Retailer Spotlight: Bridal Room

Bridal Room is a popular Pretoria-based boutique that was created by Marina Topalo in 2007. This enchanting boutique consistently wows their brides with their impressive range of sought-after designers, huge selection of dresses to try on, and personable, well-trained consultants. They also specialize in outfits for bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride and flower girls, and have their own design department. 

Enzoani recently caught up with owner Marina (pictured below):

What was your motivation/inspiration to open a bridal store ? How did it all start?

After running several successful fashion businesses in Moldova, Marina met her soulmate, a South African, while travelling in Europe. One year and a passionate online courtship later, Marina came to visit and got married shortly afterwards. 

What are some of the things that have helped your store to become what it is today?

The success of Bridal Room is due to the passion and creativity of its owner, Marina Topalo. We are also ideally located in between Lynnwood and Atterbury roads, easily accessible from anywhere in Pretoria. We are also minutes from the N1, so we have lots of brides visiting us from Johannesburg and Limpopo as well. We always stock a combination of classic styles, new trends and upcoming designers, as well as gowns that have been consistently popular over the years. There is also a couple of ‘wild card’ choices for unusual weddings.

Who are the people/staff that make up your store?

Our boutique owner is Marina Topalo, and we have two boutique managers, Sasha and Zoli. Our bridal consultants are Ruchelle, Lindiwe, Jennifer, and Kathy.

Niko and Viko are our in-house designers, and they are assisted by seamstresses Christine, Bongi and Rita. After 23 years as a Senior Designer at one of South Africa’s top couturiers, Niko joined Bridal Room in their quest to produce fresh, excellently made designer dresses.

Johanna is our shop assistant, Ina our accountant and Ilse runs our marketing.

What are your plans for the future?

Bridal Room is planning their boutiques in Johannesburg and Cape Town – we get a lot of enquiries for our brands in other cities than Pretoria, and they also hear about us from happy friends and family members.

What do you offer your customers that have helped you to stand above the competition?

Our visitors are always complimenting us on our attentive, knowledgeable staff. All of our bridal consultants are passionate about finding the ultimate dress for every bride that walks through our doorstep.

The entire female entourage is just as important to Bridal Room. All brides want their mom, new mom, sisters and friends to also look and feel gorgeous on this day.  Apart from a stylish selection of mother-of-the-bride dresses, Bridal Room also tailor-makes new dresses. 

What are the things you enjoy about Enzoani?

The softness and elegance of the dresses.

Do you have a favorite gown or style? Collection? Line?

We love the Gao and Glenwood from the Blue by Enzoani 2014 collection.