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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 26, 1987)
luary 26, 1987 Wedding Supplement Page 5 3 J . 4 1 er jus t for umg rentals no long Mm V-T M. U. U. By Joeth Zucco Staff Reporter A woman's wedding is supposed to be the most special day of her life, but it also proves to be one of the most expensive days for everyone involved. The Promise, a bridal rental shop in Omaha, helps alleviate costs for the wedding party. Established in Sept ember 1983 and already relocated be cause of expansion plans, the store rents dresses for the bride, bridesmaids, mother-of-the-bride and flower girl, plus slips and veils. According to owner Suzy Duff, the store carries 50 wedding gown styles and 16 bridesmaid gown styles in sizes 6 to 20. Besides white, wedding gowns also come in ivory, candlelight, and a blush pink undertone. The bridesmaid dresses come in several colors. Duff said the royal blue and red have been popular in the last six months, and pink is usually big for spring. Both the bridesmaids and mother-of-the-bride dresses come in long and tea lengths. "We're geared toward the brides maid, middle income women, working girls and younger ones from about 19 to 24," she said. "The brides hate asking girls in the same situation to lay out $120 for a dress they'll never wear again." The Promise carries well-known wedding dress designers such as Alfred Angelo, Piccone, Elegante and Queen Fit. Rentals of bridesmaid dresses are $45 with a $30 refundable damage deposit. Wedding dresses are $90 with a $90 refundable damage deposit, slips are $15 and veils are $25. Duff suggested that customers re serve their dresses about four months in advance. The dresses are then picked up the day before the wedding and returned the following Monday. Excep tions are made for out-of-town custom ers. The most apparent advantage is the cost effectiveness. Duff said that customers spend at least half as much on bridal apparel as when they buy it all. On the other hand, if the customer comes in with a particular style in mind, the store probably wouldn't carry it. "If you're going to rent, come in with an open mind. You have to be willing to settle for a shade different, but most come in planning to rent," she said. Duff decided to open The Promise after a friend had attended a wedding in South Dakota and discovered that the wedding party members had rented their dresses. She wanted to open a business of her own so she researched the idea, traveled to similar stores and found that no one else was renting wedding apparel in Omaha. "I felt there was a need for it in Omaha. It's a large enough area to support bridal rentals. Omaha seemed a good place. "It's already big on the West and East coasts and is becoming a trend in the Midwest," she said. Currently, Duff and her three em ployees are in the process of expanding at their new location in Bel-Air Plaza on 120th and Center streets in Omaha. Plans include expanding lines, provid ing a greater selection of bridesmaid dresses and prom dresses, and expand ing the cocktail length selection. They also sell wedding dresses and will be giving brides a wider assortment to purchase. Prices for wedding dresses range from $250 to $399. "Men have always been able to rent, women are seeing they have the same advantage." Mm BOZSHZIM'S. 7 OOO Kjzrlegance & fine jewelry go together at weddings. Whether for the bride, the groom or the attendants, Borsheim's has quality and the price range to suit you. Select your bridal sets from the Midwest's largest collection, from traditional to contemporary, alt at affordable prices. Our professionally trained gemologists will assist you in your selection of our fine quality diamonds. n n hile in the store, visit our sift department to register your wedding preferences. We have a large display of china, over 300 patterns. Also see the large selection of crystal, flatware and many other gift suggestions for this special occasion. vy O c've been known for cur q-JzV.ly since 1370. Come in ar.d shep zt cur new location in Regency Cc?t, you'll discover the reasons why so mzny satisfied customers have mzdz Ccrsheim's their favorite gift ar.d jewelry store. i VC"' 1 it V W lleed & Barton i w K it , :- X ww y 4H Ml f ;l '"L--. -. - T - - . t i 1. lu-j it i iff i r V I V HEGENCYCOUPJ (432) 391-C:C3 HOUHS: Monday & Thursday 10-a Tuesd Wednesday S Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-5:23 Ccrsheim's Charge, Visa Mslefcard, American Express sr.d Diner's Club 3GRSHEMS: