Bridal Shop Serves Marlborough 12 Years and Counting

This full service wedding gown and party dress shop has quite a history.

"My grandmother designed wedding gowns in Brazil," said Nilza White who co-owns the store with her daughter, Michelle Berio, "I was the only one in my family of 10 children who was interested in fashion."

Previously located across the street at 534 Lincoln St., White explains that she and her husband purchased the building where the shop is currently housed about five years ago.

"The building was renovated. Then, my husband moved his business, , and I moved my bridal shop into it."

"I first started because I wanted to help my mother out and see if I liked doing it," said Berio, co-owner for four years and business graduate of Massachusetts Bay Community College. "When you own a business, it's not just about the products. You need a personality as well and I bring mine to the table," she said with a smile.

When a prom dress is sold, the store documents the girl's name and style number of the item. The owners then do not order any more dresses like it to avoid two girls showing up at the prom wearing the same thing.

Both women each have favorite designers when it comes to wedding gowns, prom dresses and bridesmaid attire.

"I like simple designs and I choose each gown carefully from the buyer," said White, who also mentioned that the best part of her job is seeing a happy bride in her shop. Berio shared that she feels very rewarded when everyone involved in the wedding, including the mother of the bride and other extended family, look great in their attire and everything goes smoothly.

The shop typically attends four or five bridal shows per year. Some include runway fashion shows and trunk shows. A trunk show gives brides and other patrons the opportunity to try on gowns right at the Special Event Bridal Shoppe's booth.

"We usually bring along about 50 gowns from different designers to a trunk show," said Berio, "Most [businesses] don't do that. If a girl tries one on and wants to buy it, she can order it right there on the spot."

The store is a member of a vendor association known as New England Wedding Professionals. The Special Event Bridal Shoppe is participating in a Maggie Sottero Trunk and Fashion Show hosted by this organization on Sunday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hyatt Harborside Hotel in Boston. Visit the Special Event Bridal Shoppe's website by clicking here.