Prom Dress Give-Away Event - Recap and Be Grateful

You know that you have made the right choice to commit your time, money and energy, when the mom of one of our prom girls who attended our “free” prom event hugs (more than once) every last volunteer with tears in her eyes and the kindest words in her voice.  This year marked our fourth and biggest prom event, dedicated to giving high school senior girls the opportunity to not only wear a beautiful gown to their senior prom without cost, but to experience the excitement that goes along with it.

Last year, Robyn Maloney, from Bay Shore High School reached out to Bridal Suite of Bay Shore, identifying the same goal, and our joined forces for the common goal have proved extremely positive.  The event usually lasts about 2 hours, where we open the store solely for the purpose of this cause, offering a free prom gown combined with the salon experience to each girl in need (and her family).  During this event, the entire prom section is groomed for dresses that we are able to offer.  There are hundreds of dresses in all sizes and colors and our 9 dressing rooms are open to all of the girls, along with a prom consultant for direction or advice, or simply a reassuring comment.  This year, girls needed to share dressing rooms because of the abundant turnout, and a few even changed in the bathroom.  Every girl that walked in for a dress, walked out with one, so our mission was 100% successful.The evening closed with an overwhelming feeling of gratefulness from both ends… the receiver, obviously, for a dress to wear on prom night.  The giver, for the opportunity just to be able to provide a service and help someone in some way.  There is no greater gift than this.In the days to follow, a call came from a volunteer at Wyandanch High School, named Kim.  “Do you have any dresses to offer?… we are hosting a prom event for girls that cannot afford…”.  Once again we heard the calling and the answer just seemed obvious.  Why not take it one step beyond so that those fallen on financial hardship can feel just as worthy as the next girl.  It seems that so many of our neighbors are in need.  So we will gather and sort for Wyandanch. Kim will pick up and we will all sleep more soundly knowing that we may have made a difference.

How it Feels to Be Voted #1, A Personal Reflection

We worked extra hard this year. Last year too. The staff believes as if we are the # 1 bridal salon. They perform and behave as if it’s a matter of fact. It is an amazing gift to walk into an atmosphere where everyone is giving it their all. We have a remarkable chemistry and everyone on the team plays a part. We are like a chain. Sometimes a link needs repair. It is then that we lean on one another to rebuild what has been weakened and make that part stronger. It is all for the common purpose of providing the best possible experience for our brides, moms, maids, prom girls and attendants. The concept is simple but the application requires great effort. When the call from Long Island Press came this morning, we all kind of held our breath in anticipation of the results of the six week long vote for the Best Bridal Store on Long Island in which we were one of 12 stores nominated. I didn’t want to know the verdict, and I did, like covering your eyes with an open hand during a scary movie. Doris took the call. I could stand it no longer so I headed to her office where she gave me the biggest smile and held up 1 finger telling me that we came in 1st place. Enter emotion. I think when a blessing is made so clear and more importantly that I recognize it as a blessing, I become so infused with gratitude that it just takes over. Andrea and Tamy were there to receive the news, and their reaction was priceless. Carole jumped up and down when she came on and returned texts from Antonella, Annie, and Maryellen seemed to leap through my phone.


I don’t really think the victory was simply the glory of winning a contest that our loyal customers for over 47 years took part in. Although I am proud to come in ahead of chain stores and multiple location stores, I don’t think that was the main cause for the burst of emotion, either. I think that when you follow your heart and do what you believe is right and just, no matter what effort is required; and you work side by side with a tireless team with the same goal; and realize that sometimes you have to let go of control and listen some more and put it in the Hands; and after all that, someone affirms this by telling you that what you believed all along is what others believe too; that it’s magical. I would like to thank our wonderful, dedicated and loyal customers for voting for us. I would also like to thank the best staff, not only in Long Island, but anywhere, for thinking it and seeing it through. Voted #1 Best Bridal Salon on Long Island 2012, by Long Island Press!

What is a Bridal Trunk Show?

What is a Trunk Show?

You come across an ad that says “Maggie Sottero Trunk Show, this Weekend” What does it mean? Basically, a trunk show heightens the experience of selecting your bridal gown. Many designers have offered this option to salons in order to show more of their dresses on any given weekend, for that time only. Often times it’s a sneak peak of what will be shipped for the upcoming season, an exclusive “preview”. You get to view and order from the designer’s brand new collection before it even hits the stores.

When a bridal salon carries a designer, it is not likely that they carry every style they offer. A trunk show is an opportunity for the salon to offer you an extended inventory from a particular manufacturer for that short time period. An added bonus usually presents a discount on these gowns that is offered exclusively during the trunk show period. Often times this discount is permissible for gowns purchases during the scheduled trunk show dates ONLY. This is probably the biggest draw for the bride and sometimes, it is even worth waiting for to save that money that would not otherwise be permitted.

Sometimes, at a trunk show, you get to meet the designer in person, and this is exciting to some brides. You may get to meet Madeline Gardiner from Mori Lee or David Tutera from Mon Cheri. When the designers make a special appearance at a trunk show they share their knowledge and answer questions about anything from their inspiration, why they chose the fabric to what fit might be the best for you. While the bridal consultants should be skilled in this area, it is an added bonus to hear this right from the top, from the person that carefully designed each stitch of the most important piece of clothing you will ever attire. So if you are looking for a dress from Allure bridals that you cannot find anywhere, you may very well find it at the next trunk show. Or if your gown budget was 900 and the Casablanca dress is $1000… well then the trunk show might be the way to go for you.