Finding Your Wedding Dress With The Wedding Studio Berkshire

1. Give us an introduction to you and your business. How did you start? What were you doing before?

Hello, I’m Emily – the face behind The Wedding Studio Berkshire. First and foremost, I’m a mum to two beautiful rascals, Elsie (6) and Raffy (3), and wife to Martin. Everything I do is to inspire them and make them proud. In my previous life, I was Chief of Staff at a large global advertising agency in London. Returning to work after my second baby, I felt completely unfulfilled—I had never truly felt comfortable in my career and had always dreamed of something more. One day, my husband suggested I follow my dream of opening a bridal studio. The very next day, I started writing a business plan—spending every spare moment researching and shaping my vision. Things snowballed, and before I knew it, The Wedding Studio Berkshire opened its doors in June 2024.

The Wedding Studio Berkshire is all about timeless bridal wear for the modern bride. I’ve curated a carefully considered collection from some of the best independent designers in the UK and worldwide, ensuring each piece embodies a perfect balance of classic elegance with a contemporary edge. My love for weddings started when I was just four years old at my Auntie and Uncle’s wedding. I vividly remember her sweeping off a detachable silk taffeta overskirt to reveal a chic evening look—it was pure magic. Little did I know, that moment had planted the seed for a dream that would one day become my own bridal studio.

2. Your studio is beautiful—what was your inspiration?

When I shopped for my own wedding dress, my excitement was sky-high, but the experience left me feeling underwhelmed. Everything looked the same, I was limited to trying on a handful of dresses, no photos were allowed, and barely a glass of water was offered. The focus was purely on the sale, and my enthusiasm wasn’t matched. The inspiration behind The Wedding Studio Berkshire was simple—to create the kind of space and experience I wish I had when shopping for my gown.

I wanted a warm yet minimalist aesthetic—where brides feel at ease and indulged as soon as they step through the door. Every detail has been considered, from the layout, textures, and colours to lighting and even the scent. It is a purposefully curated edit, so each dress has space to shine (no overcrowded rails here!) and doesn't feel overwhelming for brides. Above all, the focus is on my brides. The changing room and mirror take centre stage, ensuring the bride always remains at the heart of the experience.

3. How far in advance do you recommend beginning the search for a wedding dress?

I’d recommend starting about 12 months before your wedding date. While that might sound like a long time, in the bridal world, it’s just enough to ensure everything runs smoothly. At The Wedding Studio Berkshire, I work exclusively with independent designers who handcraft each gown to order using the finest fabrics. Lead times typically range from 6 to 10 months and then you need to allow time for alterations to achieve that perfect fit. So, the earlier you start, the more relaxed the process will be! On a shorter timeline? Don’t panic! All of my designers offer rush options (for a small fee), so even if you're on a tighter timeline, you can still have your dream dress!

4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to brides starting their dress search?

Finding your dress can feel overwhelming with endless choices and social media taking over our lives! But here are my top tips for keeping the experience fun and stress-free:

Do your research before booking appointments. Look at the shop's collections—do they have dresses you love? Do they align with the experience you’re looking for? Trust your instincts!

Set a realistic budget. There’s something beautiful out there for every bride, but only visit places where the pieces are in your price range. It's the worst when you fall in love with something you cannot afford.

Avoid over-shopping. Too many appointments can lead to dress fatigue. Start with one or two well-researched shops, and if you don’t find “the one,” reassess from there.

Don’t put pressure on yourself for the big emotional “moment.” Some brides cry, some just know, and others feel a sense of calm relief. Every journey is different—trust your gut.

5. Walk us through a typical appointment at The Wedding Studio Berkshire.

Every appointment is completely tailored to the bride who walks through my door. I take time to connect with each bride beforehand, so when she arrives, she already feels at ease. Appointments are 90 minutes long and completely private—the entire studio is exclusively hers. There’s no rigid structure; we go at her pace, whether that means trying on a dozen dresses or spending extra time perfecting the details of one favourite piece. At The Wedding Studio Berkshire, there’s no pressure—just personalised, considered styling to help every bride find her dream dress.

6. What is a trunk show?

A trunk show is an exclusive event where a designer’s latest collection is available in the boutique for a limited time. At The Wedding Studio Berkshire, I host trunk shows with my existing designers, as well as guest designers who aren’t part of my core collection. It’s a fantastic way for brides to discover fresh, unique pieces beyond my usual selection.

7. Do you have a favourite dress this season?

Honestly, it changes daily! Every time I style a gown, I fall in love with it all over again. I spent so much time curating my collection that I truly adore each piece. But if I had to choose… right now, I’m obsessed with the Cora dress from UNBRIDLED STUDIO, paired with the Emmie top. It’s the perfect balance of effortless chic and modern romance.

8. What trends do you predict for 2025?

I don’t really follow trends, but I do have some timeless favourites that I hope will stick around:

Multiple looks in one – Versatility is key! Think detachable sleeves, statement layering tops, and transformable elements.

Statement accessories – A simple gown paired with a bold earring? Iconic.

Contemporary ballgowns – Luxe fabrics, structured silhouettes, and unapologetic femininity. Classic, but with a fresh edge.

9. After a bride has said "yes" to the dress, what happens next?

That’s when my work really begins! Once we've taken measurements and completed paperwork (the slightly less exciting bit!), I place the order with my designers—double and triple-checking every detail. From there, it’s over to my incredible designers and their teams to handcraft each piece to perfection.

10. What are your hopes and dreams for The Wedding Studio Berkshire in the next 12 months?

The Wedding Studio Berkshire is really a labour of love for me. My hope is that it continues to grow into a sustainable business which brings me and my brides joy on a daily basis. More specifically, I'm so excited to continue working with my incredible designers to add to my collections. As well as collaborating with the gorgeous industry friends I've made along the way to create magic for our gorgeous brides!