Established in 1993, Edinburgh’s Pretty Woman Bridal Boutique offers a bright, airy city-centre space for fashion-forward brides-to-be to discover their aisle style. Home to countless dresses by of-the-moment labels and iconic bridalwear names, you’re guaranteed to find your big-day dream on these rails. And although the ivory Instagram-friendly glamour is a pretty seductive reason for booking a visit, we think it’s the family values and extra-special loving care put into ever fitting and alteration that makes it an essential pre-marital pitstop.

What led you into the bridalwear industry? When and how was the boutique set up? 

My sister started Pretty Woman 27 years ago. I shared her passion for high-octane fashion and the painstaking attention to detail of bridal embellishments, and so when the opportunity to take over the boutique arose 11 years ago, I jumped at the opportunity. I’ll celebrate 17 years in business this September. There’s a real emphasis on family and service here, so much so that my daughter Alex has joined us since the pandemic began. She’d graduated from her dance degree in 2019, and when the classes she taught were stopped by lockdown, she started helping me out with the social media side of things – in fact, it was during one long day of scrolling that she discovered one of our new labels, Eva Lendel. She now loves it and works at the shop full time. I’d say that bridalwear is in our blood!

 Three words to describe Pretty Woman's collections? 

CONFIDENT, SOPHISTICATED AND TIMELESS.

LYNN

 Which designers and styles do you stock? 

We showcase a stellar range of bridal names – they’re all world-leading crowd-pleasing labels in their own right, and a true reflection of our commitment to working with only the finest in the wedding industry. Our designer line-up includes Eva Lendel, Justin Alexander, Adore, Signature and Stella York. Our rails play host to a super-chic array of diverse gowns: sleek crepe slips, open backs, beaded opulence, tattoo lace, frothy tulle skirts and illusion bodices.

 What's new for 2021? 

Our current favourite trend at Pretty Woman is Dramatic Simplicity: Create your sensational arrival moment through a dress with a pared-back look. That might sound unexpected, but minimalism in a wedding gown doesn’t mean that it’s boring at all; quite the opposite in fact. It creates a powerful, elegant bridal silhouette. Who can resist a classic ballgown, but with a touch of modern drama? I hope to see this trend shine on throughout 2021 and beyond.

 Tell us a bit about your team and the services and the extras you offer brides. 

 How did you stay engaged with your community on social media during the pandemic? 

We tried to stay super positive on social media throughout the lockdown and were always at the end of the phone for our brides to be. We had lots of fun, running giveaway competitions on Instagram, hosting virtual trunk shows and encouraging our past brides to get into their gown for the #doitinthedress challenge.

WE ALSO HOSTED OUR FIRST EVER INSTAGRAM SALE IN JANUARY, WHICH WAS LOTS OF FUN AND VERY SUCCESSFUL. SOMETHING WE WOULD NEVER HAVE DONE PREVIOUS TO LOCKDOWN BUT OUR BRIDES ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. 

LYNN

 What are your bridalwear trend predictions for the coming season? 

Low backs, contemporary simplicity, unexpected necklines, a hint of sparkle, light and airy fabrics, two-in-one looks and detachable elements, such as sleeves, trains and capes. We also expect to see some Bridgerton-themed period styles and a lot of elopement-ready outfits.

 What inspires you when buying each season, and day-to-day in store? 

Our brides inspire us massively when it comes to buying. Taking note of what they’re looking for, love and don’t like so much is really important. Instagram does too: we’re always scrolling for the latest designs, trends and upcoming designers."

To discover more about this beautiful boutique, head to their website or pay their Guest List profile a visit.