A new bridal boutique with a difference has opened in north Norfolk.
Threads Bridal, in Holt’s Lees Yard, sells sustainably sourced second-hand wedding dresses and accessories.
Its collection of preloved dresses offers a stylish but sustainable alternative for a brides’ big day, at a more affordable price than buying brand new.
Laura Arnold established Threads Bridal during the pandemic, opening in Reepham in 2021.
She was inspired by dress shopping for her own wedding – finding it hard to say yes to a dress costing thousands of pounds which would only be worn once.
“I was getting married and at the time when I was engaged I went into various dress shops in Norwich, Cambridge and London with the idea that I was going to come out with a beautiful gown,” she said.
“I didn’t realise I would need two to two-and-a-half thousand pounds in my pocket, which I just couldn’t afford.
“I looked online and there was just nowhere to buy second-hand dresses.”
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Mrs Arnold got married in Catfield two years ago and began selling gowns from a small shop in Reepham.
“I’ve now found there are lots of people who don’t want to spend that kind of money on a dress to be worn for just one day,” she said.
“We wanted to consider sustainability and think wedding dresses should be worn and enjoyed again.”
The business has since taken off and Mrs Arnold moved into a larger store in Lyles Court in Holt two weeks ago.
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“It’s the busiest I’ve ever been,” she said.
“It’s been brilliant so far and I couldn’t have asked for a better reception.”
She hopes the business will continue to grow and aims to take on two new members of staff next year.
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