Lindsey Nowak
There’s a moment every bride dreams about—slipping into the dress and feeling instantly radiant, effortlessly elegant, and completely herself. But the journey to that moment? It can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and, frankly, a little chaotic. Enter the bridal stylist, a behind-the-scenes expert who transforms dress shopping from stressful to seamless.
In this episode of Wine and Dine Me, I sat down with my dear friend Lindsey Nowak of The Edit Collective, a Charleston-based stylist with over a decade of experience primping, pinning, steaming, and styling brides, editorial shoots, and high-fashion campaigns. Lindsey has been a secret weapon for planners and brides alike, ensuring that every wedding wardrobe—from the gown to the after-party dress—is nothing short of perfection.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcast.
But here’s the thing: Bridal styling isn’t just a luxury for the elite. It’s a necessity for any bride who wants to look and feel her best while eliminating the stress of endless shopping, indecision, and last-minute mishaps.
What Exactly Does a Bridal Stylist Do?
A bridal stylist is more than someone who helps you find a dress. They’re a curator, consultant, and problem-solver, ensuring that your entire wedding wardrobe reflects your personal style and wedding aesthetic. Lindsey describes her role as part stylist, part therapist—helping brides navigate not only the sea of lace and tulle but also the emotions and expectations that come with dress shopping.
“Shopping for a wedding dress is a huge, emotional moment. It’s the first tangible piece of the wedding that truly belongs to the bride, and that can come with a lot of pressure,” Lindsey explains.
A great stylist like Lindsey also works hand-in-hand with planners, ensuring that what a bride wears complements the entire wedding design. Whether it's selecting a ceremony gown, finding a chic after-party dress, or coordinating bridesmaid and mother-of-the-bride looks, she ensures everything is cohesive.
Photo taken from @lindseyanowak
Photo taken from @lindseyanowak
How Bridal Styling Has Evolved
Fifteen years ago, the idea of hiring a bridal stylist was almost unheard of—unless you were a celebrity. Today, with weddings becoming more highly curated experiences, styling has become a key part of the planning process.
As Lindsey puts it, “Brides are treating their wedding weekend like a fashion event. From the welcome party and rehearsal dinner to the farewell brunch, every outfit is intentional.”
Even guest attire is now part of the overall wedding aesthetic. Many of my clients are opting to create guest attire style guides on their wedding websites, giving friends and family inspiration to dress in a way that enhances the overall event design. When done well, guest fashion becomes part of the decor—imagine a sea of soft pastels at a garden wedding or chic black-tie looks that elevate the glamour of a ballroom celebration.
How Much Does a Bridal Stylist Cost?
There’s a common misconception that hiring a stylist is an extravagant expense, but it’s far more approachable than most people think. Lindsey works on a flat-rate basis, ensuring her brides get expert guidance without pressure or commissions.
Photo taken from @lindseyanowak
“I never want a bride to feel like I’m pushing a sale because of a percentage cut,” Lindsey says. Instead, she focuses on securing the best price, best fit, and best experience—which, for some brides, has meant securing a custom gown from London in just two weeks (yes, that was me!).
Photo taken from @lindseyanowak
Bridal Fashion on a Budget: Mixing High and Low
Not every bride has a designer-label budget, and that’s okay. Lindsey shares that it’s all about strategic styling—investing in key pieces while finding affordable, ready-to-wear alternatives where possible.
“If you’re going to splurge anywhere, make it shoes,” Lindsey advises. “You’ll be in them all day, and a quality pair will save you from blisters and sore feet by the reception.”
For other elements, she recommends mixing designer and off-the-shelf—for example, pairing a simple gown with a custom veil or elevating a budget-friendly dress with statement jewelry. The key is choosing pieces that look intentional rather than random.
Trends We’re Loving for 2025 Brides
What’s in store for bridal fashion in 2025? According to Lindsey, we’ll see:
Bold Structural Details – Think sculptural bodices and modern draping that add sophistication.
Delicate Bows & Embellishments – Soft, feminine touches that feel fresh and elegant.
Colorful Wedding Dresses – Muted pastels and champagne hues are making their way into bridal fashion.
Sleek, Minimalist Looks – A nod to the ’90s revival, featuring clean lines and effortless elegance.
Statement Guest Attire – Wedding guests are upping their game, embracing more daring silhouettes and high-fashion moments.
And it’s not just about the bride anymore. Grooms, wedding parties, and even guests are stepping up their fashion game, which is why Lindsey is often asked to curate full wardrobe looks for an entire wedding weekend.
The Wildest Wedding Wardrobe Moments
With years of experience, Lindsey has seen it all—from seamstresses accidentally hemming pants up to a groomsman’s knees (yes, that happened!) to accidental burns to heirloom veils had dry rot.
One of my favorite stories? When a New York City bride found herself a week before her wedding with no outfits for her pre-wedding events. I called Lindsey, and within 48 hours, she had a stylist in the bride’s apartment, curating her wardrobe for the entire weekend. That’s the kind of miracle work a great stylist can do!
Styling is About Confidence
At the end of the day, bridal styling isn’t just about finding a dress—it’s about making sure a bride feels effortlessly beautiful and completely herself. Whether working with a stylist or planning wardrobe details solo, the key is thoughtfulness and intention.
Lindsey’s advice to brides? “Trust the process. Go in with an open mind. And most importantly, make sure what you wear makes you feel amazing—because when you feel great, it shows.”
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