Review: Visit to Grace Bridal Boutique

Grace Bridal Boutique- where do I begin? This lovely shop is located in Downtown Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka. The moment you step in the shop you know that a lot of time, thought, and care went into establishing this new shop. As I entered, I expected to be treated that way as well. Upon leaving- I really felt that I had been taken care of and that the special purchase of a bridal gown was treated as sacred and special- not something you rush into.

Grace Bridal Boutique carries wedding gowns, brides maids, mothers dresses, accessories and tuxedos.

Jocelyn is the owner, she greeted me when I entered. Be prepared to take your shoes off when you enter- but with gowns priced between $2000 and $4000 who wouldn't want to help keep the gowns and shop exquisite? The store is very comfortable to navigate, and Jocelyn works with you to filter through the gowns to find exactly what you're looking for. After welcoming me in and explaining the trunk show for Badgley Mischka. Jocelyn asked if I had been dress shopping yet and when I responded yes we dove into what elements and styles I have liked and what I don't like.

There was no limit on the number of dresses I could pull and try on. The fitting rooms are well lit and thoughtfully decorated. Lavish and spacious with seating for 3-4 guests. Per the usual- I went alone so I could sort my likes and dislikes out myself. (You may remember a visit I had to a previous retailer and the number of opinions I had coming at me.... oy. It was simply too much- especially when everyone is a critic and everyone has an opinion. As the bride- it's only your opinion that matters and you need to feel your very best the day you get married.)

Jocelyn told me that I could take photos of the dresses I was interested to help me in making up my mind. This is fabulous- especially since I confided in her that I had thought I had found a gown I loved but then when I saw the photo... it was an oh no! She also said that she understands that brides need to come back maybe three or four times before they make up their mind- since it is such an important purchase.

I plan on returning to Grace Bridal Boutique- this time with my camera. And hopefully the gowns look better in photos than they do in the mirror.

My favorite gowns at this shop were by Eugina (pictured) and Anne Barge (Unable to find photo).

The Rush's Sale I attended....

I went to the Rush's 50% off sale the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. It was disappointing to say the least. I'm an average sized woman- according to survey's the average size of a woman is a 14 these days- and I tend to fall between a 12 and 14 currently.

Since it was a sample sale- all instock gowns 50% off the regular purchase price- not many of the in stock dresses were even close to fitting. Those gowns that were in my size- were the same old same old. Very traditional- which if that's what you like- this would have been great for you. For me though- not so much. There was also lots of a-symmetrical rouching- so if you like that style- again, you missed out.

While I was trying on gowns I could overhear the sales people saying "All but one person has bought a dress today". For me- this was not a point of persuasion. The "everyone else is doing it" persuasion point has not been most effective on me. I was turned off. I left, empty handed and was fine with that.

The other women there seemed to fit more into the gown sample sizes. I was told when I scheduled the appointment that they had dresses of all sizes available. This was somewhat deceitful I feel.

The sales girl helping me- Jennifer- was nice enough. However, I don't think I'll return. It's not because the sale wasn't as fruitful as I had hoped- but more because the viewing area was within your own dressing room and very dark. The selection of gowns was decent but not what I was looking for. Perhaps I would have felt differently about it if I was looking at the gowns based on order-ability and not restricted to size on the rack.

Perhaps.