Late one quiet evening in January, flames engulfed a two-story building on Magazine Street. Second floor residents were safely evacuated, but a sea of wedding dresses, the inventory of Bliss Bridal, didn’t fare so well. As owner Katie Ward surveyed the damage of the fire, she told Fox 8 news, “We don't really get down, we just figure out what to do to keep going.”
And keep going they did. Within a matter of weeks, Ward and her Bliss Bridal team managed to gather up what inventory they could and moved down Magazine Street to a quaint new storefront. During the transition, Ward took advantage of the company’s sister store in Fairhope, Alabama, which assisted existing customers with their orders, allowing the New Orleans location to get moved, reopened and back on their feet.
Bliss Bridal, Ward and the Bliss team are excited about the fresh opportunities coming their way in the new space, in which they’ve already experienced a high number of walk-ins and booked appointments since moving day. The new space has breathed new life into the company. Bliss Bridal’s 750 sqare-foot showroom features a wide selection of price points and carries designer wedding gowns, as well as a line of Bill Levkoff bridesmaids dresses.
While visiting the new location, we jumped at the chance to find out from Ward what her customers are craving this season and to get a few trend tidbits.
"While lace is always a favorite, lately brides are all about leaving a lasting impression," says Ward. "Brides are in love with interesting backs, preferably low ones, and long trains. We are also seeing girls take risks by introducing contrasting colors to their bridal look. Taupes, champagnes, silvers and pinks are some of the requests we are answering daily."
Bliss Bridal, 3719 Magazine St., 504-592-7507, beablissbride.com/
Remember to mark your calendars for the New Orleans Bride June 2016 Bridal Show. Join wedding professionals from all over the city on June 15 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Stay tuned for more details.