When the owners of Treasure’s Formal Bridal and Tux retired, a new store opened in the same location downtown.
Jayce and Tawni Howell opened Downtown Bridal & Dress Shop in April.
“I’m all new to this business,” Tawni Howell said, “but it has been so fun to watch young women and ladies of all ages walk in and get so excited to play dress up and leave with their dream dress.”
Kathy Reed, the shop’s manager, was with Treasure’s Formal Bridal and Tux for 18 years and stayed to work with Downtown Bridal. Reed said it’s been great to have the Howells step in.
“They've given me a new perspective on bridal,” Reed said. “It’s great having that. It's been so great and inspiring. They treat employees so well. It's just been a wonderful experience for me.”
Reed said the Howells made a few changes to the space, making the room more open and the experience more fun.
“The store has a runway, big mirrors,” she said. “It makes it fun to try dresses on.”
Even though some changes were made, Reed said the Howells made sure to preserve the integrity of the original building, which is one of the oldest buildings downtown. The carpet was redone and there’s new paint, but the structure and ceilings stayed the same.
The basement of Downtown Bridal is currently being remodeled. Once complete, it will feature a fine ladies department, a quinceanera dress department, a girls department for blessing and confirmation dresses, and a more casual boutique with clothes for women of all ages. Reed says they’re hoping to open the basement departments in October.
Reed said Downtown Bridal is a “one-stop shop for everything for women.”
“I love what I do,” she said. “It's a fun time in people's lives, it's a celebration time. When you come to get a wedding dress we want to make it an event. It's really the fun part where they bring their moms and bridesmaids and future in-laws, it’s a party. We just want to make it a magical experience that they’ll remember for their whole life.”
Reed said one of her favorite parts of her job is helping women find their wedding dress.
“There's nothing like a future bride when she finds her perfect dress,” she said. “It’s just so fun to see them light up and twirl, it’s a perfect moment.
Reed said the shop is very accommodating in many ways.
“We know it can be expensive, so we want them to know we will work within their budget,” she said. “We also have a seamstress that can make any dress modest. We are the pros at that.”
Tawni Howell said they love being a part of the iconic Idaho Falls downtown area.
“Our collection of dresses is as diverse as your desires,” Howell said. “Whether you're aiming for elegance on a budget or indulging in luxury, we've got the perfect fit for every silhouette.”