We were delighted to get the chance to chat with one of our fabulous bridal retailers to learn more about their boutique and their business.

Jillian Forsberg, sales manager at Dress Gallery, provided us with some insider info about their boutique in Wichita, Kansas, current bridal trends, and the upcoming Moonlight Bridal trunk show at their boutique.

Q. How did you get your start as a business? What is the backstory for the boutique?

Dress Gallery started in half the space we are now in 2008. We had lots of prom, mom's and a few bridal. The owner, April, decided that bridal was something she wanted to try after buying out a store in California. After 8 years, an expansion in 2010, and a renovation in 2015, Dress Gallery has become the region's top-rated and best loved bridal store.

Q. What trends are you currently seeing in bridal fashion? Are there any personal favorites?

We're seeing illusion necklines, ruffles, and sparkle! We're in Kansas, so lace isn't going to go away anytime soon for our rustic-loving brides. Our personal favorite right now is Kai by Val Stefani. SO sparkly!!

Q. Can you walk us through a step-by-step process of the typical wedding dress shopping experience at your store?

Our brides love the experience here at Dress Gallery. They're greeted by our pro staff at our front counter, and the brides and their parties are taken to private fitting rooms where consultants pick their brains about the perfect style for them. After 5-7 dresses, we usually find ourselves on the custom runway in the front of the store where brides parade in front of large mirrors under a chandelier. And then they say yes!

Q. Is there any key “wedding dress shopping secret” that’s often overlooked by brides? If so, what?

A wedding dress shopping secret for me is that you have to keep an open mind. I usually pull a "wildcard" dress that a bride wouldn't pick for herself but fits her style, theme, and vision. Nine times out of ten, it ends up being the dress.

Q. What’s your favorite part of being a wedding dress boutique?

Our favorite part of our jobs is the celebratory environment. I tell people all the time that this moment with these people won't ever happen again in your lifetime. A gathering of the people you love is such a special thing. It's amazing to see generations of women come together for these beautiful moments, and when the dress is picked it's one of them. You won't ever have this same experience. Revel in it.

Q. What can visitors expect at a trunk show? Will there be any special trunk show promotions?

We schedule our appointments weeks in advance, so make sure you schedule! We're often fully booked and want to give everyone the best experience possible.

DG is the only store in the area with private fitting rooms and exclusive designers including Val Stefani and Moonlight. We have the best-rated store in the state!

Trunk shows are special here. Every display dress is a trunk show piece. Our featured rack of dresses are all trunk show pieces and a few store-favorites from that designer. We offer treats and snacks, and some special discounts.

Q. What do you enjoy most about working with Moonlight, and Val Stefani?

We LOVE Moonlight and Val Stefani. Their wedding dresses are beyond stunning, the prices are excellent, and the customer service is amazing. Brides can customize the little things that make a dress perfect for them without compromising one little bit. That makes a difference in our experiences with Moonlight brides- they often have one of a kind gowns that will never be replicated! That rocks!

We can’t wait for the upcoming trunk show at Dress Gallery! We love having the opportunity to work with such wonderful boutiques and people. Visit the staff at Dress Gallery February 17-19 for the trunk show. They are located at 1005 West Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67213.