The Bridal Cottage — Local services in North Little Rock

When I first got engaged, I was years away from planning my wedding. And wedding dress shopping was one of the last things on my mind. As someone who is in a bigger body, plus-size, etc, however you want to say it, clothes shopping in general can be so, so overwhelming.

I first began to see if there were even any shops in Arkansas that would not just accommodate, but welcome, brides of any shape and size The Bridal Cottage popped up and I appreciated their website showing off their plus-size dresses. I even was able to attend one of their fashion shows where I met, very briefly, Lindy who was so warm and kind, inviting me to consider The Bridal Cottage when I was ready to look for a dress.

My fiance and sister insisted I book a Pinnacle Appointment. The Bridal Cottage was wonderful about reaching out to me before my appointment to get information about what I was looking for. From their texts, to my phone call with Alec, and their helpful resources about how to prepare for the day: I was so excited.

My wedding dress appointment was last Friday, and I was paired up with a consultant, Ella.

I could not have felt more welcomed, celebrated and beautiful. Ella was so supportive, helpful and kind. She was brilliant at her job at finding dresses, but also, she was brilliant at helping me. I've always struggled to make decisions just for me, and she was wonderful at helping me find a way to quiet all the worries in my head and help me pick what I wanted for my wedding day.

She went above and beyond and never rushed me or showed a single sign of frustration or annoyance. Her suggestions were helpful and she listened to me. There were a million moments where she checked in with me before opening the curtain. Her final touches at the end when I was between two dresses brought me to tears. I left that appointment ordering a dress I know I will feel beautiful in.

For every bride, I wish you the wedding dress shopping experience I had. It was the most magical experience. Ella was amazing, although I am of the strongest belief that every single employee of The Bridal Cottage is just as wonderful (and I had a chance to meet several during my time there!). I brought several of my most beloved friends and family members with me, and I'm sure I would not have wanted to find a wedding dress without them, but looking back I am not certain I could have found a dress I loved so much without Ella's help, guidance and warmth.

If a bride reading this and you're wondering if this is worth it, 100% it is. I have never left a dress appointment so pleased and at peace before-- ever. I will never, ever forget the wonderful experience I had at The...

I met the love of my life at my biggest size after emotionally eating my way out of a divorce and well…. LIFE and stress. He didn’t see me for the number on the scale or my pants size and he loved and healed me and taught me how to love me too. I had gone dress shopping once before and left feeling completely defeated when none of the dresses did anything for my body but make me look even bigger. I put it off for months, until the wedding started getting closer and I realized I needed to try again. I decided to try The Bridal Cottage and I’m so thankful I did. I made my appointment online and within the hour, they confirmed and were asking for any inspo pictures. After exchanging a few pictures, the consultant Hannah called me and talked to me for about 20 minutes on the phone like we were best friends. We chatted about my insecurities and she shut that down real quick and talked about how they only lift up and empower each other. She listened to my story of me and my fiancé and our wedding plans, how the process of the store worked, price points and my budget… honestly… she was just fabulous!! Two days after was my appointment with Hannah again. She already knew my vibe and what I was looking for. I tried on the first two and didn’t love them on me and the 3rd one…was THE ONE. I never thought I would have my “ bridal moment” where I cried about a dress…but I did. I wanted to feel beautiful, sexy and embrace my curves and this dress does just that! We celebrated with a glass of bubbly. All of the ladies in the shop were amazing and so positive and supportive. I don’t have family and friends close because I travel with my fiancé for his work so I came alone to my appointment and the ladies felt like friends by the time I left. I went home with my dress and only needing minor alterations. I’m sooo happy and relieved!!! Thank you so much Hannah and The Bridal Cottage for carrying plus sizes and making us feel comfortable and accepted too!! It was super special and I recommend this place...

I go out of my way to purchase locally. It's very important to me. When Paul Morrell closed, they had a list of suggested businesses to go to for tuxedo needs. My first experience was to drive to The Bridal Cottage, walk in the door, and I told the lady at the door that I needed a black cummerbund and bow tie. She said, "well, you'll have to make an appointment." No customers were in the shop. I said, "okay, when can I come in?" She said tomorrow at the same time I had arrived today would be okay so I returned the next day. She took my order and told me it would likely be in the next day from the store in Little Rock. It was and I drove up and got my purchase. Three total trips for a cummerbund and necktie. Now, already knowing the drill, I called and said that I needed to make an appointment to purchase a tuxedo shirt. I was scheduled and then told, "I'll need to take your credit card number as there is a $25.00 charge if you don't show for the appointment." I said, "okay ... I'm literally just buying a shirt." I went ahead and gave them the credit card number. I was measured and the shirt was ordered. I asked how long was the approximate wait for it to come in and was told, "we really don't know. It could be tomorrow or six weeks." I said that's fine as I'm really not in a huge hurry for it. They called today to say the shirt was in and I'd need to make an appointment to pick it up. A shirt. One shirt. You need an appointment to pick it up. I responded, "well, can I come today?" She said, "we're closed to the public, today." This is why people end up purchasing online. Local business owners, if you make it this difficult to make small purchases, people will choose to go with Amazon to avoid the...