Weddings

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Simply Elegant by Cheri is a boutique that carries the largest selection of wedding dresses and prom dresses in Central Illinois. The dress shop is located right in the heart of Central Illinois, just a short drive from:

  • Champaign, IL
  • Peoria, IL
  • Bloomington, IL
  • Springfield, IL
  • Decatur, IL

Brides, Grooms, and Prom Attendees from St. Louis, Chicago, and Indianapolis, frequently make the 2 hour drive to Simply Elegant not just for their unparalleled selection but their one-of-a-kind experience as well.

 

Here at SE, we know that dress shopping is an experience of it's own.

 

Every single aspect of your experience with us, from the layout and design of the store, to the dresses we choose to carry, were chosen with you in mind. Our Store is 9,500 sq. feet and houses over 800+ wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, dresses for the Mother of the Bride & Groom, and Tuxedos for Sale and Rent for the men. Not to mention veils, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, hairpieces, add on sleeves, rhinestone belts, furry shawls, and bridal jean and leather jackets.

 

All we need to know is, which service are you interested in?

The SE Bridal Experience

Purchasing your wedding dress isn't like purchasing any other garment. You bring your family and friends, champagne is popped, there is cheering and tears. It's more than just shopping, it's an experience. One that you just can't get online.

When arriving for your appointment, you will be greeted by one of our Expert Bridal Stylists who will usher you and your crew to your own private viewing area. Each viewing area is adorned with couches, chairs, side tables, and throw pillows all facing a podium and full length mirror where you will stand in all the beautiful gowns you try on. Equal parts luxury and comfort.

Our dressing rooms are a key aspect of our stress-free experience here at SE. Each bride is given one of our thirteen large, private dressing rooms. Each stocked with a robe for between dresses, a dresser for storing your clothing or other personal items during your stay, a chair for putting on shoes, and a rail for hanging all the gorgeous gowns you want to try on.

Plenty of room for trying on dresses, bending, sitting, doing high kicks, busting a move, or whatever else you want to do in your dress.

Our bar is stocked with water, soda, snacks supplied by local bakeries and vendors, as well as champagne, wine, and mimosas on the weekends to replenish the entire group. Once you find YOUR dress, you'll have the option to take it home with you same day, or send in your measurements for a gown perfectly tailored to fit your body to mailed into the store. Upon completely your purchase you'll be given a little surprise from us to you and you and your crew will be on your way.

How To Shop Bridal

While we do accept walk-in appointments, we encourage Bride's to schedule an appointment ahead of time either online or by giving us a call. An appointment ensures that each and every bride has the most stress-free experience complete with snacks, beverages, and the undivided attention of one of our expert SE bridal stylist.

With bridal gowns available to order in sizes 0-36, and over 800+ sample sizes to try on in-store, we offer style and size inclusivity for every taste, budget, and bride.

Bridal Appointments
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1 Standard Bridal Experience

Price: FREE

You and your crew come in for a 1.5 hour appointment. Upon entering our store you will be greeted by your own personal SE Expert Stylist who will be dedicated to assisting you for the duration of your appointment. She will show to your own private dressing room and viewing area.

The bar will be stocked with water, soda, and complimentary snacks for you and your crew to enjoy while shopping for the dress of your dreams. These appointments take place during normal business hours.

2 VIP Bridal Appointment

Price: $175

You and an unlimited number of loved ones come in for a 2 hour appointment with an SE Expert Stylist. Upon entering you will receive a gift bag full of bridal goodies including $50 off gown preservation. The bar will be stocked with water, soda, champagne, wine, and mimosas!

Decadent teacup sandwiches, veggies, and a cheese platter will be available to you as you find the perfect dress for your perfect day. These appointments take place outside of regular store hours for your privacy and convenience.

The SE Mothers Experience

Once upon a time, mothers wore matronly dresses in pastel colors or washed out shades of beige. Thankfully, that's all in the past. These days, moms are now able to freely express a bit of who they are on their child's big day. But, with more freedom comes more confusion, and we know that determining what to wear to your child's wedding can oftentimes feel a bit overwhelming.

Not to worry! Here at SE we provide a dress shopping experience for Moms with just the right amount of assistance and privacy so you can find the perfect look.

How To Shop Mothers

The Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom Dresses are available in-store at all times. We encourage our moms to schedule an appointment and take the time they deserve to find the perfect dress for their child's big day. Spacious dressing rooms are available for you to try on your gown. If you find something you like, you get to take your dress home with you the same day!

If time allows, some mother's dresses are available for special order in different sizes or colors. Talk to a member of the SE team to see how much time our designers would need.

The SE Bridesmaids Experience

Celebrating your love story means celebrating with the friends who have always had your back. SE sells dresses with modern details, dozens of color combinations and swoon-worthy fabrics available in every size—these of-the-moment gowns will give your bridesmaids a versatile piece they can’t wait to wear again.

How To Shop Bridesmaids

When beginning to search for your perfect dress, feel free to browse our incredible selection of bridesmaid dresses online! However, please note, we only carry our best sellers IN-STORE. So, if you are interested in a specific dress-- please contact us now to see if we have it in stock.

If we do, feel free to book a complimentary appointment for you to try it on and we'll get your measurements. If we don't, you can come in and have us take your measurements to send to the designer, however, all purchases are final.

The SE Men’s Experience

There’s been a big shift when it comes to Groom fashion on a wedding day. Groom’s are now getting more personal and playful with their wedding day attire and we love it. Textured fabrics like velvet, linen, tweed, and seersucker. Bold colors and patterns like plaid or floral. The possibilities are endless. Here at SE we are happy to provide quality tuxedos for sale and rent. Whether you're looking for something traditional or a bit more unique, we have it all.

How To Shop Menswear

First, you and your partner will book an appointment with us to build your wedding day look. Together we will see what styles and colors best match you and your groomsmen's vibe. Once that's complete, each groomsmen will call or visit the store to submit sizing information and payment details. The suits and accessories will ship straight to each groomsmen 8-10 days before the wedding. And, last but not least, each box comes with a prepaid shipping label for an easy return.

Stress-free for both you and them!