Vicki's Dress of the Month: Hester

As we enter the summer months and the sun heats up, we thought it was time to shine our Vicki's Dress of the month spotlight, on the ultimate summer bridal gown... Hester by British designer Kelsey Rose. Hester is a beautifully whimsical and dreamlike bridal gown, perfect for any summer garden party wedding or destination beach ceremony.

With Kelsey Rose's signature chiffon A-line skirt, drapes elegantly from a natural waist, contrasted with a fitted illusion's bold lace waist band and bodice, soften with a chiffon overlay. The tie shoulder detail leans into the Boho feel of Hester. With a stunning statement back with a classic Kelsey Rose train means in true Kelsey Rose fashion any bride is sure to wow from every angle.

Hester is available in sizes 6-22, with 12-week lead time. If you have a shorter time frame, she is available off the rack, Vicki's sample size 14. To try Hester book in at https://www.vickisbride.co.uk/book-an-appointment

Give it a Year!

So the date is set, the venue is book and the count-down is on!!! Next on the to-do list ... wedding dress shopping. Now you may sit there and be like, but I have ages, that is a job for next year, but I am going to stop you there. Give a year! We live in a world of fast fashion, next day deliveries and mass production, but I am pleased to say that Bridal does not partake in that way of working.

The majority of the bridal world is made to order, most boutiques and designers don't have rails of gowns sitting out the back ready to be purchased. 'So, how does it work?' I hear you ask, let me open the door to this unique industry that you are about to dive into.

Now one thing I should say before I start is that each designer and boutique, though similar in many ways, will work slightly differently, so this is based on how we run at Vicki's Bridal Boutique in Tenterden, Kent. https://www.vickisbride.co.uk/

As a boutique, we work with a collection of amazing British Bridal Designers on a made to order bases. What does 'made to order' mean?; a dress won't be made until we place the order. Unfortunately, we don't have a magic wand like Cinderella's Fairy Godmother, so this takes time. Our designers are all different, but you are looking at a 8–16 weeks turn around for your dress. That's 2–4 months before your wedding dress needs to be ready for alterations, which you will need to allow 3 months for. Going by these timings, that give you 3 months of searching for the one. Which is plenty of time but when you start to fact in life, and you're rallying your bride tribe that 3 months starts to disappear fast.

My aim is not to panic you, it's simply to highlight how this special world of bridal you're about to enter works differently to the fast pace of life we are used to. But how amazing it is to buy a dress in this day and age that has only been made because you choose it!

If you are reading this with less than a year and starting to worry, please don't! Some designers will offer rush cuts, at an extra charge, but is a great option to grantee delivery in time for alterations before the big day. Most boutiques, ourselves included, will offer samples sold off the rack if we are unable to get the dress in time.

Photographs by Tom Keenan https://tomkeenanphotography.co.uk/

So gorgeous 2026 brides, this is your call to get booked in to say 'Yes to the Dress'. https://www.vickisbride.co.uk/book-an-appointment 💕

Real Bride Spotlight: Hannah

This month we are shining our Vicki's Real Bride Spotlight on our gorgeous bride Hannah who first came to us back in September 2023. And this wedding story has a lovely surprise at the end...

But let's start at the beginning. How did your partner propose?

We went for a walk along Friars Cragg in the Lake District, and he proposed at the end over the lake

Beautiful! When and Where did you get married?

17/08/2024 @ Hayne House

Lovely summer wedding, at a beautiful venue. What colour/ theme did you go for?

We had a green and yellow colour palette with a rustic / natural theme!

One bit of advice for couples planning a wedding?

We made time for us every month on the date of our wedding as a countdown. We had a date night where we didn’t do anything for the wedding, we just celebrated each other.

This is a fab idea! A great way to remind you both why you're doing all the hard work! Now our favourite bit, shopping for your dress... Tell us about it?!

It was the best experience of the wedding build up! Hannah and Megan were so welcoming when my family and I came to the shop that day. They made me feel confident and comfortable and helped me pick my dream dress! Every visit to the shop after felt like I was seeing friends each time.

That is the best feedback, our doors are always open for our brides. Tell us your highlight from your Big Day.

Announcing to our family and friends that we are expecting a bundle of joy in February!

This photo brought us so much joy! Congratulations!! Your favourite photo from your big day - professional or moment captured by a guest.

I told you there was a lovely surprise, we are so excited for Hannah. I will let you in on a little secret... we knew early on as Hannah was going into alterations. A top tip... If you receive the exciting news that you are expecting, and will be pregnant on your big day, let your seamstress know as soon as possible even if you aren't ready to tell others. This way, you can work with them to make sure your alterations run smoothly.