Dresses for budget-conscious brides at Inverness charity shop
Budget-conscious brides are finding their dream dress at a bargain price at an Inverness charity shop.
The average cost of a wedding day in the UK is just under £20,000, according to some estimates.
The bride, meanwhile, can expect to fork out £1300 on average for their wedding dress.
But increasingly, thrifty and ethically-minded brides are considering alternative and more affordable options including seeking out a bargain at the Highland Hospice shop in Falcon Square.
It has just unveiled this year's spring display of wedding dresses with a varied selection priced from £70 to £350. While some are "pre-loved", others are brand new.
And it seems going down the charity shop or second-hand route is being seriously considered by growing numbers of brides whether they seeking a vintage style, or a contemporary look.
Some are driven by the cost-of-living crisis. Others are motivated for reasons of sustainability, querying the cost of forking out a substantial sum on a dress which will be worn for just a few hours and then packed away.
Laura Del Aguila Murphy, shop manager, believed brides are increasingly receptive to the idea of seeking out a bargain in a charity shop.
"I think it has changed," she said.
"I think young women are more open to the idea. I think they getting informed."
Her own favourite is an ivory vintage Audrey Hepburn style dress – a snip at £250.
But others might favour a classic Pronovias at £350 whereas it would normally retail at £2000, or a £200 Victoria Jones dress which would usually sell at almost £4000.
Other makes include Monsoon, Alfred Angelo and Stella York although individual homemade wedding gowns also crop up.
The shop also stocks a wide variety of outfits for wedding guests including mothers-of-bride and items such as hats, shoes and handbags.
