Preparations are underway to welcome brides at a new Oakham-based bridal shop run by business owner, Becky Smith, 29.

The new wedding dress shop, Modern Day Bridal in the Maltings just off Mill Street, will launch on Monday 1 May at 10am, and Becky is excited to welcome new customers. 

She explained: "My love for bridal started when planning my own wedding, which is coming up this September. 

"Even after saying yes to my dress, I found myself still admiring dresses online – I was totally hooked! I always hoped for a career which I am truly passionate about and this is exactly what I'd been waiting for."

From Nottingham, Becky decided that Oakham was worth the daily commute due to the stunning surroundings and huge range of wedding venues, from Normanton Church and Oakham Castle to one of the many luxury hotels in the area. 

Normanton Church, Rutland Water, UK. Image credit: Nub News.

She said: "When I saw the boutique at The Maltings and spent some time in Oakham, it felt like the perfect location and everything seemed to fall into place. Local businesses and the people of Oakham have been so welcoming and it already feels like home!"

Becky has already discovered Amigos Pizza, also located on Mill Street, which is swiftly becoming one of her favourite local businesses.

She laughed "it could be dangerous at the end of a long shift!" 

Welcome to the new store. Image credit: Becky Smith.

Modern Bridal was founded in February 2023, which Becky said "felt like the right time to jump into the bridal industry, with wedding season just around the corner."

"I am proud to be stocking high quality, luxurious gowns by Eva Lendel and Elly Bride. I decided to start working with these designers, as they share my vision of offering unique bridal-wear for the modern bride and I am honoured to be supporting both Ukrainian businesses."

The boutique is starting to take shape and Becky has been spending lots of time in the store making sure that everything is ready for the launch this Bank Holiday Monday.

The grand opening of Modern Day Bridal is planned for Monday 1 May between 10am and 1pm. 

She added: "I'd love to invite all brides to pop in and browse the collection, with no appointment required to attend the launch. I will be joined by some amazing wedding suppliers, providing entertainment, photography and cake!

"There are discounts available for anyone who purchases a dress in May and goody bags available for brides who come to the launch."

Becky stocks a wide range of gowns. Image credit: Becky Smith.

Dresses start at £900 and more information can be found online. Here you can also book your appointments with Becky. 

Phone consultations are available for brides who have questions or are feeling nervous about the prospect of searching for their wedding dress. 

Following the launch, the boutique will be open by appointment only, ensuring that brides get the privacy and bespoke service that they require.

Standard opening times are Wednesday-Friday 6pm-9pm and Saturday/Sunday 10am-6pm but the store is open all day, every day 2nd-7th May. 

Find Modern Day Bridal on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok @moderndaybridal or email [email protected].

The store can be found at The Maltings, Mill Street. Image credit: Becky Smith.