Today we are posting the second vendor spotlight in our series which we will be running over the next few months. See below for a list of the previous vendor spotlights.
In today’s post we are featuring one of the best bridal stores in the Lower Mainland, Everything But The Groom. Located in Downtown Langley, Everything But The Groom is a bridal store that has dresses for everyone. I had a chance to visit the owner Heidi, and the girls over at EBTG last weekend to take some photos of the store and talk to them about why they love wedding dresses.
One of the things I love about this store is how they have a great selection of dresses in every size. Being plus sized myself I know how stressful it was for me thinking about going to try on dresses and never finding anything that fit my body. I completely understand that this is a feeling many brides have, no matter what size you wear. But this is not something you have to worry about when shopping at Everything But The Groom!
I had been in the store on two previous occasions when planning my wedding (I got my veil from them), and I remember thinking to myself that the environment or feeling in the store was so friendly and relaxed. I think many people feel that wedding dress stores can be stuffy, but this is not the case at EBTG. You can tell the consultants are having a tonne of fun and all love their jobs, and that the clients are truly enjoying their bridal experience. They pride themselves in having dresses for everyone and making every dress buying experience special and unique.
In talking with Heidi and the girls at the store, I could immediately tell how much they loved their experience of helping a bride find “the” dress. And while the dress buying experience can be stressful, they will help to take all the worries away from you.
I think one of the things that make Everything But The Groom stand out is their 4 private bridal rooms for you to try on the dresses. In these rooms they have changing rooms, couches, and an open area to come out and see yourself in big floor to ceiling mirrors. You have lots of space, and it’s your own to enjoy for your appointment.
Everything But The Groom also has a large selection of bridesmaids dresses, mother dresses, as well as prom dresses.
We had a chance to ask Heidi some questions about Everything But The Groom.
What can brides expect when coming to Everything but the Groom?
We pride ourselves on providing a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where the bride and her entourage can enjoy the dress shopping experience. Our semi-private lounge areas allow brides to feel comfortable and at ease.
How many years have you been helping brides find "the dress"?
We just celebrated our 11-year anniversary on October 29th!
What kind of bride to you have dresses for?
I would say just about any kind of bride. We always have a sale rack for those that are more budget conscious and we carry a wide variety of destination dresses for those heading to warmer climates. We a so carry an amazing collection of plus size gowns for those brides that are more curvy.
What's your favourite part/moments about weddings?
I love the moment when the bride appears at the end of the aisle and everyone sees her and her gown for the first time. I love seeing a bride’s personal style reflected by the gown she chose. I also love seeing the look on her grooms face when he sees her for the first time.
What makes you stand out amongst all the other bridal stores?
We aren’t afraid to have fun, and it shows. We all love what we do and our customers tell us all the time they love our honesty and our no pressure environment
What is your best advice for a newly engaged bride trying on dresses for the first time?
Try to limit the number of people that you bring along for the shopping experience. You want to make sure your voice is heard and you get a dress that represents your vision of how you want to look on your wedding day. Too many opinions can be overwhelming for some brides.
What other services do you offer?
We also offer bridesmaids, flower girl, and mothers dresses as well as a great selection of veils, jewelry and hair accessories. Our staff also includes 3 seamstresses that can help with alterations to make your dress fit like a glove.
Where do you see bridal trends going over the next few years?
I see trends moving towards a simple elegance. Lace will still continue to be strong, but we are also seeing a return to classic fabrics like satin and mikado. The ball gown is also seeing a rise in popularity after a few years of more fitted silhouettes.
Do you Offer customization for the bride that wants something a little different?
Our seamstresses are able to offer custom options to add on to a gown that has already been purchased, however we do not offer custom gowns from scratch.
What brands of dresses do you sell?
Mori Lee, Calla Blanche, Alfred Angelo, Blush by Hayley Paige, Madison James, Mon Cheri, Sophia Tolli, Venus and Bonny
How far in advance do you recommend for a bride to start shopping for her dress?
I recommend giving yourself 6-8 months. Most dresses take about 4 months to arrive once ordered and then you want to give yourself a comfortable amount of time for alterations.
What do you love the most about selling wedding dresses?
Finding the bride's perfect dress and the look on her face when she really sees herself as a bride in that gown.
If you could meet any wedding dress designer who would it be and why?
I would love to have met Helen Rose. She designed Princess Grace's bridal gown. I love its classic beauty and elegance.
Is there anything else that you would like for people to know about Everything but the Groom?
Wedding dress shopping should be fun! We want to make sure you, and your friends and family have a memorable experience.
Client Feedback
My experience at Everything But the Groom was great over all. I first met Laura from EBTG at a wedding show, and being a plus size bride I quickly realized that the dress style I had in my head and the dress style that would suit my body were drastically different things. Laura made me feel comfortable and at ease and I never felt like I needed to justify why a dress made me feel like a lump, she just took it away and brought back 2 more options! My mom, grandma and bridesmaids all made several trips to the Everything but the Groom's Salon in Langley after the show and tried on a number of different dresses before we found "the one" - the ladies were always friendly and very helpful with my (many) questions. We actually purchased our bridesmaids dresses through EBTG as well because we found the quality we wanted at a price that wouldn't break the bank! We even got a discount on the girls dresses since I'd purchased mine there. The ladies were great with keeping me updated on the arrival of our dresses and accessories, and I felt informed through the entire process. I would thoroughly recommend any bride, no matter her size, to go to EBTG and work with Laura (she's wonderful) The salon is bright and beautiful, the staff is friendly, and you get that bridal shop experience but free of the snooty or stuffy atmosphere that can sometimes come with them. Happy hunting! - Laura
Everything But the Groom is a delightful boutique bridal shop jam packed with beautiful dress choices! I was thrilled that my unconventional dress dreams could be met and I fell in love with a beautiful caramel gown, well within my budget. I would and have recommended them to other brides I know. I love my dress, and it made for some epic photos in the wind storm that joined us on our day! – Rhea
So when you are looking for “the” dress, make sure you check out Everything But The Groom!
Phone: 604-534-9474
Address: 20478 Fraser Hwy Langley, BC V3A 4G2
Website: www.everythingbuthegroom.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/langleybridal
Instagram: www.instagram.com/everythingbutthegroom
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ebtglangley/pins
