Uptown Bridal & Boutique in Chandler

Nicole, myself and Tonia, my fabulous good friends who own Uptown Bridal & Boutique.

Uptown Bridal & Boutique in Chandler, Ariz. is a family owned and operated business, run by twins Tonia Tinker and Nicole Gould and their mother Dianne Everson.  I’ve known the Everson family for the past nine+ years when Nicole and I were on the Fiesta Bowl Court together and I became close with her amazing family.  They are such amazingly wonderful friends and I am happy to watch them succeed.

With genuine kindness, love for pretty things and joy they share with the excited brides that come through their doors, it’s no wonder Uptown has been awarded: Best of Weddings 2010 by readers of The Knot, 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards from Weddingwire.com, Winning recognition from The Wedding Chronicles Reader’s Poll 2008, 2009 & 2010, Finalists in Best Bridal, Best Bridesmaid, and Best Accessories in The Best of 2010 by Arizona Bride’s Magazine including a win in Best Accessories.  If you haven’t popped in the store yet, go, it’s just darling.  Co-owner Tonia Tinker answers a few questions for the brides (and future ones) to help you find that perfect dress.

What should a bride know before she goes shopping for a dress? (Is it important to know her budget, venue, or theme of her wedding?
Shopping for a wedding gown is an experience to be remembered forever. As the bride, you should keep in mind a few key details before you visit Uptown.  A realistic budget is an essential factor that needs to be considered.  Only try on what you are comfortable spending.  Also, the formality of the venue, time of year, weather should be evaluated.  You will want to be comfortable, so you feel fabulous.   Consider the overall feeling or theme of the wedding, but also remember it is one of the most important days of your life.  Don’t have any regrets.  Most importantly, you need to have good sense of your own style and personality.  Keep in mind what looks best on you everyday.  You will want to still look like you, just a fabulous bridal version of yourself!

How important are appointments at bridal shops?
Appointments are highly recommended.  By scheduling an appointment, our boutique expects your arrival and are prepared and excited to help you.  If you decide not to schedule an appointment, there is a chance someone else has, and we don’t want you to feel like anyone is more important than you.  If you take the time to visit our store, we want to take the time to help you find “the one”, and by scheduling an appointment we can make it happen.

How many people should a bride bring to dress shop with her?
Bring the people whose opinions matter the most to you.  It is a special experience, and we love to see memories being made everyday.  Keep the guests to a minimum or opinions will be flying all over the place.  Remember, it is what you want to wear!

What are the price point of the dresses Uptown Bridal & Boutique offers?
At Uptown, we have bridal gowns in a wide price range.  Gowns range from $800- $ 4000.  But, we have a fabulous informal collection that is very-well priced below $600.

Most budget conscience brides assume David’s Bridal is the only place to find a dress on a budget, where else can brides go?
Budget brides… Come to Uptown!!!  We have gown styles with amazing construction and fabric selections at beautiful prices.  We have an on-going sample sale, where you can purchase a beautiful wedding gown that has been tried on only a few times at up to 50%.  Also, you get the “Uptown” experience.

Diana Elizabeth believes that every part of your engagement is an incredibly wonderful experience that should be celebrated and enjoyed every step of the way.  Savor every moment and find the right people, vendors, stores and all to be a part of this once in a lifetime event!  Happy planning!