Bridal by Crown is recognized with ribbon cutting.
Although it officially opened its doors last July, Bridal by Crown finally had its ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday.
The shop offers wedding dresses and is located in downtown Plant City.
Upon entering, a vast array of gowns in various shapes, sizes, and designs are seen hanging on racks.
Crystal and Cliff Brown are the founders of the shop which has gained recognition in Plant City since it opened.
The couple also started Crown Entertainment five years ago, which encompasses the bridal shop as well as Cliff’s own establishment.
“My husband and I, we own Crown Entertainment,” Crystal said. “We do DJ-photo-video coordinating and we’ve constantly seen brides asking, ‘where should I go to get my dress?’”
That’s how the concept came about, and she chose her friend Leslie Wendt to be the shop’s manager.
“Leslie and her mom have been creating dresses from absolutely nothing her whole life,” Crystal said. “Leslie is in charge of it. She does everything, she’s phenomenal. It’s been a great addition to Plant City.”
In addition to helping a bride choose a dress, Leslie asks if there is a DJ or chosen location for the reception. This is where Cliff comes in. The first floor of his Five 5 Studio in downtown has an open space for special occasions to take place, including wedding receptions.
Bridal by Crown typically has about five dress shopping appointments on Saturdays alone, and about eight to 10 appointments during the week.
“Each appointment is a private appointment, so the bride feels like she has our full attention, where she is the spotlight,” Wendt said. “We have all designer gowns in our store. Nothing is marked over $1,499, so we’re just trying to make it affordable.”
The ladies try to consistently keep new dresses in inventory that are trendy. They typically purchase gowns from various designers that offer a variety of styles and sizes. They’re planning on traveling to Atlanta to meet with about 50 designers and determine what’s going to work best for Bridal by Crown.
That’s the most fun part of the job, Wendt said.
Aside from gowns, the shop also offers accessories such as veils, belts, head pieces, and earrings.
“We order dresses, but if they find a dress in the store today,” Wendt said, “they get to take it with them.”
This way the brides don’t have to order a dress and wait several months.
Of all places to open up the establishment, they chose their small town that has a familiar feel.
“Both of us grew up here, so we absolutely have our hearts here in Plant City,” Wendt said. “The community – it’s such a small tight-knit community. Why not Plant City?”
Even if a bride leaves without purchasing a dress, the more important thing is that she leaves feeling cared for at the shop.
The ladies have big plans for the future.
Currently the shop is at full capacity and they’re looking for a larger spot to move to.
“We want to expand,” Crystal said. “That’s our ultimate goal. We want to be the go-to of Central Florida for our brides.”
