As a bride-to-be approaches her big day, she’s got a lot to think about. And her wedding dress is one of the most critical decisions she will have to make.
There may be a temptation to walk into a bridal shop and buy the first dress recommended to her.
But Carmela Johnson, owner of True Me Boutique in St. Augustine, recommends a bride take her time, do some research and shop around. And if the recommended gown isn’t quite right for her, it’s OK to say no.
Of course, finding that right dress means more than seeking that long-idealized dream gown. It’s important to find the dress that looks best on the bride. That’s why it’s a good idea to consult with a professional who has been in the business and has the bride’s best interest in mind.
And to remember that tried-and-true advice: Try it on.
“It’s always best to try it on and see what really looks good on you,” said Johnson. “And be open minded. Sometimes, they’re scared to try a gown because they think it’s too sexy or it’s ‘not my body type,’ but don’t be afraid to put it on and give it a try. Because you never know. It might look really good on you.”
Johnson also recommends bringing a couple of close friends or family members along for support on these shopping excursions. But don’t bring too many people. That only leads to confusion, as each may have a completely different idea on what looks good. Ultimately, it’s the bride’s big day – she is the one wearing the dress – so it’s her decision.
Because so many brides find themselves severely dieting so that they can squeeze into a tight dress, Johnson, an experienced seamstress, offers a solution in the alteration stage.
“I always tell the girls: Let me make it a little bit bigger,” she said. “It’s easier to take in than let out.”
When speaking with her customers, Johnson always asks them about a few key considerations: How big the wedding will be, where it is to be held, and the month. The best dress for one answer may be different than the best dress for another.
For instance, a lot of local brides plan to get married at the beach.
“If you’re getting married at the beach, you don’t want to have a huge train, because it’s just going to be in the sand,” Johnson said.
And some months bring more rain – something to be considered if the ceremony is to be outdoors.
Another consideration is cost.
Not everyone can afford expensive designer gowns. Johnson sells gowns that look expensive, but are not.
And True Me Boutique offers another big money-saver: Because Johnson is a seamstress with years of experience doing alterations, she can offer that service in-house at a discount for women purchasing their dresses from her. True Me Boutique is a one-stop shop.
This is not a small matter. Pretty much very wedding dress requires alterations, which can seriously boost the price of the dress. A bride may purchase a $1,000 dress, only to discover that it will cost her another $1,000 to get altered.
“Alterations are expensive,” said Johnson. “I’m not.”
In fact, Johnson – who actually has a degree in restaurant management – started her career as a seamstress. Growing up in the Philippines, she always knew how to sew, but after moving here in 2004 she learned how to become a seamstress.
She began doing that professionally in 2007 and acquired an expertise in wedding dresses, gowns and suits. She bought her first alterations business – the one she was working for – in 2014. She went on to open a dry-cleaning business. Both businesses are in St. Augustine Beach.
Then, in August 2023, she opened True Me Boutique at 2794 U.S. 1 South, St. Augustine. It’s the business she calls her baby.
“I love it,” she said with her characteristic enthusiasm.
In addition to wedding gowns, she sells dresses for the entire entourage: bridesmaids, mother of the bride, etc. She also sells dresses for prom, homecoming, galas – you name it.
And because some of her customers decide to get married while visiting St. Augustine for the weekend and therefore need a dress quickly, she has gowns in all sizes in her shop.
True Me Boutique is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
While brides-to-be can stop by anytime to browse, Johnson encourages them to make an appointment to try dresses on. That way, she can be there to help them pick out the right dress.
Learn more at www.shoptrueme.com. Or call 904-460-4046.
