Business Profile: The White Dress By The Shore

Found in a charming antique home perfectly suited for the classic New England bride, The White Dress by the shore features unforgettable attire for the bride, maids and mothers. The boutique specializes in customized gowns and dresses, and offers exclusive lines and individualized services including in-house alterations, bridal styling and dressing service for the big day.  Patch interviewed owner and stylist Beth Chapman.

How long have you lived in Clinton: I live in Guilford.  I have owned the building in Clinton for 11 years and I started my business seven years ago.

How did The White Dress by the shore get its name: Originally, the boutique was supposed to be called The White Dress.  When I went to my first bridal market in New York, I discovered that there was a store in California with the same name. Although many bridal stores in the country share the same name, I felt strongly that our name was unique.  I decided to change the name to The White Dress by the shore.

What is the history of the business: I was married in Madison in 1997 and when I was shopping for my gown, I realized that there were no retailers along the shoreline that had classic, elegant dresses for brides, maids and mothers. There were no boutiques in the area that catered to the classic New England bride. A New England bride should not have to travel to New York City to get the perfect gown. I created the boutique so that brides in the area and throughout the state can get the gown of their dreams right here on the shore.  We always say that we have all the style of New York, with the charm of Connecticut! I feel strongly that the experience of purchasing your wedding attire should be a memorable one.  I received terrible service when shopping for my gown.  I set out to create an environment for brides and her loved ones that was special and intimate-  truly one of a kind.

What are brides looking for these days? The brides that come to The White Dress by the shore are looking to be unique.  They want a gown that reflects their personal style.  A lot of the gowns that we are selling currently have a lot of feminine details.  We sell a lot of lace gowns.  Right now gowns with layers of organzas, ruffles and dotted Swiss fabrics are currently en vogue.  Brides are accenting their gowns with beautiful embellished sashes.  Often times a bride will add the sash for her reception to give her gown a different look from the ceremony.

What makes The White Dress by the shore unique: We set ourselves apart with the exceptional service that we offer and the intimate experience that we provide.  The majority of the lines that we carry are exclusive to us in the state.  We have become a destination for brides from not only all over Connecticut, but from New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and beyond! 

What do you like best about town: I like the quaint and historic atmosphere.

What do you least like about town: I wish there were more restaurants and inns to service my clients who are travelling from a distance.

Fondest memory of town: I love holiday time in town when all of the stores and homes are decorated with lights and greenery!

Any personal thoughts you'd like to share: I appreciate Clinton Patch supporting small businesses like ours.  It is difficult to survive as a small business in the economy that we are in and with the governmental constraints that small businesses are faced with.  Recognition from publications like yours and word of mouth from our loyal clientele is what help us to continue to thrive and grow!

The White Dress by the shore |104 East Main Street | 860-669-4596  | www.thewhitedressbytheshore.com