Emma Ashley visits a Dorking shop that not only saves lives, but could save your wedding, too
The Red Cross is respected for its vital humanitarian and aid relief work, but away from the world’s disasters it’s also an expert on, of all things, wedding dresses.
On Dorking High Street there is a shop belonging to the international charity which specialises in new and second hand bridal gowns and accessories, as well as prom dresses and hats for special occasions. Naturally, the used gowns cost less than they did new but, because they’re sourced from bridal shops that are clearing unsold stock, or even closing down, even the new dresses are much cheaper than elsewhere.
As a result the shop, called simply the Red Cross Bridal Charity Shop, is hugely popular with brides-to-be, especially those getting married on a budget. On my visit I was amazed by the variety of dresses on display. They included elegant ball gowns, mermaid tails and long or short trains, to knee length dresses. Colours ranged from traditional white and ivory, to sandy-beige, light pink and deep red. If that weren’t enough, there were veils, shawls, boleros, shoes and jewellery.
Cathy Taylor, the manager, told me more about the shop, which is one of just two dedicated Red Cross Bridal Charity Shops in Britain (the other is over 400 miles away in Edinburgh). I asked her where the dresses come from.
“Some are private donations that have been worn but are occasionally new, while others are from bridal shops that have closed down or are having clearances,” she said. “Last year, three bridal shops closed down and donated all their dresses to the Red Cross.”
Cathy estimates that the shop sells one dress each month. Potential buyers come from far and wide: recently, one lady came all the way from Dublin.
Increasingly, brides-to-be are leaving the purchase of their dress until just a few months before their big day. Fortunately, if it doesn’t quite fit, the Red Cross shop has a seamstress available to make the necessary adjustments.
Red Cross charity shops around the country forward bridal items to the Dorking branch, ensuring that it is always brimming with exciting new dresses and accessories. Many of the dresses originate from famous bridal designers. For example, on my visit the shop had dresses from Maggie Sottero, known for her elegant fairy tale wedding dresses and ball gowns. There was also a luxurious creation by designer Ian Stuart who, in 2010, was named UK Bridal Designer of the Year.
The most expensive dresses I saw during my visit cost £495. They included an elegant, ruffled, cream dress (size 6) by Ian Stuart, and a dress fit for a princess with diamante detail by Maggie Sottero (size 6: £400; size 12: £495).
Another dress with flower details and feathers (size 12) was £395, while a medieval-style dress by Sincerity Bridal (size 12) was £295.
Cathy (left), with Red Cross helper Harley
“This is the top end,” said Cathy. “Even a brand-new £3,000 dress would not be more than this.”
Of course, the wonderful thing about this particular bridal shop, which seems to chime so perfectly with the spirit of the occasion that customers are preparing for, is that the money you spend will help people in real and urgent need.
As well as sending aid overseas (most recently to Nepal), the Red Cross works with people much closer to home, for example providing help for the elderly, teaching First Aid to all ages and loaning out medical equipment. The charity does not discriminate and prides itself on helping all people who are in need.
If you’re getting married and are struggling to find the perfect dress, or just planning a special day out, do pay Dorking’s Red Cross Bridal Charity Shop a visit. You will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of dresses and accessories on offer and, best of all, your purchase will help those less fortunate than yourself.
To book an appointment or to enquire about making donations, contact the shop on 01306 882 819; (191-193 High Street, Dorking RH4 1RU; Mon– Sat, 9am – 5pm). By appointment only
