I first came across BravoBride in a New York Times article . It is an online marketplace *just* for weddings. Perfect. I’ve been scouring the website weekly since I learned about it. Everything from dresses and diamond rings to favors are for sale, used and new.
Why pay full price in this economy?
Founder and recent bride Susan Alexander Shapiro tells us more.
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How did you come up with the idea for Bravobride?
I got married this past July 4th and when I was planning the wedding I found it frustrating to pay for expensive wedding items that I’d use once and only for a few hours. I looked on Craigslist and Ebay but there wasn’t anything focused on just the bridal industry.
What is/was the most “out there” item for sale on your site? What is the most common item for sale?
We have a pair of ‘wedding boots’ on the site that are really unique. Our most popular items are definitely wedding dresses.
How is your site different from Craig’s List or other similar lists?
What sets me apart is that you won’t find fish tanks and bicycles on the site, we only focus on wedding products. Craigslist and Ebay are probably my biggest competitors but you have to search through so many things on Craigslist to find what you are looking for and it’s only for certain regions. Our site is nationwide and we have an advanced search so you can quickly find what you are looking for. The site is also broken down into different categories, such as dresses, jewelry, items for the ceremony and reception and more. Unlike Ebay is completely free to list items and there’s never a sale upon commission. There are a few other sites that that sell used wedding dresses but we are the only site that doesn’t charge a listing fee or take a commission upon sale.
What can the “unbride” find on your website?
The “unbride” can find everything from non-traditional wedding items, like these blue shoes to a Guide for the Groom book so you’re soon-to-be husband can help with the wedding planning.
What guarantee does a bride have that the product advertised is indeed what the seller says it is? In particular, I’m thinking about the rings and the more expensive items?
That’s a good question. Like Craigslist, we follow the buyer beware rule. We can not offer a guarantee since we are only connecting the buyers and seller and don’t stock actual merchandise. For more expensive items you may want to deal only locally or use a payment service where your transaction can be protected.
It is wonderful that you support the Go Red campaign. How did that relationship begin?
I wanted to support a cause that was for women since our site is geared towards brides. The Go Red campaign is near and dear to me because both of my Grandmother’s had heart disease and if effects more woman than cancer.
What was the best part of your own wedding?
Honestly the whole day was wonderful but I think the ceremony was the most special part. My husband’s aunt married us and they meant a lot to me.
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Read a little more about the history of BravoBride here. You’ll get to see Susan’s husband Mark, too.
Have you bought something on BravoBride? Tell your story here.
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