About Elegant Brides

Over 30 years of serving elegance to Edwardsville, IL and beyond

The Elegant Brides "I Said Yes!" sign for when a bride chooses her dress at Elegant Brides.

The Elegant Brides Story


Elegant Brides was founded by our very own Dawnelle on March 31, 1992. She started as a Seamstress at Libby’s Bridal in Collinsville, IL and decided to plunge into her own venture.

Since its founding, Elegant Brides has been a space for all kinds of brides to feel celebrated, confident, and safe being themselves.


Meet Our Team


Kim

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The owner, Kim, is from Glen Carbon, IL and has been in the bridal industry for over 10 years. She says that picking a favorite designer is “like picking a favorite child—they all shine in their own unique way.” Her favorite part of working with brides is learning about each bride’s love story. She also loves being a part of  each bride’s forever after.
 

Favorite Style: Depends on the bride!

Dawnelle

Seamstress | Certified Bridal Stylist

After working as a seamstress for Libby’s Bridal in Collinsville, IL,  Dawnelle founded Elegant Brides in 1992. After almost 30 years of operating the shop and doing every job in it, Dawnelle turned it over to Kim’s capable hands, trusting her to lead Elegant Brides into its next 30 years. She continues to work at Elegant Brides as a seamstress where she loves to interact with new brides as they embark on a new chapter in their lives.

Dawnelle says “I have no daughter of my own, but I am lucky enough to share with everyone else.”

Elegant Brides Manager, Becky.

Becky

Manager | Certified Bridal Stylist

Becky has been in the bridal industry for 4 years. She moved to the Edwardsville area from Decatur, IL with her high school sweetheart, who she has been married to for 26 years. She believes finding your wedding dress should be as magical as your wedding day. As the manager, she is dedicated to creating that experience by offering expert guidance, support, and a little ‘fairy godmother’ touch along the way.

Favorite Style: Modern Ballgown

Elegant Brides Assistant Manager and Certified Bridal Stylist, Ali

Ali

Assistant Manager | Certified Bridal Stylist

While pursuing her dance degree, Ali worked at Elegant Brides. Here, she discovered a passion for helping brides find the perfect dress for their special day. Her love for creating meaningful bridal experiences brought her back to the boutique, where she values its honesty, respect, and personalized service. She even chose Elegant Brides for her own wedding dress and tuxedos, making her connection to the boutique especially meaningful.

Favorite dress style: Modern Vintage Mermaid

Kaci

Certified Bridal Stylist

Kaci is a certified bridal stylist from Effingham, IL who has been working in the bridal industry for 2 and a half years. Her favorite part of helping brides is seeing their confidence grow throughout their appointment as they learn what they love about the dresses. 

Favorite Dress Style: Romantic A-Line

Caidyn

Seamstress | Certified Bridal Stylist

Caidyn is a seamstress and bridal stylist from Edwardsville, IL. She is new to the bridal industry, being in it for 5 months, but has been sewing and doing professional alterations for five years. She loves getting to be apart of one of the most important and special days in a bride’s life. She believes that problem solving and working with them to complete their vision for their perfect day is an honor. Caidyn joined the Bridal industry to learn more about the intricacies of sewing and designing in bridal and has already learned so much!

Favorite Style: Vintage-Inspired Fit-and-Flare

Our Commitment To You

Our values and mission

Our shop is a place for brides to feel beautiful and celebrated regardless of size, color, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, budget, or life story. Elegant Brides is a judgement-free haven for all people looking to feel amazing on their wedding day and celebrated through the wedding planning process.

The incredible team of stylists at our boutique are completely focused on you during your session. Our stylists don’t work on commission—that means that when you’re in our shop, our staff is focused on making you feel like your best most beautiful self no matter what your budget is or whether you buy your dress here.

St. Louis bridal magazines featuring wedding dresses and shops in the area.

How to Reach US


Shop Hours


Monday: 10 am – 6 pm

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 10 am – 5 pm

Thursday: 10 am – 5 pm

Friday: 10 am – 4 pm

Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm

Sunday: Closed

Are You Ready to Find Your Perfect Dress?