Big Dreams for Brides to be

In our home town of Northampton, 100% People have discovered someone with a passion for making your special day the perfect fit.

Meet Zoe, the founder of Big Dreams, a plus size Bridal boutique, offering a stunning collection of fairytale wedding gowns in sizes 16-34. Her aim is to offer that once-in-a-lifetime experience that comes with planning the most important day of your life. She promises to make you feel like a princess.

I was so excited to hear of the new shop opening that I interviewed Zoe, the proud owner of this beautiful gem, so she could share her story with 100% People.

What made you set up your shop?
It was organising my own wedding that inspired me to open up my own 16 plus size boutique just for bigger women to have that fairytale day and to make them feel like princesses!!!
I was so sick of walking into skinny bridal shops and being judged because of my size and them to feel it was ok to give me bad service!!! It got me thinking how do other big women deal with this? And why should we?? Getting married is the one day where you want to be floating on air, feeling and looking fabulous!!

Have you always worked in fashion?
No, I’ve been a stay at home mum to my 3 year old little girl and 1 year old boy… but I’m told by all my friends and family I have a real knack for dressing people and I’ve been doing that for years! My bigger friends to my skinny friends, I personnel shop for them all!

Why did you decide to set up in Northampton?
It’s my home town and it’s a great location from London to Birmingham right in the middle!! Also, I feel from the feedback I’ve had from my brides to be, that I’ve been a godsend to be local as other bridal shops in my area are not seeing these ladies or stocking plus sizes…

How did you go about finding designers?
That was a bit tricky as the bridal world is only just realising that there is a huge gap in the market – PLUS SIZE!! What they were coming out with was something I would have worn to a Hattie Jacques convention, bless her soul!

Once I made it clear and helped with good feedback on what styles I was after I’m chuffed to say I’ve got a fabulous collection in store!

Do you plan on expanding your business?
Oh yes, I’m in talks with a well renowned designer, for us working together on a capsule collection of daywear and evening a bit like a Karen Millen, so better quality and more stylish than what evens has to offer! Watch this space!

What specific items do you have?
I have over 50 wedding dresses in store from a size 16 to 34, also some gowns and bridesmaid dresses, some lovely tiaras and veils…

How do your exclusive appointments work? What shall the customer expect?
Well you have the shop to yourself with your bridal party where we have the music on, you sip champagne or tea or coffee!! And we have a dammed good laugh!!! My customers are treated like old friends, they trust me and can see I know my stuff as I am big myself, I know what is going on in their heads I want them to look in the mirror and think; ‘WOW I’m beautiful and I’m so excited’, when you see that in their eyes I know I’ve done it!!!

Designers have been chosen for their cutting edge style and beautiful fittings; these include Sincerity Plus, Glamour Plus from bridal tm, Allure and Mia Solano Bridal.

To find out more about the Big Dreams Boutique, simply take a look at their website at www.bigdreamsbridal.co.uk or contact directly on 01604 602797 or Mobile: 07982 195902. The shop is situated in the heart of Northampton: 32 Guildhall Road, NN1 1EW. The shop opens from Tuesday to Saturday and if these times are not suitable for you, just call Zoe to arrange an out of hours appointment.

I wish all Zoe’s brides to be, a wonderfully perfect day.