Join us as we take a peek behind the doors of the region’s bridal boutiques 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 nature 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. SEEKING the one BIJOU BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 15 Westgate, Honley, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 6AA 01484 690 454 | https://bijoubridalboutique.com Bijou Bridal Boutique is located in the beautiful village of Honley just outside Huddersfield in West Yorkshire and has been a shining light for the country’s amazing British bridal designers for more than a decade. Owner Karensa has always championed the best of British and the boutique’s designers include Sassi Holford, Caroline Castigliano, Alan Hannah, Josephine Scott London and Ivory & Co. Bridal, with Caroline Castigliano being the latest incredible addition. As the owner and only bridal stylist, Karensa provides a totally private and exclusive dress shopping experience for every bride who books such a crucial appointment. “It’s such an important part of the wedding planning and deserves only the very best attention and expertise,” she says. What’s your favourite gown in store at the moment? I‘m waiting for my new 2025 collections to arrive and these are going to be my absolute favourites! I love all the gowns in the boutique as I’ve handpicked every single one but going into 2025 this particular gown from the 2025 Castigliano Collection is super luxurious and has the timeless and classic appeal that my brides expect. Aria is a strapless satin gown made in the most beautiful luminous pearl coloured duchess satin featuring a pleated corset bodice and full A-line skirt with button detail and feature train. I’m nervous about my first bridal appointment. What can I expect and what should I take with me? Every bride’s expectations of their first appointment are so different but feeling nervous or anxious is natural, as you’re about to embark on finding the one. The choice of boutique will be key if you’re a nervous bride and I’d wholly recommend choosing boutiques that purely focus on one bride at a time. After all, if you’re feeling anxious, do you want to be sharing the same space with other brides and guests who will probably see what you try on too and how you look? Probably not! Choose boutiques that offer totally private appointments with a one-to-one personal approach – you can’t beat being the only focus and knowing that the bridal stylist is only interested in finding you the most perfect dress. As to what to wear or take with you, just come with an open mind and a willingness to say “yes” if you try on a dress that you feel incredible in. Sometimes a bride will fall in love straight away and then worry about other appointments but don’t risk losing that special moment because you feel pressured to carry on shopping. It really can be a magical time if you let yourself experience it. Aria from the Castigliano Collection, available at Bijou Bridal Boutique FLOWERS 57 BRIDAL BOUTIQUES
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