Vendor Spotlight - Gracyn Elizabeth Bride
How did you get started?
You and I went into Traditions Bridal and Formal in 2016 to “just look” and get an idea of what styles you liked for your wedding gown. Traditions was going out of business, but we had no intention of buying anything. I had shared with the owner of the bridal store that I had a minor in Fashion Merchandising and had done a bridal internship at the apparel market in Dallas. Funny thing is we actually walked out of the store that day with three bridal gowns! The plan was to re-design two of the dresses into one and alter the third into a reception dress. Six weeks later.........we bought the store so it would not have to close its doors.
A year later, we purchased the building that we are in now, remodeled it, and eventually changed the name to Gracyn Elizabeth Bride. I wanted the name to represent something near and dear to my heart. Gracyn Elizabeth was our stillborn daughter and I wanted to honor her memory. We also make baby “angel gowns” from donated wedding dresses that are given to hospitals so families can bury their sweet angels in beautiful gowns. We originally sold wedding gowns, bridesmaids dress, mother’s dress, prom dresses, and rented tuxedos from one location. Our business has grown so much that we have moved the special occasion dresses (Prom and Homecoming) into its own space, GEB Special Occasions, and menswear into GEB Menswear. We have come a long way in 7 years!
What are some cool things that GEB offers?
We partner with three different bridal designers and carry a variety of dress lines so we can offer many different styles and colors. When scheduling a bridal appointment, a bride can book a variety of appointment types depending on their needs and experience desire. Appointment types include a standard appointment that accommodates up to four guests and lasts 1 and 1⁄2 hours, the “Bride plus five” appointment accommodates five to eight guests, the “Happy Hour” appointment allows the bride up to ten guests, light refreshments with a champagne toast and lasts two hours.
The “Ultimate VIB” appointment is a private booking with refreshments, fresh flowers, two personal stylists, and can accommodate as many guests as the bride would like. There is a fee for the “Happy Hour” and “VIB” appointments. We also offer wedding gown preservation, steaming services, and bridal packages to fit a bride’s needs. Gracyn Elizabeth works closely with exclusive seamstresses to ensure a perfect fitting wedding gown.
What is one piece of advice you would give for brides?
Choose the people that come with you to your appointment wisely. You want to bring in the people who truly know you and have your best interest at heart. Having those positive people with you makes a huge difference for your “saying yes to the dress” experience.
What is the most common mistake you see brides make?
Going into your appointment with a specific dress in mind. We love when a bride comes in with inspirational photos, but it is difficult when a bride has a specific style of dress stuck in her mind. Once she begins trying on other dresses, it’s hard to have an open mind. Then when she falls in love with a dress that isn’t like the one she had her mind set on, she has to mentally break up with that dress from the photo. Finding your dress is one of the most memorable moments and so coming into the appointment with an open mind makes the process more enjoyable.
What trends are you excited to see this season?
We are seeing more of the 3D applique to the dresses. We love the clean and simple with a statement to the dress! And more solid ivory instead of the two tone ivory/sand combinations! We are also seeing more color this year with florals, bridesmaid dresses, and details.
What do you want brides to know about your business?
I want brides to know that our number one priority is to create a lifetime experience for them. We accommodate every style that a bride could dream of and make their dream a reality. Creating that special experience is what makes Gracyn Elizabeth Bride so special.
What’s your favorite part about owning GEB?
Our customers! I love getting to know our customers! It just means so much to be a part of one of the most important events in their lives! Most girls dream of their wedding gown and wedding day their whole lives. We make lasting friendships with our brides. They aren’t just purchasing a dress. They are a part of the GEB family.
Book your bridal appointment at Gracyn Elizabeth Bride here
