Among this year’s winners were You Are Precious Bridal, Ellis Bridals, Maggie Sottero Designs and Bijoux Bridal, each recognised for their commitment, innovation and dedication to delivering excellence.

You Are Precious: Winner of Bridalwear Retailer of the Year – England (Small) and Retailer Team of the Year

How did you feel when you were crowned for this category?

"It was such an overwhelming and emotional moment for our whole team. To be recognised by the Bridal Buyer Awards as winners for two such prestigious categories, judged by leading experts in our industry is the highest honour. It felt like a real affirmation that the passion, creativity and drive we pour into every bride’s journey is being seen and celebrated on a national level."

What are your three pearls of wisdom to those who are planning to enter next year?

"Be true to your brand values - don’t try to be everything to everyone, let your uniqueness shine.
Show your passion - judges can always feel when your heart is genuinely in your entry and everything you do.
Celebrate your team - behind every great business is a dedicated and passionate team, so highlight the people who make it all possible."

Maggie Sottero Designs: Winner of The Inclusion and Diversity Award

Three pieces of advice for those looking to enter the Awards in the future?

"Walk the walk, don’t just talk the talk. Inclusion and diversity must be woven into the foundation, not just as a marketing message. This can be through product offerings, hiring, partnerships, and the way every bride is treated.
Listen first. Take time to listen to the communities you want to serve. Their lived experiences should inform how you shape your business.

Be willing to evolve. Inclusion isn’t a box you tick once. It’s an ongoing journey. Stay open to feedback, continue educating yourself and your team, and never stop looking for ways to do better."

How will this award impact your business going forward?

"This year, Maggie Sottero is very proud of Love for ALL, a marketing campaign featuring real brides from every walk of life. This powerful initiative challenges outdated bridal norms, demonstrating that there is no single way to be a bride. Whether it’s feeling beautiful in your unique skin, a gown honoring cultural heritage, or a celebration of queer love, Love for ALL highlights the individuality and authenticity of every bride’s journey. Maggie Sottero will continue to advocate for creating beautiful and inclusive spaces for every single one of our brides. Each bride, regardless of colour, identity, body shape, size, wedding vision, budget or timeline, deserves to feel seen, confident and celebrated on their wedding day."

Ellis Bridals: Winner of Bridalwear Supplier of the Year (UK)

How did you feel when your name was announced?

"We were absolutely over the moon - it means the world to us. As a fourth-generation family business, this award feels like the culmination of years of love, hard work and dedication, not just from our team but also from the incredible retailers who are part of our extended Ellis family. Winning for the second year in a row makes it feel like an even bigger achievement and a real testament to the consistency and passion behind everything we do. When our name was announced, there were tears, hugs and so much pride. It was a truly special moment we’ll never forget!"

What are you most proud of this year?

"We’re proud of the meaningful growth we’ve achieved alongside our retailers. From doubling the size of our team, to launching innovative marketing support like our Retailer Content Creation Experience, every milestone has been about strengthening those relationships. Most of all, we’re proud that our boutiques feel truly supported, and that our success reflects theirs."

Bijoux Bridal: Winner of Bridalwear Retailer of the Year (Scotland)

Looking back on the past year, what are you most proud of achieving?

"This year we really focused on experience over everything, and it’s paid off. We’ve invested in our team, expanded our private-label collections, and fine-tuned every touchpoint in the bride’s journey. But what I’m most proud of is how consistently our brides tell us it was the best part of their wedding planning. That means more than anything."

Finally, how will this award impact your business going forward?

"It’s a huge stamp of credibility not just for us, but for every bride looking to choose a store they can trust. It’s also a brilliant morale boost for the team, who work so hard behind the scenes. This win will help us attract more brides, continue to grow and keep raising the standard of bridal retail in Scotland."