Renate's Wedding Boutique Makes the Move to Wellwood

Once the question is popped, and the answer is yes, then the fun begins. Time to book the reception hall, make a guest list and plan a honeymoon.

There's a lot of work that goes into creating the perfect wedding, and for the bride it all starts with the dress.

That's where Renate's Wedding Boutique comes in. For 27 years owner Donna Meuse and her team have helped brides-to-be be all they can when they walk down the aisle.

Her shop has recently relocated to South Wellwood Avenue from East Montauk Highway - a lengthy process to be sure, but one Donna believes will be worth the effort.

"I thought it would be a nice change. The store that I was renting needed a tremendous amount of work. It didn't have the appeal that it had when the Narragansett Inn [catering hall] was there," Meuse said.

Meuse first saw the location on Wellwood in early 2010 - a vacant grocery store below the Studio Theatre. She secured a lease, and went through a lot of twists and turns to get the necessary permits for the shop's facade.

For one Meuse had to go through the buildings department for the necessary permits for the facade. She also had to have all her utilities inspected. By the time that was completed, the busy Spring/Summer season hit, and she put the move on hold.

Meuse finally made the move to the new locale recently, so that the bridal salon was up and operating before the busy season hits -which is any day now. Once New Year's hits, it's selling season at Renate's, according to Meuse, as the countdown begins to all those Spring and Summer weddings.

The salon - which could also be found online - is in the midst of a soft opening since it's still in the process of some minor renovations like completing the installation of the mirrors in the viewing rooms and final key touches like ensuring the phone system is working well.

However, Meuse and her staff at the salon's new location are at the ready to welcome brides inside as they seek to look their best on the big day.

That means the dress, and Renate's offers the latest styles of gowns, not just for the bride, but for Mom, the bridesmaids - right on down to the flower girl. For the younger set, "the big day" usually means the prom, and the boutique caters to teens looking to make a big impression, as well.

Renate's also has accessories covered, with shoes, bags and, of course, jewelry, to make the bride sparkle before her guests.

Meuse said that wedding season could be stressful, but the salon and staff aim to please, as again, it's all about the bride, and what she wants.

"It's a nice, pleasant business. People are happy. It's a good event. If you do the right thing, and you take care of your customers, then you have a following," she said.

Meuse readily admits she's sometimes forced to play the role of bridal therapist, as brides (and, of course, their mothers) could be a bit overwhelmed with the task at hand, and aren't always in the best of moods.

She hasn't had too many "bridezillas" come through her doors, but she's seen it all, and has created a warm, inviting atmosphere for "Miss-soon-to-be-Mrs." bride and company.

"As the event draws closer, the stress level for the bride and the family increases, so you kind of have to be the in-between, the calming effect. You want everything to be correct on their dress," Meuse said.

She seems most proud of the fact that girls for whom she provided a sweet 16 gown later come back for their wedding dress. She feels it speaks of the reputation of Renate's through the years, and feels that reputation will follow her now that she's in the heart of Lindy.

"I do think it's a beautiful store. I think we'll do really well here," she said.