The Concept
Hi, I am Francesca, and I founded Desert Flower Bridal Boutique in Albuquerque, New Mexico in November of 2023. My collection of pre-owned sustainable gowns is currently housed in my home studio set on a beautiful orchard in the North Valley of Albuquerque, where I showcase over 100 dresses! My goal is to bring new joy to these dresses by making them available to current brides in New Mexico.
Pre-loved dresses are usually sold online, so what makes my concept unique is that women can see, touch and try on the dresses rather than see them from a distance. It is common for a bride to order a dress online, realize it does not fit or is not to her liking, then realize there is no return policy.
My business model is sustainable and helps reduce waste as all of my dresses, suits and jumpsuits are either once worn and dry-cleaned or never worn, many with tags. I carry sizes from 0 to plus size and prices currently range from $100 to $5,000. As a result, you will be able to find some thing that fits your budget and body. I offer an intimate experience, where I can work with you one-on-one to find what you are looking for and help you develop your vision of yourself on your special day!
Right now, I am a mobile boutique, participating in various bridal expositions and fairs, but you can also book an appointment to come try on dresses at my home studio.
I am also looking for women of all ages and body types to model my dresses for social media and marketing. Please reach out to schedule a time that works for you!
At this time I am not purchasing gowns, but email me if you would like to consign a dress. I am just starting to add consignment to my concept. The dress must be 3 years old or less, have no damage and be dry-cleaned. Thank you!
Photo credit: Ana M. Photography
Introduction
Video credit: Ana M. PhotographyMy Story
How did this idea come about? Well, it started with my own wedding dress. It was a quintessential, symbolic part of my wedding day, that celebrated love, commitment and joy. It made me feel confident and beautiful. It made me feel like myself. After the wedding it was not something I was ready to let go of. So, into the basement it went…where it sat…for 11 years. I struggled with what to do with it. Should I dye it emerald green and host a ball? Should I walk it into the Rio Grande and then let it go? Should I save it for a potential daughter? Or, should I sell it? I could never make up my mind, so there it sat. One day I woke up and thought, “Why is the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen sitting in a box collecting dust? Couldn’t this dress bring the same joy it brought to me to another bride?”
I started researching ways to sell it. There were really only two options. Online or locally. First I paid $25 to post it on stillwhite.com. I also posted it on Facebook Marketplace. No hits on either. So, I began to make phone calls. I called every bridal shop in Albuquerque. I called liquidators, estate sale companies and even Buffalo Exchange. NO ONE was buying or selling pre-owned wedding dresses in the entire city. I started to think about how hard (and emotional) the process of selling a wedding dress is. It has to be someone who is the same size, the same height AND who has the same style.
I started to feel that this process also felt impersonal. I realized that I really cared about the new bride who would potentially bring new life into it. So, I began thinking. What if I had a bunch of wedding dresses and a bunch of potential brides and put them in a room together? Then, maybe I could sell my dress, and a lot of other ones too. In the process I could make a lot of new brides happy and give past brides the peace of mind that their dress would be loved again.
