Note: This is the first of three interviews with three different wedding gown professionals in Utah including Danielle’s Bridal Salon, The Gallery By Lynette and Modest Coture By Elizabeth. Each of them has great insight and knowledge about the wedding gown industry. The second and third interviews will be posted over the next several days. Stay tuned.
Danielle’s Bridal Salon has been serving the Wasatch Front area for over 22 years. Our bridal salon is a full-service salon, offering the best alterations available! Recently their gowns were featured in the fashion show at The Spring Bridal Extravaganza. Janet from Danielle’s was kind enough to answer some questions that many brides have for wedding gown professionals.
Who is your favorite bridal gown designer? And why??
At Danielle’s Bridal, Sophia of Sophia Tolli is my personal favorite designer with Nanaz Hatami of Aalia Bridal running a close second. Each of these ladies have been designing gowns for over 20 years with some of the most amazing fabrics and styles. There is nothing in the Utah market presently that compares! Each originated in Australia with a company well known to Utah brides, and recently ventured out on their own. Their attention to detail is impeccable and yet their pricing is very reasonable for the cost conscious bride.
What are the top dress styles & trends for 2011?
The top dress styles and trends are gowns featuring floral appliques on the gown or cascading from one shoulder, ruffled skirts and timeless full ball gowns. At Danielle’s Bridal we can alter the one shoulder look into a modest gown by placing the flowers cascading down the shoulder with a custom made jacket or ‘fill’ and still keep the integrity of the design.
What wedding dress trends do you foresee in the future?
The future of wedding dress trends is to allow the bride to create her own couture, one of a kind design from a basic style. At Danielle’s Bridal you are able to custom design your neckline, sleeve and or collar on an already fabulous gown to make it your own!
What is the first question you ask a bride when they come in looking for a wedding dress?
After I introduce myself and ask what the bride’s name is, I ask ‘how did you find out about us?’ (referral, our website danielles-bridal-slc.com, Bridal Extravaganza, The Bride and Groom.com, etc?) This gives me an idea of what her expectations will be. If it was at a show like the Bridal Extravaganza, I ask if she saw the fashion show and were there any gowns in the show or at our booth she was attracted to?
What advice do you have for brides when searching for a wedding gown?
When searching for a gown at Danielle’s Bridal, bring your most important 2 or 3 family/friends with you. When you bring your entire ‘following’ it just confuses and frustrates you. (and wears you out)
We allow you to take photos of you in our gowns. Once you have chosen the ‘top 3 gowns of your dreams’, download the photos and show them to the rest of your group. At this point, if you want to bring them into the shop, let them know you have tried on 2 hours worth of gowns already and do not want to try on any more! They will respect your wishes and help you make your final choice.
Thank you to Janet from Danielle’s Bridal for taking time to answer these questions. If you have any questions regarding wedding gowns from Danielle’s Bridal make sure to check them out.
