During your dress shopping research, you may have come across the term ‘trunk show’ but have no idea what one actually is or the benefits you can enjoy in attending one.

As such, we’re taking the time to explain how these special bridal boutique events work and sharing the prep you can do to get the most out of a trunk show experience.

Furthermore, we’ve got exciting news of a series of bridal trunk shows taking place here at The Harrogate Wedding Lounge over the coming months that you won’t want to miss. This includes some of our brand new designer names to the boutique providing a dream opportunity to see these fresh collections first! Scroll on to find out more. 

What Is A Bridal Trunk Show?

In simple terms, a trunk show is when a bridal boutique has an extended, or even full, collection of dresses from a specific designer available ‘in-store’ for a limited amount of time.

Given the size of designers’ collections, which can be anything up to 40 dresses per season, boutiques tend to only stock a number of handpicked gowns from a collection at any one time. And so, a trunk show provides a unique opportunity for you to see a designer’s entire collection, in just one place at one time!

Not only does this make your shopping experience easier if you have your heart set on a specific designer, but there can be additional benefits to take advantage of too. This might include exclusive event discounts, goodie bags or a representative from the label on hand to offer styling tips and advice.  

Elevating the bridal trunk show excitement further, the dresses at these events will likely include the designer’s very latest creations hot off the bridal runways and possibly not yet stocked at boutiques. Thus giving you the chance to try on a broader range of styles from a designer before many other brides-to-be have even set eyes on them.

Sometimes also referred to as a ‘designer day’, bridal trunk shows are typically held over a weekend and last two to six days, though occasionally they can be held for a longer time period. 

How To Prepare For A Trunk Show?

​

If you’ve found yourself attracted to a particular designer’s dresses, then a trunk show is the perfect event for you! 

To discover when these are taking place, you can often find event details on the designer’s website. Alternatively, look up nearby boutiques that stock the designer to see if they list any trunk show dates on their website or social channels. If not, call them to enquire if there are any trunk shows in the pipeline.

Once booked into an event, we’d advise taking the following steps to prep for your appointment:

Research

Head to the designer’s website to see their latest collection of gowns and note down the ones you are most drawn to so you can prioritise trying these on at the trunk show.

Enquire

Contact the bridal boutique to check if your top dress choices will be at the event and ask any other questions you might have, such as the length of the appointment, limits on guest numbers etc. 

Plan

Decide who you will invite to accompany you to your appointment. We always advise quality over quantity. So, consider asking just a couple of friends/relatives who know you best rather than a larger group who could have conflicting opinions and cloud your judgement.

Collate

Take along anything you feel will help you and your bridal stylist in finding the perfect gown. This might be images of the type of bridal style you want to achieve, dresses you like, your wedding venue, or decor ideas. Basically, anything that builds a picture of your style preferences and the day you’re planning.  

What To Expect At Your Appointment?

​

Here at The Harrogate Wedding Lounge, all appointments are exclusive, one-to-one experiences with a member of our expert bridal styling team. 

We’ll want to find out all about your big day plans and bridal vision, but we always advise remaining open-minded and trusting your bridal stylist throughout. We might just throw a ‘wild card’ into the mix that you hadn’t considered but that, once on, ticks every box!

You can find out more about our individual approach and what to expect for a bridal styling appointment at our Harrogate bridal boutique in this recent blog post.

Upcoming Trunk Shows At Our Harrogate Bridal Boutique 

​

Caroline Castigliano – 18th to 20th November 2022

Do you dream of an elegant, classical bridal gown fused with modern design touches? Then this one’s for you. During this three-day trunk show, we’ll have the entire 2023 ‘Life Of Joy’ collection by Caroline Castigliano at the boutique. Expect beautifully cut gowns in the most luxurious fabrics that radiate effortless glamour and style.  

Jesus Piero – 13th to 15th January 2023

What better way to get the new year underway than with a Jesus Perio trunk show. As one of our newest designers to the boutique, excitement is at fever-pitch for this event when we’ll be showcasing the incredible Ninfas 2023 collection. A celebration of “love and light” highlights include magical flower motifs, beautifully fluid fabrics and whimsical ruffles alongside signature Jesus Peiro volume, texture and structure that we just adore!

Milla Nova – 20th to 22nd January 2023

Another new designer to our Harrogate bridal boutique rails, and one that’s perfect for style-led, contemporary brides. Super modern, wonderfully playful and forever stylish, we can’t wait to share the latest designs from Milla Nova during this exclusive event. Collection highlights include wow-worthy dresses with huge billowing skirts, sexy leg splits, statement detailing and breathtaking corsetted backs.

Suzanne Neville – 27th to 29th January 2023

Famed for exquisite structure, clean lines and insanely beautiful fabrics, Suzanne Neville is a dream choice for those in search of luxe, timeless big-day style. We’re beyond excited to showcase her new Opulence collection during this three-day trunk show when we’ll have every single 2023 Suzanne Neville design in the boutique. Prepare for pared-back contemporary elegance as well as intricately detailed designs in a range of spellbinding silhouettes with wonderfully diverse necklines.  

Sassi Holford – 17th to 19th February 2023

A slightly different event to those above, this designer day will have the added benefit of Sassi Holford herself being at our boutique to showcase her new 2023 collection and give you lucky brides firsthand styling advice. In true Sassi style, her latest Let There Be Love collection is an absolute work of art. Delivering sophisticated silhouettes, innovative fabrics, mesmerisingly beautiful texture, defined lines and delectable detailing, these designs are highly-likely to steal your heart.

If any of our upcoming events sound right up your bridal styling street, we’d highly recommend securing your place ASAP, as spaces for all are limited. 

Simply email info@theharrogateweddinglounge.com to request an appointment, or follow this link to book your spot, being sure to select one of the dates for the event you’d like to attend. Also, feel free to call us on 01423 202029 should you have any other questions.