Here’s an excerpt of the article about Tiffany’s Bridal Boutique posted on the Reading Eagle.
By Carole Duran on February 13th, 2016
Bridal self-styles
Tiffany’s caters to brides who don’t follow the latest trends, but choose what they like and what looks good on them. The wedding industry has changed considerably over the past decade, and Tiffany Rupert is the perfect example of a tradition reborn.
As opposed to following the latest fashion trends for wedding gowns, brides are choosing what they like and what looks good on them. Rupert’s new bridal salon, Tiffany’s Bridal Boutique, opened in East Cocalico Township, Lancaster County this month, and offers bridal gowns by Maggie Sottero.
Rupert caters to the bride. She expects her clients may follow the latest trend of having bridesmaids choose dresses of their own style, which is what she did for her own wedding in 2013. “I chose navy blue as their color, and the girls were able to choose different styles.” said Rupert. Navy blue was an appropriate color reminiscent of Rupert’s U.S. Navy service from 2004 to 2008. During those years, she was stationed on a ship that carried U.S. Marines to the Middle East. But most of the time her ship was in the more peaceful waters of Australia, Dubai, Hawaii and Hong Kong. “I would like to think that subconsciously blue was to represent my service, but I wanted to do a color that all the girls would look good in and maybe give them a chance of wearing the dress again.” she said. “The color also went well with our flowers. They were pink and orange. It was a combo of my favorite color pink and his favorite color orange.”
Establishing careers
Rupert, 33, married her husband Jonathan Rupert in 2013. She has a stepson Connor, and together they have a toddler son, Maddox. She is also among the millennial’s trend to postpone marriage in favor of establishing careers and saving for their futures.
Rupert said she intends to add bridesmaids gowns later, but will start out small by offering 15 Sottero bridal gown styles in different sizes. The company requires her to purchase new dresses every spring and fall, which will help add to her inventory slowly. She became familiar with the brand when she managed an Ephrata bridal salon for two years from 2008 to 2010. When the owner of that shop wanted to sell out, Rupert said she was not in a position to buy the business. “It was there I fell in love with Maggie Sottero gowns because they were so detailed and beautiful, and at a reasonable price,” she said. “I loved the corset backs, which most of Maggie’s gowns have.” The company is known for offering both classically romantic and contemporary styles, and for its affordability. Rupert said her Sottero gown prices range from $500 to $2,000, with an average price of $1,000. “What I also like is that the company is willing to loan gowns for a fitting,” Rupert said. If a bride-to-be is not sure about a dress, she can pay for the $40 to $50 shipping without making a final commitment. The shipping will be deducted from the gown price if a bride decides to purchase it, she said.
Offer style advice
As the owner, she will offer style advice and make sure alterations fit perfectly. Appointments are needed to try on gowns.
“A lot of girls feel they have an idea for a dress in mind,” said Rupert. In one particular case, she recalls convincing a client to try on a totally different gown. “The dress was a hit,” she said. “I love helping women find their dream dress, and being a part of such an important day is such a blessing,” she said.
“The girl will be taken care of from head to toe,” said Doreen Horning, a fellow consultant at the bridal boutique where Rupert previously worked. Horning said brides should make Tiffany’s a first stop before going anywhere else. “She’ll go the extra mile with a smile,” she said. As soon as her business is on its feet, Rupert said she hopes to start donating wedding gowns to Brides Across America. The nonprofit organization partners with bridal salons to provide free wedding gowns to military personnel and their spouses. Contact Carole Duran: money@readingeagle.com.
Leave a Reply