Brides of Bury – The Place to Find your Dream Dress for Less!

Calling all North West Brides-to-be, especially those of you who – like me – live in Bury! I have some exclusive information on a fantastic new bridal boutique that you’re going to want to visit!

As you might know, I bought my wedding dress a couple of weeks ago and shared a post called Say Yes to the Dress for Less! all about how you can find your perfect gown on a budget. Coincidentally, a few days later I noticed a new bridal shop was set to open that would have been perfect to feature in that post. I’ve since been in touch and lucky enough to have a behind the scenes look at and I want to invite you to their grand opening this Saturday – 16th February – at The Millgate shopping centre in Bury.

You’ll have a chance to browse through the amazing selection of beautiful dresses whilst enjoying some canapes and a glass of fizz. When I had my sneak peek, the temptation to try on some of the gowns was strong, especially as their prices start at just £75 and go up to £700! I quickly distracted myself by instead looking at the beautiful selection of hair accessories and belts, two things that I am still on the look out for. The prices on accessories ranges from £10 to £90, that items like tiaras, veils, belts, hair pieces and more.

This is truly a unique boutique, the dresses they stock are a mix of brand new and pre-loved from a range of well-known designers. Approximately 75% of the items are brand new and straight from the stockists, though you wouldn’t know which was pre-loved and which was new as each dress is as stunning as the next! You’ll find dresses from designers like Benjamin Roberts, Morilee, Pronuptia, Joanna Hope and a whole host of others. They have a range of dresses in sizes 6-28 so chances are there will be a dress to suit you and your budget.

What makes this bridal shop stand out from the rest is the fact that it is a non-profit organisation. All profits from sales go directly to Bury Hospice, a local charity that do some amazing work. I have been privileged enough to do some fundraising for this charity in the past and they are a very worthy cause that rely heavily on donations. If you make a purchase at Brides of Bury you’ll be helping out a fantastic charity in the process.

As I have already bought my dress, I obviously can’t buy another, what I can do though is donate mine to Brides of Bury once I’m married. The staff there told me that they accept any dress in any condition; there’s no need to get it dry cleaned or have a bit of beading stitched back on, they have staff who do that before they put it out for sale on the shop floor. The also told me about a bride who, despite living down south, heard about the shop and how profits go to a local hospice. Kindly, she sent them her custom-made dress that cost thousands! Not only is it fantastic for the charity but it also means one lucky bride is going to get an amazing gown for a fraction of the price!

I remember when I started searching for my perfect dress, I felt a bit overwhelmed and unsure where to start. It was also quite intimidating going into the bridal shops, I felt like I had to brandish my engagement ring so they knew I was actually allowed in. Fortunately, you won’t have that problem here, the doors are wide open for all to wonder in and the staff are so friendly.

Sandra Beverly, their lead consultant, has over 36 years in the wedding dress industry and has found gowns for the likes of: Linda Lusadi and Nicole Appleton! So if you’re having doubts about what style will suit you, fear not. Sandra and her team of experts are ready to help you find your perfect gown for an amazing price. There is the added benefit of taking your dress away on the day rather than having to order months in advance. I advise you to do as I have and stash your dress at a relative or friends house so don’t succumb to the temptation to wear it all the time!

If that hasn’t convinced you then let me tell you about the other amazing attire that they stock, there’s evening gowns, prom dresses, hats, fascinators and all the wedding accessories you could need. I spotted a couple of dresses that would be ideal for my mum to wear to my wedding, two of which were Phase Eight dresses. Brides of Bury are selling them for £45 a dress despite the fact the same ones are still available on the Phase Eight website for £150! I am already planning a trip for my mum and mother in law to be for them to find their dresses.

I suspect that some of you reading this might have just got engaged on Valentines day, and if that’s the case: Congratulations! Why not head down to the launch party on Saturday to get the ball rolling on your wedding plans. I’ll be there – resisting the urge to try on more dresses – so come and say hi. There will also be a couple of famous faces cutting the ribbon to the shop, so here’s a Thirty Clair exclusive about a new celebrity couple:

Joe Duttine and Sally Carman (aka Tim Metcalfe and Abi Franklin from Corrie) are an item! Media outlets speculated that they were back in August but this Saturday they will be appearing as an official couple! And what better way to do that than opening Bury’s newest bridal boutique? They will be cutting the ribbon at 10:30am so get there early to catch a glimpse of them.

Or if like me, you’ve bought the majority of bits and pieces for your wedding, it’s still worth a visit. There are amazing prize hampers to be won that are stuffed with wedding treats, there are dance lessons, planners, photo-booth props, prosecco and a load more goodies to be won.

If you’re still searching for wedding favours, you’ll be able to purchase Bury Hospice pins that you can give to guests again knowing your money has gone to a fantastic cause. The badges are the Bury Hospice symbol which is a colourful swallow, they differ from the charities usual badges and have been designed with a sparkly finish specifically for wedding gifts and favours.

Happy Wedding Planning,

Thrifty Clair x