So excited!

As of September 1, I will be in my bridal store FULL TIME!!! I have been trying to split my time between my flower shop and my bridal shop, and, now I have sold my flower shop. The new owners will take over on September 1. I will then be at the bridal shop and able to better serve you, my customers. Thank you so much to all my floral customers...you have been great for the last 20 years.

WOW! What a week!

What a week we've had! It feels so good to be sitting here and just updating our blog!



We started off last Sunday with our bridal show at the Best Western in Carlinville. What a day! The day started early with loading about 60 wedding gowns and 30 bridesmaids and flower girl dresses into the van and taking them out to the Best Western. But our style show went perfectly, thanks to Mandy and Laura for putting it all together. Also, thanks to our models, Heather, Amanda, Ali, Alxy, Stephanie, Taylor, Susan, Nora, Lauren, Gracie and Lillie. Also, to Eric and Robb--you looked great, too! You were all wonderful and I can't thank you enough!



Monday, I went to Chicago to the Bridal Market...a whirlwind trip! But was it fun! The gowns were amazing and it was good to see friends that I only see at Market.

Then, it was "put on your running shoes"! The shop was busy all week long! Thank you, thank you! And, it didn't stop til after hours on Saturday.

Whew! One day of rest, and then I'm ready again!

Chicago Market

I made a quick trip to Chicago yesterday for the Bridal Market. What a whirlwind day!

I love going to the Market...sitting in on style shows, visiting with reps, seeing friends and networking with other bridal shop owners.

But, the biggest thing, of course, is the fashion....wow! Once again, the bridal industry has come up with some amazing gowns...lots of taffeta...yards and yards and yards of it! And lots of lace, too. Satin will always be "in", but I did notice a "shortage" of chiffon in bridal gowns. The only chiffon gowns I really saw were more destination-type dresses. One shoulder dresses and sweetheart necklines are big...and so are flowers...and feathers! Beautiful, just beautiful!

Bridesmaids dresses and social occasion dresses are ranging anywhere from "cute and sassy" to "sophisticated and elegant" and everything inbetween. Lots of great colors, too!

I went back to a line of dresses for flower girls that I hadn't bought in some time and they had some new cute, cute styles for the little ones! Bubble skirts, flowers, color and, of course, skirts that twirl! Just what you need to put a smile on that little one's face!

All in all, it was a great day! Hope to see you all soon.

Discounted bridal websites

Did you know that a lot of discount websites really aren't discounted at all? Many, many manufacturers are now having mandatory manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP), and the stores will lose their lines if they do not comply. So, many of the so-called "discount" websites drastically inflate their everyday prices and then mark them down to MSRP to appear that you are saving money.

Why not go to a reputable bridal store and get the service that you deserve during this important time of your life instead of getting your dream gown in a box?

Plus, don't forget the "hidden" costs associated with buying on-line. At Main Street Bridal, we steam your dress for free if you purchase it with us. If you get your dress "in the mail", you must find someone to professionally steam your gown...an extra expense for you. Plus, you must find someone willing to do it for you.

Also, don't forget alterations! Most bridal stores will charge you more for alterations on gowns not purchased in their shops. This is not a time to scrimp...you've paid a lot of money for your gown...and you need a professional to do these kinds of alterations. Not just anyone can alter a bridal gown.

In our shop, you also pick up your gown in a nice breathable bridal gown bag, not in a plastic bag, with your gown turned inside out.

Along with all the above, you get the expertise of our staff, and help picking out your accessories.

So, tell me, how much do you really "save" or does it actually end up costing you more to buy at some of the "discount" websites?

Congratulations, Juanita, Hanna and Jessica!

Congratulations to our two newest brides! Juanita is getting married in July and found her wedding dress at Main Street! Hanna is having a destination wedding in December and she also found her gown at Main Street! We are so happy to have these two young ladies as our brides!

Also, our congratulations to Jessica, one of our brides, on her wedding yesterday! Jessica not only trusted Main Street with her gown and accessories, but also her bridesmaids dresses, tuxes and flowers! We just can't wait to see her photos. Casey is a lucky guy!

Thanks, Nicole!

Congratulations to Nicole, our newest bride! Nicole found her perfect dress yesterday at our shop. She actually used to buy her prom dresses from us. She's been shopping around, and after trying on only two dresses at our store, found her dress. Thanks again, Nicole, for trusting Main Street Bridal with your wedding gown!

SO MUCH GOING ON!!!!

Wow! Have we been busy lately! Lots of gorgeous new merchandise coming in. We got a one-shoulder wedding gown in last week and it is beautiful! We are planning a lot of events, too--a bridal show at the Best Western on March 21, a Jasmine Bridesmaid and Belsoie trunk show on March 19 and 20th at our store, and we are currently working on a Jade Mother's trunk show, but haven't determined the date yet.

I've been working hard at moving things around in the bridal shop. We had to make room for a ton of discontinued dresses -- all of these are on sale from $99 to $299. These are still great looking dresses and are great for brides on a limited budget. Or, a trash-the-dress dress!

We would love for you to come visit us!