An Interview with Kentucky's newest Bridal Shop

Wedtro asked Tera Sartini and Lauren Montgomery of The Couture Closet, one of Kentucky's newest Bridal and Formal Wear boutiques, to shed some light on some current wedding trends and the “goings on” in their shop. A perfect blend of New York style meets Southern Charm, this boutique has all it takes to appeal to a Louisville Bride. This is what we found out.

 Q: Where do you believe most brides are finding their inspiration when deciding on a dress?

 A: We find that most brides search through the magazines and scour the internet when it is time to start thinking about their wedding gown. Some girls   come armed with magazine ads and internet printouts of styles they have found  and would love to try on. Some girls even look at celebrity weddings for inspiration when choosing their own wedding gowns. Where ever the inspiration comes from we always tell the brides to keep an open mind when  they are searching for that perfect gown because sometimes the perfect gown   is the one you would have never thought about trying on.

 Q: What are brides gravitating towards with regards to dress style and color choice? Is there any one style or color more popular now than another?

 A: Ivory gowns have been more popular than white gowns simply because Ivory is a lot easier to pull off than white. Ivory usually   compliments a variety of people’s skin tones while white can sometimes wash out the bride. Our Designers’ gowns can be ordered in either White or Ivory, which makes it convenient for the bride. The mermaid or “fit-to-flair” cut  gowns tend to be the most popular style that we have been selling. Girls have been gravitating toward these styles because the gowns tend to be less heavy than the fuller gowns and show off the bride’s body in a manner that is still elegant and classic.

 Q: What upcoming trends are you seeing at market? And have you seen any one trend, that you believe has staying power?

 A: The last time we were at market our designers were showing many styles with straps or cap sleeves, this is a big change from the strapless gowns that have been dominating the market for years. Also, bolero jackets are beginning   to replace the veil during the reception. Another great trend is the tea length wedding gown. We have been seeing them more and more at market and in the magazines. Some brides will even buy a tea length wedding gown to change into after the ceremony, so that she can dance and feel comfortable at the reception all night long! As far as staying power goes, the wedding fashions are  always changing, so it is hard to tell what has staying power and what could just be an “of the moment” trend.

 Q: We've noticed increased popularity in more personalized weddings - from coasters to cake toppers to monogrammed invitations... Are bridesmaids dress  selections leaving the traditional behind in exchange for something more personalized?

 A: Brides are becoming a little more sensitive to their bridesmaids requests letting them pick a style unique to themselves in the same color. This way the   bridesmaids are sure to wear their gowns again when they have a bit of say in what flatters them the most. Bridesmaid gowns are starting to look more and more like party dresses rather then the traditional solid color, floor length gowns of the past. Now you are seeing dresses with more color options, gowns with prints, sashes, brooches, knee and tea lengths, and even some with  pockets! Thus making these gowns fun for the bridesmaids to wear again!

 Q: Does the Couture Closet do trunk shows? If so, when?

 A: We do host trunk shows and are excited about two upcoming shows this   summer! Harmony Scott, a talented jewelry designer from Colorado, will be   our first trunk show from June 15th through the 16th. She has great jewelry for   the Bride or the bridesmaids in a variety of colors and styles!  We are also thrilled to bring you the Winnie Couture Bridal and Destination   Collection for our Trunk Show held Aug 3rd through the 5th. We are planning to schedule one or two more, either at the end of 2007 or right at the beginning of 2008; to see our latest events visit www.CoutureClosetBoutique.com and click on Events.

Q: Is there anything new coming to The Couture Closet?

A: As a matter of fact there is!  We are so thrilled to introduce a new affordable Bridal and Bridesmaid line from the same design house as Melissa Sweet and Priscilla of Boston. The Vineyard collection is making its début this summer and we are proud to be Kentucky’s exclusive location to buy these beautiful and sophisticated designs. Also, Mother of the Bride and Groom gowns by Siri are arriving here this summer!  These designs are for the modern moms who are looking for a great flattering style with color options you can’t even imagine. And don’t forget we have many accessories to polish your look such as Spanx, Hollywood Fashion Tape, Breast Enhancers, and more!

Thank you Lauren & Tera for all of your great insight!