More than just a bridal shop, Jean’s is a Mount Pleasant institution. The original store, located in Peachtree Plaza on Coleman Boulevard, opened its doors in 1974, where owner Jean Wellmon sold a variety of fabrics and offered custom alterations. Not long afterward, Wellmon began carrying ready-to-wear fashions, eventually expanding to include formalwear.
In 1984, Wellmon relocated to her current shop in Lafayette Village, off of Johnnie Dodds Boulevard. At that time, there was nowhere for brides to shop for gowns in Mount Pleasant. Wellmon saw the need for a dedicated bridal shop and filled it, eventually expanding to offer two stories’ worth of wedding fashions. On the first floor, the shop caters to grooms with a wide variety of tuxedos for sale and rent. Upstairs, Jean’s Bridal dazzles ladies with an exquisite array of bridal gowns and evening wear. “We offer a wide range of bridal styles, from traditional to modern to boho,” said Wellmon.
A large selection of designers, including Allure, Watters & Watters, Wtoo and Mikaella, ensures there’s a gown for every bride. That rings true when it comes to budget as well, with most gowns falling within a $1,000 to $3,000 price range. Once a bride has said yes to the perfect dress, the staff at Jean’s can make sure that her bridal party and family are dressed to impress, too. Elegant and timeless bridesmaids’ dresses from Bill Levkoff, Dessy and Morilee come in a wide range of colors to fit any palette. Mothers will find a variety of styles, from simple and classic to sparkly and beaded. The staff is especially excited about the new gowns from the Frascara line, which feature “couture style, clean lines and modern silhouettes that will make any mother feel special.”
Truly a one-stop-shop for wedding fashion, Jean’s Bridal offers a collection of accessories to help brides complete their wedding day look. Necklaces, earrings and bracelets run the gamut from traditional pearls to trendy rose-gold pieces and sparkly shoes, adding the hidden touch of glamour every bride craves.
Throughout the decades, Wellmon has seen many changes in both the styles she offers and in the community around her. But through it all, the constant has been her fantastic team. Her daughter, Michelle Waterbury, has been at her side for 29 years, making brides and their loved ones feel welcome and cared for. In 2020, that means going the extra mile to not only help them find the perfect dress but to do so while keeping health and safety in mind. To accomplish that, Jean’s offers each guest hand sanitizer when they enter the store, and staff members wear masks at all times. Appointments are preferred, in order to maintain social distancing standards, and surfaces and garments are sanitized after each party departs.
Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding ceremony or an elaborate fete, a trip to Jean’s Bridal is the key to looking and feeling fantastic on your wedding day.
Jean’s Bridal is located at 798 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. in Mount Pleasant. For more information, call 843-881- 2056, or go to jeansbridalcharleston.com.
