Reviewing Rose & Ed Schuett, Owners of Couture Threads Bridal & Event Dressing
Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor
When we think of couture clothing, we think of the high end trends fit for the streets of Paris and the runways of New York and Milan. But since those destinations are just a bit far for most Toronto and Southern Western Ontario brides, there’s a fabulous boutique that’s a lot closer to home.
Stratford-based Couture Threads Bridal & Event Dressing is located at 64 Wellington Street in the countryside town of Stratford. After three years, owner, Rose Schuett, has turned Couture Threads into a household name both in Southwestern Ontario and in the hearts of brides.
With mid- to high-end, drop dead gorgeous designer lines such as Frascara, La Sposa, Paloma Blanca, Pattis, Pronovias and Blue by Enzoani, Couture Threads is about offering fashion, shopping, and a “couture experience” for the entire wedding party, all in one local location.
Over the past several years, the team at The Ring has worked with Couture Threads on numerous fashion shoots and trend features - including most recently, for the Spring/Summer 2013 issue of The Wedding Ring Magazine. Throughout that time, Rose and her husband Ed have never failed to inspire or teach us something new. Each time we turn to them for something new in fashion to share, we’ve never come up empty handed at Couture Threads. So in light of that, here’s just some of the reasons we love Couture Threads for all things bridal, from Chantilly lace to chandelier earrings…
Personally speaking...
Rose Schuett, comes to the design table with a successful track record of 25 years in professional sales and marketing… But it’s her lifetime love of dressmaking, bridal alterations and fashion, that her brides can see a mile away. And that’s also what got her into the business of Couture Threads.
Having always had a foot in the bridal industry, it was several years ago that Rose and her husband, Ed, noticed the stressed, often overwhelmed faces of brides, Mothers of the bride/groom, and sometimes entire bridal parties, as they shopped for what were to be their dream dresses.
So together, Rose and Ed decided to change the experience of wedding and event dress shopping. Rose combined her professional and personal passions to create a concept – with Ed playing a supporting role in everything from logistics to moral support. The idea was to improve the experience through simplification, empowerment and a lot of pampering. And so to accomplish that, they opened the doors of Couture Threads Bridal & Event Dressing in Stratford. That was July 2009, and neither Rose, nor Ed, have ever looked back.
The couture experience
When you look for high-fashion attire, you instinctively also look for the high-fashion atmosphere and service that should come along with it.
At Couture Threads, Rose makes it her goal to put each bride on her pedestal and give her a true ‘Couture Experience’– a term (and philosophy) coined for their effort to offer exceptional customer service.
You'll start with a consultation, then browse and select from the bridal collection. You are then given a spacious, private fitting room complete with a robe and elegant viewing area (also known as The 'Glory Room') with seating for whoever you bring along.
If you really want to feel pampered, the private podium viewing room is available by appointment only, and can be conveniently booked online.
Rose says that at Couture Threads, you can expect "A Bridal Stylist to tend to your every need and answer any questions you have."
And while many shops boast that they offer service at their shop, Rose says that’s it’s different at Couture Threads; it’s about the degree of service. When the Couture Threads staff says full service, they mean it – for the bride, and for her entire bridal party. They believe that it’s as important to provide high levels of service to the MOB as it is to the bride and bridesmaids - from preparation to alterations to steaming to delivery.
The couture lines
Couture Threads offers a selection of gowns and dresses suitable for brides, bridesmaids, and mothers. Collections are available in sizes ranging from 0 to 28.
From classic and elegant to sophisticated, sleek and modern, Rose says the collections at Couture Threads are hand-picked to meet a variety of tastes, preferences, personalities and budgets. But even with a constantly updated inventory, one thing stays the same; the gowns are of the "finest materials, superb construction and quality workmanship." And truly, brides shouldn’t expect anything less when shopping for attire that falls into the couture category.
Some of the couture lines found at Couture Threads are Blue by Enzoani, Frascara, La Sposa, Maggie Sottero, Sottero & Midgley Mikaella Bridal, Paloma Blanca, Pattis, Pronovias, and Wayne Clark.
Bride Nancy Smith says that buying her wedding dress and going for fittings was one of the best parts of her May 14th, 2011 wedding day, "The customer service was amazing. And the nice thing about the dress selection at Couture Threads is that the dresses are all very different from one another. No two dresses are similar so you get a variety of different styles to try. The designers that Couture Threads carries are not your everyday cookie cutter wedding dresses designers. So you get something unique without having to go to Toronto. Everyone at the store was really knowledgeable, friendly, and welcoming without seeming like they were trying to sell you on something."
Several of these lines are also available for bridal attendants, mothers and even guests, so everyone can show up in high-style feeling like they're walking down the runway instead of the aisle.
Bridesmaid lines include designers like Enzoani LOVE, Lela Rose, Dessy, Alfred Sung, After Six, Social Bridesmaids, Watters and Watters and WTOO. The Mothers line includes the likes of Enzoani LOVE, Wayne Clarke, Frascara, Pronovias and Watters and Watters. They will even order and/or fully customize flowergirl dresses so your entire party is covered!
And while Couture Threads certainly has a large selection of gowns, Rose offers a bit of invaluable advice for brides searching for the perfect dress, "You don't need to try on a million gowns. Be focused and realistic. Try on shapes first. Know the silhouettes and fabrics that you want and know your budget. Go to a store that you trust and where you're properly assisted."
Michelle Boyes told The Ring that her experience at Couture Threads helped make her wedding day amazing, "By the time I visited Couture Threads I was feeling discouraged. I had previously visited other shops that had very young sales girls who didn't understand my dress needs. I told Rose what I was looking for and within a few moments, she presented three dresses that worked with my body type. From here I found 'the one'. It was great to work with someone who truly understands wedding dresses."
Customizing your gown (ie. the best part!)
Since each gown is customized to each individual bride at Couture Threads, the experience of shopping for your wedding takes on a whole new level of fabulous. Brides have the freedom to personalize numerous elements of their wedding dress and overall wedding day fashion. Whether it's the colour of your gown, the length of the train, the shape of the neckline, the type/removal/addition of straps and more… it’s truly a gown of your own.
"Many things in the store can be customized, from altering components of your gown, adding lace trimmings to your veil to changing the colour of crystals in your jewellery," Rose says. "This allows you to tailor every aspect of the wedding to reflect your personality."
And this customized service doesn’t just apply to the brides. Couture Threads knows that everyone wants to look their best at your wedding, so they strive to make sure every dress is given same meticulous attention to detail.
All alterations are done in-house, ensuring that your gown never leaves the store before it comes to you. Your gown will be kept spotless in a professional, insured and clean environment. Rose says that brides should look closely at what happens to their dress after they purchase it, "Brides aren't asking enough questions about the alteration process. Many companies send out alterations to someone's home where the gown is not insured and there is no guarantee of the environment in which it is being worked on. You don’t know if it is pet free, smoke free, or otherwise.” In fact, Rose adds that some stores don't even alter maids and mothers gowns, “… and then it's difficult to find someone to do your alterations after you've purchased the dress."
At Couture Threads it’s about white glove service and setting professional standards high, all to ensure a wonderful shopping experience at all times, for all clients.
Jennifer Gillespie couldn't agree more. She bought her gown, brides shoes, head piece and bridesmaid dresses at Couture Threads for her July 29th, 2011 wedding day, "My favourite memory about Couture Threads is of Rose specifically. My dress was being altered from a lace-up back to a zipper back. Rose had ordered two sizes, and we chose one to alter. The first fitting with the zipper in makes me smile - Rose and I were both a little nervous about how the dress would fit. Rose helped me out on my dress, did up the zipper perfectly on the first try and she let out a loud shout of happiness - woohoo!!! It worked!! Neither of us had any doubt, but it is still a little nerve wracking at the first fitting after a major alteration. I love that my dress was customized to be exactly what I wanted, and that every detail of my bridal ensemble was perfect. I also really liked the bonding time that I had there with my sister, sister-in-law (both were my bridesmaids) and my mother and mother-in-law. All in all, I have only positive memories."
Fashion accessories and finishing products
Having worked with the team at Couture Threads on several fashion shoots and events, the team at The Ring can attest to the fact that you can always everything you’re looking for at this incredible boutique - stunning couture dresses, and all of the accessories and finishing products to go with them. And it’s all gorgeous, and most definitely, and magazine-worthy.
Veils, head pieces, jewellery, purses and more... Not surprisingly, Rose spends as much choosing custom jewellery and accessories lines as she does on her gowns. That’s because at Couture Threads, every detail is as important as the other.
For example, the shop carries jewellery from some of the most glamorous jewellery designers in the industry including MM Crystal, Laura Jane, Bling and Malis Henderson. And if you’ve ever seen one of their Sondra Roberts purses, you’ll quickly understand why there’s no such thing as a one-time client at Couture Threads.
Couture carries stunning bridal shoes from designers like Angela Nuran, Benjamin Adams and Pink Paradox, and veils from the likes of Paloma Blanca, Jennifer Leigh, Kristina Eaton, Pronovias and Mikaella Bridal. Rose also carries those elusive SoleMate heel protectors that prevent you and your bridal party from sinking into the grass and that also protect heels from damage!
Foundation garments such as Julie France shapewear, bras and bustiers are popular items in the shop, helping to perfect the shape of your wedding day look Rose recommends that brides do not purchase any foundation pieces until they have had their first fitting. As foundation items are usually a non-refundable purchase, it is important to make certain that these items will work correctly with the gown… if at all! You can find everything you need at Couture Threads.
Walking you through a Couture wedding...
The process of ordering and/or creating your couture gown generally ranges from four to six months, and Rose likes to allow an additional two to three months for your fittings. She recommends calling the store at least six to fourteen months before your wedding to set up a consultation with a Bridal Stylist. This will ensure that you'll have time to coordinate the rest of your wedding party, too. And, as any past bride can tell you, planning in advance will help to reduce stress as your wedding day approaches.
Once you've placed your order, Couture Threads says to leave your worries with them. When the gown arrives, they'll call you to set-up your first fitting with their in-house Bridal Alteration Specialist and they'll store your gown free of charge up until the day of your wedding.
After you’ve tried the dress on and all of your alterations have been assessed, Couture Threads will give you a price quotation. A 60% deposit is due to order your dress (options for payment plans are available) and the balance is due when your dress comes in. You’ll also put down 50% of the alterations bill before any work can be done on the dress. The balance is due at your final fitting.
When your alterations are complete, they'll set-up another complimentary steaming just before your wedding for your gown, bridesmaids' and mothers’ gowns. Rose adds that Couture Threads also provides complimentary gown delivery for their brides and members of their bridal party within the local area- we haven’t heard of another gown shop that does this! (Delivery service is available to other areas for a nominal fee.) They will even have the dress ready and waiting for you to slip into, to avoid wrinkles on your wedding day (now that's what we call service!).
Nancy Smith says the service at Couture Threads is truly second to none, "My wedding dress was delivered to my Mom and Dad’s house the day before the wedding (over an hour drive from the store). They use a bubble van so my dress was hung nicely and didn’t get wrinkled during transportation. They are very flexible when it comes to dress fittings. Even if the store is closed they are able to accommodate your schedule (this is especially good when it’s close to the wedding date because your schedule gets filled up pretty fast). Also, having the seamstress there when you’re trying on dresses is a huge positive. I truly had the best experience working with Rose."
All that’s left is to walk down the aisle in the perfect gown that you found at Couture Threads.
When we think of couture clothing, we think of the high end trends fit for the streets of Paris and the runways of New York and Milan. But since those destinations are just a bit far for most Toronto and Southern Western Ontario brides, there’s a fabulous boutique that’s a lot closer to home.
Stratford-based Couture Threads Bridal & Event Dressing is located at 64 Wellington Street in the countryside town of Stratford. After three years, owner, Rose Schuett, has turned Couture Threads into a household name both in Southwestern Ontario and in the hearts of brides.
With mid- to high-end, drop dead gorgeous designer lines such as Frascara, La Sposa, Paloma Blanca, Pattis, Pronovias and Blue by Enzoani, Couture Threads is about offering fashion, shopping, and a “couture experience” for the entire wedding party, all in one local location.
Over the past several years, the team at The Ring has worked with Couture Threads on numerous fashion shoots and trend features - including most recently, for the Spring/Summer 2013 issue of The Wedding Ring Magazine. Throughout that time, Rose and her husband Ed have never failed to inspire or teach us something new. Each time we turn to them for something new in fashion to share, we’ve never come up empty handed at Couture Threads. So in light of that, here’s just some of the reasons we love Couture Threads for all things bridal, from Chantilly lace to chandelier earrings…
Personally speaking...
Rose Schuett, comes to the design table with a successful track record of 25 years in professional sales and marketing… But it’s her lifetime love of dressmaking, bridal alterations and fashion, that her brides can see a mile away. And that’s also what got her into the business of Couture Threads.
Having always had a foot in the bridal industry, it was several years ago that Rose and her husband, Ed, noticed the stressed, often overwhelmed faces of brides, Mothers of the bride/groom, and sometimes entire bridal parties, as they shopped for what were to be their dream dresses.
So together, Rose and Ed decided to change the experience of wedding and event dress shopping. Rose combined her professional and personal passions to create a concept – with Ed playing a supporting role in everything from logistics to moral support. The idea was to improve the experience through simplification, empowerment and a lot of pampering. And so to accomplish that, they opened the doors of Couture Threads Bridal & Event Dressing in Stratford. That was July 2009, and neither Rose, nor Ed, have ever looked back.
The couture experience
When you look for high-fashion attire, you instinctively also look for the high-fashion atmosphere and service that should come along with it.
At Couture Threads, Rose makes it her goal to put each bride on her pedestal and give her a true ‘Couture Experience’– a term (and philosophy) coined for their effort to offer exceptional customer service.
You'll start with a consultation, then browse and select from the bridal collection. You are then given a spacious, private fitting room complete with a robe and elegant viewing area (also known as The 'Glory Room') with seating for whoever you bring along.
If you really want to feel pampered, the private podium viewing room is available by appointment only, and can be conveniently booked online.
Rose says that at Couture Threads, you can expect "A Bridal Stylist to tend to your every need and answer any questions you have."
And while many shops boast that they offer service at their shop, Rose says that’s it’s different at Couture Threads; it’s about the degree of service. When the Couture Threads staff says full service, they mean it – for the bride, and for her entire bridal party. They believe that it’s as important to provide high levels of service to the MOB as it is to the bride and bridesmaids - from preparation to alterations to steaming to delivery.
The couture lines
Couture Threads offers a selection of gowns and dresses suitable for brides, bridesmaids, and mothers. Collections are available in sizes ranging from 0 to 28.
From classic and elegant to sophisticated, sleek and modern, Rose says the collections at Couture Threads are hand-picked to meet a variety of tastes, preferences, personalities and budgets. But even with a constantly updated inventory, one thing stays the same; the gowns are of the "finest materials, superb construction and quality workmanship." And truly, brides shouldn’t expect anything less when shopping for attire that falls into the couture category.
Some of the couture lines found at Couture Threads are Blue by Enzoani, Frascara, La Sposa, Maggie Sottero, Sottero & Midgley Mikaella Bridal, Paloma Blanca, Pattis, Pronovias, and Wayne Clark.
Bride Nancy Smith says that buying her wedding dress and going for fittings was one of the best parts of her May 14th, 2011 wedding day, "The customer service was amazing. And the nice thing about the dress selection at Couture Threads is that the dresses are all very different from one another. No two dresses are similar so you get a variety of different styles to try. The designers that Couture Threads carries are not your everyday cookie cutter wedding dresses designers. So you get something unique without having to go to Toronto. Everyone at the store was really knowledgeable, friendly, and welcoming without seeming like they were trying to sell you on something."
Several of these lines are also available for bridal attendants, mothers and even guests, so everyone can show up in high-style feeling like they're walking down the runway instead of the aisle.
Bridesmaid lines include designers like Enzoani LOVE, Lela Rose, Dessy, Alfred Sung, After Six, Social Bridesmaids, Watters and Watters and WTOO. The Mothers line includes the likes of Enzoani LOVE, Wayne Clarke, Frascara, Pronovias and Watters and Watters. They will even order and/or fully customize flowergirl dresses so your entire party is covered!
And while Couture Threads certainly has a large selection of gowns, Rose offers a bit of invaluable advice for brides searching for the perfect dress, "You don't need to try on a million gowns. Be focused and realistic. Try on shapes first. Know the silhouettes and fabrics that you want and know your budget. Go to a store that you trust and where you're properly assisted."
Michelle Boyes told The Ring that her experience at Couture Threads helped make her wedding day amazing, "By the time I visited Couture Threads I was feeling discouraged. I had previously visited other shops that had very young sales girls who didn't understand my dress needs. I told Rose what I was looking for and within a few moments, she presented three dresses that worked with my body type. From here I found 'the one'. It was great to work with someone who truly understands wedding dresses."
Customizing your gown (ie. the best part!)
Since each gown is customized to each individual bride at Couture Threads, the experience of shopping for your wedding takes on a whole new level of fabulous. Brides have the freedom to personalize numerous elements of their wedding dress and overall wedding day fashion. Whether it's the colour of your gown, the length of the train, the shape of the neckline, the type/removal/addition of straps and more… it’s truly a gown of your own.
"Many things in the store can be customized, from altering components of your gown, adding lace trimmings to your veil to changing the colour of crystals in your jewellery," Rose says. "This allows you to tailor every aspect of the wedding to reflect your personality."
And this customized service doesn’t just apply to the brides. Couture Threads knows that everyone wants to look their best at your wedding, so they strive to make sure every dress is given same meticulous attention to detail.
All alterations are done in-house, ensuring that your gown never leaves the store before it comes to you. Your gown will be kept spotless in a professional, insured and clean environment. Rose says that brides should look closely at what happens to their dress after they purchase it, "Brides aren't asking enough questions about the alteration process. Many companies send out alterations to someone's home where the gown is not insured and there is no guarantee of the environment in which it is being worked on. You don’t know if it is pet free, smoke free, or otherwise.” In fact, Rose adds that some stores don't even alter maids and mothers gowns, “… and then it's difficult to find someone to do your alterations after you've purchased the dress."
At Couture Threads it’s about white glove service and setting professional standards high, all to ensure a wonderful shopping experience at all times, for all clients.
Jennifer Gillespie couldn't agree more. She bought her gown, brides shoes, head piece and bridesmaid dresses at Couture Threads for her July 29th, 2011 wedding day, "My favourite memory about Couture Threads is of Rose specifically. My dress was being altered from a lace-up back to a zipper back. Rose had ordered two sizes, and we chose one to alter. The first fitting with the zipper in makes me smile - Rose and I were both a little nervous about how the dress would fit. Rose helped me out on my dress, did up the zipper perfectly on the first try and she let out a loud shout of happiness - woohoo!!! It worked!! Neither of us had any doubt, but it is still a little nerve wracking at the first fitting after a major alteration. I love that my dress was customized to be exactly what I wanted, and that every detail of my bridal ensemble was perfect. I also really liked the bonding time that I had there with my sister, sister-in-law (both were my bridesmaids) and my mother and mother-in-law. All in all, I have only positive memories."
Fashion accessories and finishing products
Having worked with the team at Couture Threads on several fashion shoots and events, the team at The Ring can attest to the fact that you can always everything you’re looking for at this incredible boutique - stunning couture dresses, and all of the accessories and finishing products to go with them. And it’s all gorgeous, and most definitely, and magazine-worthy.
Veils, head pieces, jewellery, purses and more... Not surprisingly, Rose spends as much choosing custom jewellery and accessories lines as she does on her gowns. That’s because at Couture Threads, every detail is as important as the other.
For example, the shop carries jewellery from some of the most glamorous jewellery designers in the industry including MM Crystal, Laura Jane, Bling and Malis Henderson. And if you’ve ever seen one of their Sondra Roberts purses, you’ll quickly understand why there’s no such thing as a one-time client at Couture Threads.
Couture carries stunning bridal shoes from designers like Angela Nuran, Benjamin Adams and Pink Paradox, and veils from the likes of Paloma Blanca, Jennifer Leigh, Kristina Eaton, Pronovias and Mikaella Bridal. Rose also carries those elusive SoleMate heel protectors that prevent you and your bridal party from sinking into the grass and that also protect heels from damage!
Foundation garments such as Julie France shapewear, bras and bustiers are popular items in the shop, helping to perfect the shape of your wedding day look Rose recommends that brides do not purchase any foundation pieces until they have had their first fitting. As foundation items are usually a non-refundable purchase, it is important to make certain that these items will work correctly with the gown… if at all! You can find everything you need at Couture Threads.
Walking you through a Couture wedding...
The process of ordering and/or creating your couture gown generally ranges from four to six months, and Rose likes to allow an additional two to three months for your fittings. She recommends calling the store at least six to fourteen months before your wedding to set up a consultation with a Bridal Stylist. This will ensure that you'll have time to coordinate the rest of your wedding party, too. And, as any past bride can tell you, planning in advance will help to reduce stress as your wedding day approaches.
Once you've placed your order, Couture Threads says to leave your worries with them. When the gown arrives, they'll call you to set-up your first fitting with their in-house Bridal Alteration Specialist and they'll store your gown free of charge up until the day of your wedding.
After you’ve tried the dress on and all of your alterations have been assessed, Couture Threads will give you a price quotation. A 60% deposit is due to order your dress (options for payment plans are available) and the balance is due when your dress comes in. You’ll also put down 50% of the alterations bill before any work can be done on the dress. The balance is due at your final fitting.
When your alterations are complete, they'll set-up another complimentary steaming just before your wedding for your gown, bridesmaids' and mothers’ gowns. Rose adds that Couture Threads also provides complimentary gown delivery for their brides and members of their bridal party within the local area- we haven’t heard of another gown shop that does this! (Delivery service is available to other areas for a nominal fee.) They will even have the dress ready and waiting for you to slip into, to avoid wrinkles on your wedding day (now that's what we call service!).
Nancy Smith says the service at Couture Threads is truly second to none, "My wedding dress was delivered to my Mom and Dad’s house the day before the wedding (over an hour drive from the store). They use a bubble van so my dress was hung nicely and didn’t get wrinkled during transportation. They are very flexible when it comes to dress fittings. Even if the store is closed they are able to accommodate your schedule (this is especially good when it’s close to the wedding date because your schedule gets filled up pretty fast). Also, having the seamstress there when you’re trying on dresses is a huge positive. I truly had the best experience working with Rose."
All that’s left is to walk down the aisle in the perfect gown that you found at Couture Threads.
