A local couple has launched a business they say will provide dream weddings at an affordable price.
Amy Swingle and her husband, Eric, opened A&E Bridal Boutique earlier this month in Houston. The concept behind the business is to provide a complete wedding package at a discounted rate.
“People around here are everyday people who want beautiful weddings, and they can’t always get what they want based on their budget restrictions,” Amy said. “We’ll be able to provide them many options they can afford as opposed to having to make sacrifices.”
The Swingles believe they have made a usually stressful situation — wedding preparation — a much easier one to handle. Through partnerships with local businesses, A&E Bridal Boutique provides all the necessities for the couple’s big day.
The process begins with identifying the budget. Once established, the bride chooses dresses for herself and her wedding party. Dresses can be altered – and some designs even made — by a seamstress. A mix-and-match of products from champagne flutes and birdseed bags to garters, jewelry and pen sets can be added as desired.
Other details are just as easy. Photography packages are available through Joyful Expression Photography, tuxes and flowers from D&L Florist and hair and nail options by New Concepts. Along with those three Houston businesses, cakes from Custom Creations Cakes of Mansfield feature 17 flavors, 13 fillings and two frosting options.
The Swingles make all the orders and appointments with the vendors for the bride and groom.
“Our goal is to keep business as local as possible and to bring business to Houston and the Texas County area,” Amy said.
The biggest advantage of using the local bridal boutique, Amy said, is the affordability. After customizing the package, the engaged couple makes a deposit and can make payments until the wedding day.
“We want to offer packages at discounted prices so couples can start their marriages without being in debt,” Amy said. “We build what they want and need based on their budget.”
A&E Bridal Boutique will also sell dresses and gowns on consignment for those wishing to get rid of their old ones. Amy said she hopes to eventually provide services to girls attending prom or participating in pageants. But for now, the main focus is weddings.
The Swingles opened the business while also working full-time jobs. Amy is a secretary for the education department at the South Central Corrections Center, and Eric is a soldier at Fort Leonard Wood.
“This is something I’ve wanted to do for several years and haven’t been able to pull it together until now,” Amy said.
A&E Bridal Boutique, which is in the West 17 Plaza in Houston, is open 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays as well as 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Sundays. Appointments are also available by contacting the Swingles at 417-967-6498 or emailing aebridalboutique@gmail.com.
Contact the business at aebridalboutique-public.sharepoint.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aebridalboutique