Charleston Area Boutique Lets Brides Rifle Through “Friend’s Closet”

Nov. 19, 2008 - PRLog -- There’s a new way to shop for wedding gowns in the Lowcountry. Sarah Black, who recently purchased Copper Penny Bridal and changed its name to Belle Couture Bridal, takes the snobbery out of shopping for couture wedding gowns and approaches it as girlfriends rifling through one another’s closet.

Belle Couture Bridal, located at 280 W. Coleman Blvd., Suite O, exclusively carries gowns in “their closet” from designers Monique Lhuillier, Romona Keveza, Claire Pettibone, Melissa Sweet and the Vineyard Collection. Black describes the style of gowns in the store as traditional with a twist, and yet suited for any wedding style or venue – from a causal ceremony on the beach to a more formal church wedding.

Black has redesigned the shop with a more modern look than most bridal boutiques. “There are no flowers and tapestries here,” she says. “Instead we chose an elegant deep purple and offer plenty of seating areas to make the bride and her family and friends comfortable.”

Consultants at Belle Couture Bridal meet with each bride to determine her vision, personal style and wedding theme. The boutique carries up to 20 gowns from each designer, which are custom made over about five months and can be altered on site by Belle Couture’s seamstress.

“When I shopped for my wedding gown, I was treated rudely, and I want to make sure brides who come in my store never have that experience,” Black says. “We’re not here to ply you with champagne, make you to wear gloves or require a staff member to help you dress. Shopping for a wedding dress should be a fun, no-pressure experience.”

Black also wants to stay connected to her customers in the time between when the order is placed and the big day. She’ll be hosting regular meet-and-greet events where brides can network with select wedding-related vendors while mingling with other Charleston area brides-to-be. Says Black, “We don’t just make the sale and forget about them.”

About Belle Couture Bridal
Belle Couture Bridal is a high-end bridal salon featuring nationally renowned wedding gown designers as well as bridal shoes and accessories. Owned by Sarah Black, Belle Couture Bridal is the only South Carolina boutique that offers a selection of bridal gowns, as well as debutante and bridesmaid dresses from designers such as Monique Lhuillier, Melissa Sweet and Ramona Keveza. Belle Couture Bridal is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 280 W. Coleman Blvd., Suite O, in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Reservations are recommended. For more information, call 843-881-3449 or visit www.bellecouturebridal.com.