Something old, something new

Are you getting married in 2025? If so, the countdown is on!

Here’s how one local bride found a beautiful dress that was perfect for her – all for a fraction of the price she would have paid in a typical bridal boutique. According to Hitched’s National Weddings Survey, couples in the UK spend an average of £1,500 on a wedding dress – but two charity wedding boutiques in West Sussex offer dresses at a fraction of that, with prices averaging around £250-300.

Something unexpected

Chichester-based Suzy and Mark Sampson had planned an intimate wedding in Las Vegas, so Suzy knew she didn’t want a big, traditional dress.

“I ordered so many dresses online, but none of them were right,” she says. “I searched for local wedding shops online, and the Chestnut Tree House wedding boutique in Bognor came up. I’ll be honest, I didn’t have high hopes but when I saw it, I was amazed. There was such an array of dresses, and a dedicated vintage section too, which was where mine came from.

But it wasn’t just the range of styles that impressed me so much. Julie, the manager, was just incredible. She was so patient and understanding. She helped me in and out of numerous dresses and gave advice, but she was also very respectful to me and my partner. It was just a really lovely experience.”

Suzy didn’t have definite ideas of the style she wanted, although she was drawn to vintage designs. “In fact, I’d almost decided on one from the Eighties when Mark pulled out this one. It’s completely handmade and when I tried it on, it fit perfectly.”

Suzy paid £200 for her dress, and £25 for a waist-length veil with embroidered pearls.

“We got married in the famous Little White Wedding Chapel, accompanied by two of our friends,” she says. Our families joined us on FaceTime for the ceremony. Afterwards, we went down to Fremont Street, and we all went down the zip line there – me still in my wedding dress! People can’t believe it when I tell them where I bought my dress.”

Something for everyone

Chestnut Tree House’s wedding boutique in Bognor stocks a huge range of new and pre-loved wedding dresses and accessories, as well as bridesmaid dresses and mother-of-the-bride outfits.

Shop manager Julie McMurchy says: “I love my job because I get to see that moment when a bride comes out of the dressing room and they’re standing differently. You can see they’re happy and comfortable and it’s great to be part of that.

“We have more than 200 dresses, all in different styles and lengths – from simple and elegant to romantic ballgowns. If someone isn’t sure what they want, or what suits them, I always recommend trying on five completely different dresses and choosing what you like about each of them. That helps to narrow it down.

“Suzy’s appointment was so much fun. You could see the two of them were perfect for each other, and when she found that dress, they both left smiling.”