There’s nothing like watching a newly engaged bride light up the mirror with smiles while trying on her first gown. Karla Fuentes-Rivera sees it every day at her Second Summer Bride consignment bridal boutique, where approximately 200 new and used dresses—often designer dresses—are staged for area brides.
Ordinary from the outside, but charming on the inside, the boutique, which is about a year old, acquires bridal gowns from as far away as New York, Barcelona and Norway. “We specialize in bringing in high-end designer dresses at a more affordable price point,” says Fuentes-Rivera, “It allows us to make haute couture available to local Sacramento brides.” At times Hayley Paige, Jasmine, Lillian West and Martina Liana are hanging in the boutique, along with another possible 60 or more designer names.
Only about 10 percent of the store inventory has walked down the aisle. In addition to designer pieces taken on consignment—perhaps from overstock—Second Summer Bride acquires gowns from extra trunk show sample pieces, discontinued gowns and cancelled orders and bride consignment dresses. Some 15 percent of the designer gowns are new with tags.
“We curate a great collection, very on-trend or classic gowns that stand the test of time,” says Fuentes-Rivera, noting that the carbon footprint of a new gown is high, so purchasing a recycled gown helps our planet.
What’s it look like for a bride? A typical salon experience. An initial appointment with a consultant covers the bride’s wedding vision, the style she has in mind, and measurements. If her perfect dress is not in the boutique, the consultant will help locate it.
Sizes range 2 to 32, and prices fall between $499 and $3,900. Appointments are recommended, family and friends are encouraged, and alterations are available.
Unaltered, cleaned dresses worn by brides are welcome on consignment, but need to be relatively new. A list of “consigner guidelines” is available on the website at secondsummerbridesacramento.com. 1433 Fulton Ave., (916) 330-4422
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