Wedding boutique opens
Michelle Graham's Irish Bridal Boutique on Hillside was officially opened last night with a reception for her friends.
The boutique stocks designer labels which appeal to the fashion-aware bride and also to the woman who wants a traditional gown. They include Raylia Designs, Paloma Blanca, White Rose, Allure and Destinations by Dessy.
"This range caters for everyone and for every pocket," Michelle told the Diary last night, noting that her prices range from €500 to €3,000. The Irish Bridal Boutique also stocks a wide range of gowns and accessories for brides and bridesmaids, including tiaras, jewellery and veils, as well as deb's dresses and dresses for other special occasions.
The business is a new departure for Michelle, who had a previous career in mortgage brokering. "After shopping for wedding dresses for sisters and my future sister-in-law over the years, it is actually something I've wanted to do for a long time."
She opened for business just two weeks ago and is already astounded at the level of interest, which has exceeded her expectations. "The response has been amazing. I have brides-to-be coming from as far as Limerick and Donegal, and I've already got appointments booked up for weeks ahead."
Michelle figures there is particular potential in Kildare because so many people living in the county feel they have to travel to Dublin for their wedding needs. She picked Kilcullen for her business partly because rents in Naas are 'exorbitant' and also because there's easy and ample parking at the rear of her new premises.
"I don't need to be on the Main Street anywhere like Newbridge or Naas. People will travel distances when they know I have something that they like. I also wanted a place where my customers could be comfortable in, with a really pleasant environment, and where the salespeople aren't pressurising."
Customers can get their first information about the shop and its stock on the Irish Bridal Boutique website, which carries sample pictures of clothing, shoes, and accessories for brides, bridesmaids and flower girls, as well as dresses for special occasions, and the business's in-house makeup expert.
"A website is very important these days. Before people come, they want to see the kind of stock we have. They don't want to be wasting their time."
Brian Byrne.
