Real Insights From Real Brides
Three real brides share their wedding dress shopping journeys – the highs and lows – here is what they loved, and why they chose the boutique they did.
Emily Condliffe-Law – 130 Atelier
Emily Condliffe-Law envisioned a traditional satin ballgown for her black-tie wedding. However, fate intervened when she stumbled upon the Watters Ruby dress at 130 Atelier. Sophie, the boutique owner, played a pivotal role, making Emily’s experience unforgettable. From the moment her appointment was booked, Emily felt like the belle of the ball. The boutique’s attention to detail was evident with a personalised rail of pre-selected dresses matching her style. Sophie’s warm welcome and genuine interest in Emily’s vision created an atmosphere where the bride-to-be felt at ease. Emily emphasises that it was Sophie who made the experience extraordinary, going beyond selling a dress to ensuring she felt like the most beautiful bride. The pressure-free environment and Sophie’s expertise helped Emily find a dress that wasn’t just a choice; it was an extension of her identity.
Top Takeaways:
- Prioritise a personalised, pressure-free environment
- Pay attention to the details of the bride’s vision
- Build a connection with customers to enhance their overall experience
Emily Batesmith – Clementine Bridal
Emily Batesmith’s journey to find the perfect boho wedding dress was an emotional rollercoaster. While planning her festival-style wedding, Emily faced discouragement at another boutique, where ‘settling’ for a gown was suggested. Determined to find ’the one,’ Emily discovered Clementine Bridal. The highs of her experience included exceptional customer service and falling in love with the dress of her dreams. At Clementine, Emily found so many choices, including two-piece mix-and-match options that perfectly aligned with her relaxed wedding theme. Margaret, the boutique owner, provided valuable insights, fostering a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere. Emily’s experience at Clementine was the epitome of a positive shopping journey, dispelling the lows she had encountered elsewhere. Margaret and Tina’s genuine kindness and lack of pressure ensured that Emily not only found her dream dress but also felt empowered and beautiful in her choice.
Top Takeaways:
- Offer diverse options to cater to different styles and preferences
- Create an environment where brides feel empowered and valued
- Emphasise customer service and support throughout the shopping process
Zoe Teagle – Confetti and Lace
Zoe Teagle’s vision for her summer wedding was clear – something that suited her figure, wasn’t too heavy to wear, and that she could enjoy dancing in. Her search for the perfect dress led her to Confetti and Lace, where she found the ideal match in the Wynona gown by Ronald Joyce. Despite initial challenges, including a less-than-ideal experience at another boutique, Zoe’s journey took a turn for the better at Confetti and Lace. Zoe loved Ronald Joyce dresses, and the boutique’s reputation for stocking the label and their personalised attention to detail made it a natural choice. Zoe’s fitting process, guided by the skilled seamstress Delphine, showcased the boutique’s commitment to ensuring every detail was perfect. With the support of her family and the attentive team at Confetti and Lace, Zoe not only found her dream dress but also experienced a shopping journey that celebrated her individuality.
Top Takeaways:
- Prioritise individual preferences and offer a variety of styles
- Invest in / work with a skilled seamstresses for tailored fittings
- Create a supportive and comfortable atmosphere for brides and their entourage
What the brides had to say…
- Personalise the Experience: Tailor appointments based on the bride’s preferences and style
- Body Positivity Matters: Create an inclusive environment that boosts body confidence
- Diverse Dress Options: Offer a broad range of styles, sizes, and designs to accommodate various tastes
- Knowledgeable Staff: Train staff to provide expert advice on styles, fabrics, and seasonal considerations
- Private Fittings: Make sure that the fitting rooms feel private, and if possible, make sure the temperature suits the bride (not too chilly, and not to hot)
- Transparent Timeline: Clearly communicate dress delivery timelines to manage brides expectations
- Customer Reviews: Encourage satisfied brides to share their experiences, future customers have faith in the experiences of past customers
Image Credits:
Ami Ford Weddings - www.instagram.com/amifordweddings
Peach Portman - www.instagram.com/peach_portman
Amanda Goodyear Photography - www.instagram.com/amandagoodyearphotography
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