Despite the pandemic, Blessing Brides Ministry has been able to continue its mission of offering new, used and vintage wedding gowns at reasonable prices for brides-to-be in a boutique setting, located at 128 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown.

The shop, which was opened in November 2018 by founder Colleen Donovan, is filled with an assortment of gowns in various styles and in all sizes, including plus-size options.

Although the shop was closed for business during the shut-down order in 2020, Donovan continued to glean more inventory for brides to choose from. "I got a call out of the blue in January 2021 from a bridal chain that did not make it," Donovan said. "I got inventory from a store in New York of 44 dresses and almost as many veils and expensive headdresses and hair combs. She said she heard about (Blessing Brides Ministry) from a friend. I tried to be humble and grateful. In the midst of (her generosity), this was someone losing their business."

More recently, Donovan received more than 150 dresses that were donated from a bridal shop in a department store.

The pandemic also allowed Donovan to serve even more brides due to wedding venue closures. "We did OK during COVID because people's plans (fell through) and they got married in their backyards or in simple (ceremonies), so they needed to find (a dress quickly)," she pointed out.

Blessing Brides is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Thursday evenings by appointment only. "The majority of the dresses (currently) in stock are brand new," Donovan noted.

Donovan said she came up with the idea to open the shop as a way for brides to recycle gowns so that the joy of their wedding day could continue. She also noted that divorced women can donate their gowns as a way to do something positive after a breakup.

Each dress sold at the store is clean and ready for purchase. Women who visit the shop are treated to the same experience as if they were at a traditional bridal store. Brides can stand on a pedestal and look in the mirror and bring their friends or family members to watch.

All donated dresses are tagged with a name of the woman who donated the gown and a verse from Scripture. When the dress is sold, Donovan texts the donor a photo of the new bride who will be wearing her dress.

All proceeds from gowns sold at the store will be used to purchase additional inventory and to finance the cost of running the shop. Donovan, who works as a hospice nurse, hopes to devote herself full time to the ministry as she heads toward retirement.

For more information, visit http://www.bridedressforless.com, search for "Blessings Brides Ministry" on Facebook or email BlessingBridesMinistry@gmail.com.