So they popped the question, got on bended knee and produced the bling! What a wonderful time to be in love! There is something so special about that newly engaged period where everyone is full of joy and interest and you and your significant other just feel completely wrapped in love. Christmas can be such a magical time of year and the ideal ambience for getting engaged. Imagine retelling the proposal story in years to come and every Christmas feeling special with the memory. They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, so if your significant other produced the ring on bended knee for a Christmas present you will never forget, then we have a few tips for you.
Okay ladies, let’s not pretend you haven’t been thinking about your wedding dress before you even got the ring. You’ve been envisaging it for years (probably have the guest list saved on an excel sheet somewhere) and you know exactly what is going to work for your body.
Well if we can offer any advice for bridal shopping it would be this:
- Have a budget set before starting dress shopping and stick to it.
- Do not, I repeat DO NOT try on any dress outside of your planned budget (this will lead to heartbreak).
- Go to appointments open-minded, try different styles and you may be surprised with the results.
- Sample Sales can be your friend.
- Don’t bring an entourage to the fittings (too many opinions can be overwhelming and disheartening), select your people wisely.
- Leave yourself plenty of time for exploring your options so you don’t panic buy.
With that in mind we have rounded up some of the best NI has to offer in all things bridal, so if you don’t know where to start, try some of these:
La Boda Bridal, Banbridge
The La Boda team are great believers in keeping their fingers on the pulse of bridal fashion. From ruffles and lace to quirky neck lines and skirts, La Boda Bridal caters for all discerning brides. Based in Banbridge, Northern Ireland and stocking bridal gowns by Atelier Pronovias, Pronovias, Sottero and Midgley, White Rose Bridal, LiRi and Watters Wtoo. Check out their Facebook for a sneak peek of the sheer elegance on offer.
Kouture Kids, Armagh
Oh wow. For a little Mini- Me as beautiful as you on the big day you must visit Kouture Kids. These ladies stock bespoke Flower Girl dresses not available on the high street. For all things tulle, embellished and general cuteness factor then check out some pictures from their Wedding Show Journal Belfast.
Creative Ideas Bridal, Cookstown/ Armagh
Award Winning Bridal Boutique Creative Ideas Bridal offer Brides a stunning collection of dresses from Worldwide Designers such as Essense of Australia, Ronald Joyce, True Bride, La Sposa and the White One.
Voted Best Bridal Boutique 2018, Creative Ideas Bridal are renowned for not only their amazing collection of dresses but also their high level of customer service! Saying yes to the dress couldn’t be made easier as they offer a one to one consultation with a specially trained Bridal Consultant to help you find your dream dress.
Amelia Rose Bridal Boutique, Newry
Amelia Rose Bridal is a sister boutique to the renowned Creative Ideas Bridal boutique. Charlene has opened her fourth shop & named it after her two beautiful daughters… Amelia Lily & Sienna Rose (how sweet!). Based at the Fiveways, Newry, Amelia Rose is the proud stockist of the amazing Rosa Clara and Maggie Sottero designs.
If you pictured yourself oozing class and elegance on your big day then book here for an appointment.
Loft Bridal, Omagh
If like some of us you don’t like spending too much on a dress you will only wear once we have found Northern Ireland’s only designer consignment boutique, specializing in bridal wear. They sell pre-owned, high end designer dresses without the designer price tag!They also sell Mother of Bride, bridesmaid dresses, flower girl, formal wear and guest attire. Loft Bridal also stock a wide range of handcrafted jewellery and fascinators/hats. So if you would rather see the money spent on the entertainment or food on the day you definitely need to visit this place, or check out their Facebook here.
Ivory Grace Bridal, Ballymena
Based in the beautiful Village of Galgorm, Ivory Grace can provide you with a beautiful, relaxed setting to find your Bridal Gown, from their exquisite collection. Further to this, they have a large collection of Bridesmaid dresses and accessories perfect to compliment every look. Designers include- Tres Chic, Veromia, Victoria Kay and Special Day Bridals. Better still they are hosting their Christmas Bridesmaid Event from 28th-30thDecember, so why not get the ball rolling and book your appointment now.
Ella Rose Accessories, Omagh
Colleen launched Ella Rose Accessories after designing and creating her own bridal and bridesmaid accessories in 2013. Falling in love with the beauty of bridal accessories and working with brides to create the perfect adornment for their special day, she creates luxury heirloom bridal accessories which can be lovingly passed down through the generations to come.
All her designs are handcrafted using the finest quality materials sourced from around the world. Using traditional millinery techniques, intricately hand beading, sewing and embellishing your adornment to complete your unique bridal look that will completely dazzle your wedding guests.
Curvy Chic Bridal, Belfast
This first designer bridal boutique in Northern Ireland to feature a complete collection of full-figured and one-of-a-kind plus size wedding gowns from all over the world in sizes 16-44. Their bridal stylists are committed to personalized service and attention to detail, giving brides the very best experience. They also cater for Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaids so you need not look any further. They treat everyone like family, if you are nervous about beginning your dress shopping journey these ladies will certainly put you at ease.
Off the Peg Bridal Studio, Omagh
These ladies stock beautiful bridal gowns and bridesmaid’s dresses, flower girls, veils, head pieces and accessories. We cannot believe the choice in style and colour available in the Bridesmaid’s section. From cap sleeves to low backs, detailed waists to lace this place has everything and more that you could need in choice. If you are having a few Bridesmaids and know they will never agree on the perfect dress, this is the place for them, lots of varied styles within the same ranges to suit everyone’s needs.
Blush, Belfast
Blush Boutique is the couture bridal and occasional-wear destination. Their 2020 Mother of the Bride and Groom collection has just landed with designers like Gabriela Sanchez, Anoola and Kevan Jon. The perfect Mother of the Bride/Groom outfits can be found here. Their exquisite pieces offer the most beautiful designs for every mother’s tastes from classic Hepburn collar necklines to delicate pearl trims and bell sleeves for those a little more daring. Check out one of our favorites here. Blushwill ensure even the Mothers will shine on the special day.
Indie Grace Bridal, Fintona
According to Siobhan finding your dream dress doesn’t have to be overwhelming! During your private and exclusive appointment, they will assist you to discover your perfect wedding day style in the comfort of a bridal studio all to yourself! Indie Grace are exclusive Irish stockist for Vagabond, Divine Atelier, Anais Anette &Marquise Bridal, and the only stockist in N.Ireland for Polish designer Anna Kara. If you like the idea of standing out in an exclusive designer gown you definitely want to check out their Anna Kara Trunkshow on 16th-18thJanuary, to book click here.
Digg Childrenswear, Dungannon
If like us, you have just the cutest nieces and nephews that you can’t imagine not being part of the bridal party then you absolutely must visit here. Established in 2008 DIGG is now the leading designer kids’ boutique in Northern Ireland, specialising in Occasionwear for Baptisms, Communions, Confirmations and Weddings and offering in-store styling to all customers for that special occasion.
Caroline prides her shop on having friendly approachable staff who strive to create that perfect look for your children, so you can be guaranteed you will all leave happy.
Wedded Bliss, Portglenone
With over 12 years’ experience in Bridal Wedded Blisshave a large luxurious store which has a brand new private Bridal Suite with over 200 Bridal Dresses and a private Bridesmaid Suite with over 400 Bridesmaid Dresses. Karen and Joanne believe that choosing that perfect dress is a very important life moment and so put all their energy in to making sure it is everything you could dream of. With ranges (in sizes 8-30 and above) from Maggie Sottero, Rebecca Ingram, Ronald Joyce, Victoria Jane, Allure, Romantica, Ebony Rose and many more you will definitely find what you are looking for here.
Petticoat Lane, Hillsborough
These ladies opened their doors 9 years ago and have provided nothing but class and sophistication since. They have acquired an array of designers worldwide, many of which are exclusive to Petticoat Lane. The amazing quality and designs are absolutely show stopping and will certainly have your dresses the talk of the town. Check out our favourite bridal and bridesmaids on their Facebookpage, this one just oozes opulence from the Motee Maids collection.
Now and Forever Bridal, Newtownards
This is an Award winning Bridal Boutique in Newtownards for wedding, bridesmaids dresses and accessories by Eddy k, House of Nicholas, Très Chic, Venus, Veromia, Angel B and Bramley Rodgers. Their designs range from princess gowns to lace, soft overlays to mermaid style. But don’t worry if a plunging neckline is more your thing, these ladies will have you sorted in no time.
Elody Bride, Newry
Tiara’s are definitely not a thing of the past when you see some of the stunning beauty on offer here. This bridal boutique in the heart of Newry has a specialized in-house alterations service and custom hand-made veils. Even if you find the perfect dress here, Eilish can work her magic and customize it bespoke to your desires. Open since November 2005 they have helped so many brides and bridesmaids find their dream dresses. They enjoy the personal touch and love getting to know their clients. With too many pictures of perfection, we couldn’t pick just one, have a browse on their Facebookto see real life (over the moon) brides.
Verona Bridal, Magherafelt
If you ever thought you couldn’t have it all in just one dress, then we introduce you to ‘Helen’. We are speechless. Be prepared to be stunned. This award winning Bridal Shop in Magherafelt, sells designer wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and accessories. As well as being home of ‘Berta’ in Ireland.It’s all in the detail and this Bridal Boutique have taken care of that with a stock full of magical elements and unique styles you will be magazine worthy in all their designs on your big day!
So ladies, get your planning done and put dress shopping at the top, because with a list like this, it’s definitely going to keep you busy. With all the excitement and fun, this part of the planning can make both the planning and you feel special for so much longer. Enjoy.
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