I’ve watched enough episodes of “Say Yes to the Dress” with my girls to know that finding a wedding dress that is perfect and on budget is no easy task.  I’ve known some brides that only tried on one dress and it was the one, and there are some brides who’ve spent a few weeks with their mom and closest girlfriends visiting bridal stores, small boutiques and trunk shows to find the perfect dress that makes them look and feel beautiful.

Today, I’m so happy to introduce Chris, the owner of Clever Bride Consignments, and share her story of opening her beautiful dress shop for brides who are on a quest of finding a wedding dress that is perfect and on budget.  I love Chris’ story of finding a wedding dress when she was a bride, and it is her why for opening her bridal store. Chris also shares some of her favorite wedding dress designers with us, and also offers some tips in selecting your dress for your body type, style suggestions, and why Clever Bride Consignments is unique.

Please help me welcome Chris, and I hope that you enjoy this interview!

I had worked in a consignment store and bridal boutique in the past so when it came time for my own wedding I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on my dress, but I wanted to look fantastic. During my trials and tribulations of trying to find the perfect wedding dress, there was a lot of driving around and going on Craigslist where I just didn’t feel like a “bride”. After my experiences, I decided to open a store to bring that special bridal boutique experience and a shop full of hundreds of modern gowns in great condition to eco-friendly and budget-conscious brides like myself. With all of our gowns priced 50 to over 80% off retail prices, I truly believe you can “Look like a princess… Without paying a royal sum!”

That is a hard one. There are so many! I fall in love with every dress that comes in.
I would have to say my favorite designers are Maggie Sottero, Claire Pettibone, and Pronovias. I love their romantic designs and how well they are constructed.

I would suggest looking for your gown 9 months to a year in advance.
If you purchase your gown “off the rack”, like at Clever Bride Consignments, you can take home the dress of your dreams that day!
If you choose to purchase your gown with a bridal boutique, they will need to order the gown and that can take up to six months.
Just about all gowns need to be altered in some way. So it is best to leave 4 to 6 months for alterations.

An A-line gown tends to look flattering on just about everyone. However, it really is about your personal style, what you want to show-off and what you don’t.  I have seen every “rule” broken on what certain body types should be wearing. I would recommend trying on at least one of every silhouette. You may be pleasantly surprised.

I guide my brides though the process by asking what price, size, neck line, waist line, and silhouette they like. When trying on a gown it is all about what best fits their vision for their wedding and makes them feel special.

Absolutely!  Walk-ins are welcome during regular business hours but I recommend making a personal bridal appointment.
Bring your closest friends or family. I have even had brides Skype and Facetime with loved ones that are far away. Share your bridal experience with those whose opinion you value and understand your style. I recommend limiting your group to three others. A lot of people can mean a lot of opinions and can take the focus off of you.

Clever Bride’s Mission:

For our brides to look and feel like a princess… but not have to pay a royal sum.  It’s not about finding “a” dress, it is about finding “the” dress.

I hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did!  Thank you so much, Chris!!

Here’s where you can find Clever Bride Consignment:

Visit the store or make a personal appointment

410 Washington St., 2nd fl.