luary 26, 1987
Wedding Supplement
Page 5
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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
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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.
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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:
