Ep 1. Family Feud

As a personal shopper at Kleinfeld Bridal, Lori Allen has been a helping hand to thousands of brides on their search for the perfect dress. Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss follows Lori and her team as they assist plus-size brides in finding the wedding gown of their dreams.

In season 3 episode 1, entitled "Family Feud," a bride named Rachel arrives at Kleinfeld with her family in tow. Rachel tells Lori that her wedding will be a temple ceremony, so she needs a dress that is both flattering and modest. However, Rachel's mother has different ideas and insists that her daughter wear a ball gown with a low neckline.

The tension between Rachel and her mother is palpable from the start of the appointment. Rachel is clearly uncomfortable with the revealing dresses her mother keeps pulling off the rack, while her mother says Rachel needs to show off her figure and be "sexy" on her big day.

Lori and her team do their best to balance Rachel's desire for modesty with her mother's desire for glamour. They pull dresses with higher necklines and more coverage, but Rachel's mother dismisses all of them as "frumpy." Finally, Lori brings out a lace trumpet gown with a slightly lower neckline than Rachel is comfortable with, but it still looks elegant and classic.

To Rachel's relief, her mother finally approves of a dress. However, when they move to the fitting room, Rachel's sister objects to the gown and her mother pushes for a more revealing dress once again. Lori tries to mediate the argument, but it becomes clear that Rachel's mother is trying to live vicariously through her daughter's wedding day.

Lori pulls another dress with a similar silhouette as the previous dress, but with a higher neckline and no sheer panel. Rachel falls in love with the gown, but her mother is still not happy. Finally, Lori has a heart-to-heart with Rachel's mother about the importance of respecting Rachel's wishes and making sure she feels comfortable on her wedding day.

After some tears and some back-and-forth, Rachel's mother finally accepts the dress that Rachel loves. The episode ends with Rachel looking stunning in her lace trumpet gown, beaming as she shows it off for her family and her fiancé.

Throughout the episode, Lori and her team offer practical advice for plus-size brides and their loved ones. They emphasize the importance of comfort and confidence, while still finding fashionable and flattering gowns. And in this particular episode, Lori also shows off her skills as a mediator, trying her best to help both Rachel and her mother feel heard and understood.

Overall, Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss season 3 episode 1 is a heartwarming and compelling example of Lori and her team's dedication to helping plus-size brides have the wedding of their dreams.