Scotland’s first charity bridal shop opens

BRIDES-TO-BE will be able to bag a bargain designer or vintage gown while giving to a good cause as Scotland’s first charity bridal shop opens.
Rachael Forbes checks out wedding dresses in the Stockbridge Red Cross store. Picture: HemediaRachael Forbes checks out wedding dresses in the Stockbridge Red Cross store. Picture: Hemedia
Rachael Forbes checks out wedding dresses in the Stockbridge Red Cross store. Picture: Hemedia

The Red Cross store in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, has hundreds of unique wedding dresses on sale at a fraction of their original price.

As well as attire for bridesmaids, grooms and the mother-of-the bride, which have been donated to the charity at branches across Scotland, the shop will sell second-hand wedding dresses.

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Katie Thomson, Red Cross area retail manager, said the charity wanted a specialism that was “different to music or books”.

She said: “I am confident that it has something to suit all tastes and budgets.

“The value of the brand new dresses range from £650 to £2500 and will be sold for between £200 and £700.”

The displays have already caught the eye of passing shoppers, including Rachael Forbes, who checked out some of the bargain bridal gowns on the first day of trade.

Scottish wedding planner Roni Hyslop, who runs Edinburgh based All Wrapped Up, welcomed the addition and said a second-hand dress would not be an issue for many brides-to-be.

She said: “The vintage scene has been around for a while now and it’s amazing what you can get.

“Obviously it’s up to the bride and what she wants, but I’d say why not get one from a charity shop if it’s the right dress?

“No-one need know, it’s for a good cause and many have never been worn anyway.”

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As well as designer wedding and bridesmaids’ dresses, there will be a range of accessories by Lindsay Fleming, recently named Scottish Wedding Dress Designer of the Year at the Voted Outstanding Wedding Supplier Awards.

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