New Outlet Helps Grads, Brides Save on Gowns
If timing really is everything, Priceless Bridal’s grand opening Sunday is on target. Judging from the “Where can I get?” requests that I receive, it seems that half the people in Los Angeles are always getting married or going to a prom--and need to save money on their attire.
So a factory outlet for a major manufacturer of these special-occasion gowns is sure to be a bonanza for brides and graduates on a budget. I’ve been sworn to secrecy regarding the manufacturer’s name, but you’ll find out soon enough when you visit the store. It is one of the largest and best-known names in the bridal business.
This store is divided into two basic parts--the clearance center and the gowns to order. In the clearance section, you’ll find discontinued styles, overruns and samples of gowns manufactured to sell for $650 to $1,000 but marked down to $198 to $599. The best deals are the one-of-a-kind samples, which are about 70% off the original retail price. These gowns have been modeled at showings and need to be cleaned.
Even the bridesmaids can score here. Gone are the days when the bride paid for the attendants’ gowns, so being asked to be a bridesmaid can be costly. Priceless Bridal has a good selection of bridesmaids’ dresses to choose from at $39 to $89, reflecting a reduction of 40% to 65%. The depth of the inventory on the bridesmaids’ dresses is surprisingly good for a factory outlet, and sizes range from 4 to 20. If the store is out of a size you need, you can special order it at full price.
We also found a good selection in prom dresses. The prom-goer will like the hot colors, sequins and metallics. Mom will probably prefer the pastels and laces. Also available in sizes 4 to 20, the prom dresses sell for 20% to 50% off the original prices. Those from last season will be the best bargains, although most of the inventory is now in specialty and department stores.
If what you want is not on the racks at Priceless Bridal, there’s the bridals-to-order department, which consists of the manufacturer’s catalogue offerings of bridal gowns for $300 to $675, which is 20% off the list price because you’re dealing directly with the manufacturer. If you order from the catalogue, however, allow three months for delivery. and since this outlet operates on a no-frills basis, no alterations are available on the premises.
Priceless Bridal is in the Fallbrook Mall (next door to Target), Suite 204, 6633 Fallbrook Ave., West Hills. Open 1 to 9 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. MasterCard/Visa, American Express, Discover. Call (818) 340-6514.
