Bridal shop features options for budget-conscious shoppers
Getting cold feet about the nuptials because of the wedding's cost?
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Owners of a new downtown Brainerd business hope to carve out a niche in the industry by providing frugal alternatives. Simple Elegance Bridal and Formal Wear opened May 1 on Laurel Street in downtown Brainerd with owners Keri Larson and Shelly Trimble.
The store has new wedding dresses, mother and bridesmaid dresses and little black dresses. Larson said the store's vintage wedding gowns and consignment formal wear provide options for people who just can't afford to buy new gowns.
But the alternatives don't stop with the dresses.
Simple Elegance has crystal and ribbon bridal bouquets as an alternative to real flowers. The store also rents a multi-tiered wedding cake for $125 and then makes cupcakes to feed a wedding party of 200 people for less than $300.
The store also features wedding accessories - shoes, veils, guest books, garters and the like.
Trimble said they realized it would take time to become established for weddings, but they've secured several bookings, including tuxedos, mother's dresses and bridesmaid gowns. And this fall they'll be carrying dresses for prom, homecoming and holiday balls.
"We're really focusing on really good quality customer service," Trimble said, adding if they don't have an item a customer wants they'll work to find someone who does.
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.