Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal
The Wedding Emporium may prove to be a big help for brides-to-be planning their nuptials, as well as saving them some money.
The store inside the Carson Mall is a fusion of several businesses, run by Monica Coleman, her mother, Peggy Clark, and mother-in-law, Mona Coleman. Revelations costume shop had been open for three years, and Tux Town started up 18 months ago. Add in Anytime Photography and New To You Bridal, and you have one store that can serve most of a bride's needs in one place.
"This is Carson City's only store dedicated to weddings," Monica Coleman said. "I'm trying to keep people from having to go up to Reno. Come to us first, and let us take care of you and give you a better deal."
The Wedding Emporium's grand opening is today, Valentine's Day.
New To You Bridal sells new bridal gowns as well as "gently used" gowns offered on consignment. Coleman said that new gowns are marked 40 percent off of retail prices, and even more for the used dresses. They also have dresses for other members of the wedding party as well.
Tux Town takes care of the men with tuxedo rentals that range from $105 to $150. They even have a mobile tux service, where they will bring the tuxedo to you, make alterations on the spot, and pick it up when you are done with it.
Coleman also does wedding photography, making that another stop brides-to-be can save themselves. And the costume shop can handle special theme weddings as well as other events.
Coleman is confident that they can offer a mix of services people can't get anywhere else.
"Economy, shonomy, we're in this for the long haul," Coleman said. "We truly love being here at the mall. There are so many exciting things happening here. It's not just the two new restaurants, but there's more restaurants coming, more stores coming, and it's just going to be great."
She pointed out that Alie's Flowers in the mall and a soon-to-be-named new bakery can help with floral arrangements and wedding cakes, checking two more items off the bride's to do list.
Coleman said they are planning a wedding fair for March 22, with about 50 independent, mostly local vendors setting up booths inside the mall. The fair will run from noon to 3:30 p.m., followed by a special catered reception for vendors and registered couples at the Plaza Hotel conference center. The reception will feature a fashion show, giveaways and entertainment.
Besides weddings, the store also caters to high school proms all around the region, offering a special $75 price on tux rentals for proms.
- Contact reporter Kirk Caraway at kcaraway@nevadaappeal.com or (775) 881-1261.