connect with our clients,” said Jessica. “We want their honesty, we want to know how they feel about their hair and makeup or just the wedding planning experience. Sometimes you need somebody on the outside who has experience with these things, which we do. We want to be a sounding board for our brides.”

In fact, Jessica believes that a connection with your hair and makeup artist is one of the most important factors when deciding who to hire. “When you feel connected to the person doing your hair and makeup, it can change the vibe of your whole morning. I try to pair up our brides with stylists that I think will be the right fit, because everyone needs something different. Some girls want music and laughter, some want peace and quiet. So just like booking, I tailor the artists to the individual as well.” 

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“That reaction is everything to me.” – Bridal Rush

With over 20 years in the wedding industry under her belt, it was hard for Jessica to pick just one career highlight. However, a few special and rewarding moments came to mind. 

“I worked with a handful of girls who were suffering with hair loss or alopecia, and those are the ones that stand out to me the most,” she remembered. “They come in thinking there’s no hope, there’s nothing they can do. So when you transform their hair into something they never thought was possible, that reaction is everything to me. It’s the most amazing feeling.”

“Be true to who you are.” – Bridal Rush

Jessica had a few valuable words of advice for Long Island brides. “Put yourself first, because a lot of brides will put the happiness of everyone else before themselves,” she offered. “Before you know it, it’s all gotten away with them and they’ve lost themselves in it all.”

In the same vein, she advised knowing yourself and sticking with what you like the most. “Be true to who you are. There will always be trends, or the latest looks with hair and makeup. But you want to look back at your photos 20 years after your wedding and still see yourself.”

Finally, Jessica stressed the importance of staying present. “Being in the moment with your significant other is, to me, the top priority. You can get caught up with your bridal party or acknowledging your guests which is important, but the day goes fast and you don’t get those moments back. So be in the moment with your fiancé.”

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