Filled with the most unique and luxurious gowns, you’re sure to find your dream wedding dress at Couture by Tess Bridal. Brides from near and far have traveled to the boutique for the experience of a lifetime thanks to owner Tess and her ability to build an amazing work culture. The outstanding customer service that you’ll receive with this team is unlike any other and the praise that they receive surely reflects that. Beautiful styles AND friendly smiles…what more could you ask for?! And if we’re being completely honest, that’s only part of what makes this boutique so special. Tess is sharing more about her bridal business in the interview below. Keep reading to find out more about what makes her business unlike any other!
Tell us about Couture by Tess Bridal + how long you’ve been in business.
Tess: Couture by Tess Bridal, started in 2013 by Teresa Marie Mann (aka Tess). Tess originally began designing clothes as far back as 11 years of age. Tess grew up in a financially struggling family, and out of necessity, began re-designing hand-me-downs in order to create a more fashionable take on older styles. During her senior year in high school, she realized she was not able to afford to continue onto college without additional scholarship funds. She began competing in the Miss America preliminary pageants, and subsequently realized she needed a formal evening gown. Of course not being able to afford a luxurious competition gown, Tess and her mother began designing. Tess’ life moved in a different direction throughout her adult life choosing to serve her country as a Federal Law enforcement officer. However she never lost her love of creative design. Upon approaching her retirement , she decided to return to the world of fashion.
How did you get started in weddings?
Tess: Through the years, Tess continued redesigning numerous fashion styles on paper with a particular fondness for bridal fashion. As is common with most designers, she admired yet evaluated various bridal designs and decided what she would do differently based on her own unique taste. In 2018, Tess applied for her trademark with the United States Patent Office and was awarded her trademark based on her history of original designs. Tess enjoys working with brides whether it is helping them select a wedding dress from of the other famous brands in her bridal shop or selecting one of Tess’ very own custom designed creations from the Couture By Tess designer label.
What’s the philosophy behind Couture by Tess Bridal?
Tess: Tess believes every bride should be treated with the utmost respect from the first moment they call in or book their appointment online. Although the Couture By Tess Bridal Shop is unable to help every single bride that calls or walks through their door, they never allow the bride to feel as if their needs were not important. Whether it is due to a limited budget or a difference in bridal fashions sought after by the bride versus those carried by the boutique, Tess and her bridal consultants always recommend other bridal shops in the industry as well as some online services which may cater to the bride’s needs. This willingness to assist the bride in any way possible has resulted in many awards from both the city and counties in which Tess began her bridal shop business.
What are your strengths compared to others bridal boutiques?
Tess: A major strength of the Couture by Tess Bridal Boutique is their outstanding, 5 star customer service. Tess truly believes this comes from her bridal consultants being paid a very healthy living wage versus being paid a low wage plus commission as found in other bridal shops. Tess specializes in ethics training for her staff which encompasses a strong “anti-sales pressure tactics “policy. At Couture By Tess Bridal, every bride is offered an opportunity to “sleep on it” before making any major decisions regarding a wedding dress purchase. Additionally, if Couture By Tess Bridal is the very first shopping destination of the bride and her family, Tess and her bridal consultants strongly encourage them to visit other bridal shops. Time and time again customer reviews praise Tess and her staff for their comfortable atmosphere and the lack of pressure felt to make a decision in purchasing a wedding dress. After all, a couture wedding dress is one of the most expensive items in the wedding planning process. Tess’ skill and success as a bridal fashion designer, is another major strength which sets her apart from most other bridal shops in the country. Her unique fashion style and luxurious designs draw the attention of brides from all over the Country. Tess has a continual flow of brides from California, New York, Florida, Texas, Washington DC and beyond.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about Couture by Tess Bridal?
Tess: Stay tuned for Tess’ 2023 “Nostalgia” and “New Discovery” collection launch in Spring 2022. Wedding dresses will be completed fall of 2021 with a “sneak peek” fashion show preview either in Cookeville, TN or the Nashville area.
If you’re looking for your wedding gown, look no further! You’re in amazing hands with Couture by Tess Bridal! For more information, head to their website!
