It’s that time of the year again when we draw breath and reflect on how fortunate we’ve been to help style so many incredible brides for their biggest days and take to the aisle with optimum confidence!

It’s that time of the year again when we draw breath and reflect on how fortunate we’ve been to help style so many incredible brides for their biggest days and take to the aisle with optimum confidence!

We’re forever grateful these brides travel from near and far to visit our North Yorkshire bridal boutique and entrust us with helping them realise and achieve their dream bridal look.

Providing a haven of calmness, deep understanding and fun, we channel our 14+ years of bridal styling experience to ensure The Harrogate Wedding Lounge delivers precisely what brides want. And that’s personal service, honest, trustworthy advice and breathtakingly beautiful bridalwear from highly esteemed designers.

So, in the spirit of slowing down ahead of the festive season and celebrating another joyous year here at HWL, we’re pausing to look back and spotlight some of the incredible brides who’ve said their “I dos” during 2023.

Having found their dream dresses with us, they’re sharing what made their HWL experience so enjoyable and memorable. From comments of boosting confidence and putting brides at ease to helping ace their big-day vision, every word means the ABSOLUTE  WORLD, and we couldn’t be more grateful that we get to play this super-rewarding role in their wedding journey. 

Finally, some of these beautiful brides are sharing their top wedding dress shopping tips, so amongst all the swooning, be sure to take note of their pearls of wisdom!

Our Harrogate Wedding Lounge Brides

​Hollie

The Dress

Amalfia by Milla Nova & Sierra by Enzoani

The Details

Wedding Date: 10th & 11th November

Venue: The Midland Hotel, Manchester

Photographer: Charlotte Clemmie

The Experience

“My experience at HWL was magical, and I’ll treasure it forever! It’s like a little girl’s dressing-up box filled with beautiful dresses. The team there is so experienced, which makes the whole journey less overwhelming. It can be very stressful planning a wedding, but when you step into the boutique, you walk into the most warm and calm place, which always put a smile on my face.

My main dress, the Amalfia, provided the drama and the detail. It felt like a modern Grace Kelly with the lace sleeves and the high neck with a couture touch. Hayley, the seamstress, brought my vision to life with the sleeve by extending it to add a little touch of elegance. And the veil – WOW! It was my city chic couture look that I wanted.

I then wore the Sierra dress for our black tie party. I still wanted a proper wedding dress, and stylist Hayley picked this out. It was everything I ever wanted and more!”

We Love

Super chic and spellbindingly beautiful, we adore Hollie’s chic city wedding and her perfectly curated looks, choosing two dresses to suit the different elements of her celebrations. Wow factor, well and truly achieved!

​Lauren

The Dress

Sara by Sassi Holford

The Details

Wedding Date: 7th October

Venue: Saint Wilfrid’s Church & The Sun Pavilion, North Yorkshire

Photographer: Lily North Photography

The Experience

“From arriving at the HWL, I made Anya aware that I had a stoma bag and, therefore, didn’t want anything fitted. Previous stores I had been to then took this as all I wanted was a massive dress, which I didn’t, but it was all I kept being pushed to try on. Anya didn’t do this, instead letting me choose what I wanted while suggesting ideas. 

Anya put forward the flowing style dresses of Sassi Holford that may be suitable for my stoma bag. And she was so right! Every fitting was a lovely experience with all the members of staff, and I never felt uncomfortable with my bag. Thank you so much for all you did.”

Bride’s Top Tip

“Don’t look for a dress you need to adapt to or change yourself to become more confident in, but instead choose a dress that makes you feel confident from the first moment you put it on.”

We Love

We adore Lauren’s overall bridal style, teaming her chic polka-dot detail gown with a sleek, wavy ponytail, gorgeous hooped earrings and an elegant veil for the day before switching to an on-trend bridal hair bow for the party.

​Zoe

The Dress

Bespoke Suzanne Neville

The Details

Wedding Date: 12th April 2023 

Venue: St Oswald’s Church, Guiseley, & The Tithe Barn, North Yorkshire

Photographer: Lumiere Photographic

The Experience

“I was so apprehensive to find the right dress, but being able to combine the top and skirt of two stunning Suzanne Neville dresses was a dream come true! I couldn’t have been made to feel more comfortable and confident in my own skin from the very first moment I stepped into the HWL. I roughly knew what I was looking for – I definitely wanted a classic, simple statement dress, and Leanne was just so helpful throughout the dress journey in choosing the best one. I felt fabulous and so comfortable on the day. I couldn’t have wished for a better dress for our big day. It was just magical.”

Bride’s Top Tip

“Trust your gut. I knew roughly what I was looking for, particularly something in a simple, elegant fabric, and it’s exactly what I ended up with.”

We Love

The combination of two gorgeous Suzanne Neville gowns – the top of Sapphire and the skirt of Genesis – created one incredibly beautiful dress that achieved Zoe’s dream vision and suited her perfectly.

​Clare

The Dress

Allegro by Caroline Castigliano

The Details

Wedding Date: 6th August

Venue: Shortflatt Tower, Northumberland

Photographer: Paul Liddement

The Experience

“HWL was the only boutique I visited. I travelled down from Newcastle and started with the sample sale shop to try on lots of different styles! The girls were so lovely and helpful all throughout. They made me feel my best and made the whole experience very special!”

Bride’s Top Tip

“Follow your own heart! Your opinion matters most; if you love it, the opinions of others don’t matter. I only went dress shopping with my mum. It was really helpful to have someone there who cared as much as I did, and I think I would have become overwhelmed with opinions if there had been a larger group.”

We Love

Beautiful florals play a key and consistent part in Clare’s dreamy bridal look, from her Caroline Castigliano gown and Bobby Pin headpiece to her pretty shoes and beautiful coloured bouquet. Sublime!

​Katie

The Dress

Kaylyn by Enzoani

The Details

Wedding Date: 8th April

Venue: The Tithe Barn, North Yorkshire

Photographer: Charlotte White Weddings

The Experience

“From the moment I bought my dress in October 2021, the whole experience was perfection! Hayley was so lovely helping me feel really comfortable, and then Sana was so talented at both my fittings to ensure the dress fit perfectly and comfortably for a full day of partying.”

We Love

The beautiful floral detailing of the Kaylyn gown effortlessly complements Katie’s rural barn setting and emits an air of relaxed romance.

​Nikki

The Dress

Fern by Lillian West (style 66145)

The Details

Wedding Date: 31st August

Venue: Wharfedale Grange, North Yorkshire

Photographer: Valentina Weddings

The Experience

“My stylist, Leanne, put me immediately at ease. I came in with no idea what I wanted; she listened to which parts of the dresses I tried on that I liked and disliked and was able to guide me towards my dream dress. 

I chose Fern by Lillian West. I fell in love with the intricate beading and sparkling sequins that felt so different to anything I’d seen, and all the comments on the day were about how beautiful and unique this dress was. An A-line shape meant I was pulled in at the waist but could twirl my skirt and dance the night away. It was everything I didn’t know I wanted until I came to HWL!”

Bride’s Top Tip

“I had my family take pictures of me trying on the dress from every angle, and I mean EVERY ANGLE. Despite loving them, I had completely convinced myself that I could not pull off an off-the-shoulder dress and nearly didn’t try one on at all! I looked back at the photos that evening, and even from those unflattering angles, I still loved my dress, and I knew it was the one for me!”

We Love

Nikki wanted a whimsical, romantic, and elegant wedding, and her Lillian West gown certainly ticked the boxes while bringing a gorgeous luxe element with its mesmerising allover beaded lace.

​Hannah

The Dress

Wright by Justin Alexander Signature

The Details

Wedding Date: 12th August

Venue: Hampsthwaite Church & Kettlesing Millennium Village Hall, North Yorkshire

Photographer: Chris Thornton Photography

The Experience

“I had a fantastic experience at the HWL. It was the only shop I ended up going to, even though I’d booked to try on more. My dress was the fifth I tried on, and I fell in love instantly!  There was a lovely variety of dresses, and the girls in the shop went above and beyond, especially during my fitting when I was panicking about sizing and the lengths of my straps. Nothing seemed too much, and I was made to feel relaxed. I loved my experience!”

We Love

This Justin Alexander Signature gown is the epitome of modern chic and looks nothing short of stunning on Hannah. Its beautifully structured silhouette, luxe satin fabric, simplistic shoulder bows and incredible cathedral-length train give the gown impact without the need for dramatics.

​Jess

The Dress

Polly by Justin Alexander

The Details

Wedding Date: 9th September

Venue: Meols Hall, Merseyside

Photographer: The Kensington Photographer

The Experience

“HWL was the first boutique I went to, and I was dreading trying to find the “perfect” dress. I was really overwhelmed when I entered the boutique… that was until Jeanette greeted us with a massive smile and a big hello. She calmed my nerves instantly and made us all feel so welcome and comfortable. Jeanette’s knowledge of bridal gowns was amazing! She really knew her stuff; I was so impressed. The whole afternoon was an experience I’ll never forget. Jeanette wasn’t pushy in the slightest. All she wanted was for me to find the perfect dress. 

After visiting three bridal boutiques, I went back to the HWL. Not only for the dress I couldn’t stop thinking about but also because I felt most comfortable with their outstanding customer service. All alterations were done in-house, which was amazing. I had extra material added to the front of the dress, and the work of the seamstress was incredible. I honestly felt like the dress was made for me. Every bride-to-be needs to visit HWL. They helped me find the dress of my dreams and gave me the most incredible experience.”

Bride’s Top Tip

“Try on EVERYTHING! Even if you think it won’t suit you! I went dress shopping with a specific designer/style in mind and chose something completely different.”

We Love

From nervous to comfortable and confident, Jess looks so happy – and super beautiful – in her choice of Ronald Joyce gown, which offers the perfect balance of classic and contemporary design features.

​Samantha

The Dress

Sara by Sassi Holford

The Details

Wedding Date: 8th September

Venue: The Sun Pavillions, North Yorkshire

Photographer: Hamish Irvine

The Experience

“I grew up around the corner from the HWL, and every time I would walk past, I would look and imagine myself in the dresses in the window. One day, I saw the Sara gown and fell in love with the understated elegance of it. I was really nervous to try it on as I was worried what I saw on the model might not suit me, but I fell in love and cried happy tears when I tried her on! Leanne was so helpful and helped boost my confidence.”

We Love

Understated glamour radiates through every element of Samantha’s stunning bridal look, from her gown’s elegant satin spot tulle and crepe fabric to the gorgeous red lip makeup, modern drop earrings and luxurious bouquet.

​Catherine

The Dress

Azalea by Suzanne Neville

The Details

Wedding Date: 19th August

Venue: Lodge Farm Weddings, North Yorkshire

Photographer: Silverbird Photography

The Experience

“My experience at Harrogate Wedding Lounge was amazing. When I first came to the store, I was feeling pretty underwhelmed (and probably disheartened) following a visit elsewhere where nothing seemed to suit me. The team were great and allowed me plenty of time to browse, along with pulling out suggestions I wouldn’t have initially been drawn to. Initially I was set on a fit and flare, but this was how I discovered a soft A-line was what I’d been looking for.”

Bride’s Top Tip

“Try on different styles and be open-minded. I was really adamant about what I wanted in terms of silhouette initially, but in the end, this wasn’t what I went for.”

We Love

Catherine wanted a dress with “wow detail”, and she certainly found it in Azalea with its stunning floral appliqué trailing the full length of this spellbinding gown!

​Laurissa

The Dress

Emerson by Justin Alexander

The Details

Wedding Date: 26th September

Venue: Highfields Farm, South Africa

Photographer: James Schokman

The Experience

“I had the most amazing experience at the HWL. Leanne was so professional, kind and caring and laughed with me throughout, making my dress journey stress-free and fun. I adore my wedding dress. It was comfortable, elegant and just perfect for my South African wedding. I felt amazing in it. I would highly recommend HWL to any future bride. It’s a beautiful store with the most lovely, kind assistants. Throughout my experience, I felt like a friend more than a customer.”

Bride’s Top Tip

“Try on different styles and be open-minded. I was really adamant about what I wanted in terms of silhouette initially, but in the end, this wasn’t what I went for.”

We Love

An amazing dress selection for an overseas wedding, Laurissa rocks her light, slim-fitting Justin Alexander gown from the ceremony to epic photo opportunities and the partying.

​Caitlen

The Dress

Bespoke Molly gown by Suzanne Neville

The Details

Wedding Date: 24th June

Venue: Bride’s family home

Photographer: Laura Wade Photography

The Experience

“I loved every minute of my experience with HWL. Everyone was so friendly and helpful right from the moment I booked my first appointment and made me feel really comfortable picking out different styles to try and helping me get into the gowns. When I first tried my dress on, it had sleeves, which were beautiful but not right for me, but the HWL team were really helpful in suggesting alterations to make the dress absolutely perfect – I actually ended up having the long sleeves removed by HWL and the finished result was utter perfection.”

Bride’s Top Tip

“Try on lots of different styles and shapes and be open-minded going in. I had a very clear idea of what I wanted when I first started looking at dresses, but when I tried some on in that shape, it just didn’t suit me. The dress I fell in love with was a completely different style but was the perfect dress for me – and trying on wedding dresses is loads of fun anyway!”

We Love

We’re so pleased that we were able to suggest bespoke customisation to the Molly gown to transform it into the perfect dress for Caitlen. The drop straps in place of full sleeves work effortlessly with the romantic, soft pleating of the design, and the overall result is breathtaking! 

​Maegan

The Dress

Davis by Sottero & Midgley

The Details

Wedding Date: 5th May

Venue: The Blue Lagoon Palace, Halkidiki, Greece,

Photographer: Dimitris Papadimitriou

The Experience

“Everyone went above and beyond to make the whole experience that of a lifetime. I laughed, I cried (lots)…I had a whole range of emotions at that time, but was never made to feel over the top or dramatic in any way. It was truly an experience that was second to none!

I had a dress in mind which wasn’t available in-store upon my first visit. However, it was specially ordered for me, ready for my appointment at the off-the-peg HWL store. As soon as I laid my eyes on that dress hanging in the back room, I knew it was the one! 

Extra special mention to Leanne who was utterly amazing. She made me feel totally at home, eased any worries I had and was an ear for me to rant to about any issues rumbling away in the background while planning the wedding and family! Also, another special mention to Sana, who beautifully altered my dress during the fittings. My dress was utterly perfect on the day, and I felt truly incredible wearing it.”

We Love

The Davis dress’s light fabric and illusion side panel detailing complement Meagan’s beach destination wedding, setting an absolute dream, emitting relaxed bohemian vibes with a glamorous twist. 

​Beth

The Dress

Notting Hill by Caroline Castigliano

The Details

Wedding Date: 16th November

Venue: Thirsk Lodge Barns, North Yorkshire

Photographer: Mark Bamforth

The Experience

“I chose to visit HWL based on recommendations from friends, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. From my first appointment when I tried on dresses to my final fitting, it was a stress-free and enjoyable process. Every member of staff made me feel so comfortable.

The Notting Hill dress by Caroline Castigliano was one of the dresses picked out for me by Hayley after I told her the style I was interested in. I knew as soon as I tried the dress on that it would be the one I would wear on my wedding day. It felt timeless, elegant and sophisticated. The dress was made to measure, and it was absolutely perfect. I loved every minute of wearing it on the day.”

Bride’s Top Tip

“Go in with an open mind, as you may end up going for a dress you never imagined wearing…and enjoy the process!”

We Love

The long-sleeved Notting Hill dress was a dream choice for Beth’s November wedding, providing warmth and effortless style. The overall look is one of contemporary luxury with modern design details combined with exquisite fabrics and flawless dress construction. 

​Book With Us

Want to follow in the footsteps of these gorgeous brides by visiting our warm, welcoming and stylish Harrogate bridal boutique? Then, simply book a bridal consultation appointment to get your dream dress-shopping experience underway!

Cruz by Sottero and Midgley  

Size: 12

Condition: Excellent

Was: £3,370 Now: £1,395

A breathtaking, soft mermaid-style gown with dreamy 3D floral detailing, plunging neckline, and deep-v back. Its full-length sleeves are detachable, giving two looks from just one dress.

9858 by Justin Alexander

Size: 10

Condition: Good

Was: £1,995 Now: £695

A wonderfully chic organza ballgown with all-over lace appliques, sweetheart neckline and enchanting monarch-length train of dreams.

Kassie by Caroline Castigliano

Size: 14

Condition: Excellent

Was: £3,199 Now: £1,499

A gown of two alluring halves, its corded lace bodice and Chantilly sleeves fuse effortlessly with the soft tulle and sumptuous silk organza skirt for optimum elegance.