Bridal Expo

Hi! I’m Cindy Richards, one of several volunteer bridal consultants at Bridal Boutique by New Name in Wheaton, IL. This boutique is my playground as I get to play with hundreds of gorgeous dresses just to find THE ONE each bride is looking for.

Last week, New Name director, Anne Polencheck and Bridal Boutique director, Angela Pearson,  hosted this booth at the Bridal Expo in Rosemont, IL where about 24 of our dresses were featured in the Fashion Show.

Thank you to Chicago wedding photographer Dana Richards of Dana Ann Photography for all these gorgeous pics!

We enjoyed conversing with brides about their couple stories and their current wedding planning process. Each couple journey is unlike any other - God made us so unique!  

Bridal Boutique by New Name is entirely unique as well!  We are thrilled to tell you our story:

In 2017, we birthed the boutique for a purpose far beyond wedding dresses and yet, when you visit our Boutique, you’ll see over 250 from size 0 to 24 in styles such as A-line, fit & flare, trumpet, mermaid, sheath and two-piece to name a few. Some have a long cathedral train, some have no train at all.  Necklines are as varied as the styles and if you find a strapless but would prefer a strap, we know seamstresses that can do that for you. 

We are part of the faith based non-profit, New Name, that supports exploited/trafficked women in the Chicagoland area.   And because we have 100% volunteer staff, every cent  will support trafficked women in the Chicagoland area.  

The crazy good part: Three totally separate women benefit from the sale of each dress:

1) Brides who donate dresses feel so good about supporting the women (and its tax deductible!)

2) Brides-to-be find gorgeous gowns 60-75% below retail 

3) Trafficked women are reached and loved and supported

We get dresses donated from all over the country from brides who want to give back!  Many of our dresses have taken a bride down the aisle and have albums of stories to tell! Some dresses are brand new with tags!!  Others were salon sample dresses.  All are new or gently worn as you can see in these photos from the Bridal Expo Fashion Show in Rosemont, IL.

This Couture dress once retailed for over $12,000 but the discriminating bride can purchase today in our boutique for $2,175.  It is BY FAR our most expensive dress we currently have.  But even at this price, very affordable for the couture fashion bride.

Isn’t it a stunner!?!  

Most dresses are in the $350-700 range with some under $200.

This lacy allusion beaded top with tulle skirt gown is worn by the actual bride, Hillary, who purchased it from us last year and married in November.  After the show, she was swarmed by many attendees who wanted to purchase her dress!!

Hillary had a blast being able to wear her gorgeous gown again in our Fashion Show.  Her adoring husband cried when he saw her walk the runway! So sweet!!

This Vera Wang gown  was hand delivered before Christmas by a bride who heard about us where she lives in Minneapolis but wanted to see our boutique in person.   Her donated dress by designer Vera Wang is so classically elegant yet stylish for today’s young bride!  Now available at Bridal Boutique by New Name for $675.

Which style is your favorite? 

How do you brides choose!?

Tell me in the comments.

I love them all!

See more of our dresses featured in the fashion show above and available at Bridal Boutique by New Name.

We have veils (typically $75) in every length as well!  We know how to help you accessorize your look.  Because even non-brides donate their shoes, jewelry and furs we can provide every accessory for the bride.  

We are by appointment only and take appointments Mon - Fri from 10am -5pm.

What style are you looking for?

Contact us today to visit our boutique in Wheaton, IL to find your perfect dress.  Bring your entourage if you like!

Do you have a wedding dress to donate? We accept dresses less than 7 years old to keep current for our brides.  Find out how to donate your wedding dress here.

Find us on FB and IG and share our story with your friends!!

A big shout out to Carol Lindsey of Make-up by Carol and Fernanda for glamming up these beautiful models!  We highly recommend them for your wedding make-up and hair !!

Thanks for reading my first blog! Let me know in the comments what you’d like to see in next month’s issue!