Wondering what Dundee’s brides and grooms are wearing for their big days? We investigate what’s on the rails in the City of Discovery
Design and fashion run through the veins of Dundee. The city has a rich history of textile creation, its thriving V&A museum regularly hosts couture events, and it has even been awarded the status of a UNESCO City of Design.
It’s fair to say that Dundonians, too, are a fashionable bunch. That, needless to say, extends to what brides and grooms are wearing as they head down the aisle, as we found out when we chatted to some stylish suppliers.
Left: Traditional outfits with a twist are on offer at Eight Yards, such as this Crail Graphite hire outfit, £110; Right: This stunning ballgown (style 3510) by Allure Bridals features illusion sleeves and a deep V-back that the Innate Bridals team love, £POA
Innate Bridals and Innate Curves
Every bride should get that special ‘Yes!’ moment, regardless of the number on the size label (who actually looks at these nowadays anyway?) or how much she is able to spend.
That’s what motivated Keira Stocks to launch Innate Bridals, a boutique offering designer gowns (mostly ex-sample and cancellation dresses) on a budget.
“I really wanted to create a more accessible experience for brides,” Keira tells us. “You shouldn’t feel like you need to take out a mortgage to afford a dress! Even at a lower price point, though, our brides still get that top experience – so much so that we’ve had brides come all the way from South Africa to shop with us!”
At any one time there are around 100 dresses on the racks of the South Road boutique, by well-known designers such as Allure Bridals, Ronald Joyce, Morilee and Hayley Paige.
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Building on the success of this venture, Keira launched Innate Curves on Commercial Street 15 months ago as a traditional bridal boutique with a twist.
Sample sizes here range from sizes 16 to 32, while dresses can be ordered up to a size 50, something Keira feels passionately about: “Plus-size brides have told me they’ve had a hard experience finding a dress, with some even being turned away from boutiques.
At Innate Curves, whatever your dress size, there is no compromise on selection, style or service. Every style is sourced from known designers (like Allure, Island Bridals and House of Nicholas) with a curvier figure in mind.”
Left: This off-shoulder Allure Bridals ballgown has a shimmering satin finish, £POA; Right: Dimensional beading and sequinned appliqués glitter across the bodice of this Allure Bridals gown, £POA, both Innate Bridals
Eight Yards
With Eight Yards’ flagship store just a five-minute walk from Dundee train station, grooms and guests alike have no excuse for not looking dapper.
The brand, which has been dealing with Highlandwear since 1991, chose the name to reference the length of fabric traditionally needed to make a quality kilt, and the Eight Yards team say it serves as a proud reminder of heritage and craftsmanship.
Book an appointment to see all the store has to offer.
These black ghillie brogues add the perfect finishing touch to Eight Yards' Crail Graphite Hire Outfit
A gem of a place
Down the A90 in Perth, there’s a jeweller that’s waiting to dazzle.
Left: Byers & Co owner Linda Byers jumps for joy outside her Perth studio storefront; Right: The hand-applied metal texture of this Gents “Tay” wedding band means that each ring is slightly different and unique, from £600, Byers & Co (Photo: Craig Stephen Photography)
Byers & Co, on the city’s George Street, specialises in gorgeous bespoke jewels using fairtrade, conflict-free stones.
The brains behind the beautiful bling is Linda Byers who has been handmaking pieces in her Perth studio for over a decade, so you know you’re in safe hands if you entrust your wedding rings and jewellery to her.
