Find Wedding Dress Shops in County Durham

Shopping for the wedding dress is a highlight of the planning process and our bridal boutiques are ready to help! Before you contact them, it is useful to gauge an idea of your perfect dress and have your wedding venue booked. This helps you know what style you are looking for and ensures that you look the best in your wedding photos.

You can also search for shoes, accessories and wedding jewellery to complete your bridal look. Bridal boutiques choose the next season's gowns that they'd like to feature in their collections at a trade exhibition in Harrogate. Wedding magazines report on the new styles which hit the catwalks every 6 months. This falls generally in September for Spring / Summer collections and March for Autumn / Winter looks, and arrives in wedding dress shops a few months after. So, if you are wanting the latest styles, ask your boutique when their latest wedding dresses will arrive in their boutiques. Gather inspiration and read our essential guide to bridal wear to understand more about wedding dress styles, shapes and more.

Designer Wedding Dresses

The majority of bridal boutiques will have a collection of wedding dresses made up from their own "in-house" designer and from a number of "famous name" designers. There are around a dozen "big name" designers in Britain for whose bridal gowns you can expect to pay between £2000 and £6000 (and sometimes more). Each has their own unique style, so if you like one bridal gown from a particular designer you may find that their entire collection will appeal. If you are considering selling a designer wedding dress after the wedding be prepared to part with it almost immediately. So, make sure you get it cleaned and checked over for damage before you list it on a second-hand wedding dress website or sell it to a shop that specializes in pre-loved gowns.

'Off the peg' Wedding Dresses

The majority of bridal gowns bought in the UK are classed as "off the peg" - these are the wedding gowns that you might have seen in a bridal magazine along with a list of stockists, or at a local or chain bridal boutique. You try on a sample of the gown in the shop; they take your measurements and order the most appropriate size for you which is then delivered to the bridal shop for alterations to fit your exact shape. Off the peg wedding dresses tend to range from £500 to £3500 depending on the designer, the fabric and the details.

Guides for Brides team member, Nikita Thorne, recently bought an off the peg gown for her wedding, here's her advice for fellow brides: "My biggest tip for brides shopping for an off the peg gown is to keep an open mind, but visit the boutique knowing both your budget and the styles you like. This helps your stylist to match your style with a gown that is in your price range. It makes the process so much more efficient and enjoyable as it means every dress you try on is affordable to you as well as increasing your chances of finding the gown during that appointment".

Wedding Accessories

There are many different types and styles of wedding accessories to choose from but be patient. From delicate jewelry to a flowing veil and comfortable shoes, accessories can complement your gown perfectly, creating a cohesive and stunning look. Consider the neckline, fabric, and overall style of your dress when choosing jewelry. Opt for earrings that complement the shape of your face and the overall style of your jewelry. A bracelet can add a touch of sparkle to your wrists. Veils come in various lengths and styles, adding a touch of tradition and romance to your look. Your wedding shoes should be comfortable and stylish, allowing you to dance and enjoy your special day. Don't forget about other accessories that can complete your look, such as a clutch, gloves, or a garter. Remember, the goal is to create a cohesive and harmonious ensemble that reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident and beautiful on your wedding day.