MARION (WSIL) -- The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many future brides as we head into the height of wedding season.
"Don't let what has happened change the fact that you want to get married, you want pictures, you want to look like a bride and you want to feel like a bride, and that's what we're here to do," said Joyce's Boutique and The Pageant Room owner Michelle Holmes.
At this time of the year, Holmes says her store is usually full with clients, but now it's looking a little different.
"We prefer appointments. The bride calls in tell us how many are in her party. We ask them to wear masks, we try to limit the party so that we can do personal one-on-one with the brides," she said.
Marion Bridal owner Nicole Miskelly says she's doing same thing.
"We're asking right now that people make appointments online through our Facebook what page or our website. It's pretty easy to go to: or Facebook/bridalmarion," she said.
Both owners say they've already booked multiple clients; hoping the pandemic doesn't discourage future brides from shopping.
"Bridal now will have to sustain us from now through our next, if we have homecoming season. We don't know what that's going to be with school starting," said Holmes.
Both say they are happy they can finally reopen their doors.
"It's necessary. It's the only way we're going to be able to stay in business," said Holmes.
They say the supply chains for wedding dresses have not been affected by the COVID-19 economic downturn.
