A few years ago I interviewed a number of local wedding vendors here in town as a resource for local brides planning their weddings. I had such fun reconnecting with my professional acquaintances that I decided to do it again this year. I am kicking off this years Vendor Love Features with some photos and questions from Mary at Blush Bridal Boutique.
Mary, and her associate Candice, are ready to help brides find their dream dress. Candice also mentioned that they have seen a recent increase in brides from Washington coming over to buy a dress (thanks to a low Canadian dollar, I can’t say I blame them).
What inspired you to open Blush Bridal Boutique?
When I first started Blush in 2008, it was because there was so much potential for growth…at the time, bridal fashions weren’t particularly pretty. I made my own dress that year because I wanted something soft in pale pink silk, rather than the heavily structured white satin ball gowns that were everywhere. I’ve always, always worked with women’s clotting, dresses especially. And it goes without saying that a small boutique is the right atmosphere for shopping for a wedding dress, which is a very fun, intimate and emotional kind of experience. Everything fell into place at the right time and I bought this business the night before my own wedding!
You recently opened a sister store,
Love Me Do, what can brides expect to find there?
Brides can expect to find an excellent selection of high quality gowns for a fraction of the original price! There are many Blush originals (as well as dresses from the White Peony, Shades of White, and shops in Vancouver) that have been dry-cleaned and are for sale and 30-80% off what they cost new. And of course they’ve only been worn once! It makes the purchase of a one-time only garment more sustainable, so who could argue that?
What advice can you give brides looking for the right dress?
Be ready to fall in love with a dress! If it’s time for you to start looking, it’s a positive to actually make a decision…this process doesn’t need to go on for months. Let yourself choose without over-thinking.
What trends are you excited about for 2017?
Very excited for the soft things: a silky camisole with layers and layers of skirt. I couldn’t be more delighted with the return of the full skirt…when else does a girl get the pleasure of the most enormously swishy skirt? And long lace sleeves are a thing of truly feminine beauty.
