During Black History Month we took time to reflect. How can we be better advocates? How can we be better allies? How can we better support and celebrate Black brides and Black vendors in our community?

We acknowledge the lack of representation, specifically of the Black Community within the wedding industry. We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming space for Black brides, supporting and uplifting Black members of our team and creating meaningful connections with Black vendors in our community. 

We want to pass the mic to Black voices within our own community:

“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” – Audre Lorde

…One of my favorite quotes from Audre Lorde, an author and a civil rights activist. She would urge leaders to be strong in the face of adversity. This quote in particular stresses the importance of having a vision, using your strength to accomplish your goals rather than how hard it could be to achieve them.” 

“To our brides, my coworkers and my fellow industry queens, here are some important reminders:

“You are enough, you are whole and you are always worthy. Don’t play small with your talents and gifts, give yourself a chance. You do not have to shrink yourself for anyone!” – @vibesofablackgirl

“I really loved my experience. I definitely noticed that I was the only black bride in the store, but never felt like my body and my vision was dismissed or invalidated. I worried a lot about having sizing that was inclusive to my curvy body, and was really pleasantly surprised to have so much choice and breadth, especially with my dress designer Aesling Bridal. It’s so hard to see people who look like me in bridal catalogues so I’m really grateful that I had the experience of feeling so connected during my visit. I truly felt beautiful and like myself.”

A resource for all the brides planning their wedding – please check out this list of talented Black vendors!

We recognize our privilege and our power as leaders in the wedding world and we would be remiss if we didn’t use that and put out a direct call to action to our designers and partners. We are urging the bridal community to:

Supply a variety of ‘nude’:

There is no one-fits-all shade of nude. There are a rainbow of people and skin tones and more effort needs to be made to make dresses that compliment the gorgeous skin tones of Black brides and all POC.

Hire diverse people in leadership positions:

Black people and POC need to be represented in positions of power; not as a token but to be recognized for what they bring to the table as a human being. Whether it’s on the marketing team to influence your brand voice, design assistants to ensure unique skin tones and shapes are being represented, and more. As allies we cannot help effect change without allowing Black and POC people a seat at the table.

Include Diverse Representation in marketing:

It is critical for brides to be able to ‘see’ themselves represented in Bridal Gowns. Showcasing white, thin, CIS, able-bodied women is not representative of the vast majority of people. 

Representation and inclusion is a journey, not a destination. We welcome the opportunity to recommit ourselves to ensuring everyBODY who discovers Sash + Bustle knows that they can be a #SashAndBustleBride. It has always been our mission to create a safe space that is free from judgement, discrimination and prejudice – both for every guest who enters S+B and every employee that joins our family. We are committed to representing brides of different sizes, races and genders.

We are committed now and always to making people feel seen and celebrated at S+B

Because, after all, Love is LOVE

XO Vanessa + Andrea