From diamond shapes to setting styles, red carpet proposals often preview the engagement ring trends brides fall in love with months later . As a bridal boutique that has styled generations of brides since 1984, we’ve seen firsthand how celebrity rings influence real-world engagement choices . Below are five recent red carpet engagement rings  that are shaping proposal styles, and how you can translate Hollywood sparkle into a ring that feels timeless, personal, and authenti

If you’ve been researching Essense of Australia wedding dresses, you’re in good company, this designer is known for polished, wearable bridal fashion that spans everything from clean satin to romantic lace. Here are the questions brides ask us most (with straight answers, stylist tips, and planning guidance you can actually use). Bride in a Essense of Australia Wedding Dress D4457 What is Essense of Australia? Essense of Australia is a designer bridal label inspired by the na

Choosing your wedding venue is about choosing the feeling that will surround one of the most sacred days of your life. For couples searching for a Charlotte wedding venue  that blends natural beauty, intention, and soul, Redbird Ridge Estate  offers something truly rare. Nestled at the base of Barrett Mountain in the North Carolina foothills with mountain views, Redbird Ridge Estate is a peaceful retreat designed to honor connection, reflection, and love. Also operating as a

Nestled in the heart of Historic Downtown Concord, North Carolina , The Hotel Concord  stands as a timeless celebration of elegance, history, and unforgettable events. Known for its classic charm and all-inclusive wedding experiences , this beloved venue has become one of the most sought-after locations for couples and celebration planners throughout the region. The Hotel Concord, All Inclusive Wedding Experience. Photo Credit: Candle and Quill A Venue Steeped in History Orig

If you love the idea of a dramatic, editorial wedding day entrance but  also want to dance freely and comfortably at your reception, a detachable overskirt or removable train  might be the perfect bridal solution. These convertible style elements let you have two looks in one gown , elegant and grand for the ceremony, sleek and fun for the party. If you’re diving into the details of wedding-dress construction and want to feel confident with all the terminology, don’t miss our

Some of the most common questions brides ask during their bridal appointment is: Do I need to bustle my wedding dress? What kind of bustle should I choose? How does a bustle work on my big day? A wedding dress bustle is one of those small details that can make a huge difference in your comfort, photos, and wedding day experience especially once you’re ready to celebrate after walking down the aisle. As bridal stylists who have helped hundreds of brides find the one , we’re br

One of the most common questions brides ask during their appointment is: “How long should my wedding dress train be?” From subtle and practical to dramatic and regal, a wedding dress train changes not only how your gown looks but how it feels to wear it all day. As a bridal boutique that has styled brides for decades, we know there’s no single “right” answer. The best train length depends on your venue, your style, and how you want to feel walking down the aisle . If you’re d

If you’ve been browsing bridal gowns, you’ve likely come across the terms “illusion”  and “unlined” . While both involve sheer or semi-sheer elements, they mean quite different things, and the right choice depends on the look, comfort, and level of modesty you want. Use this guide to feel confident choosing between them. Illusion Wedding Dress Charlotte If you’re diving into the details of wedding-dress construction and want to feel confident with all the terminology, don’t m

For many brides, words like corsetry  and boning  get thrown around during dress shopping, but what do they actually mean? These details may be hidden inside the gown, yet they play a major role in comfort, shape, and overall fit. Below is a clear, boutique-approved breakdown designed to help brides feel informed and confident when choosing their dream dress. Exposed boning in a wedding dress Q: What Is “Corsetry” or “Boning” in a Wedding Dress? A:  Corsetry refers to the int

A “wedding dress style quiz” is a fun, guiding tool designed to help you narrow down the vast world of bridal gowns and figure out what type of dress fits you, your personality, and your wedding vision . It goes beyond “just a dress”, it helps define your bridal aesthetic. Most quizzes (including those from Maggie Sottero Designs, True Society Bridal Shops, and The Knot) will ask a variety of questions about your style preferences, body type, wedding vibe, and how you want to

When a bride falls in love with a gown but needs just a bit more coverage or a little more breathing room a modesty panel  can be the perfect solution. At J. Major’s, we answer questions about these add on pieces almost every day. Here’s a helpful guide to what they are, how they’re sized, and how to know whether you need one. Modesty Panel. Photo Credit What is  a modesty panel, specifically wedding dress modesty panel? A modesty panel is a small insert of fabric usually mat

For many brides, finding the perfect wedding dress is more than about the right style, it’s about the right fit. At J. Major’s Bridal Boutique, we help hundreds of brides each year navigate sizing, alterations, and special order options. One of the most common topics we explain during appointments is split sizing . This guide answers the questions our brides ask most, framed with expert insights from our experienced bridal stylists, seamstresses, and decades of fit knowledge

J. Major’s partners with Legion Brewing to offer Charlotte’s best spaces for weddings , rehearsals, and celebrations with handcrafted drinks and curated menus. At J. Major's Bridal Boutique, we believe every love story deserves a celebration that feels authentic, joyful, and uniquely you.  Legion Brewing believes the best moments are crafted with intention, great food, great drinks, and great people coming together to mark life’s milestones. Whether you're envisioning an int

Finding your dream wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of your bridal journey but what happens if the gown you love isn’t available in your size or in-store yet? That’s where loaner gowns  come in! At J. Major’s Bridal Boutique, we want every bride to have the full “say-yes” experience, even when the sample you’re hoping to try isn’t on our floor. Below, we’ve answered the most common questions about how loaner gowns work and what to expect. Wedding dress loaner p

When you fall in love with the one , why wait? Our Off the Rack Collection  at J. Major’s Bridal Boutique in Charlotte lets brides find, fall in love, and take home their gown all in the same day. Below, we’ve answered your most common questions about off the rack wedding dresses, so you can feel confident, excited, and ready to say yes  right away. Off the rack wedding dresses can be taken home the same day! What does “off the rack” mean for wedding dresses? “Off the rack” s

At J. Major’s Bridal Boutique, we’ve always believed that love builds more than marriages, it builds communities. That’s why we were so honored when one of our owners recently participated in Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region’s annual CEO Build , a one of a kind event where local business leaders trade suits for hard hats and work side by side to create affordable homes for deserving families. We are incredibly proud to have represented the J. Major’s family at 202

What Does “Couture” Mean in Bridal Fashion? A couture wedding dress  is a gown designed and handcrafted exclusively for one bride. The term couture  (from the French haute couture , meaning “high sewing”) represents custom design, luxury fabrics, and meticulous craftsmanship . Couture Bridal Designer fitting Charlotte Each couture gown is made from scratch built to your exact measurements, preferences, and vision. No mass production. No standard sizes. Just artistry, precisio

Today’s brides aren’t just planning a wedding day, you are planning a full on content experience.  The wedding is a creative production blending fashion, storytelling, and digital memory-making. At J. Major’s Bridal Boutique , we’ve seen this shift firsthand. Brides are asking new kinds of questions, ones no generation before them would’ve thought to ask. Here are the most-asked “content ready”  bridal FAQs we’re hearing right now (and our expert answers). Bride in J. Major's

The answer brides are falling in love with right now: wedding dress capes. Below, we answer the most common questions brides ask about wearing capes and how they compare to boleros or sleeves to help you decide what’s perfect for your winter “I do.” Model in a wedding dress with a cape. What is a Wedding Dress Cape? A wedding dress cape is a detachable accessory worn over your shoulders and back. It often flows behind you like a veil or train. Unlike a traditional veil, it’

In bridal design, the mock two piece silhouette has gained traction as a way to blend fashion forward lines with bridal functionality. Among the standout gowns that embody this aesthetic are Wtoo Charlotte  and Martina Liana 1902 . This post walks through what makes mock two piece gowns so appealing, dives into each of these styles, addresses common bride concerns, and offers tips for styling and alterations. What Is a Mock Two-Piece (and Why It Works) Definition & Appeal A m