Article Contributed on: 6/29/2009 12:19:46 PM
Tightening the belt and tying the knot isn't exactly a match made in marital heaven.
Enter Bridal Budget Boutique, a Westminster gown rental store that opened June 18.
The concept is simple. Why should brides buy a $600 wedding dress that will be worn once when brides can rent one for $129?
It's a trend store owners Sandy Myers and Terri Williamson, both of Westminster, hope catches on with or without a recession.
"We just want people to come in and mull over the idea," Williamson said. "The guys have been doing it for years, so why not the ladies?"
It's not an entirely new concept. When Myers' daughter, Deana Shappell, walked down the aisle three years ago, she and her bridesmaids wore rented dresses.
Shappell found the dresses at Something Borrowed Bridal & Prom, a rental shop in Thornton that has since closed.
"Everyone was in awe that it was a rental because they were beautiful dresses," Myers said. "You still can have that dream wedding, but on a shoe-string budget."
Fast forward to last fall. Myers and Williamson, who worked together in the food service industry, had a sinking feeling their jobs were on the chopping block in the lousy economy.
Both in their 50s, the thought of finding another job gave them cold feet.
"I didn't see too many ads saying, 'all you old broads, come on down.' We felt limited unless we opened our own business," Myers said.
Williamson was in the wedding business 20 years ago. Both at one point had owned their own businesses and both have a gift for gab. Myers remembered the bridal rental concept.
"Because of the recession the way it is, we thought, 'why should someone sacrifice their dream wedding?' We thought we could save them money on their gowns," Myers said.
Faster than it takes most couples to plan a wedding, Bridal Budget was open for business at 72nd Avenue and Lowell Boulevard in Valente shopping center.
In addition to rented wedding gowns, the store rents bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos and prom dresses.
Bridal gowns range from $129 to $229 and bridesmaid's dresses cost between $89 and $99.
Bridesmaids who are used to hearing, "You can wear it again," but know they never will are especially grateful, Williamson said.
"Have you seen the movie 27 Dresses? Who wants to be in that situation?" Williamson said.
But what about alterations?
Easy, Myers and Williamson say. Gowns are temporarily altered to fit the body type of each bride. After five or so wears and washes, the dresses are given away.
While the idea is music to the ears of budget-conscious couples trying to pare down an expensive wedding, it's not for everybody, Myers said.
"I think if she comes to us with a very open mind, I think we can satisfy her and her bridal party, but if she's not open to it, we kindly let her know that this rental concept isn't for everyone, give her a hug and wish her luck," Myers said.