You may have noticed whilst looking at bridal boutiques’ websites (as well as from reading our e-newsletter and the news pages of SWD) that they sometimes hold designer days. But what exactly are they?
Well, these events showcase a designer’s latest collection, usually with the opportunity to buy dresses at a slightly discounted rate. Plus you often get the chance to meet the designer, so you can get their advice and even ask them to suggest which of their dresses they think would suit you. And not forgetting the bubbly and nibbles (or, depending on where you go, tea and cupcakes) on offer!
Helen of Glasgow-based bridal boutique Anne Priscilla Bridal thinks that designer days are great events for brides-to-be to attend. She explains: “They allow brides-to-be to view an extended range of dresses, often including collection previews of new designs, and they are able to request specific styles otherwise not available in store.
“Undoubtedly the most exciting part of designer days is that they provide the opportunity to meet the designer and discuss any bespoke options, such as additional beading, custom necklines or fabric changes, all of which ensure brides-to-be receive their dream dress. This all serves to provide an unforgettable experience and there is the added incentive of discounts and special offers.”
She adds: “We are extremely privileged to offer designer days once a year with all our British designers: Stewart Parvin, Sassi Holford, Stephanie Allin and Jenny Packham. Designer days work best when brides-to-be have previously visited the store and shortlisted one or two dresses from a collection. Their appointment on the designer day is then spent styling their dress and discussing any bespoke requests with the designer themselves.
“Our designer days are always successful but two designer days that stand out from 2011 were Stewart Parvin and Sassi Holford. It was extremely exciting to hold the first designer day with Stewart Parvin’s 2012 collection shortly after he designed Zara Phillips’ dress. This made meeting the Royal couturier himself ever more memorable. Sassi Holford brought a new design with her, ‘Bella’, to trial on our designer day before it was even exhibited to bridal buyers. AP brides adored this dress so much so that we requested the dress on extended loan for a few weeks following the designer day, and it has quickly become a best seller which we still adore today.”
We've compiled a list of designer days coming up across Scotland in the next few months so you can see for yourself!
Chat about designer days on the SWD Forum...
