Lets face it, Ireland isn’t that big a country, so if your dream wedding dress is worth driving for, we’re guessing that’s exactly what you’ll do! Today we’ve been scouring the northern end of the country in search of five incredible bridal boutiques that are well worth a visit. Time to get the map out – okay, the sat nav – and plan some shopping trips.
For vintage, boho loving brides…
Archive 12 | www.archive12.com
If you want to break away from the traditional bridal look, Archive 12 stock a unique collection of original vintage wedding dresses, vintage inspired dresses by Minna and Daughters of Simone, and floral crowns handmade to order. Owner, Claire previously worked at the Vintage Wedding Dress Company (now Charlie Brear), as well as on the costume department at Game of Throne (I know, right!), and eats, sleeps and breaths uber cool bridal style.
Conway Mill, Belfast, BT13 2DE | +44 7968 336123
Image credits: Photography – The Lous, Model – Melissa Elliott, Flowers – The Rosehip and Berry, Hair – Vintage Rocks, Makeup – Michael Johnson, Beaded Accessories/ veils – Blue Meadow Bridal Prop styling – Grace and Saviour
For stylish, romantic brides…
Ivory & Pearl Bridal Boutique | www.ivoryandpearl.com
This elegant bridal boutique is home to a stunning collection of picture perfect bridal gowns from some of the most renowned international bridal designers. You’ll find dresses from Claire Pettibone, Karen Willis Holmes, Anna Campbell, Naomi Neoh, Catherine Deane and Anna Maier. Next door to this charming boutique is their sister store, Willow & Thread, a fashion boutique that’s equally as pretty and stocked with the most gorgeous day and evening wear.
1st Floor, The Georgian House, 14 The Square, Comber, BT23 5DT | +44 28 9187 1135
For fashion forward brides…
The White Gallery | www.thewhitegalleryboutique.co.uk
A bridal boutique with a difference, The White Gallery stock contemporary, unique and fashion-forward designer wedding dresses by international designers. Gowns are sourced from across the world including French designers Rime Arodaky and Laure de Sagazan, Spanish designer Yolan Cris, Auckland-based designer Rue De Seine, Romanian designer Divine Atelier, London-based Halfpenny London and coming soon, French-Israeli designer Liz Martinez. Accessories are just as good with shoes from Freya Rose and headpieces from Emmy London and Luna Bea.
14 Upper Burren Rd, Warrenpoint, BT34 3PT | +44 7565 221331
For luxury seeking brides…
Castle Couture | www.castlecouture.com
The multi-award winning bridal boutique is set within the picturesque courtyard of Galgorm Castle Estate. Showcasing a unique collection of luxury bridal wear from a host of award winning designers such as Amanda Wakeley, Suzanne Neville, Jenny Packham, David Fielden and Badgley Mischka. Bridesmaids are well catered for with designs from Alvina Valetta, Jim Helm Occasions and Noir by Lazaro.
The Courtyard, Galgorm Castle, Ballymena, BT42 1HL | +44 28 2565 0990
For more than just the bride…
Blush Boutique | www.blushboutique.co.uk
On Belfast’s prestigious Lisburn Road, Blush Boutique offers brides not only an excellent selection of bridal gowns, but an incredible range of mother of the bride and groom outfits, and gorgeous bridesmaids dresses. Brides will find designs from La Sposa, Elizabeth Fillmore, Temperly Bridal, Alan Hannah and Raimon Bundò. A stylish collection from TwoBirds bridesmaids dresses will please your best girls and mothers will love the ranges from John Charles, Irresistible and Bernshaw.
166 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 6AJ | +44 28 9066 1101
(Featured image: Laure De Sagazan via The White Gallery)
