Jacksonville’s Unique Bridal Shopping Experience at Gown & Garter Boutique

August 16, 2017

Gown and Garter Bridal Boutique is a custom styling studio; specializing in Bridal and Special Occasion Gowns. The boutique is located on Jacksonville’s Westside, providing a unique experience in Bridal shopping. Gown & Garter’s mission is to ensure you have the wedding gown or special gown of your dreams. We spoke with the owner, Pam Wilcox, about her boutique and here is what she had to say.

What made you decide to work in the wedding industry?

I fell in love with the wedding experience as a preteen and it never left. I was 12 or 13; my uncle had a very large southern wedding. Here is his bride wearing this white gown and all these ladies (my mother & aunts and her friends) are dressed in these beautiful long lavender pleated gowns and tea cup hats surrounding her. I was hooked on the glamour of weddings.

What do you love the very most about what you do?

I have a deep love and appreciation for the beauty in wedding gowns. In my humble opinion, a wedding gown is a representation of love. My goal is for every Bride to walk away feeling and saying, “I love me in this gown!”

Tell the brides-to- be your best wedding advice.

Breathe. When it gets down to that magic hour, the only thing that matters is the look on your significant others face and second you’re able to hold their hand and say, “I do!” That’s it, nothing else matters. Remember to breathe and take it all in. Be present.

What is your most favorite wedding trend right now?

What I am finding now Brides are straying away from traditional gown and going creative. I love it!! I am working with a bride who wants a yellow gown with a unique silhouette.

What do you do that makes you stand out more so than others in your industry?

Gown & Garter is looking at the present, the OtisJames Bride line, focus is to embrace and love all Brides’ beauty and curves. In an industry where women are made to feel that they must confirm to the dress, let the dress be made to confirm to you. It’s all about you. It’s just that simple.

What is your favorite product or service that you offer brides? Please describe it.

I love gowns from weddings to special occasions. I love the way the right dress makes you feel wearing it. The topper is the look your significant other gives you when they feel your confidence.

Do you offer any other products or services?

Not only do we offer designer and custom gowns, we offer special occasion gowns, flower girl dresses, men’s dress shirts in array of colors, custom garters, lingerie, veils and accessories.We also host OtisJames Bride. This is a bridal gown line almost exclusively for curvy Brides. Gown and Garter also host a monthly Wedding Planning Workshop. It’s a 4 hour intensive workshop on focusing your Bride Style throughout your wedding.

How far in advance should a bride to be contact you before the wedding?

A Bride or anyone desiring a special made gown should reach out to Gown&Garter at least 4 to 6 months. If it is a designer gown, delivery will take 8 to 12 weeks. With custom gowns the process is similar but usually 8 to 10 weeks, which includes the consultations.

How long have your been doing what you do?

For over 4 years I was a wedding planner and it was a great experience but I always seem to focus more on the details of the gown and what everyone was wearing. I decided to focus on wedding gowns! I was always curious about the design and construction of the gown.

What are 5 adjectives that describe you and/or your business?

Custom, Unique, Customer-Centric, Fashion Forward and Passionate

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