Can We Embrace the “Year of the Woman” and Still Live Our Wedding Dreams?

At the end of 2017, the media predicted 2018 would be the “Year of the Woman.” It’s not the first time (1992 was also a Year of the Woman), but this feels different. This feels like change is happening.

Don’t like the laws - we’re running for office in record numbers!

Unequal pay and no family leave - we’re launching our own businesses and SUCCEEDING!

Don’t like the traditional wedding dress shopping experience - we created an alternative!

The year has come and gone, and what a year it’s been: #MeToo; women’s marches; the rise of successful, female-focused media; fights across the country over harassment, working conditions, equal pay, and even dress code inequality. Women’s voices are being heard like never before. We are fighting back against systemic inequality and breaking social norms — we’re DONE being told what we can and can’t do.

march for women march4women women empowerment change the wedding industry

The Year of the Woman has shown that we’re tired of putting up with… well, everything.

FINALLY.

“How does the traditional role of being a bride, of elaborate weddings, of beautiful dresses and tiaras juxtapose with the Year of the Woman? Can you be the empowered, confident, forward-moving, unfuckwithable woman and still want a wedding?”

One thing we thought about this year, as a bridal company who is 100% for women, is “How does the traditional role of being a bride, of elaborate weddings, of beautiful dresses and tiaras juxtapose with the Year of the Woman? Can you be the empowered, confident, forward-moving, unfuckwithable woman and still want a wedding?”

And you know what? Yes! Absolutely you can!

You see, it is not tulle and tiaras that take away your power, it’s bending to rules and traditions which don’t fit you that strips away your identity. Modern womanhood is about CHOICES. It’s about not letting other people (society included) dictate what you do or how you live, it is about living life on your terms. It’s about making informed choices based on what’s best for you and your world.

Maybe that means planning a green wedding that is more environmentally friendly than the typical banquet affair; maybe it is not inviting that second cousin who always causes a scene at family gatherings to your wedding; maybe it is not having a bridal party and having to pick best friends; or maybe it’s simply saying NO to going into debt for a wedding gown.

We know brides who wore black diamond rings; eloped while rock climbing; served breakfast for their banquet meals; and many more who dared to do their weddings a little differently to stay true to who they are. Whatever “being you” means for you on your wedding day, we say: GO FOR IT, GIRL!! Of course, do it all with grace and kindness, because graciousness is the most badass trait of them all.

“Being an empowered bride doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t wear the dress of your dreams. It means you should explore your options and make choices based on what works best for you. ”

We are so glad that being a bride and being an empowered woman are NOT mutually exclusive, and we are tremendously proud to be able to say that we are here to support modern women to make smart choices for their wedding day. As we wrap up 2018, we are grateful for the Year of the Woman, a year that has given us a louder voice, more unity, and greater purpose. As we march together into 2019, we look forward to continue being a voice of strong and smart women in the wedding industry, and to empower brides near and far!