A Bridal Shop Owner part 2
Continuing on with my interview with Mags Horgan, Co-owner of Finesse Bridal Wear in Listowel, Co Kerry along with her sister Liz.
A@A – Alterations then. How long should a bride give for alterations?
M@FB – WE generally recommend a first fitting 5 weeks before the wedding to begin alterations. Each alteration takes a week and very
Rarely more than 2. So nearly always a week.
A@A – That is a very good turnaround time.
M@FB – Yes. We have 3 seamstresses that have worked with us for years and they are very good. A good seamstress is the backbone of a bridal shop. IN fact 9 out of 10 times it is perfect on the second fitting unless there is a lot to do. Then it may take 3 but rarely. Normally the length needs to be done and a tuck under the arms.
A@A – how much should be budgeted for the alterations?
M@FB – With us, €60 – €120 but we have found that the city shops can charge around €300. WE don’t do that. Finesse Bridal doesn’t charge for our time and the cost is what the seamstresses charge directly.
A@A – Bridesmaid’s dresses? Of course you do them as well. Any trends with them?
M@FB – Short dresses were very big over the past few years but the trend now is going towards longer dresses. In the summer shorter ones but the long dresses are lovely and dressy.
Colours have changed. Lots more purples and teals are quite big at the moment but of course you’ll always get reds around Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
A@A – How far in advance should bridesmaids’ dresses be chosen?
M@FB – In general 4 – 6 months. So they should really be ordered at the same time or shortly after the wedding dress.
A@A – and they normally need altering too.
M@FB – Yes definitely
A@A – How many bridesmaids on average do your brides usually have?
M@FB – Four is the trend. Really 3-4 is the norm. Very few brides would have only one or 2 which I think is lovely.
A@A – It can be difficult to decide among friends and sisters. I wonder if they are large weddings as the guideline should be 1 Bridesmaid or Groomsman to every 50 to 75 guests and the numbers don’t have to be equal.
M@FB – Right. A full wedding party of 150 with a bridal party of 12 is a bit silly and costly!
A@A – So couples normally pay for the wedding party attire?
M@FB – Yes definitely.
A@A – What about veils? Are brides going for them these days?
M@FB – For 10 years we are in the business and for 10 years we are selling veils in the same amount so for us veils have never gone out. Most girls buy them although I have spoken to hairdressers who say differently. I say don’t go with trends. Go with what you like and looks good on you.
A@A – I’ve always liked classic styles for weddings that won’t make you cringe when you look at the photos in 20 years.
M@FB – Lace is still a classic and will never go out of style for brides. It’s timeless. Choose something that is gorgeous now and it will be gorgeous in 50 years time.
A@A – What are your gown prices on average.
M@FB – WE have gown for €750 and €850 with our most expensive gown €2000. Our average gown is €1000 to €1200 which has been our price range for 10 years. You don’t have to spend €2000 or more on a dress but some girls will pay it. You can get exactly the same style of dress for less.
A@A – Well thank you for the chat, Mags and again, congratulations on your 10 year anniversary!
Annie
Live, Love, Laugh and Dream!
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Tags: an Interview with, Bridal Shops, bridesmaids dresses, wedding dress, Wedding gown
