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Diane Halfpenny opened the doors to let the sun and warmth flood her new shop while she worked at getting Say Yes Bridal Gallery ready for its downtown debut. And even though the store was not yet open, people began popping in.
“I still remember the weekend of the car show, we had people coming in,” she said with a smile. “We actually sold dresses before we opened in September (of 2012).”
It was a good omen for the entrepreneur, who had done her homework before deciding to open the bridal salon.
“I grew up in Simcoe County and have lived in Muskoka and when I looked at the demographics and the market, I discovered there was no bridal shop, at that time, between Huntsville and Barrie,” said Halfpenny. “Orillia was the perfect location.”
When she started looking for a new home for her new venture, she didn’t set her sights solely on the downtown. “To be honest, the research I did showed that a bridal salon is a destination … the experts said location wasn’t really that big of a deal.”
But when her property search brought her downtown, she quickly changed her mind. “I just love the vibe,” she says. “I talked with some of the other downtown merchants and I just felt like this is where I want to be. The work the Downtown Orillia Management Board does to promote the downtown and bring events downtown … it’s been fantastic.”
Response to the unique shop has also been fantastic, she said. Halfpenny, who operates the store with her daughter, Nicole MacDonald, has taken pains to create a welcoming, intimate atmosphere for brides-to-be, with a brightly-lit, upbeat salon area featuring floor-to-ceiling mirrors and beautifully-appointed change rooms.
“I think we offer something quite different than a big-box bridal shop or an over-priced boutique,” said MacDonald. “In those places, there are wall-to-wall dresses and you are sort of left to your own devices. They lack the personal touch. That’s what we as personal bridal consultants provide.”
It’s something you can’t get online, Halfpenny warned. “We’ve heard a lot of horror stories from brides who have bought dresses online and who end up here in tears with a poorly-made dress that doesn’t look anything like what they looked at online,” she said.
At Say Yes Bridal Gallery, each experience is customized.
“It’s important to work within the bride’s budget, so we sit down and talk to the bride and get a sense of what they’re looking for,” said MacDonald, who noted that while each bride is measured for size, there is almost always a need for alterations.
MacDonald said most brides come in with something particular in mind. “Many times, they end up choosing something completely different,” she said. “We’re the bride’s advocate. Sometimes, they can be overwhelmed by the bridal party – one negative comment can really change their view, so we’re there to try to help them through the process.”
It’s that attention to detail and willingness to work with each prospective bride that sets them apart, said Halfpenny. And, she added, it’s part of the reason they recently earned the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce customer service award.
“That is so gratifying for us,” said Halfpenny. “We really do try to do whatever we can for the customer. For example, we recently had a bridal party that could only get together on a Sunday morning, so I opened the store early so we could accommodate them.”
When she learned last year that a Barrie bridal shop closed suddenly, leaving many would-be brides without dresses, she rushed in to help. “I got as many gowns replaced as I could. I felt really bad for them,” said Halfpenny. “I didn’t make any money; I just wanted to help.”
MacDonald said it’s the type of service that defines Say Yes Bridal Gallery.
“Customer service is the most important thing to us,” she said, noting they steam each dress they sell free of charge. “Our customers are walking, talking billboards and in a small, connected community like this, word-of-mouth advertising is really important.”
In addition to a focus on superior customer service, the two women behind the downtown shop say their array of quality wedding and prom dresses is just as important.
“Every dress in our store is personally selected by us,”’ said Halfpenny, noting Say Yes offers a wide selection of sample gowns – sweet, glamorous, chic, trendy and sophisticated – in sizes 4 to 24.
“We offer quality gowns at affordable prices to suit every taste, style, size and budget,” said Halfpenny. “We have done our homework and have a beautiful selection from Alfred Angelo, MoriLee, Sincerity, Sweetheart and David Tutera for Mon Cheri.”
In addition to dresses for brides, bridesmaids and those heading to a prom or formal function, Say Yes Bridal Gallery also sells accessories such as veils, headpieces, jewelry and purses.
“We love to be able to help brides and those in the bridal party find everything they need to make their day special and memorable,” said MacDonald. “We are all about them; it’s their day and we want it to be the best day possible.”
It’s proven to be a recipe for success, said Halfpenny, noting many brides often drop in after the big day to show off wedding photos and thank them for their help. “What I’m discovering is they come in as customers and they leave as friends,” said Halfpenny. “It’s so gratifying to play a role in their special day.”
For more information, drop into Say Yes Bridal Gallery at 46 Mississaga St. E, call 705-259-4937 or visit sayyesbridalgallery.com.
Submitted photo:
Diane Halfpenny, right, and her daughter, Nicole MacDonald, operate Say Yes Bridal Gallery in downtown Orillia. The intimate bridal shop opened in September of 2012 and has become recognized for its superior customer service and selection of quality dresses.
