We chatted to some of the county’s bridal boutique owners to find out what makes shopping local and independent so special Whether you have a firm picture in mind or you’re open to ideas, searching for the dream dress is a part of the wedding planning experience to remember for all the right reasons. After all, you’re about to purchase a dress like none you’ve worn before or are likely to wear since, so why shouldn’t your shopping experience befit the importance of this all-important attire? This isn’t something you’d wander into a high street shop for, pick up off the rail and head to the checkout with on a whim, so look for a store that’s up to the task and fit for the occasion. Do your research. This is the best advice we can give you. If you do have a particular designer in mind, hit Google to find out where your local stockists are and look into those first. Remember, feeling pressured is possibly the worst emotion to encounter when you’re looking for your wedding dress, so check out the reviews of your shortlisted boutiques. What are previous brides telling you? You’re looking for a friendly, professional, experienced, and above all, patient team who excel at putting their brides first. After all, you’ll generally have an hour or two of the consultant or owner’s undivided attention for your appointment, so you don’t want to feel uncomfortable in any way. These dress wranglers will know their stock inside out and backwards, and are always ready with a helping hand. And if they offer you a wild card, trust us, just give it a shot! We believe these boutiques have it down, so we chatted to the owners to find out a bit more, taking a peek behind the scenes of four local lovelies. Come on in and join us. SEARCHING FOR the one FROSS WEDDING COLLECTIONS Boutique owner Fross Hockley says, “My mother was a dressmaker for bridal company Berketex, and passed on her passion for beautiful design and craftsmanship to me. I turned this passion into Fross Wedding Collections in 2006, where I could curate my own collections and help brides to find the perfect gown. “We know how important choosing your wedding gown is, so creating an unforgettable, stress-free experience for our brides is an absolute must. We’re proud of the relaxed and friendly atmosphere we’ve created in the boutique. It’s an oasis of calm, where you can enjoy the space you need with the unobtrusive support of your personal stylist. From gently guiding you through the process of finding your dream wedding gown, to alterations, you’ll receive personal attention from the first fitting until you take home your finished gown. What’s your favourite gown in store at the moment? My current favourite is Elora by Josephine Scott London. I absolutely love the soft pink and green florals throughout the gown, it’s both romantic and modern. It looks stunning displayed on a mannequin in the boutique – a real show-stopper! I want to look on trend on my big day. What’s fashionable at the moment, and are there any designers I should look out for? If you’re looking for something more unusual, like the Elora gown I mentioned, Josephine Scott London does gorgeous gowns with colour. Colour is becoming very on trend in bridalwear. On the other hand, sleek, simple gowns are also in, with delicate details such as bows and pearl buttons. Aire Barcelona and Adriana Alier from the Rosa Clara family offer beautiful timeless designs. GET IN TOUCH Crockstead Farm, Eastbourne Road, Halland, BN8 6PT 01825 763 380 fross@weddingcollections.co.uk https://frossweddingcollections.co.uk Elora by Josephine Scott London, available at Fross Wedding Collections FLOWERS 63 BRIDAL BOUTIQUES
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