About Us

The Association of Bridal and Formal Attire Retailers (ABFAR) was started through the efforts of several small business owners that felt the need to partner with other bridal and social occasion salons to work on issues facing our industry.  Our hope is that we will work together with our manufacturers and other industry partners to establish ethical and responsible standards for the operation of our full service bridal and social occasion salons and that we will provide support to each other through training and networking.

The ABFAR Board of Directors is comprised of the following:

Chair - Kimberly Miller, The Wedding Bell, Tacoma, WA

Vice Chair - Robin Garrison, I Do Bridal, Seattle, WA

Treasurer - Angie Oven, The Bridal Gallery, Salem, OR

Secretary - Tesi Miteva, Tesi Bridal Boutique, Ventnor, NJ

Regional Directors -

• Jennifer Thompson, Facchianos Bridal and Formal Attire, Broken Arrow, OK
• Terrie Martin, T. Carolyn Fashions, Houston, TX
• Angeline McDonald, Bells & Bows Bridal, Lethbridge AB, Canada

ABFAR also has several permanent committees:

• Strategic Planning Committee - Responsible for creating the organization's 3-5 year strategic plan and updating the rest of the Board about its progress.
• Finance Committee - Works with the Treasurer to make sure all expenditures and income are accounted for.
• Event/Advertising Committee - Responsible for overseeing the organization's special events and working with different medias to promote the organization's teachings and ideals.
• Nominating Committee - Responsible for leading the recruitment process for suitable members for the Board.
• Compliance Committee - Responsible for ensuring that the organization is run ethically and responsibly according to the Articles of Incorporation, the By-Laws, and existing law.
• Committee at Large - Made up of manufacturer representatives, sales representatives, and any other industry group which do not meet the regular membership guidelines.  Responsible for working with the organization to understand industry issues and suggest solutions.  Members of this Committee are considered Associate members.