With over 25 years’ experience in bridal fitting and dress supply, Peggy Doherty and the team at The Bridal Showroom have been at the forefront of designer bridal couture in the Derry, Donegal and the North-West area. I recently caught up with Peggy, who offers her words of wisdom to help all you brides-to-be find the wedding dress of your dreams.

Peggy, what advice would you give a bride searching for her wedding dress?

Every girl’s dream is to find the perfect wedding dress. When thinking about your dress it is great to look through magazines and websites to get an idea of what type of dress you would like. However, there is nothing like going into a bridal shop and trying on. It is good to come in with an idea of what style you would like to try on but also keep an open mind. You can be disappointed when the style you thought would suit you doesn’t, but don’t worry, this is where the advice of the bridal consultant can help. They can look at your height and shape and pick out gowns that will look good on you. Don’t be afraid to try on the different styles that are suggested as they might just look amazing! It is a good idea to discuss at the beginning what your budget is, in case you fall in love with a gown that is way above what you have decided to spend.

When booking appointments, what should brides keep in mind?

Most wedding dress shops take booking by appointment only and this is great as it gives you your own special time. It also means that you can bring along advisors, whether that be family or bridesmaids and have a great wedding dress shopping experience.

When booking an appointment, it is a good idea to explain what size you are, as most bridal shops have more than one showroom and that means you will be booked into the showroom that has your size. If you want a plus size dress, it is great to go to bridal shops that carry sizes that fit so that you can actually see what the dress is like on you.

What question do you get asked most frequently?

The most commonly asked question is: “How long does it take for my bridal dress to come in?” The answer to this is, on average 5 to 7 months. But remember that you will need a fitting and may need alterations, if, for example, you have lost weight. When your own dress comes in you will be given an appointment to come in and try it on. This is a good time to get your hair done and then pick your accessories, such as your veil and headdress. So I would advise to order your dress at least 9 months before your wedding or of course if you find your dress sooner than that, you should book it. Bridesmaid dresses can take up to 3 to 6 months to come in, so when you find THE wedding dress, start looking for your bridesmaids dresses. 

Tell us about the new accessories room at the boutique.

You do not need an appointment to view our new range of headdresses, veils, jewellery or jackets. Just bring a photo of your dress and a sample of its colour and we will match it for you with the right veil, headdress and jewellery.

Veils are available from 54” to 144” in length and in varying styles, with lace edging, crystal drops etc and in many different colours to match coloured wedding dresses. We can send a swatch of your bridal gown colour to our supplier and they will send samples of colours available to match your gown.

What bridesmaid dresses are proving popular?

Just arrived in store is our new collection of True Bridesmaids dresses to add to our Alexia Designs label, which is already popular. Each style is available in over 30 different colours, with beautiful embellishment on floating chiffons and lustrous satins.

How do you cater for plus size brides?

At The Bridal Rooms we have an extensive collection of plus size dresses and have just introduced more new collections. The latest fashion that can be worn in any size, beautiful fitted gowns flatter all figures in sizes 20 to 32. New colour choices as well as ivory and white include champagne and gold with matching veils.

For more information on The Bridal Showroom, visit their website here.