White Dress Optional cover art

White Dress Optional

White Dress Optional

Written by: Brilliant Bridal
Listen for free

About this listen

Brilliant Bridal found a new way to help brides & couples navigate all their options before, during, and after their wedding.

Melanie & Malea - owners of Brilliant Bridal, hosts of this podcast, & experts in the wedding & bridal industry - will be sharing their experiences to empower, educate, and help brides & couples.

If you are engaged, soon to be engaged, or married, this podcast is for you. When it comes to weddings - we got you!

© 2026 White Dress Optional
Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Live Wedding Q&A: Real Brides Ask, Experts Answer (Bridal Show Edition)
    Feb 18 2026

    Real brides asked their biggest wedding planning questions at a live bridal show—and Mel + Malea answered them in real time. From budgets and timelines to dress shopping and vendors, this episode covers the questions couples are actually asking while planning their weddings. If you’ve been wondering whether a bridal show is worth attending, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how helpful they can be. And if you couldn’t make it, don’t worry—our podcast is here to guide you through every part of the wedding journey.

    Thank you for tuning into ‘White Dress Optional’, a wedding podcast by Brilliant Bridal! Join us every Wednesday for candid conversations, expert insights, and heartwarming stories that celebrate love in all its forms. Connect with us on Instagram at @whitedressoptional or email us at podcast@brilliantbridal.com.


    If you are in one of our markets and searching for your dream dress, we'd be thrilled to accompany you on your bridal journey. Visit https://www.brilliantbridal.com/appointments & schedule an appointment to shop at one of our boutiques today!

    Check out additional resources here!

    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Bridesmaids & Boundaries: Setting Expectations Without Ruining Friendships
    Feb 11 2026

    Bridesmaids can be your biggest support—or your biggest source of stress. In this episode, Mel and Malea share real, honest advice from years in the wedding industry on how to set healthy boundaries with your wedding party. From deciding between a big or small bridal party, to navigating who pays for what, handling conflict, and communicating expectations without awkwardness, this conversation is all about protecting your relationships and your peace.

    Thank you for tuning into ‘White Dress Optional’, a wedding podcast by Brilliant Bridal! Join us every Wednesday for candid conversations, expert insights, and heartwarming stories that celebrate love in all its forms. Connect with us on Instagram at @whitedressoptional or email us at podcast@brilliantbridal.com.


    If you are in one of our markets and searching for your dream dress, we'd be thrilled to accompany you on your bridal journey. Visit https://www.brilliantbridal.com/appointments & schedule an appointment to shop at one of our boutiques today!

    Check out additional resources here!

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • How Real Brides Use AI for Wedding Planning Decisions
    Feb 4 2026

    AI is showing up everywhere—including wedding planning—but what does that actually look like in real life?

    In this episode, we share ideas from real brides currently in the middle of planning their weddings. These brides share practical ways AI has helped them save time and reduce overwhelm.

    We also want to be clear: AI is not a replacement for wedding professionals. We don’t recommend copy-pasting contracts, skipping expert advice, or planning a wedding without experienced vendors. Instead, we explore how AI can support the planning process alongside planners, designers, and industry experts—helping brides show up more prepared and confident.

    If you’re curious about using AI thoughtfully while still valuing professional guidance, this episode is for you.

    Thank you for tuning into ‘White Dress Optional’, a wedding podcast by Brilliant Bridal! Join us every Wednesday for candid conversations, expert insights, and heartwarming stories that celebrate love in all its forms. Connect with us on Instagram at @whitedressoptional or email us at podcast@brilliantbridal.com.


    If you are in one of our markets and searching for your dream dress, we'd be thrilled to accompany you on your bridal journey. Visit https://www.brilliantbridal.com/appointments & schedule an appointment to shop at one of our boutiques today!

    Check out additional resources here!

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
No reviews yet