Look No Further
The Wedding Studio Makes Bridal Dress Shopping a Special Experience
Writer / Julie Yates
Photographer / Sarah Browning
Nine years ago when Adrienne Love took a temporary job, she had no idea it would lead to a full-time career. Working a couple days per week selling wedding dresses seemed like the perfect way to gain retail experience. Now, as the owner of The Wedding Studio bridal boutiques in Carmel, Greenwood and Louisville, she believes every bride deserves to create wonderful memories while picking out her dream gown. Recently she moved her Carmel shop, located in Clay Terrace, to a larger space within the complex.
I was selling medical devices, Love says. I loved my jobs and the products, but I was traveling all the time. I wasnt doing what I felt I should be. My husband and I decided we wanted to own our own business and open a store. I was friends with the two women who previously owned the Carmel store, so I started working there two days a week. I was completely wrong about all my ideas of what it would be like. I fell in love with the business. Its one of the first appointments a bride makes in the planning process. For some, it is a dress they have been thinking of their whole lives.
Choosing a wedding gown is often a much different experience than shopping for an interview outfit or buying a dress for a typical event. Each gown is a special order that takes at least nine months to be made. Then, up to three months should be allowed for alterations. Add in shipping time, and it makes sense that brides should choose a wedding dress nine months to a year before their wedding date.
The Wedding Studios new Carmel space is 6,000 square feet, contains 300 gowns and has six beautiful fitting rooms. A reservation is needed to book a 90-minute session, and each fitting room is large enough to accommodate any family or friends the bride would like to include in the experience.
It is so fun and satisfying to see a bride look in the mirror and love the dress, Love says. It can be an emotional time. Some brides are scared or worried about finding a dress. The staff is trained on what looks best on different body types and will accent features. Even before the appointment, we prepare for them by asking a ton of questions such as if they prefer straight lines or lots of lace. We update our Pinterest board weekly so brides can view that before they come in.
For those who want a truly elevated experience, the VIP room, known as the Speakeasy, can be booked for two hours. It is a large space with a separate entrance. Three different packages are available. Options include catering and having Love as the special consultant and fitting expert.
The Carmel location offers a selection of dresses from many different designers. The cost ranges from $1,500 to $10,000, and the majority of dresses fall between $1,800 and $5,000. Some have the most high-end, intricate lace in the world. The classic Audrey Hepburn or Jackie Kennedy looks never go out of style, and many designers use those designs as springboards while adding fun takes and turns. Trendy choices include florals, pastels, puffy sleeves, high necks and even shoulder pads.
Im excited the business has grown, but I was alone in the shop a very long time before it did, Love says. I was blessed to find a wonderful staff and I couldnt do it without them. They love to make brides feel beautiful and they never pressure anyone. The satisfaction we get from working with brides has nothing to do with lace and veils. We realize that bridal dress shopping may have some different dynamics such as the desire to include a grandparent who may not be around much longer, or perhaps the brides parents have passed. We meet the families where they are at, dive in and make it a wonderful experience.
The Wedding Studio in Carmel is located at 14550 Clay Terrace Boulevard, Suite 125 in Carmel. For more info and to make an appointment, call 317-815-2000 or visit theweddingstudios.net. Also view The Wedding Studio on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Is your budget under $1,000? Explore The Wedding Loft, The Wedding Studios sample bridal boutique, at theweddingloft.net.
