Bridal boutique with a fitting room

Brides, their families and bridal parties, plus guests buying accessories or gifts.

Markup on dresses and accessories, plus fees for alterations, steaming and preservation. Bridesmaid and mother-of-the-bride items add extra sales per party.

• Customer service and sensitivity with brides and families
• An eye for style and fit
• Managing inventory and supplier orders
• Appointment scheduling and organizing

• Local business license and sales tax registration with your state, check with your city, county and state revenue department
• Lease terms, deposits and zoning for retail use
• Designer contracts, minimum orders and deposit rules can tie up cash in inventory
• General liability and property insurance, ask about coverage for stock and customers' dresses held for alterations
• Sales are seasonal and depend on engagement trends, plan cash for slower months

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your lease and deposits, fit-out and how much inventory you order. Designer contracts, minimum orders and deposit rules can tie up cash in stock.

Check a local business license and sales tax registration with your city, county and state revenue department. Also check lease terms, deposits and zoning for retail use, and ask about insurance for stock and customers' dresses held for alterations.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, range and how many brides book appointments. Sales are seasonal, so plan cash for slower months. The estimates assume at least about 30 hours a week.