Yesterday, a box arrived at Las Vegas’ Fit for a Bride Couture Bridal Services (FAB). We were there. “Sure it says ‘Alfred Angelo‘ on the box’s exterior, but I’ve learned that bridal shops often ship dresses in whatever box is available, regardless of the name of the dress designer,” shares FAB owner, Debi Rangel, who’s received dresses from destination brides spanning the globe for 20 years. “It’s always a surprise – I like that.”

Debi told us that since this “so-called-worst-recession-ever,” business at FAB has actually increased. “Brides are going back to basics,” she says. “They are more focused on the one-to-one, in that they want a smaller and more intimate feel to their wedding. We see this with the choices they are making. Every decision becomes that much more important. Three years ago, many post-wedding brides told me to clean their dresses and sell them. Now they tell me clean it, care for it and preserve it properly. Brides are clinging to their memories. The physical – the dress and the photography – have become more important than ever. Nobody’s selling. They are all preserving. Holding on to the memory. Preserving their love, anyway they can.”

In no time, the box was opened, the dress hung, and the wrinkles removed. “Your bride was very specific,” said Debi. “We’ll see her Thursday at 2 p.m., when we deliver the dress to her hotel room. She’ll be full of anticipation and she’ll shoo the groom out of the way – making a fuss, so he doesn’t have a chance to catch a glimpse of the gown. We’ll see you there.”