Morilee Bridal Collections

Written by Jordan Benton

If you are newly engaged and your bridal gown appointment is just days away, then we’ve got some important information for you. We spoke with the manager at Bridal Connection at Stone Oak, Angelita Sorensen, about a rather touchy topic when it comes to gown shopping—sizing. Did you know there are two different types of bridal gown sizes? One is called vintage and the other is called modern.

When you hear vintage think designer brands and when you hear modern think all others. There is a one-to-two size variation between the two types. For example, a vintage size 20 is equal to a modern size 16. So, when you go shopping for your dream dress at Bridal Connection, don’t be alarmed when Angelita measures you for your size and it comes out to be a higher number than you were anticipating.

“The struggle is getting the bride to understand to not worry about the number,” said Sorensen. “Don’t worry about the dress size. You will look fabulous, and no one is going to be coming up behind you at your wedding to see what size your dress is.”

Bridal Connection is proud to carry vintage sizes, which means their inventory comprises designer brands. All of which, can be custom-ordered to fit your body the exact way that you envision for your wedding day.

Above Photo Courtesy Pexels

The champagne flutes are dry, your feet are recovering from hours on the dance floor, and the thank-you notes are stacked on the counter waiting to be written. But let’s talk about what’s tucked inside those envelopes—wedding gift money. Whether it came in a velvet-lined card or transferred quietly through a honeymoon registry, this influx of cash is more than a gesture of love. It’s an opportunity. And like any opportunity, it can either bring you closer together or quietly chip away at the foundation you’re trying to build.

Start With a Grown-Up Conversation

Before you even think about tapping a dollar, sit down and get honest with each other. No distractions. Just the two of you, maybe over coffee or whatever your favorite version of cozy looks like. This isn’t about spreadsheets or impulse Amazon lists—it’s about your shared values. If one of you sees the money as a vacation fund while the other sees it as a future down payment, that’s not a spending issue; that’s a clarity issue, and clarity is non-negotiable in a lasting partnership.

Create a Workable Budget

Before you start tucking money away for some future what-if, you need a clear picture of what your life actually costs right now. That’s where a free monthly household budget template comes in—not as a rigid spreadsheet of shame, but as a flexible starting point. You’ll find dozens of styles out there, from minimalist to ultra-detailed, and the beauty is that you can choose one that fits your circumstances; try this out when you’re ready to get started. Once you’ve got your numbers in front of you, it’s a lot easier to set a realistic target for your emergency fund—and more importantly, to actually build it without feeling like you’re holding your breath every month.

Invest in Something That Grows

This doesn’t have to mean the stock market (although it certainly could). Maybe it’s a joint savings account that finally gets traction. Maybe it’s funding a certification or degree program that one of you shelved. Growth looks different for every couple, but the guiding principle should be: Will this choice make us better equipped for life five years from now? If the answer’s yes, then you’re already ahead of the curve.

Put it Towards A Personal Goal

Putting your wedding money toward an online degree doesn’t just check the “practical” box—it lays the groundwork for long-term growth, both personal and professional. Say you’re drawn to psychology; you won’t just memorize theories, you’ll dig into the emotional and cognitive frameworks that shape how people think, feel, and connect. That kind of understanding has real-world weight, especially if you’re hoping to support others or pivot into a more purpose-driven role. And because online psychology degree coursework is built for people with jobs, lives, and commitments, you can keep moving forward in your career while investing in a future that’s actually aligned with who you want to become.

Support Your Relationship, Not Just Your Lifestyle

This is a subtle but crucial distinction. A new sectional might feel like progress, but what about counseling sessions that build communication skills or a couple’s retreat that brings new perspective? Spending money to enrich your bond, deepen trust, or reduce stress between you two pays dividends that no throw pillow ever will. It’s not sexy, but intimacy thrives on intention—and sometimes that means putting money where your mouth is.

Use a Small Piece for Others, Together

Here’s one that’s often overlooked: giving. Even a small percentage of your wedding money can go toward a cause that speaks to both of you. It could be a charity tied to your families, or maybe something you discovered as a couple. The dollar amount doesn’t matter as much as the act itself. Doing good with your partner builds shared purpose, and that’s worth more than anything you can buy.
At some point down the line, you’ll reflect on this moment—the weird, wonderful time when your marriage was new and your joint bank account had a surprise boost. You’ll remember what you did with that money, so make choices that future-you can be proud of.

Discover why Bridal Connection is San Antonio’s top bridal salon and explore our exclusive collections by visiting Bridal Connection today!