Here comes the bride again as wedding dresses return

NOT many married women are given a second chance to wear their beloved wedding dress.But around 20 lucky ladies are set to dust off their gowns to do exactly that as part of a “back to the future” wedding dress parade.

The parade will form the centrepiece of the West Lothian Wedding Fayre, which will take place at Grand Central in 
Livingston in aid of the River Kids children’s charity.

Organiser Eddie Anderson, 59, who lives in Murieston, said: “Most people only get to wear their wedding dress once in their life, so we thought we’d give them the chance to put it on at least one more time.

“We know from a similar event we held at Club Earth almost ten years ago that people really enjoyed having the opportunity to relive their wedding day. There was even a real wedding as the centrepiece of that fayre, with staff from the registry office coming in to marry the couple.

“We are expecting about 20 or so ex-brides to show up with their dresses, but we will happily take more.

“We have one lady possibly coming who will be celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary on the same day. It would be interesting to see how the styles of wedding dresses have changed over the years.”

He added: “If there is anyone out there who has been married even longer than that and would like to take part, we would be delighted to hear from them.”

Among those taking part in the wedding fashion parade is Victoria Coleman, 47, who will wear her baby pink dress for the third time after dusting it down for a children’s princesses and superheroes party around six or seven years ago.

Victoria, who lives in Eliburn, Livingston and got married at Deer Park in Livingston in June 2005, said: “Many brides would love the opportunity to wear their dress again – it’s taking up room in your wardrobe but you don’t want to sell it. I’m nervous about the event itself but really looking forward to wearing the dress again. I would describe it as a princess dress, very beautiful.”

Entry to the fayre is free, with funds being raised for the West Lothian charity through donations and a raffle.

Mr Anderson added: “Whether you were married a year ago, or more than 50 years ago, you are welcome to take part – as long as you still have your wedding dress and can still fit into it. And even if you can’t, the charity wedding fayre is not until September, so there’s plenty time to lose a few ounces.”

The event, which takes place on September 9, will also see “Psychic Francesca” from Psychic TV give compatibility readings to couples in a bid to find future happy marriages.