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14
Apr 2023
New boutique in Harrogate aims to cater for all brides
The founder of a bridal company said the opening of a shop in Harrogate will honour a family link to the town dating back many years.
Joanne Wilson founded Elite Bridal almost 20 years ago in Hull, before expanding to Brighouse, Hessle and Castleford.
As the company grew, it became a family enterprise: husband Richard, daughter Holly-Ann, and sons Joshua and Ben all have roles in its boutiques, outlets and international wholesale trade.
Putting the finishing touches to the new boutique on West Park today, before its opening tomorrow, Joanne said:
The Wilson family
She described the former Orvis store as the "perfect" location, offering views of the Stray, as well as options for brides and their friends and families to enjoy lunch or drinks nearby after finding their dream dress.
Many weeks of hard work have gone into transforming the shop and it is now completely unrecognisable.
A lounge area with cosy sofas and a fireplace sits next to the bar, offering drinks to visitors. As well as long rails of bridal gowns, there are three private suites for brides to try on the dresses and their closest friends and family members to help them make that final choice.
A comfy lounge for visitors
The range of gowns at Elite is designed by Joanne and Holly-Ann, meaning brides can choose one from the existing range, or ask for exactly what they want. She said:
However, Joanne is keen to ensure the business is not just for those with the biggest budgets: off-the-peg options start from around £300.
Whatever the cost of the dress, she knows the experience of finding the right one is just as important to many brides. The team at the Harrogate boutique will be offering VIP appointments, complete with bubbly, cake and a goody bag to take away, to ensure it's a memorable occasion.
The boutique has three suites for brides to try on their gowns while friends relax
The bridal advisors have a trained eye to understand what will suit different body shapes and find something from the range in the shop.
With sizes six to 26 catered for by Elite, and a warehouse of 11,000 gowns to choose from alongside the option of a bespoke design, Joanne is confident the boutique will prove a hit with customers – just as it has with potential employees.
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