By SHELLEY HANSON

Times Leader Staff Writer

WHEELING — Brides-to-be looking for that perfect dress have a few bridal store options to choose from in the Ohio Valley.

One of the newest shops to open is located in downtown Wheeling. J. Jones Evening Wear has hundreds of dresses in stock for all occasions — including weddings. Prices range from $100 to $1,800.

The new shop is located between the Capitol Theatre and Suspension Bridge on Main Street in the downtown. The shop is easy to find, as its front windows are full of colorful gowns. J. Jones also offers custom-fitted suits.

Owner Jill Jones, who has been in the bridal business for 35 years, also operates another 10,000-square-foot store in Weirton. Jones said exclusive to her store is an experience she calls #wespeakbride. It is a private appointment that includes sweet treats such as cupcakes and chocolates and mimosas. The bride has her own stylist and personal dress valet to help her try on gowns and shoes. She also is given a keepsake bouquet of flowers.

“Brides love the experience. We also take family photos and videos during the first appointment,” Jones said. “The bridal room is so pretty, and it is private.”

Also in Wheeling is Suzanne’s Fashion & Bridal, located at 136 Kruger St. in Elm Grove. According to the shop’s Facebook page, Suzanne’s is “a full service bridal boutique that caters to bridal parties, mothers, homecoming, prom, communion as well as special occasion attire.”

In Washington, Pa., Sorelle Bridal Salon is a full-service shop offering not only gowns, but hair and makeup services. Owner Jeanie Lambert and her sisters opened the shop, which is in the “The Knot’s” Hall of Fame, about 10 years ago. She said they have a lot of fun serving their brides from head to toe.

“It’s a wonderful partnership. It’s a lot of fun to see the whole process from start to finish. On their wedding day, we get to see them in their complete hair and makeup,” she said.

In terms of dress trends, Lambert said lately for wedding wear “anything goes.”

“We’re seeing more flowy, less restrictive, easy-to-wear dresses,” she said. “We’re also seeing more artful laces and something a little edgier. All ends of the spectrum are wonderful. We can capture the personality of any bride that walks in.”

Lambert said another trend are separates. A bride can choose whatever top and bottom she likes and put them together for her own look.

In the Bridgeport area, there is Dee’s Country Bridal, which is located about 3 miles from the village on U.S. 250 at 69871 Sunset Heights. According to the shop’s Facebook page, Dee’s offers “major designers gowns, tuxedo rentals, shoes and accessories.”

“We try to provide the best personal service for your needs and we do our own in-house alterations,” the site notes.

Owner Dee Higgs said she has been in business for 23 years. She also has noticed the brides are looking for less formal attire to complement their casual, outdoor weddings.

Higgs said at her shop she lets brides have their own experience.

“I let them look through what they want to try on and help them. I don’t force anything on them — I let them do their own thing while they are here. It’s a quiet and calm experience. I like to work one-on-one with brides — I let the girls have the store to themselves,” she added.

Higgs said while she does have hundreds of dresses to browse at the store, if there is a dress a woman likes online she can have it shipped to her shop.

“We do what we can to find what they want,” she said.

Higgs’ advice to new brides is to remain calm and know that everything will come together on the wedding day. And that even if small details don’t happen as planned, no one will notice.

“Don’t sweat the small stuff,” she said.

In St. Clairsville, David’s Bridal is located at 67800 Mall Road. According to the company’s website, David’s is the “ultimate one-stop shop for wedding dresses and all your formal apparel.”

“Our exclusive assortment of bridal gowns features a broad spectrum of silhouettes, lengths and styles, empowering you to find a unique look for your special day. Our wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and feminine party looks are designed in the hottest fabrics (we are loving lace), colors and silhouettes, from trumpet dresses to ball gowns to fabulous short styles. Our sizes span from petite to plus, so every woman can walk down the aisle in the bridal dress of her dreams.

“We have everything you need to complete your head-to-toe look from shoes and handbags, to jewelry and headpieces. Additionally, we also have expert in-house alterations to make sure your dress is a perfect fit,” according to the company website.