Do I have to be a White Dress Society Member to attend The Retreat?
While it is not required, we highly recommend that if if you are a bridal boutique owner, you should join The White Dress Society. It is exceptional community of like-minded bridal store owners. It is a way to connect, share ideas and get great advice. Often, as small business owners, we feel like we are on an island by ourselves. The White Dress Society allows you to know that there are others out there like you that are experiencing the same victories and challenges on a daily basis.
There are two ways to be involved:
The White Dress Society Membership: This paid membership provides you bi-monthly education session, monthly discussion groups and 24/7 access to an education library that can be used to educate yourself or train your staff. Members have exclusive access to products and discounts from our sponsors as well as to Membership events. Click here to join!
The White Dress Society Retailer Forum: This private Facebook group specifically for independent bridal store owners provides community and resources for like-minded bridal retailers. Request to join the conversation here!
What steps are you taking to ensure that attendees are safe because of Covid?
The health and safety of our retailers is our biggest priority! We will continue monitor the situation and will be adjusting safety protocols accordingly as needed. Full vaccination is strongly encouraged for attendance. We will be requiring a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 48 hours of arrival to be presented at check in. More information regarding that will be sent to registrants via email prior to the event.
If I am interested in sharing a room during The Retreat to cut down on cost, can you assist?
Yes, of course! If you email us at thewhitedressssociety@gmail.com we would be happy to send you a list of attendees that you can reach out to. Or, feel free to post a shout-out for a roommate on the private The White Dress Society Retreat : Tampa page!
What is the recommended dress code?
We recommend stylish, but comfortable. The schedule will allow for a brief wardrobe change prior to our evening activities. We will provide a style guide as we get closer to the event. The average temperature in Tampa in May is highs in the high 80’s and lows in the low 70’s, so layers are recommended. Remember we will be in air conditioning!
Are meals provided in the registration fee?
Yes! You will be provided a heavy snack and cocktail hour with heavy hors d'oeuvres on the first day. Lunch, snack and sit down dinner on the second day, as well as snack and boxed lunch on the third day. Note that water, soft drinks and coffee will be readily available all day as you need it. If you have specific dietary restrictions beyond what was mentioned on the registration form, feel free to email us at thewhitedressssociety@gmail.com .
Do you limit attendee registration based on geographic location?
Although we are firm believers in community over competition, we do understand that you may not want to attended an intimate conference with your direct competitor. Registration is available on a first come, first served basis. We will not limit registration based on geographical area unless one of our members has a specific concern. Feel free to email us at thewhitedressssociety@gmail.com if you want to chat prior to registration. On the same note, know that during our smaller breakout sessions we will arrange the attendees so that you will not be with a direct competitor.
For traveling purposes, what time does The Retreat begin and end?
The Retreat will begin at 2 pm on Sunday (registration opens at 1 pm), so please plan your travel accordingly. The Retreat will end by 2:30 pm on Tuesday to accommodate late afternoon departures. There is an additional opportunity to be part of coordinated accountability group sessions on Tuesday afternoon post-retreat.
Is the registration fee refundable?
Because of the all inclusive nature of The Retreat, we are unable to offer refunds after registration. Registrations are non-refundable but are transferrable to another bridal store owner with the approval of The White Dress Society team.
What is The Retreat investment and is there a payment option?
The total Retreat investment is $1500. And yes, you will be offered two payment options at the time of registration. You may pay the full price upon your registration OR you may pay in two equal installments : one half at the time of registration, with the balance due on or before March 15, 2022. We will send you an email notification just before the 2nd installment due.
I have a business partner. Is there a discount for subsequent attendees?
Yes! Our motto, is the more, the merrier! We will offer a $100 discount for each subsequent member of your ownership team that you register. To register additional attendees, please email thewhitedressssociety@gmail.com after you've completed your initial registration and we will send you a code to register at the discounted price. Please note : The Retreat is for store owners only. No managers will be in attendance.
