Yellowknife (Mar 03/04) - When it comes to the most important part of any wedding, Yellowknife brides have two choices -- a seamstress, or a trip south.

We're talking about the wedding gown -- that shimmering white creation that transforms the bride into a princess.

Virginia Schulz closed down Virginia's Sewing and Bridal House three years ago after many hectic years of dressing bridal parties.

"It was very, very stressful," says the seamstress, who made 20-50 dresses a summer season for the demanding market.

"They (the brides) used to call me at two or three in the morning," she says.

A few lucky brides still get their hands on Schulz's beaded creations each year, but she sends the rest to Edmonton or Grande Prairie, places where bridal boutiques abound.

Schulz's handmade dresses cost $600 to $2,000 and took her anywhere from two weeks to six months to make.

The business was successful, but the demand was too much for Schulz, who often made bridesmaid and flower girl dresses as well.

But there's good news for Yellowknife brides-to-be: Schulz is thinking about re-opening her bridal house in the downtown area, but says the decision is a hard one.

For casual or second weddings, some women hop into For Women Only to browse the racks.

Owner Rosemary Youngblut says she'll have five or six brides come in during the summer season for dresses.

"We do fit a lot of people who just want a summer dress," she says.

Youngblut says many women entering second marriages choose non-white, simple dresses for their special day. The store refers brides looking for satin and sparkle to go south as well, though accessories like pantyhose, gloves, hats, strapless bras and shoes are available here in town.

As the summer wedding season looms over Yellowknife, it looks like bridal parties hungering for that perfect dress may have to plan a travelling weekend, too.