Bridal Suite of Bay Shore

Bridal Suite of Bay Shore
7 W Main Street
Bay Shore, NY 11706Directions
Website
6316660700

Introduction

In 1964, Bridal Suite was incorporated by Gina's mom and dad, Peter and Doris, as a concept to provide all things for all weddings, Bridal Suite of Bay Shore has evolved through the times bringing experience and authenticity arriving at its present state of providing an exceptional gown buying experience to Brides, their Moms and their Attendants. Many who purchased their gowns at bridal suite then are now bringing their daughters and granddaughters. 

We are a tight knit team led by 2nd generation Owner Gina DiGuardia along with new co-owner Andrea House (former manager for 17 years). Our team is is compassionately driven and all share the mission of keeping it fresh, individualistic, fun, exciting and welcoming.  

The Wedding Industry

Gina: I often say "I was born in this place". Literally, that is not far from the truth. My mom and dad started the business 6 mos before I was even conceived 🤓. I remember doing child appropriate jobs (and then some) at the early age of 4 and 5 like filing, gathering beads from the floor, modeling flower girl dresses at the corporate fashion shows. Eventually I grew up and worked at 4 of the 10 stores (we had a franchise of 10 and kept the Bay Shore location in the immediate family). I've experienced nearly every situation the bridal world. (Bookworthy stuff 😁). The joy for me is having the innate knowledge to handle any situation. It has been my greatest pleasure finding the best ways to listen and support and welcome each guest and each employee and find the gifts in all the lives I intertwine with during one of the most emotional and meaningful times in one's life.

Andrea: My Bridal Suite journey started in 2002 when a family friend who worked here helped me find my prom gown and in 2004 when they were hiring a stylist assistant/stock I jumped at the chance. Over the years I have worked in literally every corner of the salon. Stock then on to reception, I was trained as a stylist and then eventually into management until Gina proposed a partnership in the business and I was honored to say yes. I love this industry so much. It's ever changing, and always exciting. Seeing the fashion trends always changing, evolving and even the ones come back is amazing  

 

The Wedding Memories

Gina: I always go back to the fire that destroyed the entire store in 2002. I remember looking at the burning building at 8:30 on a Thursday morning while holding onto my mom as we helped to wipe each others tears and assure one another that everything was going to be okay. Then it was time to get to work. We established a new work space just 7 doors west and phone lines by 11:30am (no cell phones then) and began the task of replacing the gowns that we lost in the fire for weddings that weekend. Humanity was glorified in so many ways and our support system showed us their kindest and most thoughtful selves. We were able to replace all 11 gowns withing 24 hours (a true miracle when it normally takes 4-8 months); our seamstresses sewed all night; and our staff delivered pressed and ready to wear dresses for the Saturday and Sunday weddings. Telling this story, more than 2 decades later still fills me with overwhelming grace. 

Andrea: There are so many memories, life long friendships, special moments to choose from. I love the excitement in the showroom, the moment a bride truly feels like a bride. That look and feeling is amazing not only for her but for us as well. We all truly love this business and love nothing more when we can give our clients the experience they deserve. This is not just a "job" this is a passion. 

Specialization

We specialize in Bridal Gowns, Mothers gowns and Attendants gowns.

Mostly, we specialize in providing a safe and welcoming environment so that our clients feel supported and authentic when choosing the garment they will be wearing on what will be one of the most meaningful days of their life. 

Company History

1963: Gina's dad, Peter, a top Cutco salesman, kept hearing young couples tell him they were saving for their wedding.

1964: Bridal Suite opens its 1st store in Patchogue providing everything for weddings including bands, invitations, limos, tuxedos, gowns - you name it.

1970: Bridal Suite becomes a franchise acquiring 10 locations across Long Island and New Jersey. Bridal Suite of Bay Shore is the 2nd store. 

1970-1975: All stores become independently owned. 

1970-1995: Bridal Suite of Bay Shore, is owned by Doris DiGuardia; founder

1995: Doris' daughter, Gina DiGuardia,  becomes Doris' partner until her passing in 2015. 

2015-Present: Gina DiGuardia retains sole ownership until 2022 when Andrea House (employee then manager for 17 years) becomes partner. Bridal Suite evolves and continues to build up the bridal gown and mother of the bride division of the business creating an unmatched bridal gown buying experience. 

Personal Hobbies

Gina: Finding the best in people and cheering them on is the thing that fills my heart. I love all things outdoors; and yoga, skiing, pickleball, biking, writing, hiking and FAMILY are all a big part of what I enjoy. 

Andrea: The bridal industry is not a 9-5 job. It's a 24/7 life! When I am able to I love to travel. Traveling, seeing new places and experiencing different cultures is amazing to me. I also enjoy a peaceful quiet moment with a good book, a big ol cup of coffee and a purring cat on my lap. 

BOLI Love!

RUN to the Bridal Suite of Bay Shore! Ask for Sarah, you will not be disappointed! Sarah is so extremely knowledgeable about every single dress in that store it’s almost freaky. I went in basically saying “I just want tulle” and she was able to find my dream dress. She had me try on other dresses too “to get the full experience” and I’m so glad she did!

Nicole M.

Sarah helped me find my perfect dress after I was getting frustrated at other shops. She’s a gem and I highly recommend booking an appointment with her! These guys also recommended a great seamstress for alterations!

Courtney A.

SARAH IS THE BEST BRIDAL CONSULTANT THERE IS! She makes you feel like family, she listens to you, she’s sensitive to the areas you may not be comfortable with, and she is a true gem to work with! When searching for my wedding gown a second time, I gave Sarah some inspiration pictures and we picked out a few dresses, and just as I was about to settle on a dress, she said “hold on, do you mind if I bring something in. It’s very similar to this dress but I think it may be better.” And she was right, she had found my dream dress! My mom, as well as my husband's mom also bought their dresses through Sarah! They also had great experiences with Sarah!

Aimee D.

I originally was going to send everyone some inso pictures and have them find their own dress however my moms suggested we go somewhere in person. I showed the bridal associate what color I would like the girls to where & they were able to match in perfectly. Everyone got to pick what style they wanted to where & the color looked great with the overall vibe of the wedding.

Anjelica B.
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10000/10 AMAZING Kaitlyn was amazing and made the experience so great.

Alexa B.

I can't belive I purchased my dream gown on my first visit trying on wedding gowns! The team was so kind on the phone to make my first appointment and really took their time answering all my questions. Caitlin was my stylist and was so sweet and knowledgeable- she pulled exactly what I was looking for and a few surprises to try on. She really helped guide my appointment and lead me to my perfect pick!

Jaclyn M.

Sarah is amazing! I described what I was picturing for my wedding dress and it was the first dress she pulled! She is so knowledgeable , offered great advice and made me feel so confident and beautiful as a bride!

Ciara W.
My appointment could not have gone any better. I fell in love with my first dress by luck, but as I tried many of other styles on, the support and guidance of Eileen, my stylist was over the top impressive! She understood me, my guests and my wedding vision! I am happy to suggest Bayshore bridal to all my friends!
 
 
Brittany H.

I had a great experience at bayshore bridal!! Eileen was my bridal attendant and she was awesome. She made me feel so good! They were all so kind and let me shop around the whole store picking out whatever dresses I wanted to try! They did not rush me and even encouraged me to come back for a second appointment to try on the dress I liked most so I could take some time to think about it before committing!

Rachel C.

Had an amazing experience! It was my first time ever trying on dresses and Sarah made the dress shopping experience fun and memorable. She’s so knowledgeable of all the dresses in the store, and encourages you to just have fun with it! I said yes to the first dress I tried on, but Sarah made sure I knew all of my options. She’s personable and you can tell she really enjoys what she does. Can’t recommend Sarah at Bridal Suite enough!

Brianne B.

My experience at Bridal Suite of Bay Shore was amazing!!! The woman Eileen that helped me was so sweet. She was so knowledgeable and helpful. She made me feel so comfortable and relaxed through the whole experience.

Stacey M.

Had the BEST dress shopping experience at Bridal Suite of Bay Shore. Everyone here is so kind and accommodating. Kaitlyn was absolutely amazing and made me feel so comfortable. She picked dresses that were absolutely perfect for me and never rushed my decision even when I was torn between two beautiful dresses. I would recommend this shop, and Kaitlyn, to anyone looking for their perfect dress!

Miranda R.

Absolutely amazing experience! Kaitlyn was so thorough and really understood what my sister and I were looking for. I am getting married in a few months and Kaitlyn made sure to check each dress before trying it on to make sure they would arrive on time. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Alexa P.

I couldn’t say enough about my experience. I found my wedding dress here, which I’m absolutely inlove with. Sarah helped me find it , and she made my entire experience so much fun. She is incredibly sweet, fun and patient. She is your personal hype woman for the day. I would recommend her to anyone.

Jennifer Z.

I had an amazing experience at the Bridal Suite of Bay Shore!! Sarah was my stylist and I couldn’t have been happier. She is so knowledgeable about every. single. dress. in the store! She made me feel so beautiful in everything she chose for me to try on. She truly listened to what I wanted and did not push me to make a decision at all! We definitely had a lot of fun together trying on lots of different styles. I went in with a vision and left with something I really didn’t think I’d get married in! I absolutely love my dress so much, and would choose it over and over. Everyone at the salon is so friendly and makes you feel so beautiful. 

Nicole D.

I worked with Eileen and I have to say she made my first experience AMAZING! My first bridal appointment and I said YES to the dress ! Eileen was so knowledgeable and knew exactly how to make me feel so comfortable. I never thought that I would have said yes to my first bridal experience but I just knew once it was on my body! Wonderful day and staff !!!

Amanda M.
I had such a lovely experience at Bridal Suite of Bay Shore ! Everyone was so friendly, especially my consultant Paige, who was really attentive and took my preferences into consideration throughout the appointment. I ended up buying my dress about 14 months before my wedding and let me tell you, I wasn't expecting to. But when you know, you know! I was blown away by their customer service and selection of wedding gowns. I cannot recommend them enough. Thank you Bridal Suite of Bay Shore!
 
 
 
 
Alexandra M.

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