116 CSD


maids’ dresses and tuxedo rent- als as well as gowns for mothers of the bride and groom. The store also carries bridal shoes, purses, wraps, handkerchiefs and jewelry—and, of course, garters for those who want to do the traditional garter toss. Promwear is another specialty, and a simple bridesmaid’s dress is an obvious crossover. “We all love working with the kids who come in for their prom dresses,” Wellmon says. “That’s a really special time for them.” Brides know that planning a wedding doesn’t end when the dress is picked out. A true “one- stop shop” Jean’s stocks glass- ware, table settings, accessories for flower girls and ring bearers, candles, buntings and more. Part of the reason the busi-


ness has been so successful is that the staff is focused on customer service. “We try to be very customer-oriented. We know that we can’t please everyone, but we certainly try,” Wellmon says.


After so many years of help- ing brides find the perfect dress, you might think that Wellmon would be enjoying a well- earned retirement. But that’s not the case at all. “I’m here six days a week,” Wellmon says. “I enjoy doing this—seeing all the brides and their families. To me, weddings and babies are the most important things in life.” Her customers seem to


appreciate her dedication. Over the past few years, Wellmon has started to see former customers bring in their daughters to shop


for wedding dresses. It’s the be- ginning of a multigenerational clientele that’s likely to continue growing.


When asked how the bridal business has changed since she began in the ’70s, Wellmon says: “Everyone’s experience is different. Now there isn’t any one proper etiquette. It’s the bride’s day, and she can do whatever she wants.” She remembers clearly the heavy silks and satins that she sold to brides in the ’70s and ’80s. “The styles have changed so much over the years. The dresses then all had the long sleeves, higher necks and maybe just a little bit of lace,” she says. “Today, girls like less fabric or fabric that’s less heavy. And they’ve gone from strapless


to gradually adding sleeves and covered backs. There are more outside weddings than there used to be, and the lighter fabrics are really suited to that.” Wellmon’s own tastes favor simplicity. “I like lace and clean simple lines,” she says. The boutique carries dresses by many designers, including Mikaella, Paloma Blanca, Morilee, Allure, and Watters & Watters. Wellmon embraces change wholeheartedly, so she’s not afraid to switch out design- ers when she finds one that she thinks her brides will like. In general, however, she sticks with established designers to prevent any wedding dress catastrophes. “So many smaller designers are here for a season, then suddenly they’re gone,”


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