Consider this our vow renewal.

We wrote this blog to continue the conversation of Representation In The Bridal Industry, as a way to recommit ourselves.

Six months ago the world took pause, and silenced themselves in solidarity with the Black community against all forms of racism, violence and discrimination. As individuals at Sash & Bustle, this was a greater opportunity to acknowledge systemic racism and learn about the lived in struggles that BIPOC face.

As a company, this was the chance to acknowledge the lack of diversity and representation in the Bridal Industry but also, most regrettably, in ourselves. Six months ago we committed ourselves to change; to making everyBODY who discovers Sash & Bustle know 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. Now it is our mission to SHOW you that – to make our actions match our words.

And it’s not enough that we control the narrative of this whole blog either, so we reached out to some lovely people to get their opinions too.

“I think the difficult part about my wedding dress  shopping experience was that I would see so many beautiful dresses online on Caucasian models and was eager to try them on when I went into a bridal store! However, the issue came when it was time to actually try on the dresses, none the models online looked like me, they were all a size 2, no curves and my skin tone wasn’t represented, so seeing how a dress fit on me, someone with a fuller bust was difficult and discouraging to say the least! The shade of white/cream/ off white looked great on them but was totally different on me in real life! I had to really look at the shade on my skin and decide which one was best for me!

It also felt like the consultant was less aware cultural concerns and how culturally some people don’t like a lot of cleavage showing. So a few of the dresses I said no to right away because I knew I wouldn’t be comfortable in them!“

“There needs to be more options for plus. Especially options that show your figure! Also some of us want options to show our curves! And it’s not enough that designers offer extended sizing, stores need to actually carry it – being able to try it on is so key” – Tanisha (S&B babe)

“Showing different people on Social Media is so important, it lets them know they’re accepted!” – Caitlin (S&B babe)

“I love to see queer representation! Styles or models that are masculine/feminine fluid and also trans representation NEEDS to happen in bridal.I really believe there are no boundaries for what you can wear; regardless of your gender, age, race. As a stylist my goal is to make my bride feel amazing! It may not change the way they feel about themselves but it can change they way they perceive themselves.” – Brendan (S&B babe)

We have committed and will constantly learn, grow and recommit ourselves to diverse representation on social media; by creating content that reflects our community as a whole and sharing curated content from designers or style shoots that reflect a spirit of diversity – we know we can create a space where all people feel seen, welcomed and beautiful!

Every bride should be excited about wedding dress shopping.

Every bride should feel beautiful and accepted during their time shopping.

Every bride should be able to see themselves as a #SashAndBustleBride

xo

Andrea, Vanessa and the team at S&B