How to Start a Wedding Gown Business

The wedding gown business has picky clients.

Start a wedding gown business with your passion for making a bride's desire come true. Find financial success by determining the best location and dealing in quality dresses. It helps to have previous industry experience and entrepreneurial skills. Be prepared to be flexible regarding requests when running a wedding gown business, as brides may need a series of alterations before the big day.

Instructions

1. Take a business course to learn about accounting and marketing to ensure that you can save costs up front. Some states offer free classes through local small business offices. Local community colleges also are potential resources. Complete a business plan specific to your bridal business using the (SBA) Small Business Administration template, and determine how to get financing for your bridal shop. The amount you need will vary by region and extent of business, but one example from the Encyclopedia of Business shows a Wisconsin bridal salon needed $61,595 in start-up costs.

2. Select a memorable business name for your wedding gown business. Verify that this name has not been taken by another business by checking with your state department of corporations.

3. Determine a good location for a wedding gown store in the area where you plan to set up shop. The location should be in a place that offers parking with easy access to your store. The rent or purchase price should be consistent with the location. Obtain the needed equipment to start, including mannequins, sewing machines, clothing hangers and full-length mirrors for the store.

4. Obtain your business operation licenses according to the local area regulations. Use Business.gov as a resource to find out where to go specifically to obtain licenses in your state. Also, get a fire department inspection. Fees vary by location.

5. Create a professional portfolio including your designs of wedding gowns for display. A portfolio should consist of a binder book with all the designs you have done for brides. Take pictures of completed bridal work on models or clients to give customers a taste of how they could look. Customers should be able to request their special dress based on the portfolio designs. Also hire a seamstress to make alterations and help with gown creation. Additional sales associates may be needed to help customers.

6. Implement your marketing strategy. Create business cards and online announcements and use direct mail and word of mouth. Make the store announcement via an online press release and on social media accounts to generate buzz in the bridal industry. Include the store location and a picture of your gown collection in direct mail ads. Network at live business events and always mention your new business.

Tips & Warnings

• Join bridal associations and attend bridal fashion shows to gain inspiration for new designs each year.

• The website domain name should be listed on marketing items and reflect the name of your business. Purchase it in various forms including .com, .org and .net to prevent someone else from benefiting from your hard work in the future.

References

• SBA
• Starting A Bridal Business
• Library Of Congress: A Guide To The Wedding Industry
• Encyclopedia Of Business, 2nd ed: Bridal Salon Business Plan

Resources

• Association Of Wedding Gown Specialists
• Business: State And Local Resources