Congratulations on winning the Inclusion and Diversity Award! What does this mean to you and your team?

TDR Bridal: The Bridal Buyer Awards, for us, are what they say, the Oscars of the bridal industry. We last won back in 2015 and since then have come so far, we felt it was the right time for TDR to be put to the test once again as we continue to grow and improve. It’s always a great evening hosted by Bridal Buyer and it was fun for us all to get ready and have a night off together to party as a Team. Winning two Awards really was such a surprise and we never take for granted that we will be successful as there are so many other amazing businesses out there with so much to offer.

It signifies recognition and validation of our hard work, dedication, and innovation in the bridal industry. For us, it means that our efforts to create exceptional experiences and products for brides have been acknowledged and appreciated by both our peers and our customers.
This award is not just a symbol of success; it’s a testament to the passion and talent of every member of our team. It motivates us to continue pushing boundaries, exploring new ideas, and delivering excellence in everything we do. Winning such a prestigious award instils a sense of pride and accomplishment, reaffirming our commitment to setting the highest standards in the bridal industry.
Moreover, this recognition strengthens our reputation and credibility in the market, which can open new opportunities for partnerships, collaborations, and growth. It also enhances our brand’s visibility and trustworthiness among brides-to-be, helping us to connect with a broader audience and fulfil their dreams of a perfect wedding dress.
Overall, winning the biggest bridal awards in the UK is not just a moment of celebration; it’s a moment of reflection on how far we’ve come and a driving force to propel us even further towards excellence in the future.

Maggie Sottero Designs: Winning the Inclusion and Diversity Award as a supplier is a deeply meaningful recognition for Maggie Sottero. It symbolizes our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the bridal industry. This award represents more than just acknowledgment; it embodies our core values of love and acceptance for all individuals. We believe every bride deserves to feel celebrated and beautiful on her special day, regardless of size, shape, ethnicity, culture, sexuality, or ability. This award reaffirms our belief that love knows no bounds and strengthens our resolve to continue championing inclusivity in every aspect of our business.

How do you think it will impact your boutique over the next 12 months?

TDR Bridal: Winning both the Inclusion and Diversity award and Bridal Retailer of the year for 2024 will enhance our brand’s reputation and credibility between our relationships with our suppliers. New and current brides will also trust and choose a business that has been recognized for excellence.

Most importantly, winning the Inclusion and Diversity award demonstrates just how committed we are to being inclusive and welcoming to all customers, regardless of background, ethnicity, ability or orientation. 
This award won’t necessarily alter our desire to grow and improve in every aspect, but it will remind us that there’s always room for progress. It serves as motivation to persist in our efforts to maintain a safe environment for everyone. We want everyone to know that TDR Bridal is a welcoming place and for people who have felt overlooked or not considered in this industry to feel recognised. 

What are your top tips for boutiques who want to do better in terms of promoting inclusion and diversity?

TDR Bridal: Honestly, it’s an ever-evolving topic which we will never be experts on. We do all we can to be involved with training days, seminars and asking for help to learn. To even start on this path, you must have the love, care, commitment and drive to want to provide an inclusive environment for both staff and Brides alike. There are so many un-seen people out there who are desperate to be seen and represented in our Industry and I am a firm believer that change comes from within. 

Maggie Sottero Designs: To promote inclusion and diversity, boutiques and stockists should prioritize education, fostering understanding and empathy. They should actively seek out and collaborate with diverse models, influencers, and real brides to ensure representation across all platforms. Additionally, offering a wide range of sizes, styles, and accessibility features in their products and services demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.