The bridal shop sector trend in the UK is booming as of late, with customer trends favouring not only individual boutiques but also wholesalers and even online stores. Over the past few years, there has been a shift away from traditional wedding gowns towards contemporary silhouettes and styles. Off-the-rack dresses have seen an uptick in popularity, with many brides looking to personalise their look while keeping costs down.
Changing demand for special occasion accessories such as veils and jewellery are also driving growth in the industry. In response to the influx of new customers, more characters are entering the market offering customisable options to match any wedding theme. With bridalwear shopping increasingly going online, will traditional bridal shops be able to keep up with this rising trend
Bridal stores market industrial trends
There have been a number of developments in the bridal wear industry over the last few decades, including:
- Weddings have been declining for a long time. In the early 2010s, numbers rose after many years of decline, but then started falling again in the mid-2010s, according to government statistics
- Couples can now marry outside of a church or registry office under legislation. A non-traditional wedding outfit is in high demand as a result of this
- An increasing number of women are marrying for the first time at the age of 35. Designers have responded to this by creating more sophisticated wedding dresses
- The bride and groom pay for their weddings instead of their families. Since brides often earn a goodsalary by the time they marry, they spend more on their wedding gowns
- Increasing spending on dream events due to high-profile weddings (like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s in 2018)
- Second and third marriages account for a greater percentage of weddings today
- Overseas (such as the Caribbean) is becoming increasingly popular as a place to get married in small, intimate ceremonies.
- Civil partnership or marriage legislation for same-sex couples
- The Far East is a cheaper place to manufacture wedding gowns for many bridal wear manufacturers. In order to avoid disappointment, brides should order their dresses early in order to avoid long delivery times
- Due to the economic downturn, more people were able to spend less on their wedding day during the late 2000s and early 2010s. The winter months are cheaper for venues and caterers
- Online sales of counterfeit and poor-quality gowns are on the rise
Bridal wear outlets have been challenged and given opportunities by these trends.
In addition to the decline in weddings, there are many new entrants into the bridal wear market due to oversupply. However, the amount spent on weddings each year remains considerable despite the recent economic downturn. An estimated £30,000 is the average cost of a wedding, showing that couples will spend a lot of money if they are satisfied with the service provided. The bridal wear outlet might need to cater both to the traditional bride who is getting married for the first time and to the mature bride who is getting married for the second or third time. Bridal wear shops would do well to offer warmer wedding dresses as winter weddings increase. Slimmer silhouettes and lighter weight fabrics are becoming more popular among brides getting married overseas. In some cases, gay couples getting married may be able to benefit from similar services.
The following decisions need to be made:
- Your proposed business can be supported by sufficient demand in your area
- Bridal wear outlets will be able to compete with you
- In the event of further declines in weddings, you will be able to weather them
Keeping up to date with developments
Keep up with industry developments by joining a trade association.
The Retail Bridalwear Association (RBA) represents bridal wear retailers in the UK and aims to promote high standards. Professional Code of Conduct and five years of experience are requirements for membership. In the event that a retailer ceases trading involuntarily, customers of RBA members are protected (RBA Brides Protection Scheme). RBA can be contacted at 106 Broad Street Mall, Reading RG1 7QA. More information can be found on their website.
Manufacturers, wholesalers, and importers of bridal goods are represented by the British Bridal Suppliers Association (BBSA).
Staying up to date can also be achieved by subscribing to a trade journal or magazine. Retailers are kept informed of bridal industry trends through the Bridal Buyer journal. Visit their website to sign up for a subscription.
Trade shows
Trade shows for the bridal wear industry can provide you with valuable information. London’s Olympia, Manchester’s NEC, and Birmingham’s NEC host the National Wedding Show. It is held in Harrogate in September. Formerly known as the British Bridal Exhibition, the Harrogate Bridal Show is the largest bridal show in the UK. In the spring, Olympia hosts the London Bridal Show. Every autumn, Bradford, and Birmingham host Asian Wedding Shows. All these shows have websites with more information.
Conclusion
Bridal stores in the UK have responded with a variety of trending services ranging from virtual consultations to luxurious bridal showrooms. There’s also an emphasis on sourcing designs that reflect the multiculturalism of British society, allowing every bride to find something that is tailored to her specific tastes.
Plus, with so many creative bridal couturiers popping up across the country, even established stores are having to work hard to stand out from their competitors and provide genuine value for money.
Read more: Legal issues that bridal shops face.
Lee Jones is a seasoned Business Finance Specialist with over two decades of invaluable experience in the financial sector. With a keen eye for market trends and a passion for helping businesses thrive, Lee has become a trusted advisor to countless organizations seeking to navigate the complexities of finance.