What is a Bridal Fashion Stylist? w/ Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride

In today’s episode of The Wedding Reporter Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Julie Sabatino, the founder of The Stylish Bride and author of Dressed, Styled, and Down the Aisle, Becoming a Stylish Bride. Julie is a pioneer in the world of bridal fashion styling, a career she embarked on two decades ago after a challenging experience finding her own wedding dress. Today, she is one of the most sought-after bridal stylists globally, with deep connections to top designers, including Oscar de la Renta, who even named a dress after her.

Photos by Christian Oth

Julie’s journey into the world of bridal styling began from a personal pain point. Married in 2001, Julie recalls the difficulties she faced in finding her wedding dress—a process far from the glamorous, champagne-filled experience often depicted in movies. At that time, the market lacked the resources and information brides have access to today. There were no websites, social media, or even the ability to take photos during appointments, making it a daunting task for Julie, especially as she was not a traditional sample size. This experience left her feeling unprepared and frustrated, ultimately leading her to establish The Stylish Bride in 2004. Her mission was clear: to provide brides with the guidance, support, and resources she wished she had during her own wedding journey.

A bridal fashion stylist, as Julie explains, is responsible for all the fashion elements of a wedding, from finding the perfect wedding dress to coordinating outfits for multiple events that typically occur during a wedding weekend. The role extends beyond just the bride; Julie and her team work with mothers, sisters, bridesmaids, and even groomsmen, ensuring that every aspect of the wedding’s fashion is cohesive and reflective of the couple’s style.

One of the foundational elements of Julie’s work is understanding who the bride is and what makes her feel confident and beautiful. This personalized approach ensures that each bride feels comfortable and excited about what she’s wearing, creating a truly memorable experience. Julie emphasizes that no two brides are alike, and the key to her success is getting to know her clients on a deeper level, understanding their unique needs, and guiding them through the often overwhelming process of bridal fashion.

Photos by Christian Oth

When Julie first started The Stylish Bride, the concept of a bridal stylist was virtually unheard of. People often mistook her for a hairstylist, as the idea of hiring someone specifically for wedding fashion was novel. However, over the years, as Julie’s business has grown, the role of a bridal stylist has become more recognized and appreciated.

One of the significant changes Julie has seen is the increased accessibility of bridal styling services. In 2019, she launched a virtual service, anticipating a shift towards more online interactions. This foresight proved invaluable during the pandemic, allowing her to continue offering her expertise to brides, even when in-person shopping was not an option. Today, Julie’s virtual styling service complements her in-person sessions, making her services available to a broader audience.

Photos by Jose Villa

Julie’s approach to bridal styling is deeply rooted in process and personalization. Each client receives a master styling deck, a comprehensive record of all the fashion choices made for the wedding. This deck is shared with the wedding planner, designer, and photographer, ensuring that every detail is accounted for and that the wedding day is as seamless as possible.

Moreover, Julie works closely with clients to help them make decisions that align with their personal style and vision. Understanding the psychology of decision-making is a crucial part of this process. Julie categorizes clients as either maximizers, who need to see every option before making a decision, or those who are comfortable choosing from a few carefully curated options. This insight allows her to tailor her approach to each client’s unique decision-making style, ensuring they feel confident and happy with their choices.

Photos by Phillip Van Nostrand

Julie Sabatino’s work as a bridal fashion stylist goes beyond simply choosing a dress. She offers a comprehensive service that encompasses all aspects of wedding fashion, ensuring that every bride feels beautiful, confident, and excited on her big day. Her personalized approach, coupled with her extensive knowledge and relationships within the bridal fashion industry, has made her a trusted and invaluable resource for brides around the world. Whether in-person or virtually, Julie continues to redefine the wedding shopping experience, one bride at a time.