It might sound like a cliché but a comfortable and welcoming boutique that feels like a ‘home from home’ is worth its weight in gold at a time when a bride and her tribe might be feeling that wedding-planning overwhelm and nerves. Enter Elizabeth Kate Bridal, a picture-perfect bridal boutique set in pretty Crowle, Lincolnshire.
We’ve caught up with lovely UNVEILED Network Member Kim to chat about that big moment in every bride’s journey to the aisle; the hunt for the perfect gown, and how her personal love for wedding dresses, which has basically spanned decades, can help you find The One.
With an eclectic and varied range of gowns and designers to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice so Kim’s letting us in on her top tips for preparing for a dress fitting appointment and gathering ideas before the shopping even begins, and then advice on when to stop the search!
She’s running us through the process of finding your dream gown and beyond, right up until the big day itself, whilst showcasing a beautiful selection of gowns by Rebecca Ingram (available at Elizabeth Kate Bridal of course!) so if the dress is still on your to do list, stay tuned!
Over to you, Kim!
I’m Kim, owner of Elizabeth Kate Bridal. Our boutique is nestled in the picturesque village of Crowle, North Lincolnshire. It’s the perfect setting for our unique space.
Where did your passion for bridal fashion begin?
When I was six, I had this little Pippa doll and a little soldier doll. Obviously, they wanted to kiss so they had to get married! I made a little wedding dress out of one of my mum’s old net curtains. This started my love for wedding dresses and bridal fashion.
Tell us about what makes your boutique special?
Elizabeth Kate Bridal is your home from home. Relaxed and welcoming, our down to earth approach ensures you feel comfortable throughout. We pride ourselves on giving a relaxed and unforgettable experience from the moment you walk in. You and your bridal party can expect a completely private bridal appointment with exclusive use of the boutique. Let your squad get comfortable surrounded by exposed brickwork and crystal chandeliers while we dive into rails of gorgeous gowns to find your dream dress.
Does the boutique have a signature style of gown?
We don’t. We only choose the dresses we love and to be honest we love such an eclectic mix of modern and fashion forward gowns!
Which labels do you stock and why did you choose them? Tell us a little about each and why they are special?
Rebecca Ingram – showcased here – offers a gorgeous range of modern wedding dress designs with a style to flatter every bride’s silhouette. You just can’t beat the design or superior quality of these gowns for the price – trust me we’ve tried!
Blue by Enzoani is a stunning collection for the modern bride! An Enzoani wedding dress is all about the long statement train and a sexy fit. When you ask “Does my bum look good in this?” with a Blue by Enzoani wedding dress, the answer is always “HELL YES!”
Elysee Etoile is a youthful collection that offers our modern brides luxury and the quality fabrics, shape and fit they’ve always dreamed of for a wedding day look that will WOW the guests.
Willowby by Watters is an absolutely gorgeous range using modern laces and a range of colours to make your heart flutter. These gowns are designed with you, the free spirited boho bride, in mind.
What sizes do you carry?
Boutique samples are available in size 8 to size 20.
What sort of price point are your gowns?
We carry two ranges in the boutique. One is a small ‘Ready to Wed’ range that consists of dresses that are available to take away the same day. These range between £500 and £800. We then have the designer dresses from our award winning global designers; Enzoani, Rebecca Ingram by Maggie Sottero and Willowby by Watters. These dresses are made to order in your choice of colour and size and prices come in between £1000 and £2200.
And what about accessories?
We stock veils by Richard Designs and our own bespoke handmade collection to perfectly match your dress, and accessories such as Arianna tiaras.
Where would you advise couples to look for inspiration when beginning the dress hunt?
Doing your research is a great way to find inspiration before you hit the shops! Look online, watch trashy wedding TV shows, grab bridal magazines and scroll through your friends’ wedding pictures. Finding designers you love and a style which feels authentic to you will help you find the right place to start the hunt but bear in mind, most brides walk away with something they would have never chosen themselves so see what’s out there and keep an open mind.
How do you approach each appointment?
First the consultation – let’s chat and get to know each other. The selection process of picking out the perfect shapes and styles for you and your day. Then we play dress up! Don’t worry we’ll help you into each of our gorgeous dresses. Hopefully this is followed by you saying “YES”! We’ll talk through the order process and when you’re happy to choose a gown, we’ll get you measured so that we can order the right size dress just for you. The final wedmin involves completing the paperwork and taking your deposit. At this point you have a dress!
Tell us about the fittings and alterations process?
We order your dress to arrive three months before your big day. When your dress arrives we’ll invite you in for a ‘fall in love again’ appointment. Now you get to try your very own dress on for the first time. If you’ve not chosen your accessories, now’s the time to complete your wedding day look. Then we make sure it is perfect. Our in-house seamstress will get you to try your dress and talk you through the alteration options. If you want to have your alterations done in the boutique we usually need to book in three to four fittings. But don’t worry about fitting these in – to make it easy for our brides we have evening appointments so you can pop in after work.
Why should brides shop in independent, local boutiques?
We care! For us it’s all about the bride and her experience.
What do your brides love about your service?
The personal touch and our attention to every detail. As trained seamstresses, our bridal stylists are able to show you how we can tweak your dress to make it absolutely perfect for you.
What are your top 3 tips for choosing a wedding outfit?
- Go outside your comfort zone and try different things. About 80% of our brides choose something totally opposite to what they thought they’d choose.
- Be honest with your thoughts on each dress because your bridal stylist can only help you find the perfect one if they know what you’re thinking.
- When you’ve found your dress, STOP looking.
And the no-nos?
- Don’t be swayed into choosing the dress your mother, sister or friend likes and not the one you love! It’s your wedding, do it your way.
- Don’t be afraid to say yes. If you love it and keep comparing every other dress to it, then it’s the one!
- Don’t choose your dress size based on the size you’d like to be on your wedding day, listen to your bridal stylist and go with the size they recommend. We can always make a dress smaller but not bigger.
What trends do you see emerging in bridal fashion for 2021 and beyond?
It’s all about the big details, Big trains, big puffy sleeves, big power dresses.
Is there anything else that you would like to tell us about?
We are super excited about our brand new sister salon, The Electric Bride. Based upstairs at Elizabeth Kate, they have a totally different bridal vibe. Check them out!
Pick a fave…
Dress for 2021? Rebecca Ingram Rosemary
Trend for 2021? Detachable sleeves – long, short, flutter, drop – the choice is endless.
First dance track? Paul Weller’s You do Something to Me.
Iconic wedding dress of all time? Grace Kelly. The lace bodice, high neckline, long lace sleeve and plain skirt are just perfection.
Celebrity you would most want to dress? Gemma Collins! I think we’d have so much fun!
How can couples get in touch with you and book an appointment?
Visit our website www.elizabethkatebridal.co.uk or find us on Facebook and Instagram.
