Aside from “I do,” often the most important words spoken on the wedding day are the “ooooohs” and “aaaaahs” over the bride’s gown. Unfortunately, this standout attire can get pretty pricey. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
At the Bridal Exchange in Arlington Heights, brides-to-be will find the latest in chic wedding gowns for half the price of gowns found on retail racks.
What makes this possible is that many of the dresses come from brides-to-be whose plans to walk down the aisle were abruptly canceled, said Julie Turner, owner of the Bridal Exchange. A small percentage of the bridal fashions are “gently worn by brides and are in very good condition,” Turner said.
She said she’s also finding many brides-to-be who purchase two gowns “because they shopped once with friends and once with their mothers and couldn’t make up their minds.”
At the Bridal Exchange, brides-to-be will find the fashions of many designers, including Christian Dior, Jim Hjelm, Eve of Milady, Demetrios and Lily Gowns, in prices from $300 to $1,000. These dresses can retail from $600 to $4,500, said Turner, who runs the business by appointment from her home.
Turner has more than 200 dresses in stock and has transformed her entire living room and dining room into a store-like bridal boutique of mauves, pinks and teals, complete with mirrors and box stands for fittings and selection.
In addition to selling dresses on consignment (owners receive 55 percent of the final sale price), she also purchases dresses directly from manufacturers who have had them returned.
“This enables a bride to buy her dream gown and stay in a budget,” she said. “Plus, by meeting with me one-on-one, it takes a lot of the confusion out of the selection process and can be less intimidating.”
Turner spent more than 10 years in corporate marketing before founding the Bridal Exchange in 1990 when she lived on the East Coast. She moved the business to Arlington Heights last year.
Husbands-to be appreciate the Bridal Exchange’ prices, Turner said: “The men are calling to thank me for helping save so much on the cost of the dress. They say now they have more money for the honeymoon or to invite more guests. They think it’s great.”
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Consultations for the Bridal Exchange are by appointment. Hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon-5 p.m. Saturday. Call 708-590-5008.
