From prom to wedding

continued

With two suites, there's ample room for showcasing an array of designer bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and a smattering of flower girl dresses. She'll also sell homecoming and prom dresses and formal wear, especially around the winter holidays. She'll sell veils, hairpieces, and jewelry. "But I won't be doing mother-of-the-bride dresses," she says. Evidently that requires another whole line of inventory and a tremendous investment, and Holding wants to focus more on the bride for now.

The walls are painted in a flattering soft purple called "wood violet" with accents in "heavenly white." Light pours through the double store windows. The floors will be carpeted in a black, white, and gray speckled pattern. The bridal side of the shop will feature a pedestal area for fitting with seating for viewing. Three huge dressing rooms allow plenty of room for trying on those Cinderella, Lady Diana style gowns. Local seamstress Priscilla Johnson will come twice weekly for fittings and alterations and Holding has invited local hair stylist Susan Jarvela, of Saline's 199th Avenue Salon, to come in and help customers with their hair--"That's important so brides-to-be can see how different hairstyles look with different bridal gowns," Holding says. She'll sell made-to-order designer gowns by Allure, Venus, the Ella collection from Essence of Australia, and the Kathy Ireland collection from Mon Cheri, ranging in price from $550 to $1800. She'll also stock some off-the-rack gowns in the $300 to $800 price range. Holding already has about 100 dresses for homecoming. "Expect lots of bling for this season's homecoming dresses," she says.

White Arbor Bridal & Formals, 6877 State Rd., suites B & C. 470-6805. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. Noon-5 p.m.

---