After more than 20 years in the social services sector, Perfect Fit for Brides & Grads owner Guadalupe Dufour returned to her first love: fashion.
Originally from El Salvador, where she owned and designed her own clothing line, she opened Perfect Fit to bring modern, high-quality bridal and grad dresses to the community.
“When I moved back to fashion, I noticed how challenging it was for local women and girls to find formal dresses,” says Dufour. “The cost, time and stress of travelling to the city was overwhelming for many. I wanted to create a space where they could find beautiful, affordable gowns and receive personalized advice.”
What started with a few original designs has grown into a boutique offering more than 10 brands and hundreds of styles, from wedding gowns to cocktail dresses. Each client’s experience is tailored, ensuring they feel heard and confident.
“I love working with my clients one on one, helping them find a dress that makes them feel beautiful,” she says. “I’m not on commission, so there’s no rush or pressure, and clients can take their time to explore what truly suits them.”
Perfect Fit frequently updates its inventory to include new trends and classic styles. A clearance rack with dresses priced as low as $149 ensures anyone can find their perfect fit.
Having lived in qathet for more than 30 years, Dufour’s ties to the community run deep. Before opening Perfect Fit, she spent 17 years as a manager at Grace House, a role that fostered her understanding of local needs. She applies that same knowledge to her boutique, keeping local preferences and body shapes in mind when curating her collection.
“Everyone is different, and I bring in modern and classic styles that can be worn for more than one occasion. I focus on helping my clients find a style that suits their body shape, regardless of current trends.”
Last year, she began giving $50 gift certificates to Brooks Secondary School graduates to help ease the financial burden on families. She plans to continue that initiative in the coming years.
Dufour is mindful of the environmental impact of fashion and incorporates eco-friendly options, such as redesigning deadstock dresses and offering pieces made from sustainable materials.
“Clients appreciate that they can find stylish, eco-conscious dresses right here,” she says. “It’s a growing trend, and I’m happy to offer dresses that are beautiful and better for the planet.”
Her latest acquisition, a line of wedding and evening dresses from Ukraine, reflects her commitment to quality and dedication to bringing something unique to customers.
“These dresses are exquisite—the craftsmanship is impeccable. I’m proud to offer something that no other boutique in Canada has.”
Perfect Fit is more than just a dress shop, it’s a place where women come to feel seen, understood and celebrated. Dufour works closely with her clients to ensure their vision for their special day becomes a reality.
“I love to listen to my clients’ ideas and explore options until we find the perfect dress. It’s about turning a stressful decision into something enjoyable. My goal is to help every bride or grad feel confident and excited about their upcoming event.”
Her personalized approach has earned glowing testimonials. One client, Diane Calderone, shares: “Dufour is such a beautiful soul and made my bridal gown shopping such a memorable experience. Her boutique is comfortable and personal, and I loved that I could shop local.”
Dufour is excited about the future. She plans to offer more cocktail dresses, expand her plus-size options and introduce an affordable line of veils. For any bride or grad feeling overwhelmed, she offers simple yet profound advice.
“Plan ahead. It saves stress and money. My goal is to make your shopping experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. Finding the perfect dress should be fun, and I’m here to make sure it is.”
For more information, go to perfectfitforbridesandgrads.com or call 604.483.1800.
