ABOUT BRIDES ON A BUDGET

Brides on a Budget…Elegance at an Affordable Price!

Diane Shepherd always had an eye for fashion, as studying the latest trends was one of her passions in life.  On August 4, 2003, this passion was the driving force behind the creation of Brides On A Budget.  Diane identified and developed a niche in the Middle Tennessee bridal wear market by offering high quality formal wear at very affordable prices.  Her attention to detail and exceptional customer service guaranteed the success of the store.  Diane had owned and managed the shop for 10 successful years until she decided to retire and enjoy a stress free life (Actually, she still works at the shop a few days a week!).  Diane would put her heart and soul into making people happy and create that experience for her customers that would last a lifetime.

One of Diane’s greatest successes was the realization that a professional on site alterations person would compliment her business and the services that she was offering.   An on site alterations professional could show and demonstrate the creativity that could be done to a dress.  Diane had searched and tried various alterations people over the years, but none could consistently meet her requirements.  One day, Diane had heard of a woman named Polly Cowan, who is well know for her alterations on pageant dresses.  Polly had altered dresses for 14 Miss Tennessee / Miss USA winners over the past 20 years.  Diane knew that Polly was the person she was seeking.  They did not get together immediately though.

Polly operated a succesful alterations and custom dress making shop on the west side of Lebanon.  Her customers would come from as far as Memphis to have Polly work on their garments.  Her core group of customers were bridal shops located from Nashville to Cookeville.  Polly handled alterations for the Village Boutique, The White Room, Beauty Queens Boutique, and Brides On A Budget.  She developed a reputation as the most creative alterations person in Middle Tennessee.

Diane worked a deal with Polly to get her to work at her shop as her in house alterations person.   They also worked out a plan to transition the business to Polly when Diane decides to retire.  We do not anticipate this happening at any time in the near future, as they are having so much fun working together!