Wedding Gowns get another go round

 By Miriam King, Bradford Times

Tara Savoline first heard about Gown Go Round when her sister was looking for a wedding gown, at a reasonable price.

Then operated out of Newmarket, Gown Go Round offered an outlet for brides to sell their used wedding gowns on consignment – and for brides-to-be to find beautiful gowns at budget prices.

Not only did her sister find the gown of her dreams, a princess-style dress with pearls, beading and a long train, Tara was impressed by the concept. “We thought, what an amazing idea!”

In fact, she was so impressed that when Gown Go Round was put up for sale two years ago, she bought the business.

Now located in Savoline’s Holland Landing home, Gown Go Round carries bridal gowns on consignment. Most have been worn once, but some are brand-new – either dresses from bridal shops that are going out of business, or gowns purchased by brides who then found something that they liked more. “They buy it because it’s a deal, and then they don’t really love it.”

Savoline has on average 350 wedding gowns at any given time, ranging in size from 0 to 26, although the biggest selection is in the size 6 to 12 range. White is always popular, but there is a growing demand for ivory (“Ivory looks good on everyone, where white isn’t for everyone”), and for gowns with a touch of color.

Many are designer gowns, by the likes of Maggie Sottero (“She’s my biggest seller!”), Alfred Angelo, Alfred Sung and Pronovias. All dresses range in price from $100, to a high of $800, even though a dress might have originally cost thousands. As Savoline points out, “My clientele doesn’t have the budget to go over $800” - resulting in savings that range from 50% to 80% off the original purchase price.

At the request of customers, she does offer a rental option, but since the rental price includes the consignment fee and cleaning costs, and prohibits any alterations, it’s more economical and convenient to purchase a dress - especially since the bride can then bring it back to be sold on consignment again.

Almost all of the gowns are less than 2 years old, to keep the styles current. After all, Savoline says, “Why keep your wedding dress for 30 years so your daughter can laugh at it? Let someone enjoy it while it’s still in style.”

Gown Go Round also carries dresses for flower girls, and accessories, including shoes, tiaras and necklaces, and veils. “As soon as they put the veil on, everyone cries,” says Savoline. Trying on a gown, “it’s just a girl in a pretty dress, but put on the veil – she’s a bride.”

For more information, call 905-898-4696, or visit www.gowngoround.com