You’ve got the ring so now let’s find you the dress! Introducing UNVEILED Network Member Bellissima Brides, a bridal boutique in Brimstage with two separate exclusive suites to provide total privacy for you and your bride squad.
Picture this: you and your best gal pals heading to a cool renovated Grade II listed barn conversion to play dress up, try on wedding dresses and find The One. Sounds too good to be true, right? Wrong! You’re thinking of the lovely Bellissima Brides, run by two gems, Emma and Sophie. If you’re starting your dress hunt and are based somewhere around the Wirral, you might want to check it out.
We’ve been speaking to the duo behind the boutique, finding out about their personal styles, what got them into the wedding industry and how their own, personal (not great!) experiences brought
them to where they are today.
All images supplied by Bellissima Brides, with thanks to Madison Picture and The Bride Tribe Photo
Hello ladies!
Hey there, we are Emma and Sophie from Bellissima Brides in Brimstage on the Wirral. We own a beautiful Grade II listed converted barn boutique which offers completely private appointments in our Something Blue and Blushing Bride Suites.
Where did your passion for bridal fashion begin?
Our stories began completely differently. I (Emma) was Buying Manager for a large fast fashion company where I was able to design and produce their very first bridal collection. I fell in love with bridal then and there. There is nothing more special than a wedding dress.
Sophie, at the time of coming up with the Bellissima idea, was actually shopping for her own wedding gown and had good, bad and ugly experiences with bridal boutiques. We knew we wanted to create a perfect atmosphere for our brides.
What makes your boutique special?
Our boutique feels intimate from the moment you drive through the grounds of Brimstage Hall and the courtyard. Set off the beaten track, we overlook one of the oldest buildings on the Wirral.
The boutique itself offers two completely private dressing suites so you and your bridal party know you’ll have a comfortable and personal experience choosing your gown. With our custom neon lit flower wall and bridal arch, you are sure to fall in love here at Bellissima.
Does the boutique have a signature style of gown?
We would say yes and no – we are two young women with a passion for fashion so we always look out for the latest trends and styles – but with our extensive ranges, from the more classic Mori Lee to contemporary Madi Lane, we cater for most brides.
Which labels do you stock and why did you choose them?
Our collection of Essense of Australia gowns is romantic and full of detail. They are the perfect fit to make you feel amazing for your big day. One of the newest brands to hit Bellissima Brides, Madi Lee speaks to our more whimsical and boho brides, but with a sexy touch. You are bound to fall in love with a Madi Lane gown. We also stock one of the most established Bridal designers in the world, Mori Lee, whose gowns cater for all brides. A Hayley Paige gown is completely unique. These gowns are for the stand-out bride who loves sparkle and wants the full Cinderella dream.
What sizes do you carry?
Our typical sample size is a 12-14 as most brides can get a vision of the gown from these sizes. But we do offer a hire-in gown service if there is a particular style or size you would like to try.
What sort of price point are your gowns?
Our beautiful gowns range from £1195 – £4350, with the average a bride spends with us being £1400 – £1700.
Where would you advise couples to look for inspiration when beginning the dress hunt?
Instagram! There is so much information at your fingertips, most of our brands and our boutique will upload the latest images and videos through this media and you can hit the save button to save it to a folder, so you have all your inspiration in one place.
We recommend our brides make a shortlist of the gowns they love from our brands before visiting us.
How do you approach each appointment?
We really like to get to know our Brides at Bellissima, it is so important to us that we make your journey to your dress as special as possible. We will always start by finding out all about your big day, what your themes and dreams are, and then take you through the gowns that we think would be perfect for you.
Why should brides shop in independent, local boutiques?
The most common feedback we get from brides who have been to chain bridal stores is that they were not made to feel special. This is the most important dress you will ever buy so trust in an independent boutique to take care of you.
What do your brides love about your service?
Our brides love the care and attention they receive from Sophie, myself and our staff. Everything about your wedding should be perfect and fun and your journey to your gown should be no exception.
What are your top tips for bridal shopping?
- Go with your gut instinct. If you feel amazing and excited in a gown, what else are you looking for? Say yes!
- Research your brands, if you are loving several gowns from that brand, it’s best to narrow your search to a boutique that stocks it and start there.
- Think carefully about who you would like to bring with you. We have had brides bring one person, we have had others that have brought eight people! It can be very overwhelming to have so many opinions and it’s an incredible feeling when you show everyone your gown for the first time on the big day!
What are your no-nos for clients when choosing their wedding outfits?
- Don’t start looking too early. It doesn’t matter timing-wise when you find your gown. Gowns take 6-8 months and then it is best to leave 2-3 months fitting time. Some of our brides purchase 2 years in advance, some 10 months. The most important thing is to do it when you are ready to find the one. Looking when you are not ready can be confusing.
- Not bringing the right underwear and shoes for your appointment. We all feel better with the right underwear and a pair of heels on. Remembering these things such as neutral underwear, a strapless bra etc will make the gowns look and feel more like they would on the big day.
- Don’t rule anything out until you have tried it. It’s true what they say for some brides, you go into a boutique thinking you will purchase one kind of dress and come out with the complete opposite. You never know until you have tried it on.
What trends do you see emerging in bridal fashion for 2021 and beyond?
Our most popular shapes of the moment are A-line and a fit and flare. Brides are going for more comfortable and relaxed shapes to be able to enjoy their whole day. This doesn’t mean you have to compromise the glamour; our gowns still come with sparkle, lace, beading and incredible trains to really wow on the day.
Sleeves are a huge trend that we see becoming bigger and bigger throughout 2021. Mrs Beiber made this look sexy again and it is a definite must try on for every bride.
And what about accessories?
We have a dedicated veil closet at Bellissima with over 60 veils to choose from. If this choice isn’t enough, we can customize veils to any length or shade of colour, or even add the matching lace to your gown.
We can also provide anything from belts to overskirts, for that two-piece look. If we don’t have what you want, we will always work with you to find it.
Have you got any special events or trunk shows coming up?
We will be running our famous Spring Sample Sale and hosting an exclusive Madi Lane trunk show in the spring! Keep your eyes on our Instagram and website, www.bellissima-brides.co.uk for more details.
How can couples get in touch with you and book an appointment?
Either on our website, www.bellissima-brides.co.uk, or our Instagram @bellissimabrides.
Bellissima’s Faves…
Dress for 2021?
Has to be D3284 from Essense of Australia. This long sleeved fit and flare is incredible, from its light beading and phenomenal train.
Trend for 2021?
Sleeves, sleeves, sleeves!
First dance track?
It’s so hard to choose one, this is my favourite part of a wedding! The song chosen is one of the most personal things to a couple. I love a good story behind the song they choose.
Iconic wedding dress of all time?
Grace Kelly has to be one of the most influential brides of all time. The detail in her look was exquisite and is still influencing celebrities and brides alike today.
Celebrity you would most want to dress?
I would have absolutely loved to have dressed Christine Quinn from selling sunset for her wedding. We love a bride who wants to go extra for her big day and how incredible did she look?!
