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

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

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

Marriage is like looking in a Mirror

So, I was thinking....

Marriage is difficult.  Anyone who says otherwise is flat out lying!  I have been married for 27 years and I can honestly say that I am truly happily married but I also know that my spouse and I have worked very hard at it. While we are very lucky to have found each other, that is not enough. We work hard and we are rewarded!   

I look at marriage like this....

Marriage is like looking in a mirror.  Most of the time you are content with what you see.  Some times, you think "damn, I look great" and sometimes you want to throw the mirror across the room.  Thankfully, if you work hard (and love deeply), the contentment and greatness come far more often than a potentionally cracked mirror!  

Someday, I will tell you my love story,  but for now...all my best, Bonnie

So I was thinking...

How did I get in to this business? Customers ask me all the time and I never have a great answer. I truly believe that I was just meant to do this. That is not an explanation for how it happened but for some reason it just makes sense to me.

I love my days at the shop. I love them even more now that I have my new space. I knew the moment I walked in to check it out, that I belonged there. More importantly, my gowns belonged there. They could be shown in a way that would make brides enjoy looking at them. I hope this to be true. 

I have been told that my shop is "homey". One lovely woman thought that by telling me this, she would offend me. She thought the word "homey" sounded wrong but it sounded just right to me! I love to be in my "homey" shop and to welcome each and every bride who walks through the door. I love to hear their stories. I always ask about their venues, time of year and expectations. I, of course, do this to help me sell them a gown. But, quite honestly, I enjoy hearing all the incredible plans that go in to each persons special day. I want to be part of it. I have often said that "I want to be the hero". I know this sounds silly but finding them a gown, or at least having it available to them in my shop, makes me feel special. 

So, I still have no great explanation for how I got in to this business. I am just so grateful that I did! I will continue to write my thoughts here for I am blessed to meet some incredible people who are not just brides. I will tell you stories that I am told (with permission) and share with you my thoughts on marriage, friendship and family. I have become somewhat of an expert. (at least in my own mind). 

All my best, 
Bonnie