SAY YES TO THE DRESS

Say yes

TO THE DRESS

We caught up with seven North East bridal boutiques to find out why you should head to them to find the one – your dress, that is; you’ve already nabbed your significant other… THE BLUE BOW BRIDAL COMPANY

0191 386 4444 | www.bluebowbridal.co.uk Where? Durham Prices? £800–£1,900 Sizes? 8–34 The lowdown: “We’re an awardwinning, family-owned boutique, dedicated to every brides’ dream for their big day,” says owner Cheryl Ashford. “We offer the very best in customer service, in gorgeous surroundings, plus a selection of beautiful and affordable luxury gowns. It’s a true treasure trove of wedding dresses and accessories to complement every bride on her ever-after journey.” The trends: “A-line gowns are extremely strong for 2023,” continues Cheryl. “We are seeing lots of simple yet striking silhouettes with exaggerated necklines or large bow detailing. However, regardless of trends it’s important that every bride feels confident and loves her gown. It’s always a personal preference when it comes to your dress, and all that matters is that you love everything about your design, so you have the confidence to wear it and shine on your big day.” Ordering your gown: “Especially in the current climate, delays are inevitable, so we suggest ordering your gown nice and early. It’s best to pick your dress 12-18 months before your wedding, but it’s really just when you feel ready to find ‘the one’.” Cheryl’s top tip: “Come to your appointment with your hair roughly in the style you’re thinking of for your big day, to give you an idea of necklines. You could also bring along a comfortable pair of heels in your preferred heel height if you wish, but this isn’t essential.”

www.djmphotography.co.uk

www.djmphotography.co.uk www.nataliepluck.com www.nataliepluck.com

KATE FEARNLEY

01642 638477 | https://katefearnley.com Where? Stokesley Prices? From £1,500 Sizes? Bespoke so made to measure The lowdown: “I’m a regional and national award-winning bridal designer based in the North East,” says owner Kate. “We now stock our collections in a selection of fabulous bridal boutiques across the UK, plus we also offer a bespoke service from our North Yorkshire studio. This exclusive service lets you come and try samples for ideas, but you can then combine styles together, tweaking certain parts, and also choose from a vast collection of fabrics and colours.” The trends: “I’m loving seeing the more modern and relaxed trend for the fashion-conscious bride,” continue Kate. “Our designs offer all of the above, and we’ll be bringing more of this into our new collections, as well as our signature detailing, embellishments and fashion forward silhouettes.” Ordering your gown: “Order 12 months before your wedding, but start enquiring beforehand. We design and make everything from our studio, which enables us to have control over the schedule and production. It’s better to plan ahead to ensure plenty of time.” Kate’s top tip: “Trust your gut! I’m here to listen to your needs and to guide, help and advise you to discover your perfect style. There’s no pressure or obligation, and I guarantee you’ll leave feeling sometimes surprised, always excited – and that you’ve had a great experience.”

ROSA BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

07879 843366 | www.facebook.com/rosabridalboutique Where? Newcastle Prices? Around £600–£1,600 Sizes? 6–28 The lowdown: “I’m proud to offer a personal experience that means I’ve amazing five star reviews,” says owner Susanne Shah. “If my brides don’t find ‘the one’ I’ll still ensure they’ve had a positive dress shopping experience. We hold a very unique position, where we’re able to source amazing designer gowns and provide them for significantly discounted prices from their RRP. I strongly believe in making my brides feel amazing on their big day, without you having to break the bank!” The trends: “I’ll be honest – I’m not a big believer in trends changing year on year,” continues Susanne. “My brides are all unique, with their own style, so it changes according to that. Having said that, A-line dresses are always popular, as it’s a shape that flatters most. I’m also seeing a continued interest in dresses that have a relaxed, boho vibe.” Ordering your gown: “In a perfect world, after booking your venue and photographer your dress should come next. So much goes around your dress, including your colour scheme, bridesmaids’ dresses, budget, flowers – even your hair. However, as all of our dresses are one-offs and available immediately, it’s a personal decision. I’ve had brides find a dress three weeks before their wedding!” Susanne’s top tip: “It’s sometimes true that too many opinions cause chaos, which can be overwhelming for the bride. My advice is to bring whoever you want, and whoever makes you comfortable. It’s your day – and it’s your dress!”

SIMPLY WED BRIDAL LIMITED

0191 251 6339 | https://simplywedbridal.co.uk Where? Whitley Bay Prices? £750–£2,200 Sizes? 10–28 The lowdown: “I provide a relaxed, friendly bridal experience which can be enjoyed comfortably with up to three guests,” says owner Helen Danbury-Trott. “In my boutique you’ll find a non-pressure environment, where the focus is on customer service and ensuring an enjoyable appointment. All in all, my aim is that you feel at ease with my positive and friendly disposition.” The trends: “Where you see external boning on the bodice, drawing the eye to the bust and waist, is a strong theme right now,” continues Helen. “I’ve also noticed more 3D embellishment, not just on dresses, but also with accessories such as wraps and veils. Coloured wedding dresses are popular, too – think pastel pinks, blues and multi-coloured.” Ordering your gown: “I recommend making decisions 10 to 12 months before your wedding. This way you get to see the latest collections available to order at the time, and you might even bag yourself a bargain with a dress from a previous collection!” Helen’s top tip: “I ask that brides refrain from wearing fake tan as it stains the gowns. Wear whatever make-up you’re comfortable with, though, so you feel confident when trying dresses on. A nude pair of seamless knickers is also ideal.”

Elite Wedding Cars

A highly professional North East Wedding car company with over 25 years of experience

Elite Wedding Cars have a choice of cars to help make the journey on your special day effortless and a journey to remember. With a choice of cars that offer style, comfort and elegance, along with a chauffeur to make your arrival at the Church and your reception a memorable part of the day.

www.eliteweddingcars.co.uk

Call: 01388 834420 / 07436 262296 or email: info@eliteweddingcars.co.uk

GREENFIELD MANOR FARM | 65 ETHERLEY GRANGE | BISHOP AUCKLAND | CO. DURHAM | DL14 0LA

BeautifulDay Bridal

We stock a wide range of award winning wedding dresses and accessories from leading designers. Our stock of bridal gowns reflect individual style, size and budget, from contemporary to timeless and classically elegant.

Our spacious and luxurious boutique will be dedicated to you and your bridal party for your appointment, giving you ample time to browse through our extensive and unique collection in search of your dream dress!

We would be honoured to be a part of the next chapter of your bridal journey

www.abigailgracevideography.co.uk

SISTERS OF GRACE BRIDAL

0191 260 5270 | www.sistersofgracebridal.co.uk Where? Newcastle Prices? £600–£4,500 Sizes? 2–30 The lowdown: “Sisters of Grace brings our curation of contemporary luxe bridal wear to the North East,” says owner Danni Hesketh. “Our designers have been handpicked to reflect our ethos and our brides’ unique styles. From free spirited bohemian laces and fashionforward two pieces, to bold hand painted florals and chic modern statement makers, we house the dream edit with an experience to match.” The trends: “Hitting the catwalks for next year are coloured florals, statement puff sleeves and bold ballgowns with chic splits,” continues Danni. “Having said that, your dress should always reflect you and your personal style.” Ordering your gown: “Around 12 months before your day is the perfect time to find your dress, as it usually takes four to six months for it to be made and delivered. Your final alterations start six weeks before the day, too. This means you’ve a couple of months between your dress arriving to finalise all the little details for your special day.” Danni’s top tip: “Comfort and confidence are two main points to keep in mind when dress shopping, and they go hand in hand with one another – you want to shine all day long!”

www.abigailgracevideography.co.uk

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW SUSTAINABLE BRIDAL WEAR

07594 351166 | www.facebook.com/SomethingoldSomethingnew2022 Where? Darlington Prices? £50–£999 Sizes? 8–30 The lowdown: “All our wedding dresses are preloved, but some are new with tags on,” says director Deborah Atkinson. “All of them are either half price or less. We promote brides to be eco- and budget-conscious, which means you save money and do your bit to save the planet. We offer 0% budget plans for up to six months following a 25% deposit, if a gown is £600 and over, and up to three months following a 25% deposit, if under £600. We also give £10 to charity for every dress bought, giving back to the community.” The trends: “Dealing with only preloved dresses, our trends tend to be previous seasons,” continues Deborah. “However, we also cater for older brides, as well as those renewing their vows and getting remarried, who aren’t necessarily looking for current trends. We do still get dresses in stock that have only been worn a few weeks previously, all of which are cleaned and turned round ready to make a new bride shine.” Ordering your gown: “We advise you buy your dress six months prior to your wedding, to ensure it can be altered in time. However, as our dresses are preloved, we’ve had many brides walk out with their dress not needing any alterations, which again is good for your budget.” Deborah’s top tip: “Try on as many dresses as you wish or that we have available in your size. We want your appointment to be relaxed and fun, giving you the chance to find what you feel the most comfortable in. We’ve had some brides try on 15 dresses – and some only three and found the one!”

THE WEDDING DRESS COMPANY

01434 634444 | www.theweddingdresscompany.co.uk Where? Corbridge Prices? £1,300–£3,000 Sizes? 8–22 The lowdown: “Our brides tell us we have the best selection of dresses in the North East,” says owner Sarah Stokoe. “Whether you’re looking for simple, boho or glamorous, we have it. The dresses are important, but we also have luxurious décor in a pretty village location with lots of quaint shops and places to eat. Each bride also gets completely private use of the boutique, and we even stock our own accessories.” The trends: “Sleeves are big at the moment, whether it be fitted, blouson, off the shoulder or voluminous,” continues Sarah. “Bridal gloves are set to be another trend, as are dresses with leg splits, and gowns made of luxurious fabrics such as sand washed silk or liquid crepe.” Ordering your gown: “We suggest brides buy their dress 12 to 18 months before their wedding. Some of the designers are on an eight month delivery schedule, and then you need to choose your accessories and have any alterations after your design arrives.” Sarah’s top tip: “Be prepared to fall in love with a dress as soon as you start trying them on – it happens more often than not, and the process isn’t as difficult as people tell you! We don’t set a limit on how many dresses you should try, as each bride is different. Some know what they want, so will usually try less than another bride who’s open to every style.”