Ksenia Antonova, Natalie Doronina
Bridal stylists are part visionaries, part problem-solvers—helping you look incredible while quietly making sure everything just works. Beyond curating the perfect look, they bring the kind of behind-the-scenes wisdom that makes the day feel smoother, calmer, and more you. With clever shortcuts and smart fixes from years spent in showrooms, boutiques, and fitting rooms, they’re basically your personal bridal cheat sheet. From shapewear swaps to steaming secrets, here are nine stylist-approved hacks to keep in your back pocket for the big day.
Hope LaVine, Grace Lane London
Make the Most of Your Alterations
Don’t let those extra scraps from alterations go to waste—there’s almost always a creative way to repurpose leftover fabric. Kennedy Bingham stylist behind Gown Eyed Girl suggests, “Ask your tailor if there’s something fun you can do with yours. 99% of the time your dress is going to need to be tailored, and most of the time you'll have enough fabric to make a fun glove or bolero. I once had a shorter bride who had enough fabric left over from her train that she made a whole second dress!”
Chelsea Jackson, stylist and founder of Show Room Theory, echoes this advice, noting that “the extra fabric can be used to wrap bouquets, create off-the-shoulder straps, or add detail to a flat lay.” And the options don’t stop there—leftover material can also become a meaningful keepsake. “It makes for a sweet memento—perfect for a keepsake box or framed with a wedding photo,” Jackson adds. “This works especially well with heirloom garments, like a piece of your mom’s or MIL’s dress, if you want to honor a legacy look without wearing the whole thing.”
Shapewear Isn’t Always
the Solution
Not every dress calls for shapewear—and sometimes, it actually does more harm than good. “If you're not feeling your best in the dress—try taking off your shapewear,” says Bingham. “Unlike most ready-to-wear dresses, many bridal gowns are made with the female form in mind. Putting on an additional piece of shapewear can add unnecessary bulk and actually hide your natural shape.” She adds: “I’ve had many brides regret wearing their shapewear on the wedding day, but I’ve actually never had a bride regret not wearing it.”
Have a Second Look on Standby
Even if you're committed to your gown all day long, LA based bridal stylist Hope LaVine always recommends a backup. “Always always always pack a reception dress—even if you think you don’t want to change," she says. "You may plan to stay in your wedding dress the whole day, but things happen. A lot of times brides complain of not being able to breathe well in their corseted wedding dress or say they’re too hot and restricted. Have an easy throw-on backup that you can wear on the honeymoon if you don’t end up wearing.”
Kettlel Atelier, Ila The Brand
Record Your Bustle in Action,
And Avoid Day-Of Stress
The bustle process is trickier than it looks. To avoid wedding-day confusion, LaVine recommends, “Record a video of your wedding dress being bustled at your final alterations fitting. Bring a dedicated bustler to the appointment if possible. This helps things move quicker on your wedding day if someone there has already seen what your bustle is supposed to look like.” A quick video can eliminate stress, prevent last-minute mistakes, and save precious minutes you’ll want to spend celebrating.
Something White Styling, Hope LaVine
Simplify Your Vintage Approach
Loving the vintage trend, but intimidated by the endless options when online shopping? Caroline Thorpe, Stylist and Founder of Little White Looks, has an easy solution: start small. “Shopping vintage dresses online can be risky with sizing and final sale policies,” she says. “Instead, try adding vintage touches through accessories—like shoes, jewelry, or your getting-ready look. It’s a lower-pressure way to include something one-of-a-kind without the stress.”
Say No More Moscow, Something White Styling
Prep for the Unexpected
A well-stocked emergency kit can be a bride’s best friend. Think double-sided sticky tape for rogue necklines, safety pins for surprise snags, a mini sewing kit, blotting papers, a stain remover pen—and yes, even a cotton ball and oversized bandage. “With sleek, form-fitting gowns, one of the most common concerns is the belly button showing through,” says Bingham. “Just place a small cotton ball in the divot and cover it with a large bandage—smooth it out, no bubbles—and the dress will lay perfectly flat.” Having the right tools on hand means you can focus on the moment, not the mishaps.
Perfume the Lining, Not the Dress
To incorporate a signature scent safely, Jackson advises brides to think strategically: “I always tell brides to spray the interior lining of their gown or a handkerchief tucked into the bodice, instead of misting the outer fabric. You’ll still get the beautiful scent without risking any visible staining.” It’s an effortless way to add that romantic, personal detail without risking your gown.
Content for Brides, Mae Bridal
Schedule a Pre-Ceremony
Styling Reset
The time between portraits and walking down the aisle is crucial. Jackson strongly recommends, “After portraits and before the ceremony, build in 15 minutes for a full reset—blot sweat, touch up makeup, check veil pins, and take a few deep breaths. That tiny window makes all the difference in how grounded and confident a bride feels walking down the aisle.” This small reset will help you to step into the moment feeling refreshed and completely present.
Steaming Tricks
That Actually Work
Steaming your gown might seem straightforward, but it’s trickier than it looks. Jackson explains: “It may seem obvious, but I can’t tell you how many brides are stumped by steaming. I always recommend placing a clean white towel between the gown and the steamer, especially when laying it flat. A handheld travel steamer is a lifesaver, and if you don’t have one, have it shipped to the venue ahead of time. Just be sure to check with your stylist before steaming any delicate fabrics like silk or structured pleats. Steaming can sometimes compromise the fabric's integrity if done incorrectly.”
