Wedding Dress Advice for Brides

An Interview with The Bridal Boutique

Wedding Ceremony - 4/30/2018

The Bridal Boutique in Norman, Oklahoma has been up and running for 11 years. Owner Alex Long studied Apparel Merchandising and Product Development at the University of Arkansas. She says she always knew she wanted to own her own business. That dream became reality in 2013 when she bought the boutique.

Today she has a thriving business and a team of stylists that caters to 70 brides a month during peak season.

The Bridal Boutique is one of the wedding professionals affiliated with the okBride.com Oklahoma Bridal Shows, so we took our wedding dress questions to them for today's Friday Bride Blog.

OKBride: What's the biggest issue for brides when looking for a wedding dress?

Alex: I think brides put too much pressure on themselves to have this emotional aha moment when they find their dream wedding dress (all thanks to 'Say Yes to the Dress' ha!). I tell brides all the time, not to expect to burst into tears when they find the dress, they'll know when they've found it and they'll love everything about the dress. Some brides are more emotional than others and do cry but not everyone is like that!

OKBride:How early should a bride start looking for a gown?

Alex: We highly recommend starting the search as early as 8-10 months out from their wedding, BUT we also understand that this isn't always possible and we have ways to help every bride find a beautiful dress in any time frame.

OKBride: Do some bring large entourages with them to try on gowns? Should they?

Alex: In Oklahoma, and the south in general, it is extremely common for brides to bring a large group with them when they're dress shopping. We understand that it can be difficult to not include all your besties, your mom's hairdresser, and your mother in laws mailman but it is so much better for everyone involved when you can narrow down your group to a few key, and very important loved ones who know and understand what it is that you are looking for.

OKBride: On average, what do Oklahoma brides spend for a dress?

Alex: I can't speak for every store in the metro, but our average gown costs around $1500.

OKBride: What price range can brides find at your shop?

Alex: To order, our gowns start at $1000 and go up from there. We do carry a small selection of gowns available to be purchased off the rack that are priced under $1000.

OKBride: What sets The Bridal Boutique apart from other bridal shops?

Alex: We like to have fun and create a more relaxed shopping environment for our brides. We don't have rules that brides are expected to follow and we do our best to cater to every bride and every bridal party.

OKBride: What can a bride expect upon visiting you?

Alex: A more laidback approach to dress shopping. We always hope our brides leave the boutique feeling confident and like they're a part of our family.

OKBride: Should they make an appointment?

Alex: YES! We can accommodate walk-ins on weekdays but it is always, always best to make an appointment no matter what day you're shopping. When you make an appointment, you basically get the store to yourself and a dedicated stylist team who is here to help you along the way!

OKBride: Can you accommodate any size bride?

Alex: Our average sample size is a 10 or 12 to try on. We do carry a small selection of plus-sized samples in store though, but most all of our dresses can be ordered from a size 0 on up to a size 28/30.

OKBride: Dress shopping can be intimidating for some. Should it be?

Alex: Definitely not! It should be fun, memorable, and stress-free!

OKBride: Most important piece of advice?

Alex: Just enjoy the process and keep in mind the end goal of it all! You're buying the most beautiful dress you've ever worn to marry your one true love!

Learn more about The Bridal Boutique in Norman at BridalBoutiqueOklahoma.com