Raffine Bridal became a real-life dream come true in 2009, when it was purchased by two sisters and their mother – a vision that started with one of the sisters when she was a very young girl. In the years between a young girl’s fantasy of owning a bridal shop and actuality of having one, the trio became educated to “live the dream”, gaining backgrounds in fashion merchandising, entrepreneurship, and event planning – key tools for success within the industry. When an enchanting area bridal salon became available, they were all positioned for a career change and ready for a new adventure. A long-time dream became a perfect reality! Today the trio focuses on providing an unparalleled shopping experience to every bride that walks through their doors, making dreams come true for others!
We asked the lovely ladies of Raffine Bridal all about the Woodbury bridal shop, and what’s currently trending in the Minnesota bridal market:
What wedding dress trends are hot right now in your area?
Our area still loves the lace, and when you add some sparkle it’s even better!
What’s the number one thing your brides are asking for?
Lace, straps, and low backs.
How do you make the bride’s experience memorable?
We are all about making sure our brides are treated with the highest quality in customer service and feel educated along the way. Questions do not go unanswered. In order to do this, we make sure each bridal appointment is scheduled with their own consultant that walks them through the entire process and helps select dresses that meet their vision and expectations. In addition, brides do not have to share a viewing area. Therefore, they – as well as their guests – feel comfortable in their own relaxing personal viewing area with a three way mirror.
What’s the most surprising request you’ve ever gotten from a bride?
We had a request from a mother of the bride to have the consultant who sold her daughter her wedding gown to personally deliver the gown and accessories to their wedding location on the day of the wedding. She also asked that she would continue to stay on as the personal attendant to dress her and help maintain the dress throughout the day, as an included service of purchasing the dress.
What’s your favorite wedding story from one of your brides?
A few years ago we had an amazing story from a bride and groom who went through a tragic, life changing event. Just a few months before their wedding the groom and his father were in a plane crash. It was just the two of them flying the plane and they were not expected to live. When they did make it through, they were then expected never to walk again. After postponing the wedding and going through intense physical therapy they re-set the date of the wedding and both walked down the aisle!
What is the best advice you would give a bride as she is shopping for her wedding gown?
Always stay true to yourself and do not settle for a dress a family or friend wants you to wear. It is your big day and you deserve to look and feel beautiful!
For more information you can visit Raffine Bridal at 707 Bielenberg Drive #105 – Woodbury, MN, call them at 651-600-3038 or visit them online at raffinebridal.com.