– Real Sash + Bustle Bride Elyse

Bride wore Hilty from Locket

Venue: Cambium Farms

Photographer: Guyson from Gee Sun K Visuals

Florist: With Joy Weddings

The post Elyse + Dakota appeared first on Sash + Bustle Bridal Boutique.

Have a style you are interested in!

Doing a style research before your appointment is super important! It helps you understand the silhouettes, necklines, and details that naturally draw your eye. Whether that’s a sleek column gown, a romantic ballgown, or something modern and unexpected. This clarity gives your stylist a starting point, making the appointment feel more focused and intentional rather than random trial and error. At the same time, research isn’t about locking yourself into a single vision; it’s about giving your imagination language. When you arrive with a sense of what you love, you’re more likely to recognize “the one” when it appears, even if it arrives wearing a slightly different personality than you expected.

Image features Isla Topper by Trish Peng

Come with a budget in mind!

Setting a budget before your wedding dress appointment will help guide you to realistic expectation. With a clear range in mind, your stylist can curate dresses that truly make sense for you, saving time and sparing you from falling for a gown that lives outside your celebration’s reality. It also allows you to stay emotionally grounded in the process, so the excitement stays focused on how a dress makes you feel rather than the stress of a price tag surprise. A well-defined budget doesn’t limit the magic, it sharpens it by helping you discover a dress that feels both breathtaking and beautifully aligned with your overall wedding vision.

Image features SE026 Gown by Senstudio

Wear nude undergarments.

Simple explanation for this one! You don’t want to see your underwear through the dresses as you try them on. The last thing you want is it be distracted by a patch of pink or blue showing through the dress.

Image features Begonia Gown by Locket

Eat something before hand.

Eating something before your appointment might seem like a small detail, but it can make a world of difference in how the experience feels. Trying on gowns is more physical than it looks, there’s standing, stepping in and out of dresses, and a fair bit of emotional energy as you see yourself in so many new ways. A light meal or snack helps keep your energy steady, your mood balanced, and your focus on the joy of the moment rather than a rumbling distraction in the background. It also makes it easier to feel present, confident, and able to fully enjoy the magic of discovering a dress that might just become part of one of the most important days of your life.

Image features Valentine Gown by Rue de Seine

Bring shoes you plan to wear day of.

Bringing the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day to your dress appointment helps bring your vision fully into focus literally from the ground up. Heel height can dramatically change how a gown falls, especially with hems, trains, and structured silhouettes, so trying dresses with your actual shoes gives a far more accurate sense of proportion and length. It also helps you gauge comfort and movement, making it easier to imagine walking down the aisle or dancing at your reception.

Image features Turning Paiges Gown by Hayley Paige

Be ready to communicate with your stylist.

Being able to clearly communicate with your stylist can quietly transform a wedding dress appointment from a guessing game into a guided discovery. When you speak openly about what you love, what you don’t love, and even what you can’t quite put into words, your stylist becomes your translator in the world of tulle, lace, and structure. They can pull gowns that align with your vision while also introducing you to styles you might never have considered on your own. Honest feedback in the moment, whether it’s a “yes,” a “not quite,” or a “surprisingly I love this” can really help refine the search with each dress you try on. It creates a rhythm between you and your stylist, where intuition meets expertise, and the result is a more intentional, joyful journey toward finding a gown that truly feels like yours.

Image features Dione Gown by Aesling

Hopefully now you feel more prepared than ever to begin your journey of wedding dress shopping! If you are ready to book your appointment, give us a call at (647) 340-5850, send us an email at info@sashandbustle.com, or click here!

The post How to Prepare for Your Bridal Appointment Like a Pro appeared first on Sash + Bustle Bridal Boutique.

My dress was Reko, by Watters and I absolutely loved it! I love how it felt modern and timeless at the same time. I am a sucker for period pieces and the corset combined with the bustle made me feel like I was in my own Jane Austen book. I wore my dress all night! I was never uncomfortable and I was not hot either even though it was quite humid in the jungle!

Thanks to the team at Sash & Bustle for helping me find the perfect dress!”

– Real Sash + Bustle Bride Danielle

Bride wore Reko from By Watters

Tailor: Love Your Dress

Venue: Kima, Tulum, Mexico

Photographer: Elegance Photographie

Florist: Style Me Events

The post Danielle + Tyler appeared first on Sash + Bustle Bridal Boutique.

Her Start

Born and raised in California, Hayley always had a love for bridal fashion. She attended Cornell University, where she graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science and Fashion Apparel. After graduating, she moved to New York City where she established herself as a bridal designer. In July of 2011, she signed a contract with JLM Couture at just 25 years old to be their head designer. Over the years she grew on social media and by November of 2019, she had over a million followers on Instagram. Although her career was thriving and she was creating beautiful designs, her time at JLM was becoming more and more rocky.

The Lawsuit

By the end of 2019, JLM’s CEO only wanted Hayley to post company approved content on her social medias, even though the accounts were under her name and identity. This tension grew over time due to Hayley wanting to be her own person and post her own content. The issues came to a head in December of 2020 when JLM sued Hayley over the use of her Instagram account and her name. Hayley resigned from JLM days later. In March of 2021, Hayley filed a counterclaim against JLM and their CEO. The counterclaims went back and fourth for a couple of years, but Hayley wasn’t giving up.

“After The Storm”

In May of 2023, JLM filed for bankruptcy, which Hayley used to her advantage. She filed a motion that resulted in JLM reinstating her access to her social medias and name. In May of 2024, she fully regained the rights to her name, social media accounts and intellectual property. This marked the end of a 4 year legal battle that allowed her to go back to what she loves the most, creating bridal wear. She launched her first collection back in 2025 under her name called “Twice Upon a Time” with one of the dresses being a rainbow dress called “After The Storm” which represents the feeling of joy after the legal battle she went through.

Newest Collection, REIN

During New York Bridal Fashion Week in early April of this year, Hayley debuted her newest collection, the second under her name after the legal battle, called REIN. Each design in this collection is thoughtfully created by Hayley herself and focused on craftsmanship and dedication to the brides that wear the dresses. Her newest collection isn’t available in stores yet, but we do have some sneak peeks we got from Bridal Fashion Week to share with you!

At S+B, have always loved and support Hayley Paige. When we heard the news of her winning her name back and reentering the bridal world, we couldn’t have been happier! We are happy to carry dresses from her “Twice Upon a Time” collection, and hope to carry dresses from her newest collection “REIN” soon. Want to try on Hayley Paige dresses yourself? Book an appointment now and see how dreamy these dresses are in person!

The post Meet the Designer: Hayley Paige appeared first on Sash + Bustle Bridal Boutique.

This dress felt so me, I was able to walk in it, dance in it, run in the snow with it – and our love and joy were captured immaculately. Each applique and bead felt so meticulous and also durable. It truly brought tears of joy to myself, to my husband and to all those who celebrated us on the day. It even lasted throughout the night, when we did a 3am McDonald’s run!”

– Real Sash + Bustle Bride Ashley

Bride wore Adiel by Locket

Venue: The Barn Event Space

Photographer: @danicaolivaphotovideo on Instagram

The post Ashley + Jonathan appeared first on Sash + Bustle Bridal Boutique.

Timeline

Before diving into the post-purchase experience, here is ideal timeline breakdown for a quick glance!

Gown Purchase: 10+ Months before Wedding Day

Accessory Shopping: 4-6 Months before Wedding Day

First Fitting: 2-3 Months before Wedding Day

Final Fitting: 1-2 Weeks before Wedding Day

Wedding Day: Yay!!!

Stay in Touch: Around 3 Months after Wedding Day

Saying “YES” and Celebrating!

Pop the bubbly, you said “YES”! When you say “YES” at S+B, we will celebrate with some bubbly and explore different payment options we offer. We have many different ways to pay, and your stylist will review each type to best match what works best for you.

Production

When ordering a gown from one of our designers, it is often “made to order”, which means the dress’ production starts once the bride places the order. Due to this, the production of your dress will take some time as it is custom for you. (This is why we recommend purchasing your gown 10+ months in advance!) If you are on a tighter timeline, you can place a rush on your order. Our designers come from all around the world with different cultures. Production may be slower during times that you wouldn’t expect in Western culture due to holidays or celebrations happening in other places around the world, for example, Lunar New Year.

Shipping

When your dress is shipped, it will be shipped to the S+B store. We ship your dress to the store for quality control to make sure the dress is up to yours and our standards. As mentioned before, many of our designers are from around the world, so shipping time isn’t always the same for every designer. Your stylist will go over expect shipping time with your dress’ designer when you say “YES”. You can always call the store and get updates if you are feeling anxious.

Accessory Appointment (if you want!)

If you did not purchase accessories during your bridal appointment, not to worry! We have an appointment called “Styling Appointment” that you can book on our website, by calling or emailing us. This appointment is 45 minutes and you will have time with your stylist who will help your browse and try on a variety of accessories to help you complete your look.

Pick Up Appointment

When your dress is ready for pick up, you will first get an email, then a phone call to pick up your dress. During your appointment you will try on your gown with your stylist, who will review and go over the fit and what to expecting during alternations. They will also provide you with a list of our preferred tailors. If you are unable to come in person to pick your dress up, we can ship it to you, or you can get someone else to pick it up for you, as we understand many brides come from out of town.

It is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed during the journey of buying and receiving your gown. We are always here to support and guide you throughout all the points of your journey. If you have any lingering questions or are confused by any part of the process, feel free to reach out to us by email at info@sashandbustle.com or give us a call at 647.340.5850

The post What Really Happens When You Say ‘Yes’ to the Dress? appeared first on Sash + Bustle Bridal Boutique.

At Sash + Bustle, we love helping brides find those final details that make everything feel complete. From long, dramatic veils to delicate lace edges, pearl details, soft tulle, floral embroidery, and chic short styles, there are so many ways to make a veil feel like you.

So, what kind of veil should you choose? Let’s walk through some of the most popular wedding veil styles you can explore at Sash + Bustle.

Cathedral Veils: For the Drama-Loving Bride

A cathedral veil is one of the most iconic wedding veil styles. Long, flowing, and full of romance, this veil extends beyond the train of your gown and creates that unforgettable aisle moment.

This style is perfect for brides who want their ceremony look to feel grand, elegant, and a little cinematic. Cathedral veils pair beautifully with sleek gowns, ball gowns, fitted silhouettes, lace dresses, and minimalist bridal looks that need one breathtaking finishing touch.

A simple cathedral veil can feel clean and modern, while a lace-edged, pearl-dotted, or embroidered cathedral veil adds texture and detail. If you want your veil to make an entrance, this is the one.

Chapel Veils: Romantic, Elegant, and Effortless

A chapel veil gives you beautiful length and movement without quite as much drama as a cathedral veil. It typically trails behind the dress in a softer, more understated way, making it a gorgeous option for brides who want elegance without feeling overwhelmed.

Chapel veils are especially lovely for garden weddings, classic church ceremonies, romantic venues, and outdoor celebrations where you want that dreamy veil moment but still want to move comfortably.

This is a great “best of both worlds” veil: long enough to feel bridal and special, but relaxed enough to suit many different wedding styles.

Fingertip Veils: The Classic Favourite

A fingertip veil is one of the most popular bridal veil lengths for a reason. It usually falls around the bride’s fingertips, making it graceful, easy to wear, and incredibly versatile.

This style works beautifully with many gown silhouettes, from A-line dresses to fitted crepe gowns, lace dresses, and soft romantic styles. It adds that unmistakable bridal feeling without covering too much of the gown or competing with the dress.

For brides who are not sure where to start, a fingertip veil is often a perfect first try. It gives you movement, softness, and romance while still letting your dress shine.

Waltz and Ballet Veils: Soft Movement Without the Train

A waltz veil or ballet veil usually falls somewhere between the knee and ankle. It gives you length and flow, but it does not trail heavily behind you.

This style is perfect for brides who want a whimsical, romantic veil that still feels light and practical. It is especially beautiful for outdoor weddings, destination weddings, restaurant weddings, and brides who want to keep their look airy and easy.

If you love the idea of a longer veil but do not want to manage a cathedral or chapel length, this style may be your sweet spot.

Blusher Veils: A Sweet Nod to Tradition

A blusher veil includes a shorter layer that can be worn over the face before the ceremony and lifted during the wedding. It is romantic, traditional, and full of emotion.

Blusher veils can be paired with longer veil lengths, including fingertip, chapel, and cathedral styles. They are a beautiful choice for brides who love classic bridal moments but still want the overall look to feel personal and modern.

Even if you are not usually drawn to traditional styling, trying a blusher can be such a special moment. Sometimes the most unexpected accessory ends up being the one that makes the look feel complete.

Single-Tier vs. Two-Tier Veils

Beyond length and detail, you may also hear about single-tier and two-tier veils.

A single-tier veil has one layer of fabric and tends to feel clean, modern, and simple. It is a beautiful choice if you want something soft and understated.

A two-tier veil has an additional layer, which can create more volume and may include a blusher. This option often feels more traditional and romantic, but it can still look modern depending on the fabric and styling.

Trying both is the best way to know what feels right. Sometimes a bride comes in thinking she wants something simple and ends up loving the softness of a second tier. Other times, a single-tier veil is exactly what makes the whole look click.

How to Choose the Right Veil for Your Dress

When choosing your wedding veil, think about the overall feeling you want to create. Are you going for romantic? Classic? Modern? Playful? Dramatic? Editorial? Soft and effortless?

A simple gown can handle a statement veil with lace, pearls, embroidery, or sparkle. A highly detailed gown may look best with a clean tulle veil or a delicate edge that complements rather than competes. If your dress has a low back, a sheer veil can allow that detail to show through. If your gown has a long train, a chapel or cathedral veil can extend the drama beautifully.

Your venue can also help guide the choice. A cathedral veil can feel breathtaking in a grand ceremony space, while a birdcage veil may be perfect for a city hall wedding or chic downtown celebration. A floral embroidered veil may feel right at home in a garden, vineyard, or romantic outdoor setting.

Most importantly, your veil should make you feel like yourself. There are no rules that matter more than that.

Try On Veils at the S+B Accessory Event

The best way to choose a veil is to try it on. Photos and descriptions are helpful, but there is nothing like seeing how a veil moves, how it frames your face, and how it changes the feeling of your gown.

Join us at the S+B Accessory Event, May 28th, to explore veils, hairpieces, jewellery, gloves, belts, jackets, and more. Whether you are looking for a dramatic cathedral veil, a delicate pearl veil, a romantic lace veil, a floral embroidered veil, or a simple tulle style, this is the perfect chance to play with your finishing touches and find the pieces that bring your bridal look together.

RSVP for our Accessory Event and come find the veil that makes your look feel complete.

Because sometimes, the moment you add the veil is the moment everything feels real.

The post The Finishing Touch: Finding Your Perfect Wedding Veil appeared first on Sash + Bustle Bridal Boutique.

What story is your Reception Dress telling?

Storytelling can be a huge part of your wedding day. Think about what you want to say on your wedding day through what you are wearing. What you wear can unfold like a beautifully written love story, with each look capturing a different chapter of the day. The ceremony dress often holds emotions while being filled with meaning as you walk down the aisle. The reception dress turns the page into something more electric, playful, and alive with celebration. Together, they create a seamless narrative that reflects not just how you look, but how you feel in each moment.

The Mood Shift

There’s a natural shift in atmosphere as a wedding moves from ceremony to reception. The ceremony is often wrapped in softness and reverence, where every detail feels intentional and a little hushed. Then, almost like a curtain rising, the reception bursts into motion: laughter gets louder, heels come off, and the celebration finds its rhythm. What you wear plays a quiet but powerful role in that transformation. A structured, sweeping gown sets a tone of elegance and tradition, while a lighter, more playful second look signals that it’s time to move, mingle, and celebrate freely.

Feel Comfortable without Compromise!

A reception look is your permission slip to trade grandeur for glide, swapping a sweeping train for something that lets you truly move. A shorter dress, in particular, brings a sense of freedom that transforms how you experience the night. You can dance without hesitation, weave through guests with ease, and actually forget about fussing with layers or bustling. It’s the difference between admiring your outfit and living in it. Comfort doesn’t mean sacrificing style either; a well-chosen reception dress still sparkles with personality and bridal energy, just with a lighter, more effortless touch that keeps you present for every laugh, spin, and late-night moment.

Do you want it to match your Ceremony Dress?

Choosing whether your ceremony and reception dress should match is a bit like deciding if your wedding story should rhyme or surprise. Keeping them cohesive through similar fabrics, silhouettes, or design details can create a seamless, polished narrative where every moment feels intentionally connected, like different scenes in the same film. It can make your overall bridal look feel elevated and harmonious in photos and in memory. On the other hand, letting the two looks diverge opens the door to contrast and self-expression. You might lean into timeless romance for the ceremony, then pivot to something modern, flirty, or fashion-forward for the reception. This contrast can heighten the sense of transformation, giving your guests a delightful reveal and allowing you to embody multiple facets of your style in one unforgettable day.

The Power of the Reveal!

A second-look reveal has a kind of cinematic magic! It resets the room in an instant. Just when guests think they’ve taken in every detail, you reappear and the energy lifts, like someone turned up the music and the lights at the same time. It creates a fresh focal point, drawing everyone back into the celebration with renewed excitement and a few delighted double-takes. Beyond the visual impact, it marks a clear transition in the night: from formal to free-spirited, from tradition to pure celebration. It’s not just about the dress, it’s about the moment it creates, one that feels bold, joyful, and entirely unforgettable.

Is it practical?

It is important to keep in mind the scheduling of your day and if changing into or creating a second look is realistic on your wedding day. Important factors to keep in mind are the following:

How long will it take for you to change? Do you have enough time between your ceremony and reception?

Do you have any quick-change strategies if you are on a tight timeline?

Are you working with a wedding planner or having help from your bridal party to ensure everything runs smoothly and to help you change?

Depending on the type of venue, time of year, and expect weather, will you be comfortable being in a different style?

Is it is the budget?

Before falling in love with a second look, it’s worth pausing to ask a simple, grounding question: does this fit comfortably within the wedding budget you’ve set? A reception dress can absolutely be a splurge-worthy moment, but it doesn’t have to stretch your finances to do it justice. There are plenty of ways to create a memorable second look without going overboard! Little white dresses cost less than a full length gown making them more cost effective. You can also restyle your dress by removing or adding accessories, such as gloves, topper, headpiece and more. The key is intention: prioritizing the feeling you want to create while exploring creative options that keep your budget as balanced as your celebration.

At the end of the day, it is your wedding, so your rules! Some of these tips might guide you towards a choice, while some might not. Whatever is speaking to you, that is how you know it feels special to you.

The post How to Choose a Reception Dress That Feels as Special as Your Ceremony Look appeared first on Sash + Bustle Bridal Boutique.

– Real Sash + Bustle Bride Kaitlyn

Bride wore Brigitte with Sleeves and Scallops by Laudae

Venue: The Mill Cobourg

Photographer: Katie Shaw

Florist: Kaitlyn (The Bride!)

The post Kaitlyn + Kadeev appeared first on Sash + Bustle Bridal Boutique.