At Belle Bridals, the person who hems your prom gown works in the same building where you bought it. The store's site introduces Kim, its on-site seamstress, as a professional with more than 30 years of experience, and it is clear that her work goes beyond a hem and a strap adjustment. Want sleeves added, or the back lowered? The site says Kim has a creative eye for one-of-a-kind changes, and invites you to just ask.
Middletown has two large public high schools, Middletown High School North and Middletown High School South, and Route 35 and the Parkway tie the shop to Raritan High School in Hazlet, Red Bank Regional and Rumson-Fair Haven Regional. A shop that sells the dress and finishes the fit removes one more appointment from a busy April.
What the shop is, and how to use it
Per its site, Belle Bridals is a full-service bridal boutique, open since at least 2007. Its specialties, in its own listing, run from bridal and mother of the bride to bridesmaids, flower girls, prom and all other special occasion dresses. For a prom shopper, that means personal attention and staff who fit gowns all year rather than only in the spring rush.
Its prom page has featured lines including Alyce Paris and Jovani, and the designer page lists Morilee among others. The store also notes that designers not shown can be special ordered on request, depending on availability, so phone the shop to ask what is on the racks this season.
The About page describes the goal as a large selection of elegant, affordable and versatile styles that flatter both a customer's figure and her personality, and it puts real weight on relationships, promising to assist shoppers every step of the way. For a junior on her first formal, that steady, unhurried help is often worth more than a longer rack. The store is happy to see familiar faces, too, which suits families who come back for a sister's prom or a cousin's wedding.
The shop lays out its own policies, too.
Walk-ins
Welcome during business hours.
Appointments
Available for anyone who wants one.
Alterations
Always by appointment.
Gowns bought elsewhere
Outside alteration work is taken, but availability changes with the season, so plan early.
The tone of the place comes through clearly on its services page, which promises patience, honesty and enthusiasm. It is the kind of Route 35 storefront that locals across the Bayshore and Middletown area of New Jersey pass every day, and its own description of the experience is a fair summary:
You won’t find any “overly pushy” sale professionals here, so relax and enjoy the search for your dream dress.
Prom questions for Belle Bridals
Can Belle Bridals order a prom style that isn't on its site?
Yes. Designers not shown can be special ordered on request, depending on availability.
Can Belle Bridals alter a prom dress I bought somewhere else?
The store does take outside alterations, though availability depends on the season, so call well before prom.