Photographer, florist, DJ, hair and makeup artist…every bride knows the key vendors she needs to book for her wedding day. I’m here to talk about those underrated vendors, the unsung heroes who can make all the difference!
Today I’d like to focus on the bridal stylist! Hiring a bridal stylist can be incredibly beneficial as they offer expertise in creating a cohesive and stunning look for your wedding day. They can help you navigate the overwhelming choices of dresses, accessories, and hairstyles, ensuring that everything complements your vision and flatters your body type. A bridal stylist can also alleviate stress by managing timelines and coordinating fittings, allowing you to focus on enjoying the special moments leading up to your big day.
It’s my absolutely pleasure to feature the one and only Julie Centofanti of Julie Centofanti Styling. We’ve worked together closely over the years and she is TRULY the expert in all things bridal!
Q1: How did you begin your styling journey?
Julie: My styling journey began funny enough with my friends. When we all started getting married and choosing gowns, I became the “go to girl” that you brought with you to your bridal appointment. Helping my friends and then friends of friends choose their bridal gowns was something that came very easily to me. For me bridal gowns portray different personalities, evoke different feelings and really do something different for every person. I decided to enter the bridal world as a Bridal Consultant, I quickly went through the ranks of consultant, senior consultant, salon manager and then buyer. I decided to become an independent stylist for brides because I wanted to afford brides the opportunity to be able to choose from any salon and any designer.
Q2: Do you only style brides for their wedding day?
There are so many occasions for brides leading up to their wedding day where they want to wear something special. I style for bridal showers, engagement photos, rehearsal dinners and of course the after party/gown change, which has recently become very popular.
Q3: If you could give brides one key piece of advice, what would it be?
My one key piece of advice is stay true to yourself. On your wedding day you should feel like the most beautiful version of yourself. Trends should not play a factor in your wedding day fashion. Trends are meant to inspire you but they should not dictate what you love. Bridal fashion is cumulative; for brides nothing is “out”. New designs are coming out all the time, but the classics are still here as well.
Q4: What do you feel sets you apart from other stylists?
What I know sets me apart is the relationship that is built with my brides. In order for me to truly help you find your gown, I really invest in getting to know you. I do not base your design decisions on what’s “in” or simply bring you a myriad of high end designers because they are “the best” or the “most popular”. Working within your budget and finding you something that is best for you is always the goal.
Q5: What would you say to brides who feel like hiring a stylist is out of budget?
I love meeting brides where they are at in their process. If full service Bridal Styling is not within your budget, a popular service that I offer is Day of Wedding Styling. With this service, I attend your final fitting and your wedding. Taking care of brides on their wedding day is one of my favorite things. Being a sense of calm, knowing that you have someone there that is just for you, to properly fit your gown on you, bustle your train and keep you picture perfect throughout your day. This service is often gifted to brides; any bride who would love to have a stylist with them on their day should let her feelings be known. In addition, I always customize my services for brides so they can get what they need within their budget.
