Erika Berardinucci
Owner
Tell us about the inspiration to bring Bella Bridesmaids, a national franchise, to Allentown.
I have been a bridesmaid more times than I can count. I love everything about weddings, and when I planned my own, I realized how much I fell in love with the industry. I experienced Bella Bridesmaids in Freehold, New Jersey, as a bridesmaid and knew Allentown needed a showroom where bridesmaids could wear trendy, fashionable bridesmaid dresses. When I shopped at Bella Bridesmaids, the experience set itself differently from any other place I had visited for a bridesmaid dress. Being that Allentown is central to Philadelphia and New York, I knew our showroom would service our Lehigh Valley brides and beyond. I love that we brought a bridal boutique back to Downtown Allentown where women can get fitted and purchase a gown just like they could when Hess's was the premier destination for retail.
Describe the large array of dresses and designers that you carry.
We have more than 10 designers in our store, so it gives our customers a lot of options when shopping. At Bella Bridesmaids Allentown, our brides can really dive deep into our collection and the bride can get a good feel of all the fabrics, colors and style options offered by all of our designers.
We have the Pinterest-worthy, bohemian chic yet simplistic gowns from designers like Jenny Yoo and Joanna August for the trendy brides. We also have every color under the sun in classic bridesmaid styles from the Dessy Group and Bill Levkoff. We even have exclusive styles designed by our designers that are only available at Bella Bridesmaids.
From our traditional chiffon gowns and whimsical tulle styles to rich velvet and intricate beaded gowns, our variety sets Bella Bridesmaids apart from other bridal boutiques. Whether you are looking for strapless, long sleeves or a high neckline, each designer creates unique styles for our brides and leading ladies to wear. There truly is something for everyone.
In addition to bridesmaid dresses, we also carry flower girl dresses, bridal accessories and mother of the bride/groom dresses. Have a special occasion coming up? Come into Bella Bridesmaids Allentown and we will dress you for any special event you are attending. Whether a gala, wedding or military ball, we have a dress for you.
Tell us about the range of size and budget options.
We have an extensive collection of designer dresses that enhance every wedding, at every budget, that can be worn by all women. At Bella Bridesmaids, we know each bridesmaid is unique in her own way. We carry all types of dresses for women of all shapes, sizes and heights. We love seeing our bridesmaids feel confident and beautiful in their own style as they walk down the aisle. Our stylists at Bella Bridesmaids Allentown are here to make this experience your own. After all, your bridesmaids are the runway show before the big finale!
How does Bella Bridesmaids stay on the forefront of bridal trends?
At Bella Bridesmaids, we are able to forecast trends by interacting with brides and their bridesmaids every day! It is definitely one of our most favorite parts of what we do each day. We listen to their vision, trade ideas on their Pinterest boards and often bring these ideas, colors and fabric trends to our designers from the front lines. Twice a year, we travel to New York City during Bridal Fashion Week. As franchise owners, we get one-on-one time with designers like Jenny Yoo and Dessy to discuss our Bella exclusives with all the storeowners from across the country. Collaboration is key, and by doing this, it allows us to give feedback on what is selling well and what trends are on the rise.
Describe the overall atmosphere at Bella Bridesmaids. What is a typical shopping experience like?
Bella Bridesmaids has 55-plus showrooms across the country, which makes it super convenient for each of your bridesmaids to visit their local store and try on the bride's favorites. Bridesmaids are also paired with a Bella Stylist, so their experience feels like you are in the same city, even if you're not. At Bella Bridesmaids we provide a personal experience because our stylists give you their full attention and knowledge during the entire appointment.
We also developed a unique software called Virtual Showroom to act as a digital extension of your in-store experience. The bride gets access to her own virtual showroom and personally invites all her leading ladies to use this tool to share favorites, comment and vote on dresses, keep track of deadlines and even order the dresses. We find that our brides are very social media savvy and they love the element of an exclusive virtual showroom.
What do you think is the most important thing when it comes to picking a bridesmaid dress or dresses?
Knowing that the bridesmaids are a symbol of the support and friendship that goes into planning a wedding. We love when a bride allows her leading ladies to choose a bridesmaid dress that best represents their style. Whether the color is blush, cinnamon rose or navy, picking a dress should be fun and exciting not only for the bride, but for her bridesmaids as well!
What's the big trend in bridesmaid dresses this summer?
We have seen a shift towards the more simple and classic dress. Wrap dresses have taken the spotlight for summer weddings. It is a much-needed combo of comfort and style. A wrap dress flatters all figures and is one that your maids will no doubt want to wear again. We are also noticing that the halter-neck style is going to be big not just this summer, but in upcoming seasons. This specific style's popularity stems from Meghan Markle and her incredible dress she wore to her reception. Not only did it look incredible on her, it's also a very flattering style on all women.
645 W. Hamilton St. Suite 105, Allentown | 484.221.9897 | bellabridesmaids.com
