Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Moms!

MOB (Mother of the Bride), one of the most important people in the wedding party. I long for the day to be the "MOB". I, like the wonderful MOB's of today, will keep my thoughts to myself, think only of my daughter's feelings and smile all the time! You think I'm kidding right? Nope! 

This is what I've noticed...MOB's have become so complacent, so willing to let their daughters pick any gown they wish, so happy, no matter what their daughters try on, that it is driving the BTB (Bride To Be) INSANE! The wonderful TV shows, such as "Say Yes To The Dress" and "I Found The Gown," have taught these mothers to be considerate and compassionate. But, nobody told the BTB that she would be losing the time honored tradition of being annoyed with her mother for being too pushy, too opinionated and all together a pain in the a** Brides are now frustrated by their mother's lack of opinion. They take it as a loss of interest. Some even act out, yelling at their non pushy mothers. 

I have to say, I am enjoying the change.. MOB's have turned the table. The power is ours! I'm sure it wont last, but I now want a "time out" chair for the brides who become exasperated with their AYWMOB's (Anything You Want Mother Of the Brides!)

All my best,
Bonnie

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Customization & Alterations

Most sample shops or sample sales will mark their tags "as is". I do not do this for two reasons: 

1. Any small imperfections (a button missing, a broken zipper) are fixed at my expense, not my brides. 
2. I want my brides to look at my gowns with an eye as to what can be done to make it unique and special. 

While many gowns are sold with the intention of wearing them as presented (not "as is" as that means "with problems and all") most of my brides love the idea of making a gown their own. We often add interesting straps, keyhole back and corsets. We change bead work  add lace and make some gowns convertible to shorties. There are endless possibilities. 

Now, having said this, NOTHING could be done without my wonderful team of seamstresses. While all are independent contractors, I call them "mine" because we work so closely together. There are so many ideas and designs floating around in my head but the truth is, I cannot even sew on a button! I am blessed with these women who can transform my thoughts in to reality. It's so exciting to see the final product and the look of joy that these "custom" gowns bring to these brides. As you can tell, I am very proud of this practice and of the truly talented people with whom I work!

The Bridal Boutique of Naperville recommend, but does not employ, the following alteration experts:

Mary Burlingame  
630-462-1315

Brynda Streff 
Angele Designs
Facebook
630-653-1509

Kimberley Schuler 
773-320-4155

Sarah Hunt Bollhorst
Omnifairious
Website
Facebook
217-848-0758 
(Sarah does not do local alterations . She does custom design work for us from her studio in Florida!)

All my best,
Bonnie

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Reviews, Reviews, Reviews...

As a boutique owner, I am consistently being told to "get those reviews." There are even some websites which rate us based on our reviews. Well, as much as I would like to rank highly on these sites, I cannot ask (or as I really feel it is, beg) for reviews. I have been so blessed to receive some really generous accolades. They have been unsolicited and therefore really felt genuine. I continually try to better myself and my business based on these reviews. I strive to live up to the expectations of my future brides who will read these reviews and hope for a similar experience. 


When a bride takes the time to let other people know of her experience in my shop, I truly appreciate it. The one thing I regret regarding my past reviews is that I didn't take the time to thank each and everyone who wrote something. In the beginning, I didn't realize that I could comment and then it seemed too late. Well, I am going to work on this. I am also going to be more conscious of writing my own reviews when I receive good service in a place of business.. I hope to make another shop owner feel the pride that I feel every time I receive the message "you have a new review"!

All my best,

Bonnie