Dream Bridal LA, owned by my friend, Britta, is one of the best sources for pre-owned and sample gowns online! I met Britta through my old shop and loved working with her, not only because she was a fellow woman business owner, but also because of her integrity...a must with online shopping. Dream Bridal LA offers once-worn and sample gowns from Claire Pettibone, Monique Lhuillier, Jenny Packham, and many more.
Check out my conversation with Britta for the scoop on Dream Bridal LA, once-worn gowns, online bridal shopping, and some cool tips!
FW: What inspired you to open your own online bridal boutique?
DBLA: While planning for my own wedding in 2007, I fell in love with the quality of high-end, designer gowns, but could not swing the price tag. My (now) husband and I were footing the bill for the party, and I had to get creative if I wanted to have my couture cake and eat it too. I found a wonderful Monique Lhuillier gown that was in need of a good home, from a lovely bride who just so happened to be a close doppelganger! It was right for my budget, and it turned out to be the perfect party dress for my Big Day.
During that research I discovered there were many brides in my same boat, and many recent or indecisive brides who had gowns to sell. I also noted that there were few reliable reseller options out there, and that most gown transactions were through individual sellers on an as-is, where-is, buyer beware basis. For such an emotional purchase (that is also a major financial investment), I thought there had to be a more reliable and trusted way to match like new gowns to brides who want the quality, but without the retail price tag. We refresh all of our gowns prior to sale, and they are always in walk-down-the-aisle condition. Our gowns are authentic, couture, super fab and offered with a money back guarantee which protects our brides both emotionally and financially. Our mission statement is simple: We exist to find each bride her Perfect Dress at an affordable price.
FW: What is your favorite part about owning a online bridal boutique?
DBLA: I love working with brides who are planning the party of their lives. Wedding planning is an emotional time, and I enjoy assisting brides with their concerns and questions. This is an exciting time, filled with anticipation and a little trepidation. I love receiving notes of thanks from our buying brides who will wear the party dress of their dreams, without busting their bridal budgets. Budget is a major concern for brides planning in today's economic landscape, and we're here to make dream dresses come true.
FW: What do you think is the most important thing to think about when a bride chooses her gown?
DBLA: First and foremost, the bride should choose her venue, then choose her gown. It is important for the gown to 'fit' the vibe and style of the venue. A dramatic ballgown with a cathedral train will look tragically out of place at a garden venue with a vintage feel. Many brides get caught up in sample sales and might purchase their gown well in advance of booking the venue. The venue will define the theme and direction of the event, and the gown should always compliment the venue, not contradict it.
FW: Who is your favorite designer?
DBLA: It is such a toss up! I love, love, love Jenny Packham and Claire Pettibone. Both have an incredible bridal aesthetic, use rich fabrics and are not afraid of intricate detailing. I love Jenny Packham's daring backs, silhouettes in silk chiffon, and bold jeweled accents. Claire Pettibone has a rich vintage feel she captures through incredible fabrics and art deco styling. Her sheath and empire silhouettes are feminine, sophisticated and romantic. How can a girl go wrong?!
FW: With all those gowns coming and going, and especially with so many brides having destination weddings, any bridal gown shipping tips for us?
DBLA: When shipping a gown, always ship the gown in a garment bag for protection, in a long, shallow box. The gown can be folded 3-4 times (like an accordion) without any damage, as all gowns will require pressing in any event after shipping. Be sure to use a trusted carrier and always insure the gown for the replacement value. Once the garment is out of your watchful eye, you'll want to be sure you can recover any loss if it doesn't find its final destination.
FW: I know Dream Bridal LA is super selective of the samples and once-worn dresses you take, what are your criteria? Do you repair the gowns or prepare them before listing them?
DBLA: First and foremost, we only offer high-end designer labels, and authenticity is key. We always authenticate our gowns, especially in this environment of replicas and scammers who attempt to swindle brides out of their hard earned money. We are a trusted resource for high-end, designer labels, and our brides are infinitely more protected purchasing through us than going it alone.
We always refresh our gowns to 'like new' condition and the gown our buying brides receive will require no additional investment besides tailoring. It is always in our absolute best interest to disclose any material imperfections. Sample and pre-owned gowns are wonderful alternatives to purchasing new gowns at retail prices. Our reputation is so important to us, and no sale is worth risking our good name.
Also, we are impartial and are not emotionally attached to our gowns. Recent brides might feel their gown is perfect, because it was worn on their perfect day. This can sometimes lead to the omission of defects that a buying bride would definitely want to know about. We are here to eliminate the unfortunate surprises that can arise through personal transactions.
FW: Any bridal gown shopping tips for us?
DBLA: First, get a feel for the many different silhouettes offered by looking through bridal magazines. Think about what will be the most flattering and the most comfortable on the Big Day. If the bride isn't a strapless kind of gal, then a strapless gown will drive her nuts at her party. If a bride has dreamed about a mermaid cut but doesn't own a pencil skirt in her wardrobe, this might not be the most flattering look.
Second, pick a venue, then pick the dress. The venue will largely determine what kind of dress the bride should wear. An extravagant ball gown will not be the right match for an intimate garden affair. Picking the venue will clear up a lot of confusion about the direction of the event, the type of budget, and the overall look for the bride.
Third, every bride has a feel for what kind of materials will make her go wild. Lace, silk, satin, beading, tulle - the bride's aesthetic will determine whether the gown will be more simple or more detailed.
Lastly, the bride should stay her in comfort zone. A wedding gown is not the time to be adventurous and go backless if the mere thought makes the bride feel squeamish. Wear what feels right and what feels comfortable. That way the bride will seek the spotlight instead of run away from it.
FW: What is your favorite thing to see a bride wear?
DBLA: When I was deciding 'to veil or not to veil' at first I thought, 'I'm 30-something, I don't need a veil.' Well, it dawned on me 10 days before the event that a veil was needed, and I'm so glad I chose to wear one. I tell brides it is an accessory that she will wear only once, and so why not enjoy the grandeur of it all?! I love seeing a bride in a veil, because it's the ultimate accessory to the ultimate party dress.
FW: Me too! I so agree. I love a veil! Besides, there are so many kinds - cage veil, traditional veil, lace. One to suit just about any style.
Last, and not wedding related, but since I am recently fixated on travel, if you could choose anywhere to go on vacation, where would it be?
DBLA: That is a hard question...travel is my passion! When traveling to far away places, I generally like to visit a city and conclude with a sandy beach. I'd have to go with Buenos Aires, Argentina for a cool city to sight see, then head to the close beach resort town of Punta del Este in Uruguay. So many places, so little time...!
FW: Thanks SO much for your time and insight, Britta!
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