photos by CARRIE ALLEN
Owning and managing The Perfect Dress boutique in Mooresville is a dream come true for mother-daughter team Dina and Brooke Haugstatter. Guiding customers to find the styles that make them feel most beautiful — and confident — is their absolute favorite part of the job!
With the experience she gained opening her first bridal store in New Jersey in 1991, working for Liz Claiborne in Manhattan, and then venturing out on her own, Dina is well-versed in helping mothers choose the perfect ensemble for their son or daughter’s wedding day.
You’ll find The Perfect Dress boutique situated in the historic Merino Mill, a building that already exudes romantic ambiance, and is an ideal setting for the all-important mothers to pamper themselves! Dina always tells moms of the bride and groom to give themselves plenty of time – ideally five or six months – so they can order something they love and have time for any necessary alterations. She also reminds them to enjoy every single moment of the experience!
“It’s important for me that every client, no matter her size, shape, or personal style, feels beautiful in her dress,” says Dina. “I take pride in treating every client equally and making sure everyone knows how much they matter to us!”
When it comes to decision-making, today’s mother-of-the-bride or groom shouldn’t feel restricted to the traditional attire.
“Mother-of-the-bride or groom dress etiquette has seen its changes over the years, offering mothers the opportunity to spotlight their unique personal style,” Dina advises. “Whether you love sparkle and beading, simple and chic, shorter or longer hemlines, sleeves or off-the-shoulder, there are endless options. There’s a dress out there that will make you feel beautiful and confident on your daughter or son’s big day.
She also wisely advises that mothers should not forget about themselves throughout the planning process! It’s just as important that they give themselves almost as much time to find their dresses as the bride does.
“When shopping at a speciality store you will have the option to order a dress in the style, color, and size of your choice, which could take up to 16 weeks for delivery,” explains Dina.
While the look of the mothers’ attire should complement the overall wedding color palette, the season, and the wedding venue, the ultimate choice should be one that mirrors her personal style. Tradition does still suggest that the groom’s mother waits to see what the bride’s mother is going to wear before choosing her dress — the groom’s mother never wants to outshine the bride’s mother!
From proms and homecomings, to mothers’ gowns, special occasions, and quinceañeras, The Perfect Dress is stocked with the latest styles from well-known designers. Visit the boutique at 500 S. Main Street, Suite #116, in Mooresville, 704-978-9928, or online at Theperfectdressnc.com. Boutique hours are Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday noon – 5:00 p.m.
