If you're getting married or are married and still have your dress, have a read!
As a bride-to-be, my eyes have been opened with how much weddings can cost these days. Yes, you can do it on a budget but you only get married once, kay maybe twice or three times but you know what I mean. You want your day to be special with all the fancy trimmings.okay maybe twice or three times but you know what I mean. You want your day to be special with all the fancy trimmings.
I'm not a high mainteneace girl. I'd happily swan off and get married in Vegas just like my mam did back in 2013 but unfortunately my kids are a little too young for me to leave them just yet.
Secretly I've been looking up bridal dresses and I'm genuinely shocked at how much the ones I've fell in love with would set us back. Your easily looking at over a grand. That's a months rent to us. Our food budget for ten weeks. Or tax and insurance for the year. It's mad money.
While researching I came across two wonderful charities in Ireland with bridal boutiques full of designer wedding dresses at a fraction of the cost.
Oxfam
Based in Bangor and Dublin, Oxfam Bridal Boutiques receives 90% of their dresses gifted brand new by designers and bridal boutiques across the country. Prices range from as little as €50 to €400 with proceeds raised from sales going directly to Oxfam to help continue the amazing work they do across the world. Viewing is by appointment only so they recommend booking weeks in advance. For more information check out their website www.oxfamireland.org.
Based in Bangor and Dublin, Oxfam Bridal Boutiques receives 90% of their dresses gifted brand new by designers and bridal boutiques across the country. Prices range from as little as €50 to €400 with proceeds raised from sales going directly to Oxfam to help continue the amazing work they do across the world. Viewing is by appointment only so they recommend booking weeks in advance. For more information check out their website www.oxfamireland.org.
Barnardos
Located in Wexford and Dun Laoghaire, Barnardos Bridal Rooms stock one-of-a-kind bridal gowns brand new again gifted by some of Irelands top retailers. Prices start from €250 and booking is essential. Proceeds from each sale go to Barnardos childrens charity and help to support their work with vunerable children across Ireland. For more information check out their website www.barnardos.ie.
Located in Wexford and Dun Laoghaire, Barnardos Bridal Rooms stock one-of-a-kind bridal gowns brand new again gifted by some of Irelands top retailers. Prices start from €250 and booking is essential. Proceeds from each sale go to Barnardos childrens charity and help to support their work with vunerable children across Ireland. For more information check out their website www.barnardos.ie.
And if your big day has been and passed and you want to get at least one more wear out of your gown... Sapphire Weddings & Events are hosting a Bridal & Pink Tie Charity Ball in aid of childrens charity Aoibheanns Pink Tie at the Pillo in Ashbourne, Co Meath on the 4th November.
Written by Kellie Kearney, staff writer with Family Friendly HQ