Coffee Chat Q&A with the one and only, La Bella Moda!
First question, tell us about YOU! How did you get into the wedding industry, and La Bella Moda/all things wedding dresses?!
My grandmother is an immigrant from Italy who came over at the age of 18 with a dream to open her own dress shop! Her dream came true April 1, 1981 when she opened La Bella Moda! She has been celebrating brides saying YES to their dress for over 39 years now! I always remember growing up at the shop, I would come and try on the gowns and watch all of the brides look so beautiful and I knew I wanted to get into the wedding industry! I am not even kidding, I signed the papers to take over the business the week before we were ruled a Pandemic! What great luck! I used my time to completely renovate the store! It has looked the same for the last 20 years! I felt like Joanna Gaines!
What is your #1 TIP for Brides shopping for a wedding dress?
I think a lot of my brides do not fully know the actual timeline of ordering a wedding gown! A wedding gown is custom made for you, the bride! We send in your measurements and depending on the designer, any other customizations you would like to make as well. My biggest tip is do NOT wait too long before you start looking for a wedding gown and show up to your bridal appointment prepared, and open!
I also tell everyone, do not start dress shopping until you are ready to say YES to your dream dress! It can get overwhelming and it can seem fun trying on dresses, but I have brides all the time who get confused because they have tried on too many!
Timing! When is best for a Bride to shop/order/plan for alterations? (In a world without COVID, the normal timeline you would suggest!)
A wedding gown can take about 6-8 months to come in, with everything going on with COVID, it can be slightly delayed! We start your alterations, two months before the wedding, so you want to allow enough time for that as well as finding all of your accessories too. Coming prepared to your appointment helps you as the bride and your bridal consultant!
Any other advice or tips for brides shopping and trying to decide on their wedding dress?!
Come in with an open mind! I cannot tell you how many times brides come in saying they want a ball gown or a fitted dress and they know they do not want the other, and I make them try on the gown they do not want, just to be sure that they have ruled it out! I have so many brides who say they do not want a ball gown and fall in love with it when I put them in a ball gown! Be open, but stick to what you want! It is your day and some people in your entourage may want you to get something else. I feel like a therapist, part photographer, part mediator, and part gal pal during my brides’ appointments! I like to make sure I can be there for YOU in any way I can!
Last question: what is your coffee drink & favorite coffee shop of choice??
I LOVE coffee houses! Fun fact, my sister and I have always talked about when we retire, we would love to open a café! I am also such a coffee fiene, I could literally drink anything! I would say right now, I never underestimate a regular latte with Oat Milk and a dash of cinnamon! But you know I am SO ready for the Pumpkin Spice Lattes to come back 🙂
La Bella Moda is a one stop shop for all things bridal!
We have all of your favorite styles by all of your favorite designers, we also have bridesmaid dresses, flower girls, mothers, and other evening gowns! We even have all of the bridal accessories!
Be sure to reach out to La Bella Moda for any questions and ALL of your Bridal Gown shopping! Be sure to give them a follow @la.bella.moda!
Photography: the amazing Morgan Taylor Artistry!
