as bridal fashion week continues, let’s learn a bit more about how to get designer wedding gowns for less! when i first met julie, i was intrigued with how she is changing the way we see used wedding dresses. so who is this julie, and what is encore bridal anyway?
Julie Jones is the president and founder of Encore Bridal LLC. Encore Bridal is an e-Boutique that specializes in new, sample, and used couture wedding dresses that have been hand-selected for the discerning bride. You can view Encore Bridal’s current collection on their website.
SMW: What was your concept behind creating Encore Bridal?
EB: Initially I wanted to be involved in something that I felt passionate about and as a helpless romantic knew that would likely lead me to working in the bridal industry. Initially I did not think about opening a high-end consignment bridal e-Boutique. In 2004 I married the love of my life and had to find the perfect dress for my wedding. I went to nearly every bridal salon in Southern California as well as many in other states. Having always had an eye for fashion and a love for luxury goods finding a dress that I could afford became a real challenge. Soon after my now husband and I were married, I started Encore Bridal.com. I wanted to bring the best of the best wedding dresses within reach for more brides. At the same time I was also becoming more eco-conscious so I loved the idea of selling eco-friendly “recycled” couture.
SMW: Tell us about your new showroom in manhattan beach?
EB: I can’t tell you how excited I am that our dresses now have a beautiful “home” and we have an inviting space to meet with brides! I worked with a designer who helped me build-out the space and have it completely furnished within 2 weeks of signing the lease. It has a “beachy” elegant theme. Considering our values, the walls were painted in No VOC paint, we purchased as much used furniture and fixtures as we could find, and I found the perfect recycled aluminum table. We were budget conscious yet style savvy–just like many of our brides. The feedback on our new space has been fantastic. As an online boutique we don’t have store hours, but do open our showroom on the second and last Sundays of every month for walk-ins. We also have monthly events. During the last weekend of August we are having a veil and jewelry trunk show.
SMW: What can brides expect when shopping for a gown with Encore Bridal?
EB: Brides should expect to be “wow’d”. The most common comment we have is, “I can’t believe these are pre-owned”. The majority of our well-edited inventory is no older than 3 years, has labels from the most sought after designers (think Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra and others), and has been fully refreshed to be in walk-down the aisle condition. We have intimate knowledge of each gown in our boutique and after working with so many brides are uniquely qualified to provide styling advice. Brides-to-be can benefit from our style know-how whether they are in our showroom or browsing online. We’re only a phone call or email away!
SMW: How much time should a bride allow herself when buying a gown with Encore Bridal?
EB: Encore Bridal sells wedding dresses “off the rack” so once a bride-to-be finds the perfect dress it can be hers the same day as purchasing it. No need to wait 5 months or more. Most gowns will require alterations though, so I do recommend brides try to purchase their gown from us at least 2 months before their wedding date. The average “VIB” private styling consultation in our showroom takes 1-2 hours.
thank you so much julie for chatting with us more about encore bridal. i absolutely love what you have done to change how brides shop for gowns!
