Bridal Fashion During Covid

Bridal Fashions Evolve During COVID

Planning a wedding during a global pandemic presents multiple challenges. The process of selecting and purchasing the perfect bridal gown has changed too. Courtney Robinson, owner of Winnie Couture Nashville shared some insight into that process.

COVID and bridal fashions COVID has completely transformed the bridal fashion industry. For one, COVID has challenged us to offer a hands-on try-on experience virtually, which was a huge hurdle in that brides cannot touch, feel or try on dresses. We have learned how to romance the experience virtually and have continued to offer small in-person fittings.

Because many brides have had to scale back their weddings, we’re seeing many short or more casual dresses. Some brides, however, are more focused to their dress because they have had to cut their catering or venue spends. Nashville brides are going for simple, elegant gowns, while Atlanta brides are way more daring than before COVID.

Trends in bridal fashion Our store showcases over 150 exquisite gowns in-store and Winnie Couture designers create 30-40 new gowns each season, so we always have fresh pieces. Right now, we’re seeing more shoulder capes, subtle sparkles, layered skirts, short dresses, lightweight ruffles and clean, minimalistic gowns.

Some timeless silhouettes we’re seeing return are ball gowns, clean lines and luxurious crepes and satins.

Winnie Couture offers brides the ultimate flexibility with endless customizations, even offering the option to change the color of our dresses. Over the last few weeks, we've had brides choose nude, blue, black and red gowns. Our dresses are available up to size 22 and with 15+ plus-size samples always available in-store, all brides can find their dream dress at Winnie Couture.

Courtney’s story I have always been passionate about fashion but chose to pursue healthcare because creative fields did not seem as attainable when I entered the workforce as they are now. I first discovered Winnie Couture when I was shopping for a wedding dress. I loved that you could customize each dress to be one-of-a-kind because every bride’s worst nightmare is wearing the same dress as other brides. Years later, I discovered the opportunity to invest in the Winnie Couture brand and jumped at the chance to open a store in Nashville because of its rapid growth and close proximity to my home in Atlanta.

The Winnie Couture story Winnie Couture was founded in 2001 by husband and wife duo Winnie and Chris Lee. When the pair were engaged, Winnie was looking for a one-of-a-kind gown and was shocked by how few options there were. She began designing her own dress, which evolved into her creating her own brand, Winnie Couture. After just a few seasons, the couple positioned Winnie Couture as one of the fastest growing and in-demand brands across the country. Winnie's profoundly feminine gowns are widely recognized for their immaculate craftwork and impeccable fit. In addition to the bridal collection, Winnie Couture also designs luxurious gowns that have been worn on countless red carpets by A-listers and fashionistas alike.

Huntsville Happenings

Written by Judy S. Ryals, Pres./CEO

Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Group events and activities are making a comeback in 2021 by modifying the participant experience to provide the safest environment possible. Panoply Arts Festival returns to Big Spring International Park April 23-25 and I can’t wait for this world-class celebration of the arts. Head to The Ledges for professional golf at the inaugural Huntsville Championship starting April 26, and watch for the Rocket City Trash Pandas to play at Toyota Field.

Dare to Explore: Milestones to Mars takes visitors on a six-decade journey of space exploration and the innovations and discoveries that have prepared humans to land on the moon and go beyond. Developed by the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s exhibits team, Dare to Explore highlights historic artifacts and new technologies for the Artemis mission to return to the moon.

The Center continues offering two new activities in their Underwater Astronaut Trainer: DIVR+ is virtual reality snorkeling with sensory feedback that provides a realistic VR experience and Sea Trek is a fully guided underwater walking experience suitable for swimmers and divers of all skill levels. These offerings are in addition to the Discovery and Enterprise Shuttle Experiences, also available while Space Camp is on hiatus.

Burritt on the Mountain is offering some great family-friendly events and activities. Starting March 27 through the summer, GeoQuest uses clues and GPS technology to lead you on a hunt to collect sets of Quest Cards. Once you find all of the cards for all four adventures, you can enter a monthly drawing for a free family membership. Special spring break activities, hikes, an Easter Jubilee, and Spring Farm Day, are all fun ways to enjoy the great outdoors and fantastic view!

The Huntsville Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to visit year round. They’ve just opened the first phase of Tweetsville, an immersive experience in the Children’s Garden that explores the role that birds play in our ecosystem. You can observe birds in their natural environment, learn about their native habitats, and discover how plants, animals, and people rely on each other to create a healthy ecosystem.

EarlyWorks Children’s Museum has Toys: The Inside Story, a fascinating look into toys for the young and young-at-heart. The Von Braun Center is hosting numerous sporting events, performances and shows for your enjoyment. The Huntsville Museum of Art has galleries filled with a variety of exhibitions including their Buccellati Silver Menagerie collection.

The events and activities listed below are scheduled for March and April. Please use this list as a starting point and then visit huntsville.org for updates. We’re all looking for safe and enjoyable events. Invite your friends and family to visit, when they’re ready, so they can experience the true southern hospitality that’s so much a part of this community. Stay safe, follow the guidelines, and support our local attractions, restaurants, hotels, retail and small businesses. Ongoing events: Dare to Explore: Milestones to Mars, U.S. Space & Rocket Center Toyota Field ballpark tours, Town Madison Madison County Marker Challenge, countywide Rocket City Civil Rights Driving Tour Science Never Stops, U.S. Space & Rocket Center (online) Will Henry Stevens: Naturalist/Modernist, Huntsville Museum of Art, now through April 25 GeoQuest (starts March 27), Burritt on the Mountain Toys: The Inside Story, EarlyWorks Children’s Museum

Recurring events: Rocket City Rover Mixer Rides, downtown Huntsville – weekly on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Bikes & Brews, downtown Huntsville – monthly on the first Friday Rocket City Improv Presents, Shenanigans Comedy Theatre – monthly on the first Friday Downtown Walking Tours presented by Scenethat Walking Tours – weekly on Saturdays and Sundays Burritt Folk School Workshops, Burritt on the Mountain – daytime and evening classes available

One-time events: Ashley McBryde, Mars Music Hall – March 6 Festival of Dolls, EarlyWorks Children’s Museum – March 12-14 Symphony Classical Series: Scottish Fantasies. Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Von Braun Center – March 13 Symphony Casual Classics Series: Who’s Afraid of Living Composers? Roberts Recital Hall, University of Alabama Huntsville – March 14 Ice Hockey: Havoc V Pensacola, Propst Arena, Von Braun Center – March 19 Symphony Pops Series: Psycho in Concert, Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Von Braun Center – March 20 Master Artist Workshop with Qiang Huang, Huntsville Museum of Art – March 25-28 Football: Alabama A&M University V Grambling State, Louis Crews Stadium – March 27 Ice Hockey: Havoc V Birmingham, Propst Arena, Von Braun Center – March 27; April 16 Green Thumbs Spring Break Camp, Huntsville Botanical Garden – March 15-19; March 29-April 2 Spring Break at Burritt on the Mountain – March 27 – April 3 Spring Break Half-Day Art Camp, Huntsville Museum of Art – March 29 – April 2 Virtual Video Game Weekend, EarlyWorks Children’s Museum – April 2-4 Maddie & Tae, Mars Music Hall, Von Braun Center – April 3 Sprocket’s Sprint, Toyota Field – April 3 Easter Jubilee, Burritt on the Mountain – April 3 Virtual Double Helix Dash – April 6 – 20 Bert Kreischer – The Berty Boy Tour, Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Von Braun Center – April 9 Spring Farm Day, Burritt on the Mountain – April 10 Ice Hockey: Havoc V Macon, Propst Arena, Von Braun Center – April 10, 27; May 1 Voices of Our Times with P. Allen Smith, Huntsville Museum of Art – April 15 Lego® Mania, EarlyWorks Children’s Museum – April 16-18 Celtic Woman Celebration, Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Von Braun Center – April 21 Panoply Arts Festival, Big Spring International Park – April 23-25 Golf: Huntsville Championship, The Ledges – April 29 – May 2 Pokemon Takeover, EarlyWorks Children’s Museum – April 30 – May 2 n

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