Wedding Season: Christmas for a Local Bridal Shop

As June begins to roll around and the consistent warm weather arrives, the sounds of church bells can be heard in the distance. That's right, it's wedding season.

June through October are the most popular months to get married in America. June in particular is at the top of the list. The name June is derived from Juno, the roman goddess of marriage. It his historically thought that couples who marry in June would be blessed.

Currently, the most common reasons for people to get married in the month of June are because of the beautiful weather, fresh spring flowers and the more out-door venues available.

Mayra Perez-Lowey, owner of the in Fair Haven, knows a thing or two about the craziness this time of year can bring. "Wedding season to us is like Christmas to big department stores," Lowey said, taking her first bite of lunch at 4 p.m. "The phone rings off the hook, we have countless orders to fill and even more women to fit for their dresses." 

The Barefoot Bride is one of the only local bridal shops in Rumson and Fair Haven. The shop has been in business since 1966 and Lowey has had ownership since 2006. This adorable little shop is known for it's true customer service and dedication to clients.

According to Lowey, wedding season has it's ups and downs for her shop. "The great part about this season is that we get lots of business, and more business is always good for a local shop."

The problems, according to Lowey, have everything to do with the current recession. Dress vendors have cut back employment, which slows down the rate of orders coming in to Lowey's shop. "We are so backed up with orders, and that is what makes this such a hectic time," Lowey said. "Due to their cut backs, vendors are taking longer to get my orders in, which is an inconvenience to my clients."

Being the owner of a local shop, Lowey is dedicated to her clients. "Even though we face problems like backed up orders, I always make sure that my clients get what they need before the time of their wedding," Lowey said. "When we are up against big-name companies we feel that excellent customer service is what will keep people coming back."

Carly Lagrotteria stopped in the Barefoot Bride for a dress fitting and said that her experience at Lowey's shop has been nothing but fabulous. "I have family members that gush about this place," Lagrotteria said. "The service is great, the people who work here are friendly and it has been a great experience coming here."

Lagrotteria has seen first hand the craziness of wedding season. "A cousin of mine got married this time last year," Lagrotteria said. "Let me tell you - it was hectic. I think the craziness had everything to do with the time of year the wedding was."

According to Lowey, some brides can be really stressed out this time of year. "Women can be very intense during wedding season," Lowey said. "Even though it is supposed to be the happiest time of their lives, it can still bring out the worst in people. "Bridezilla or not, Lowey always tries to be patient and understanding with her customers.

Lowey is currently dealing with about 20 different brides in her shop this month. Her shop caters to brides who are looking for a medium price point. With the economy in it's current state, and the overwhelming amount of weddings this time of year, a local shop like the Barefoot Bride has what any bride is looking for.