DREAM-MAKERS

Hannah Faulder meets the people behind the regions’ best bridal boutiques

Many moons ago, I spent four glorious years working in a bridal boutique. I had an absolute ball, but when it came to picking my own wedding dress years later I thought it might tarnish the experience slightly – knowing how it all works behind the scenes – but I was so wrong! I rounded up the troops (my mum and sister) and we headed out into the big white world of wedding dress shopping. There were bubbles, there were nibbles, but best of all there were amazingly talented, patient and creative people who were ready to answer my every question and concern. Believe me, I wanted to know everything.

My biggest piece of advice to those who are embarking on their journey to find the one is this: try styles on you don’t think you’ll like. Also, listen to the advice of your consultant; they’ll probably have an idea of what will suit you as soon as you walk through the door. I certainly didn’t end up with the flowing long-sleeved Stevie Nicks-style number that I thought I would. Yep – I wore a meringue!

We’re lucky enough to have some fantastic boutiques in our region, with styles, price ranges and designers for every type of bride. We’re going to introduce you to just some of them…

Describe your boutique and service in five words… Fun, friendly, welcoming and affordable.

What designers do you stock? We stock dresses from designers such as Ronald Joyce, Justin Alexander, Ian Stuart, Maggie Sottero, Terry Fox, Vera Wang, San Patrick and many more. We also stock Terra Bridal, which is a plus-size brand exclusive to Bridal Reloved.

How did you come to launch your business? I started selling pre-loved dresses to raise money for IVF. I fell in love with helping brides find the one at pocket-friendly prices. I also loved that rehoming dresses was so much better for the environment, so I decided to buy into the Bridal Reloved brand. This was a massive change from my 22-year service in the Armed Forces, and I love every minute of it!

Why should brides choose to get their gown from a local boutique? I truly believe in shopping local where possible. Not only does it help our communities thrive, but it also helps small family business to pay the bills, rather than paying the overheads of big chains. As a boutique specialising in preloved and sample dresses, we’re a more eco-friendly option – giving another lease of life to these beautiful dresses.

Give us your top dress-shopping tip… Arrive open-minded and try on various styles to see what looks and feels best. You might just be surprised!

Visit www.bridalreloved.co.uk

Susanne’s favourite dress is this A-line Sassi Holford dress with a gorgeous structured neckline. Jan’s favourite dress is style 44249 by Sincerity Bridal.

MEET JAN WRIGHT OF BRIDE AT HOME BOUTIQUE

Describe your boutique and service in five words… Welcoming, professional, passionate, experienced, attentive.

What designers do you stock? Sincerity Bridal, Ronald Joyce, White One, La Sposa and Eternity Bridal.

How did you come to launch your business? When I was young, I had no idea that my pen and paper were a canvas for what my future would hold. I followed my heart and took a fashion design and pattern-cutting course. This gave me the courage to start my own business from the extension of my home, and I later moved to the high street. I want to offer brides the most beautiful dresses and leave a sparkle in them that will last a lifetime.

Why should brides choose to get their gown from a local boutique? Local boutiques offer brides a more personal service that’s tailored to their needs. It also means professional consultants are never far away to offer advice. The main draw of a local boutique, as opposed to buying online, is getting to try on the dresses and having that moment when you know it’s the perfect gown.

What’s your top tip for brides looking for their dream dress? Trust your instinct and be true to what you love; it’s your day and your dress so your feelings come first. Also, enjoy the process. Choosing your wedding gown will give you memories to treasure for life, so don’t get too lost in the search and let your heart guide you.

Describe your boutique and service in five words… Relaxed, cosy, popular, stylish, award-winning.

What designers do you stock? Enzoani, Blue by Enzoani, Maggie Sottero, Ellis Bridals, Mia Mia by Alan Hannah, Ronald Joyce and Victoria Jane by Ronald Joyce.

How did you come to launch your business? I was already working as a bridal stylist when an opportunity came up to open my own boutique. After lots of consideration and advice from loved ones, I launched the business in 2011 and have never looked back! Krystle Brides is a very special place to me and I’m so proud of how we have evolved.

Why should brides choose to get their gown from a local boutique? We have the choice of beautiful hand-picked designer gowns and an onsite seamstress. Shopping local will enable you to build a relationship with your supplier and feel cared for – support is always available if you need it.

What’s your top tip for brides looking for their dream dress? Shop with just a few of your nearest and dearest; too many opinions can be confusing. Don’t be afraid to offend your consultant if you don’t like something – honesty will let you get the most out of the experience and help you find the one.

Visit www.krystlebrides.co.uk

Krystle’s favourite dress: Natsuko by Enzoani.

MEET SARAH HACKETT OF ROOKERY BRIDAL

Describe your boutique and service in five words… Gorgeous gowns, fantastic customer service!

What designers do you stock? Justin Alexander, Essense of Australia, Paloma Blanca, Randy Fenoli, Romantica of Devon – Silhouette, Rosa Clara – Adriana Alier.

How did you come to launch your business? Rookery Bridal was launched nearly 20 years ago. However, I purchased it in 2019. I already owned one boutique but couldn’t resist the temptation to expand and share my love of bridal! Taking forward my goals for offering exceptional customer service and quality products, I have since set about improving the boutique so it can accommodate all brides and budgets.

Why should brides choose to get their gown from a local boutique? I always shop local where I can, and I believe we should all try to support small businesses as opposed to large corporations. Most independently owned boutiques need the support of their community in order to thrive, and this is the same for us. We want to be an asset to our community.

What’s your top tip for brides looking for their dream dress? Don’t worry about your figure – you are loved for who you are! Also, try not to visit too many shops; it can become overwhelming.

Visit www.rookerybridal.co.uk Sarah’s favourite dress: Aidan by Justin Alexander.