Finding your perfect wedding gown is such an exciting time. Your experience should feel inclusive, personalized, warm, and inviting. The folks at Luxe Bridal Couture in Rochester, MN, are there to help you every step of the way! Specializing in curvy couture, they are the only full-service bridal salon in the state to offer a full range of dresses sized 14-34.
We chatted with the bridal salon manager, Hilary, about what sets their business apart and what her favorite wedding dress trends are right now.
Q: Let’s get to it, what’s your business’ specialty?
A: We specialize in finding brides size 14-34 their dream gown and have perfected the wedding dress shopping experience! We provide top-notch style, selection, and experience at all our appointments from a bridal visit to a quick accessory visit.
Q: Where can we find you?
A: We are located on the south end of Rochester, MN, north of Target a little bit! We share a nice little shopping center with a few other businesses.
Q: Tell us when and how Luxe Bridal Couture business began.
A: Luxe Bridal Couture began in 2010 with a mission to provide curvy brides with the best shopping experience while looking for her dream gown. To this day, Luxe Bridal is the only full-service bridal salon in Minnesota that carries a full range of curvy sizes 14-34 for brides! The Rochester location is brand new to the area opening last September!
Q: What makes your company unique from others?
A: We are big believers that every bride is a babe, no matter what size! We strive to provide our brides with an intimate, fun, warm setting and believe your visit to Luxe will be unlike any other bridal salon experience!
Q: How long have you been in the industry? What do you think has changed the most since then?
A: I have only been in the bridal industry since December 2019! I am also a newlywed, so I like to use that recent personal experience to relate to our brides! It is such an interesting industry and I have always been kind of adjacent to it so I am excited to have jumped in. I have learned so much already and cannot wait to keep absorbing everything! The biggest change I see is that dresses express a bride’s individual style more than ever before! I always felt that bridal gowns had a certain feel and style; that is changing rapidly.
Q: Walk us through your average day.
A: My day starts by opening our gorgeous little shop! It is so pretty and intimate. It genuinely makes me happy to walk through the doors each day. I meticulously check the deliveries of gowns coming in and pack them away. Then I call each bride and let her know that her wedding gown is here and waiting patiently for pick up! I am also scheduling our one-on-one bridal appointments with either myself or another stylist and preparing the shop for each group’s arrival! That means personalization of your space, sweet treats, and beverages for you and your group. There is a lot we do to go above and beyond and make this an amazing memorable experience! I am also answering emails from brides who may have questions about their orders, timelines, recommendations on local vendors, etc.
Then the fun begins when our brides check-in for their appointments. We get comfy in your space and discuss our process to find your dream dress! During your appointment, your stylist is there to take in all your questions and input and use their expertise to create your vision! We work through each dress and can show you customizations to make sure it is exactly right! After the day’s appointments are done, I am the one placing the orders for gowns, extra fabrics, and accessories to complete your total bridal look. After organizing the shop after a busy day, I lock up with a smile on my face knowing my team and I were a part of someone’s amazing love story!
Q: What would you want couples searching for your business type to know?
A: What I hear the most is that people are nervous to try on dresses, they’ve either had a bad experience elsewhere or are nervous they don’t have the “right” body to truly get a feel for what the dress is like. I want you to know that we think you are beautiful exactly as you are, and so does your partner. And we WILL help you find that in yourself as well. I love to see the transition from nervous to glowing. It gives me goosebumps every time!
Q: How far in advance should a couple book with Luxe Bridal Couture?
A: If you are getting married anytime in the next 12 months, you are in a great time frame! There really is no such thing in bridal as “too early”, so come see us as soon as you are ready!
Q: What is your favorite wedding fashion trend lately?
A: Personally, I love the boho vibe that is coming through bridal. We are seeing so many different nontraditional lace patterns and details on dresses that I feel like we were missing as an industry before and I am here for it! Our designers really listen to feedback and are bringing out some stunning new looks for wedding gowns.
Q: What trends can we expect to see more of this year?
A: Designers are really focusing on individual representation in each gown. There are things like cut-outs and unlined bodices that before were reserved for “straight size” bridal gowns that are now making their way into plus size. Which is so exciting! Our designers also allow us to do a ton of customizations which truly gives you the creativity to create any trend that you see!
Q: What’s your best piece of advice for couples on the hunt for their gown or suit?
A: It is never too soon to start looking! Follow your favorite shop on their social media and see what their vibe is and make an appointment! Our social media is so informative and exactly mirrors the fun, warm, bubbly feeling we have in the shop too.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Q: Do you have any favorite podcasts?
A: I tend to listen to mostly comedy podcasts! Whether it is a hilarious Bravo recap or a favorite comedian, I cannot get enough. It is fun to let your brain escape and just laugh for a while sometimes! Especially if I am doing something else while I am listening. I also enjoy podcasts from people who are different than me! I love listening to other people’s stories and perspectives on life and their journey. You can learn so much by doing that.
Q: Who’s your most played artist on your streaming service?
A: Probably Tov Lo
Q: Heels or flats?
A: While I am at the shop something more on the flat side is preferable, I would say heel totally—but bridal styling is more physical than you would think!!
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Mountains! I love a good drive through the mountains!
Q: Go-to cocktail (or mocktail)?
A: Whiskey and ginger ale!
Q: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: A fashion designer!
Q: You’re at brunch. Are you going for something sweet or savory?
A: I love a Monte Christo at brunch so both? Ha! I can say for certain a mimosa.
Q: Go-to comfort food?
A: Spaghetti with meat sauce and too much parmesan cheese.
Q: Duck Duck Grey Duck or Duck Duck Goose?
A: Grey Duck! True Minnesotan!
Are you ready to make your appointment with the bridal salon experts at Luxe Bridal Couture? Send them an email at [email protected] or give them a call at 507-206-4658.
Don’t miss your opportunity to meet their team at Unveiled Rochester this winter!
