If you’re all about supporting home-grown British talent on your big day, then Maisie Darling Bridal Boutique is flying the flag for some of the UK’s most fashion-forward, unique bridal designers, stocking some of the most gorgeously different collections you’ll encounter while searching for ‘the one’.
Founded by lovely UNVEILED Network Member Charlotte, Maisie Darling Bridal Boutique is a fabulous bridal shop in Lutterworth, South Leicestershire, stocking some of our favourite designers, including Alan Hannah, Kelsey Rose, and MiaMia.
Despite having always loved wedding dresses – and even admitting that she would stare into bridal shops as a child – it wasn’t until Charlotte embarked on her own wedding dress journey that she took the plunge and set up her very own boutique. It was six years in the making, but she’s created an absolute gem of a boutique and we just love the nod to her super stylish grandma in the shop’s vintage-inspired decor – and its name!
For Charlotte, it’s all about providing her brides with a friendly, happy, supportive, and individual service that will make the process seamless, memorable, and fun. Let’s catch up with her for more details on the top notch service she provides, her advice on choosing your dream dress, and new trends to look out for that’ll be sure to turn a few heads…
Reader offer: 20% discount on all bridal accessories using the code UNV20.
Images by Emma DB Photography, other shoot suppliers credited at close.
BOUTIQUE FEEL
My boutique is inspired by my grandma, Maisie Marling. I wanted it to have a vintage and homely feel so that brides would feel relaxed. Maisie was a very glamorous lady and would never leave the house without her lipstick on and a handbag over her arm! I have little touches of her throughout the boutique, including her china.
Maisie Darling specialises in British bridal designers. I chose this so that I can provide my brides with a personal and bespoke service. I can speak to all my designers whenever a bride is at the boutique, and changes can be made to any of the gowns to suit each customer.
SIGNATURE STYLE
All our gowns are ‘slightly different’. I didn’t want to compete with other established boutiques in my area. As I have only been open for a year, I think my signature style keeps changing, however House of Mooshki has been very popular with my brides.
LABELS
My favourite labels include House of Mooshki, Alan Hannah, Lyn Ashworth, MiaMia Bridal, and Kelsey Rose.
SIZES
We stock a variety of sizes from 10 to 18, however all our dresses can be made in any size, and this was really important to me. House of Mooshki have also launched a plus size collection which I have in the boutique regularly.
PRICE RANGE
We have a ready to wear bridal range that starts from £499 and our bespoke dresses range from £1200 to £4000.
DRESS HUNT INSPIRATION
When I was getting married, I spent hours buying wedding magazines and cutting out pictures. However, my favourite place now is Pinterest. I think it’s really important to think about your own personal style when choosing your wedding dress, and I believe that your dress should reflect this.
UNIQUE APPROACH
Each appointment is individual for each bride. The boutique is intimate, so there is only ever one bride in at a time. We don’t set time or dress restrictions and/or limits, as I don’t want brides to feel rushed or under pressure.
When a bride has booked an appointment, I send them a booking form. This asks the bride questions about her wedding and dress ideas. I think this is a useful tool to help brides really think about what they are looking for and how they feel about the process.
Once the bride and her guests arrive, we sit down with drinks and I ask her some more questions. It’s really important for me to fully understand the bride’s ideas, and that I get to know her as a person. Then the fun starts!
EXTRAS
I have a local seamstress that I work with and alterations take place at the boutique. It was really important to me that I found someone who would come to the boutique so that I could be part of the whole journey with the bride.
SHOPPING INDEPENDENT
I can only speak from my own personal experience, but I always ensure that whether a bride purchases a ready to wear dress or a couture gown, she receives a personal, supportive and detailed service. This is one of the most important dresses (or trouser/jumpsuit) a bride will ever wear and therefore details are so important.
PERSONAL SERVICE
I’m very lucky in that quite a few of my brides have given me reviews. They comment on how they love the personal, welcoming service, and also that they don’t feel rushed or pressured. They love the range of dresses and how different they all are.
TOP TIPS
My top tips include: think about your style, as the dress should be a reflection of you, and think about your venue – you don’t want layers and layers of tulle with a 5ft train if you’re getting married on a beach in Mexico! Lastly, do you love it? You absolutely should!
NO-NOS
When it comes to no-nos, think about who comes dress shopping with you – try not to take your whole bridal party. This can get quite confusing, as everyone has lots of different opinions and you’ll forget what you think yourself! Don’t compare yourself to any other bride, as your whole wedding is unique to you and your partner. And be open-minded. Try not to just look at one shape or style of dress, try different things on – even if it’s just to discount something from the list.
TRENDS
My brides are loving separates at the moment as well as ‘different’ bridal looks such as dresses with overskirts, jackets, and capes to create a day and night-time look.
Textured fabrics and applique are very popular too and are coming through in new collections, as well as polka dots, which I love.
ACCESSORIES
I love accessories, so I have shoes, veils, jackets, capes, jewellery, and hair accessories. These little touches really make such a difference and make the whole look original. All of my accessories are British designed as well.
TRUNK SHOWS
I have an Alan Hannah and Mia Mia trunk show coming up, however the dates are being reconfirmed due to the situation – watch this space!
CRUSHES
Dress for 2021: House of Mooshki – Missie
Trend for 2021: I always love a pocket, however this season I am in love with the bridal cape.
First dance track: My favourite song of all time is Proud Mary.
Iconic wedding dress: Grace Kelly’s gown.
Celebrity you would most want to dress: Audrey Hepburn – I love her.
READER OFFER
I would love to offer readers a 20% discount on all accessories. This can be redeemed on our website using the code UNV20.
