From Amanda…

Bustle Types

American (aka Traditional or Over Bustle)

This style picks the train up over the top of the back of the dress, either at the waistline or below it. Where and how many points are determined by the length and width of the train. The mechanisms can be hook and loops or buttons and loops.

Great dress styles for this bustle include A-line, ballgown, mermaid, sheath, and trumpet.

French (aka Under Bustle)

This is the reserve of the American bustle. The train is tucked underneath of the dress below the waistline in different points for the fabric to fold under and out. It is tied together by matching, numbered ribbons.

A-line, ballgown, sheath, mermaid, asymmetrical trains, and dresses with oversized bows all work well with this bustle type.

Double/Triple French (sometimes referred to as a Royal or Victorian Bustle)

The double or triple French bustle is named after the number of layers or folds required to bring the train up off the floor. The number of points on this bustle can be in the double digits. This type of bustle is used for very long trains that cannot be bustled in one single layer.

This bustle works well on A-line, mermaid, sheath, and trumpet style wedding dresses.

Ballroom

With a ballroom bustle, the train is completely tucked underneath the dress, giving the illusion that there is no train. There is no change in the silhouette of the dress and there are many points to bring the fabric to fold underneath of itself. This is usually the most expensive type of bustle because of the amount of points it needs to have to make the dress fall floor length. The mechanism for this style is tied ribbons and loops.

Great dress styles for this bustle include A-line, ballroom, and sheath.

Australian

This newer style is not as common as the above options, but it is starting to gain some popularity. This bustle type is created by gathering the train down the middle and making pleats that are reminiscent to rouching. Think of a French bustle but just down the center many times.

A-lines with a long train, ballgowns, or trains with intricate detailing work well with this type of bustle.

Wristlet

Last but not least, there is the simple wristlet bustle type. It is a loop ribbon at the bottom of the train that hangs over your wrist. Wristlets are an easy go-to if it’s the right kind of dress. Attaching your train to your wrist using a loop can be a very romantic and timeless look for first dance pictures. However, given how your reception will play out and how heavy your dress is, it may not be an effective way to carry on the entire evening. It can be cumbersome trying to keep a drink in your hang and hug guests with something heavy hanging from your wrist. Dresses with long and wide trains are not ideal candidates for this particular bustle since the train will not be entirely picked up off the floor, thus defeating the purpose of the bustle.

Both lightweight sheath and A-line dresses with shorter trains are great fits for this bustle type.

Bustle FAQs

When should I bustle my dress?

Typically, dresses are bustled after the ceremony and before the reception, usually at some point during the cocktail hour. Most definitely, your dress should be be bustled prior to being announced into the reception. Once the party starts, it’s hard to step away.

Should someone learn how to bustle my dress?

Absolutely! I like to make bustles user-friendly for those who don’t work with bustles every day. That being said, one person other than yourself should know how to bustle your dress. I suggest bringing a designated bustler to either your second fitting or your pick-up appointment so that they can learn how to properly bustle your dress. It’s always a good idea to take a video to refer back to later too!

How long does it take to bustle my dress?

Depending on the style of bustle and how many bustle points there are will determine how much time it will take to get everything tied or looped. I typically tell my clients to leave about 15 minutes for bustling the dress.

I’m wearing heels for my ceremony and flats for my reception. Help!

This is very common! Depending on your heel heights, most of the time, the dress can be hemmed and bustled at the same length. When you change into your lower shoe, the hem and bustle will fall at the same length all the way around. Another option is hemming the front of your gown for your ceremony shoes and having your seamstress pin the bustle according to your higher heel. With this option, the front of the dress will sit lower, but the train will at least be picked up a little bit higher so it won’t get stepped on. Either option can be discussed with your seamstress.

The post Wedding Dress Bustles: 6 Types & Some FAQs appeared first on Burgh Brides - A Pittsburgh Wedding Blog.

The Pittsburgh cookie table traces back to the Great Depression, when loved ones contributed baked goods as a cost-effective alternative to a wedding cake. Today, the tradition has evolved into a celebrated addition to the dessert experience, often served alongside a cake. Hundreds of cookies often fill the display, ranging from timeless favorites like lady locks, buckeyes, pizzelles, and thumbprint cookies to cherished family recipes and childhood classics.

Its popularity has spread, but not far beyond Western Pennsylvania and into the Midwest, leaving many couples unfamiliar with the concept asking: What exactly is a Pittsburgh cookie table?

While the tradition remains closely tied to Pittsburgh and the surrounding Pennsylvania region, cookie tables have expanded far beyond their hometown roots. Whether you’re getting married locally or planning a destination celebration, where there’s a will, there’s a cookie table.

The History of the Cookie Table

The origins of the cookie table can be traced back to Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Eastern Ohio. It’s linked to many European immigrant communities – particularly Italian, Greek, and Polish families – who brought baking customs and wedding traditions to the region.

Many believe that the cookie table dates back to the Great Depression, when it gained popularity as a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a wedding cake. Instead of spending money on sweets, couples relied on family and friends to prepare homemade treats, creating a large assortment of cookies for wedding guests to enjoy. Over time, this practical solution became a cherished wedding tradition that celebrated hospitality, generosity, and family. 

Why You Should Have a Cookie Table

Family and friends have the unique opportunity to contribute something personal to your wedding day. They can share favorite recipes and showcase their baking expertise through a meaningful gesture of love. 

The cookie table becomes a cornerstone of the reception – a place where guests gather, connect to the couple and generations of family traditions, and delight in their choice of delicious treats. The dessert table becomes a shared celebration.

The Perks of a Cookie Table:

• Offers guests a wide variety of desserts
• Allows guests to take treats home
• Family and friends feel the opportunity to participate in the wedding experience 
• Adds touches of personalization through favorite recipes, family traditions, or themed details
• Creates an interactive dessert station, providing guests with an activity while you’re away taking photos
• Can be located in multiple areas, not just the reception! 
• Works for all wedding styles, from micro wedding to full-scale reception 

Things to Include in Your Cookie Table

• Signage clearly labeling cookie names and identifying allergens
• Small plates or cocktail napkins for enjoying cookies during the reception
• Take-home bags or to-go boxes for guests to bring home treats
• Serving trays, risers, or dessert stands
• Tongs or serving utensils 

Things to Consider When Planning Your Cookie Table

• Decide whether cookies will be baked by guests, family, professional bakers, or a combination
• Confirm venue policies regarding outside food
• Consider logistics if guests are traveling
• Coordinate setup so your planner, venue, or team can assemble the table
• If you are ordering from a bakery, coordinate delivery times that align with the venue’s schedule
• Separately package allergen-free cookies to avoid cross-contamination
• Account for enough cookies that guests are able to eat and take home a selection 
• Ensure there are enough containers available for guests to take cookies home 

How to Get Started Planning Your Cookie Table

Start by gathering inspiration and deciding what type of cookie table reflects your wedding style. Check out cookie table inspo from real Pittsburgh weddings for some of the most creative, interactive, and beautiful displays of cookies. 

Consider whether you want a traditional family-driven display, a professionally styled dessert station, or a blend of both. You can also connect with local cookie table experts, bakers, and wedding vendors who specialize in designing and coordinating these displays.

The post What Is a Pittsburgh Cookie Table? A Complete Guide appeared first on Burgh Brides - A Pittsburgh Wedding Blog.

Divorced parents don’t necessarily need to be seated on opposite sides of the room – unless that’s their preference – but mindful planning will help you navigate everyone’s needs with ease. Tensions often arise when there’s pressure, expectations, or confusion about roles and involvement. And since wedding planning can already feel overwhelming, alongside a health coach’s tips to avoid wedding planning burnout, we’ve gathered parental advice to help you feel less stressed and more empowered.

While you can’t control each person’s reactions, you can do your best to explain your boundaries and wedding vision, all while respecting you and your partner’s unique family dynamics. 

Here’s everything you need to consider to navigate divorced parents at your wedding:

Communicate With Your Parents Early. 

Open and honest communication is going to be essential when navigating divorced parents during wedding planning, so start the conversation as early as possible. If one or both parents require on-going reminders about boundaries, this is your chance to set those expectations gently, but clearly. Early communication not only helps avoid misunderstandings later but also allows you to gauge how each parent feels about being involved, or how much distance they may want from their ex. Setting the tone now may save stress as the big day approaches.

Express How You’d Like Them To Be Included.

Let your parents and step-parents know how you’d like them to be part of your wedding day. Depending on your relationship with each of them, invite your parent to participate in moments that feel meaningful and aligned with your overall vision. Whether it’s joining you for outfit shopping, attending a venue tour, or helping with DIY details, including them in thoughtful ways shows they matter.

On the wedding day itself, consider assigning special but separate roles to avoid tension. Think: giving a reading during the ceremony, welcoming guests as a greeter, or offering a toast at the reception. Giving them a defined purpose can not only make them feel appreciated but also help minimize potential awkwardness or conflict.

Create Mindful Seating Arrangements.

Thoughtful seating arrangements can go a long way in reducing tension and creating a comfortable atmosphere for everyone. Some parents may prefer to sit far apart from their ex, while others may be on friendly terms and open to sharing a table. To avoid any surprises, have individual conversations with each parent ahead of time to understand their preferences. Are they bringing a plus one? Which family members are they comfortable dining with? A little extra planning in this area can make a big difference in keeping the peace and maintaining a positive vibe at your celebration.

Consider Their New Partner or Spouse.

Depending on your relationship with your parent’s new partner or spouse, involving them in small moments may help maintain your connection and show your parent that you respect their new relationship. This could mean more involvement in the engagement party, an invite to come dress shopping, or making sure they are included in wedding day photos. 

If your family functions more like a blended unit, embrace the added support and love that comes with it. However, if the dynamic is more sensitive, take time to speak with each individual privately. 

Ask About Introductions.

Introductions can carry more weight than you might expect. Some people may have strong preferences about how they’d like to be introduced or acknowledged, while others may not be concerned about the formalities. Either way, it’s a conversation worth having in advance with your parents. 

You may also have friends or family members your parents haven’t met yet. Ask each parent what would feel comfortable for them (and their new partners, if applicable) and when they’d prefer to make these introductions. A pre-wedding event, like the rehearsal dinner or welcome party, can be a perfect time for everyone to connect, avoiding additional social interactions on the wedding day. 

Let Your Photographer Know.

If it matters to you, then be sure to share any important family details, sensitivities, or strained relationships with your photographer ahead of time – whether it’s who should (or shouldn’t) be in certain photos, or how to position people for group shots. It’s also helpful to loop in your wedding planner or any key vendors who may need to be aware of these dynamics. 

Enlist a Close Friend or Family Member.

Choose a trusted friend, sibling, or family member to help navigate any tricky family dynamics on your wedding day. Let them know in advance about any potential tension or emotional sensitivities, so they’re prepared to step in if needed. Having a go-to person can help de-escalate issues and keep you focused on enjoying your celebration instead of managing your parents’ emotions. This quiet support system could be a game-changer if you’re anticipating stress around divorced parents. 

Explain Your Wedding Vision.

Whether you’re planning a traditional celebration or a free-spirited, self-uniting ceremony, it’s helpful to share your wedding vision with your parents early on. They may have imagined something different for your big day, and it could take time for them to fully embrace your plans, especially if your choices are different from cultural or generational expectations.

Be open about what matters most to you, while also being receptive to their desire to feel involved. It may involve a little extra planning or compromise. If they are eager to contribute, suggest other options, like hosting a brunch, taking you to a celebratory dinner, or throwing an engagement party. If you want to enjoy these activities with your parents separately, great! There’s a way to allow your parents to participate in a way that feels special, without asking you to sacrifice your dream wedding or the events leading up to it. 

The post How to Navigate Divorced Parents at Your Wedding appeared first on Burgh Brides - A Pittsburgh Wedding Blog.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive wedding morning packing list of must-have items for soonlyweds, wedding parties, and anyone involved in the getting-ready process. Cross-check all your wardrobe fixes and beauty essentials, to important documents and sentimental keepsakes with this checklist – so you can focus on savoring your big day instead of hunting for eyelash glue or earring backs. 

Consider this your ultimate wedding day prep guide for a smooth and seamless morning.

Clothing & Accessories

• Wedding dress – Double check all components: straps, toppers, detachable sleeves, gloves, overskirt, train
• Veil – With clips or pins used to secure it
• Undergarments – Includes shapewear or seamless underwear
• Shoes – Ceremony shoes as well as backups for your second look or dancing
• Jewelry – Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and any second look jewelry
• Hair accessories – Hair vines, clips, combs, tiaras, or extensions, if applicable
• Perfume or signature scent
• Something old, new, borrowed, and blue – If you’re following this tradition
• Outerwear – Jacket, shawl, stole, cloak
• Clutch or purse – Include essentials like lip balm, tissues, or mints
• Additional accessories – Hats, a jewelry change for the reception, sunglasses
• Contact lenses, solution, or glasses
• Overnight or honeymoon bag – Pre-pack anything you’ll need post-wedding

Hair & Beauty

• Mirror – Bring a small tabletop mirror or full-length one, depending on your getting-ready space
• Hair tools (if DIY) – Curling irons/flat irons, blow dryer, brushes
• Hair products – Styling sprays, gels, pins
• Makeup – Bring your full kit if doing your own, or any essentials for touchups
• Blotting papers
• Setting sprays
• Body lotion
• Deodorant
• Nail file/nail glue
• Backup eyelash glue
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Floss
• Mouthwash

Items for Photos

• Invitation suite – Include the full set along with envelopes and any inserts
• Rings and ring boxes
• Small decor or florals for flatlay photos
• Heirlooms/sentimental items – This may also include something old/new/borrowed/blue
• Vow books or handwritten letters/cards
• Personalized dress hanger

Wedding Party & Getting Ready

• Music speaker
• Water bottles
• Phone charger – Include any other miscellaneous chargers for important electronics
• Breakfast, snacks, or beverages
• Gifts for bridesmaids – Matching robes, pajamas, accessories
• Portable steamer
• Lint roller
• Fashion tape
• Small sewing kit, safety pins, scissors
• Tampons/pads
• Tissues
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray

Emergency Kit

• Small first aid kit – Band-aids, pain relievers, antacids, or any personal essentials
• Super glue
• Personal medication
• Allergy medication
• Eye drops
• Extra earring backs
• Strong-hold tape

Important Documents

• Marriage license
• Other marriage documents – May include ketubah, religious paperwork, unity ceremony materials, etc.
• Vendor contact list
• Final payments – Prepare clearly labeled envelopes ahead of time, and include tips
• Printed itinerary or timeline

The post The Ultimate Wedding Morning Packing Checklist appeared first on Burgh Brides - A Pittsburgh Wedding Blog.

Erica Hillard Photography captured the vibrant and historic venue, while immersive wedding vignettes, quite literally, took center stage. Design teams included Wanderlust Weddings & Events, Kristen Gornall Events, Hello Productions, and Enhanced Creativity Event Planning, each creating a unique tablescape concert that showed just how versatile New Hazlett truly is. 

Each vignette offered a distinct theme and design perspective, incorporating florals, rentals, decor, stationery, and interactive elements – including a vintage popcorn machine. One team drew inspiration from Phantom of the Opera, creating a custom playbill as their ceremony program and an interactive vintage camera photobooth. Another embraced vibrant colors, springtime florals, and natural textures like wicker and raffia, as floral and lighting installations were suspended above. The 1978 Collection, Vintage Alley Rentals, and ILLUME Lighting + Event Design helped bring each concept from production to reality. Distinctive color palettes and creative floral shapes from Sapphire & Lace, Community Flower Shop, and The Floral Touch enhanced each display. 

What made this day feel different? Guests were encouraged to interact with the setups and experience four different moods on the stage. They could touch the linens, sit in the chairs, and, of course, stop and smell the flowers, all while enjoying a curated DJ set from Fireside Events – bringing wedding-day inspiration to life beneath the Hazlett’s marquee glow. 

Activations in the lobby included live music by violinist Stephen Vance, flash tattoos provided by Torch & Dagger, and custom embroidered gifts created by Loops & Littles. 

Reenergizing couples in the midst of wedding planning, the showcase displayed how the theater extends far beyond its traditional dimensions. Outside, stone steps provide a picturesque backdrop for portraits, while indoors, couples find a reception area, bar lounge, and the iconic black box theater for countless possibilities for their one-of-a-kind celebrations.

The post “Stage Your Day” Wedding Showcase at New Hazlett Theater appeared first on Burgh Brides - A Pittsburgh Wedding Blog.