Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007

Hold top quality nuptials on a budget

I recently attended my niece's wedding in Santa Barbara. From the picturesque wine country setting to the striking sunset ceremony, it was awesome. The dinner was grand and the reception was, well, a blast. There were even private buses to shuttle people from their hotels to the reception and back.

I don't know what all that cost, but it wasn't cheap. Not to worry, my brother-in-law got the bill, and writing that check couldn't have happened to a nicer guy -- love you, man.

But for those looking to hold their costs down, Jacob and Rochelle Ramirez have found a way to help. The couple recently opened Dentz Wedding Dress Consignment & Used Clothing Shop at 1405 La Loma Ave., near Yosemite Boulevard, in Modesto. They specialize in selling used wedding gowns they've taken on consignment, as well as bridesmaid dresses, formals, shoes and wedding accessories.

Outfitting a wedding party isn't the only reason to visit this shop. The Ramirezes also pay for, and get donations of, clothing of all types -- from casual wear to business attire -- for men and women. That merchandise runs the gamut: pants, shirts, blouses, shoes, purses, sweaters, jackets, scarfs and much more.

Because they pay cash for clothing and only take the best wedding dresses for consignment, the first-time business owners can ensure that they offer top-quality merchandise at bargain prices. Now that works for me, but I don't have daughters -- just two sons. And knowing those guys, they'll come up with some way to make me pay when they get married. Anybody got a used tux they want to sell?

For more information about Dentz, call 524-1619. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

What is it: The Floor Trader at 3037 Sisk Road in Modesto recently changed its name from GCO Flooring Outlet. Phone, 549-7600. Web site, www.floortrader.com.

What it does: The Floor Trader offers all types of flooring, including carpet, vinyl, laminate, hardwood and ceramic tile. It carries the major brands for each type of flooring, including Shaw, Mohawk, Mannington and Armstrong, Easy-Clic, Beauliau and the Ciara Collection. The Floor Trader has remodeled the interior of the store and increased the amount of hardwood flooring available. It also has special-order samples available.

Who runs it: Warren Sharrock is a first-time business owner. A flooring business has been at this location for 17 years. The Floor Trader is part of a national franchise that has been open since 1988. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

What makes it special: The Floor Trader has a friendly, knowledgeable staff and offers a large variety of flooring from which to choose.

What is it: SkinSational Medical Spa at 4345 Spyres Way, Suite 202, in Modesto. Phone, 578-1281. Web site, www.skinsationalmedspa.com.

What it does: SkinSational Medical Spa focuses on treatments such as laser aging prevention, wrinkle reduction, laser acne treatment, skin rejuvenation, medical grade microdermabrasion, laser hair reduction, laser vein treatment, massage therapy, Botox, REstylane and Radiesse.

Who runs it: Dr. Donald T.J. Godbold is a first-time business owner. Godbold has been in the emergency medicine field for more than 20 years. SkinSational Medical Spa opened in August. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

What makes it special: SkinSational Medical Spa has an experienced, well-trained staff that focuses on treatment results.

Have an item for Business Beat? Send it to David W. Hill, Business Editor, The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352; or dhill@modbee.com.

COMPILED BY JILLIAN HANKS, BEE NEWSROOM ASSISTANT