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Bristol Brides still shopping
Nicola Williams opened A Class Bride, in Sandy Park Road, in January 2005, after a number of brides told her that they did not feel they were getting a good enough wedding package service elsewhere.
She now employs three people in the shop, which is a one-stop shop for bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, alterations, hair, make-up, and beauty treatments.
The 38-year-old, who is married with a daughter, said: "Before I opened the shop, I was doing bridal make-up and generally helping brides get ready on their wedding day. I heard so many complaints that I decided to put it all together and do beauty and dresses in one shop.
"We help brides chose their dress, their bridesmaid dresses, accessories, and also do bridal hair and make-up."
The shop can also mix and match any colour combination with a range of styles to suit all shapes, sizes and ages.
Nicola said today's modern bride is looking for a strapless dress, and some are choosing to have colour in their gown.
She added: "We're finding that brides are still spending money on their dresses, but perhaps cutting back in other areas of the wedding budget."
A Class Brides has twice featured in the TV programme Don't Tell the Bride, in which the groom is given sole responsibility of organising the wedding day, including choosing his bride-to-be's wedding dress.
The shop also came runner-up in the UK Best Bridal Retailer with national bridal magazine Wedding Ideas.
A Class Brides is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9.30am to 4.30pm, and late appointments are available on Thursdays.
Contact details can be found under Bridalwear in our Avon & Somerset directory