Maybe you’ve heard of Mestad’s Bridal and Formalwear because they’ve been around since 1980, or maybe you know of them because they have one of the best edited collections of bridal, bridesmaid, tuxedoes, prom attire and more in our area. Whatever the reason, Mestad’s is unique because the people behind it never lose sight of the fact that they are working with brides throughout their whole wedding planning process, and feel lucky doing so. Here’s an inside look at this long-standing bridal shop.
Every Bride is a Mestad’s Bride
Holly Mestad, one of the owners, appreciates that her store carries so many designers, offering a variety of styles for any type of bride. “Every bride is a Mestads bride as we have something for each bride with our extensive selection of gowns.” Quick to note that trends are always changing, she looks at this as a positive because it means there really is something out there for everyone, “It is fun to see which way [the trends] swing…from vintage lace sheath gowns to full strapless beaded ball gowns. There is a perfect gown for every bride!” But specific fabrics she sees gaining popularity now are the clean, unembellished fabrics like silk Mikado, “[it is a] clean fabric [that’s] beginning to make a comeback on the bridal stage. Silk Mikado has such a beautiful sheen and wears so beautifully on a bride.” On the flip side, vintage, lace gowns are also still popular.
Variety of Designers
From Romona Keveza to Lazaro, Watters to Christina Wu, these are just some of the many designers carried at Mestad’s. Just make sure not to bring too many people with you to your appointment. It’s not the quantity of designers available here that can be overwhelming, but rather, too many opinions floating around can overwhelm and confuse the bride. Mestad advises, “We like to see a bride bring a select few decision makers with her. Sometimes when a bride brings a large group she can lose her voice during the appointment and it is hard for her to select the gown that SHE loves.”
Holly also wants brides to know that using online tools for research is great, but without going into a brick and mortar store, you do lose out on the sensory experience, “It is important to decide how much you want to invest in your wedding gown and research what determines the price of each gown. Online shopping and browsing do not always educate a bride as to fabrics, beading, and quality.” With their wide range in both sizes and prices, there’s no reason to skip out on this key bridal experience.
Rochester Bridal Fashion Show
Another great way to check out their gowns is by attending their showcase in the UNVEILED Rochester Fashion Show. This experience is unique because “we have gowns being flown in from a variety of designers that are from the newest collections that are not even in the stores yet! This will be an opportunity to see the gowns that will be making their way into stores before anyone else.”
So go see the gowns at the show, and then make an appointment at this long-standing bridal emporium. You’ll be glad you did, as there’s a reason this family-owned business keeps up in today’s changing market, “We have been in business for almost 40 years and have built relationships both in the community and in the international bridal community which has allowed us to learn and grow and give back.”
