Testimonials

 We have many testimonials, thank-you cards, letters and presents dating back 33 years,  here is a small selelction of what people have had to say about us!

21 November 2009

Hello
 
Just a note to say thanks to Amy and the team for all your help in choosing and perfecting my dress and tiara for our big day (6th September).  The day was even better than we could have wished for and my dress attracted so many compliments so thank you for all your help!
 
Donna Patterson (formerly Milligan)
x

19 October 2009

 

Thank you very much for the kind welcoming I had when I pop up with my fiancé Saturday mid-day.

I was not very comfortable as it was the first time I was coming in a wedding dress shop but the team is very nice.

As we are getting married next year, I want to take my time before choosing my dress but we both liked the ‘Zara' dress very much.

I shall recommend your shop to any bride to be!

Kind regards,

Muriel

19 October 2009

 Hello Amy,

I just want to say a huge thank you again for Saturday you were great and made the whole experience a good one, I REALLY love the dress and I'm glad I went for it!

Thanks again,  

Maria

19 October 2009

Shelley, Michelle and All the girls

Thank you so much for looking after me & helping me get ready for my specail day. Just as you did for my mum all those years ago!

You were all so helpful & lovely, I felt like a princess thanks to you. I will be sending all my friends your way!

 

All my love

Kirsty Mitchell

(was Rolls)

19 October 2009

To Everyone at Brides

 

Thank you so much for helping me to find the best dress and making me look amazing.

I got loads of comments on the day from my friends telling me how fabulous I looked and even Gareth liked it!

 

Thank you so much

Love Naomi

19 October 2009

To Amy

 

I would like to hive a big Thank you for helping me with my dress as i am not a size 10 you made me feel great, and was more than happy with my dress it was excellent. Everyone loved the colour.

 

Thank You

Sue Vigor

29 July 2009

NEWSLETTER 28THJULY 2009
Real Life Brides

We often received feedback from brides who feel they would like to thank us for their gown or share the first class service they received from their stockists.

Susan Carlin was one such bride, who experienced problems when her original stockist unexpectedly closed, leaving her with no dress and very little time to organise a replacement.  With the help of ourselves and Brides of Southampton working together as a partnership we were able to make her 'big day' a complete success.

'I am writing to thank you both for all your help and assistance when my wedding dress went wrong with my original stockist.

The day it all went wrong, you were both brilliant in helping me source another dress, and agreeing to the alterations they said were possible, which I know created extra work for everybody involved.

Our day was fantastic and everydoby commented upon my dress saying how lovely it was.

I have recommended both of you to everbody I know who is getting married!

Thank you again.

Kind regards

Susan Carlin (nee Hatch)'

29 July 2009

Dear All,        

   May I just say a huge big thankyou for everything, regarding Helena's dress and suggestion to see Rapheal's for ther hair and make-up. Between all of you Helena looked totally stunning. I am attaching as requested some pics to show you.   Many many thanks,  

Mrs. S.Downey

29 July 2009

Thank you so much for all your help with my wedding dress.

 I felt so beautiful and everyone said that I looked gorgeous.

You've made me a very happy woman!
Thank you again
Much love


Tasha
Photo's will be sent soon

29 July 2009

Dear Brides of Southampton,

I would just like to say a massive thank you to your team for giving me the most perfect dress for my special day. From the first appointment your staff were polite and helpful in ensuring I got the dress of my dreams.

My husband was bowled over with the look of the dress and all our guests commented on how beautiful I looked in it.

Thank you so much, I will certainly be recommending your services to friends and family in the future.

Yours faithfully,

Gabrielle Carpenter

26 June 2009

To Everyone at Brides

 

We would like to say a huge thank you for all your help, support & advice in choosing mine & Jenny's outfit and accessories, as you can see we both looked fantastic on the day! and were really pleased with the quality & fit of our dresses. You really do provide an excellent service!

 

Thank you one again. Debbie & Jon

26 June 2009

Dear Darrel & Team

 

Thank you for all of your help fiding me my wedding dress. I can't wait to try it on again.

 

Many Thanks

Kelly

26 June 2009

To Amy & Colleagues

 

Thank you for your search in finding me a dress to wear for my wedding, we had a fantastic day and all went well. I would particularly like to thank Amy for getting the appliques on time to make my beautiful shrug. Many Thanks

 

Abby Hudson

24 June 2009

I would Just like to say that the service by Michelle was fantastic and the dress I ended up with was a suggestion by her after she saw what styles I liked.

 

Many thanks again for the stress free experience.

Yours Sincerley

J.Maddison

03 June 2009

A message for Amy,to say thank you ever so much for all your help on Saturday it was a very magical experience and I think we found the right dress.You really know your job and what suits people.
Thank you it was really nice to meet you.

Sharon

25 February 2009

Dear all the lovely ladies at Brides of Southampton

I am very sorry it has taken me so long to write this!

Our wedding on 23rd August 08 was just the most amazing and most special day ever!

I am just so thankful to you all especially Amy for helping me find the perfect wedding dress and having so much patience with me and my bridesmaids.

The day went amazing and everybody commented on how stunning my dress looked and how much it suited me!

The bridesmaids also looked amazing and worked so well considering they are such different shapes and sizes.

I have attached some photos for you to see but will pop in shortly to show you my album.

Once again thank you so much for all your support leading to the wedding

Lots of Love x x x x x x

Sam Churcher
(previously Barrow)

20 February 2009

Hi,
 
Just a quick email to say a very big thank you to Tara for all her help last night at my private appointment , she helped me to find the perfect dress, tiara and veil for me and also the dress for my bridesmaids.  She also gave me lots of helpful information regarding the dresses, colours, materials and what would best suited. 
 
I left a very happy bride to be and I am now very excited, hopefully we will be putting down the deposit for my dress soon as it has been available for a good number of years and I don't want it to become dis-continued as it really is the dress of my dreams.
 
Again a very big thank you and I will hopefully see you soon.
 
Many Thanks


Kyrstie x x x x

10 February 2009

To all the staff at Brides of Southampton,

Thank you so much for all your help and advice in choosing my dream wedding dress.          Hopefully you'll be able to see how the dress looked on the day by the enclosed card.

The dress fitted like a glove thanks to your fantastic seamstress.

The veil and tiara complemented my dress perfectly and i had numerous people asking where I got the dress from as it was so different yet classic.

As you may rmember I visited a number of shops in London and none of them compared to the level of service and variety of dresses offered by Brides of Southampton.

Thank you once again for all your help,                                                                                             Best wishes

Rachel Hartley   ( nee Jones )

15 December 2008

Dear All Ot Brides of Southampton

I just wanted to thank you for making my wedding day in July of this year so very special. The Dress was absolutely beautiful and my now husband thought that it was so very beautiful. As you know I had a very stressful time up to the wedding when Perfect Days closed with my dress inside the shop and you all made me very relaxed and happy at my choice, I wish I had come to you in the first place!!!

 

From

Jennifer McMillan (nee Hulbert)

12 December 2008

Dear All Ot Brides of Southampton

I just wanted to thank you for making my wedding day in July of this year so very special. The Dress was absolutely beautiful and my now husband thought that it was so very beautiful. As you know I had a very stressful time up to the wedding when Perfect Days closed with my dress inside the shop and you all made me very relaxed and happy at my choice, I wish I had come to you in the first place!!!

15 July 2008

 

Dear Michelle

Thank you so much for helping me to choose a dress on Friday. It was wonderful to have the time to try on so many dresses! You were so helpful and patient and really helped to make the experience even more special. My Mum and Aunt were so impressed!

Thank you so much

Alison Curtis

11th JULY 2008

 

07 April 2008

Dear All at Brides

 

I just want to say a big thank you to you all that helped me with my dress. I loved the dress and so did my new husband!! Everyone that came to our wedding said what a good job you all did.The dress made my day perfect and i did feel like a princess. Once again thank you so much. I will recommened you to all i know .

 Cerie Pearson

 

22 February 2008

To Michelle

 Thank you so very, very much for all your help and advice in choosing my wedding dress.

I was such a pain not being able to decided which one to go for but you were so nice, helpful and very patient.

Thank you again Michelle

I hope you enjoyed your trip to Leeds

Love From

Claire

01 February 2008

Dear All at Brides

 I wanted to say Thank You for all your help with the alterations to my dress. Your seamstress is very expert and she has made the dress even better than it was.

I also found the staff in your shop very helpful and polite.

Thank you so much for your assistance.

Many Thanks

Sarah

18 January 2008

My daughter Laura bought her dress from you for her wedding on 8th September 2007 which was absolutely beautiful.   The service we received from Amy and Michelle was truly, second to none, they made Laura feel extremely special with their knowledge, experience and professional customer service. 

Thank you for your assistance   Nicky Sexton (Mrs)
 

 

04 January 2008

To Everyone at Brides

Just wanted to write and thank you all for the advice and guidness you gave me when choosing my dress. I certainly recieved the wow factor as i walked up the aisle and Paul said to me hello Mrs Christmas!!

 The wedding day was brilliant, the church service was veyr special and magical. The Barn dance was great and fun and managed to do all the dances with my dress on. We are now looking forward to our first Christmas together as husband and wife, plus our honeymoon a cruise in the caribbean when we can really relax and enjoy ourselves. When we get some photosback i'll pop in and show you.

Thank you again for making the day so special in helping me pick the perfect dress!!

 Best Wishes

Elly

10 December 2007

Hi Amy,
 
I just wanted to say thank you for all of your help both yourself and Shelley have given me. As i am sure you can understand, searching for Wedding dresses from abroad is a challenge! I guess, the good thing is that i have seen lots that i like....i'm just looking forward to trying them all on! I have had another look at the dresses on your website, and have seen so many nice ones. I really like the strapless style, not too fussy, but with a subtle pattern or rouching!

Look forward to visiting in January.
 
Many thanks again
 
Nadine 

27 November 2007

Thank you for all the help yo gave us on Saturday morning, you were so busy but remained calm throughout - I don't know how!

A Big thank you to Amy - a real star

 Regards

 Lesley Cleary

19 November 2007

Dear Shelley

A belated thank you to you and Michelle for all the help you gave to Allison during our recent visit.  We were all so impressed with the way you made her feel so special and with the attention for detail.

Best wishes

Dawn

Dawn Jones

30 June 2007

To All the team at "Brides"

A huge thank you to you all for helping me to make my wedding day so special, we had a magical day. I felt like a million dollars in my dress, it looked and felt fantastic so thank you! It rained a little on the day but we didn't even notice it! So my little white umbrella did come in handy! We still got some lovely photos.
Thanks once again for all your help!

Best Wishes

Mrs Elaine Betteridge

01 May 2007

Dear All,

I would like to say a big Thankyou to all of you for the attentive service we recieved when choosing and buying Rebecca's wedding dress. She was the most radient bride and I am sure that was due in part to her being so pleased with her dress.

Once again thankyou for all your help.

Best Wishes

Jane Jennens

21 February 2007

BRIDES: Parent-and-daughter firm has established a superb reputation

Family business has thrived on excellence

Brides of Southampton is a successful Bridal Wear business run by Shelley Jory and her parents John and Shirley Jory.

The business started in 1976 at 20 Addis Square, Portswood Road the culmination of an ambition of Shirley Jory to open and run her own bridal business using the 20 years experience she had previously acquired in the trade. The small business was primarily intended as an interest for Shirley and to provide an addition to the family income.

Brides took the bridal industry by storm and exceeded all expectations.In 1991 aged 21, after having worked in London to learn what the real world of work was about Shelley joined the family business as a junior sales assistant under the watchful eye of her Mother. On October 1, 1999, 23 years later to the day of the start of the business, Brides of Southampton expanded into adjoining premises, increasing the showroom by two thirds. Shelley was in charge of the project almost demanded by the growing band of loyal customers.

Shelley had learnt valuable lessons from her parents and tried to involve everyone in the expansion plans. Once again the team of Brides succeeded and the business grew instantly and very soon the new spacious showroom was full and they never knew how they had coped before with such small premises.

The family business is now in its 30th year and is the longest established bridal business in the south of England. It has established an outstanding reputation for quality and service with 90% of its customers arriving at the stylish shop through recommendation alone,
Shelley and her team are very proud to be serving 2nd generations of families.

Shirley and John are gradually trying to retire from their Bridal empire and leave Shelley to follow in their footsteps.

Kathryn Jones, who has now given 30 years of service to Shirley and John has become the manageress and works alongside Shelley and the other 10 staff, many of whom have also given long and dedicated service.

Shelley and her family are delighted that so many of the staff arrive at Brides and never leave.

There are always challenges for family businesses and lessons to be learnt but all of the Jory family thoroughly enjoy the business and still delight in talking through plans for the future.

20 January 2007

To All the staff at ‘Brides of Southampton'

Thank you very much for all your help in finding me my perfect dress for my wedding, which was on 20th January 2007. Big thanks especially as it had to be adjusted for my pregnant bump! This I did worry about but my dress was adjusted so well that the alterations were not noticeable!
We had such a lovely day and everyone said how beautiful my dress was!

Thank you

Love

Sarah and Paul Atherton

20 January 2007

To All the staff at ‘Brides of Southampton'

Thank you very much for all your help in finding me my perfect dress for my wedding, which was on 20th January 2007. Big thanks especially as it had to be adjusted for my pregnant bump! This I did worry about but my dress was adjusted so well that the alterations were not noticeable!
We had such a lovely day and everyone said how beautiful my dress was!

Thank you
 Love
Sarah and Paul Atherton

05 December 2006

5th December 2006

Dear all at Brides,

Thank you for helping me choose the most perfect wedding dress.

I came in and was impressed as soon as I stepped in to your shop and the way I was greeted was fantastic and all my nerves went away. As a new bride to be its actually very nerve wracking walking into a shop like this and from personal experience from other shops the treatment can be to say the least a little offish but this certainly was not the case from any of your staff they are so professional and caring and they certainly know their stuff.

I chose a few dresses out the books and then the fun bit came of trying on, but one of your honest staff did a "Trinny and Susannah" on me and said the dresses I had chosen were not for me, so I said choose me some that will suit me and so she did. The first one was a tie up and was a dress I certainly wouldn't have chosen, but there was something missing on the back, I wanted some detail and then she found me the greatest dress which was so perfect in every way, then we paid the deposit and my cousin who was with me asked what the dress was called and she said it was Marti, at this point we both burst into tears as that was My Uncle's name who passed away and was like a dad to me so it was confirmed it was my perfect dress.

I would just like to say that getting my dress through you was the most amazing experience in all my life as thee service is fantastic, honest but fantastic which is what you need so you look absolutely perfect on the most special day in all your life.

I felt like an absolute princess on the day and had so many lovely comments from al our guests and to you I am  truly grateful for you honesty and tremendous service which played a huge part in my big day.

With Thanks

Sharon McCarthy

 

26 November 2006

To All the staff at Brides

We wanted to write to say a huge ‘thank-you' for all your help and hard work for both our weddings this year.

We both found that the ladies at Brides were far more happy, helpful and honest that others we had experienced. No matter how many times we changed our minds, the ladies were extremely patient and knew exactly what we wanted to try next.

When we had made our final decisions, organizing alterations were no hassle at all. We were particularly impressed with the alterations to Becky's dress, as this must have taken great time and skill. We were especially grateful for her bridesmaid dress alterations which were requested at short noticed after someone else let us down. The quality of the work was fantastic and the speed at which they were finished was unbelievable!

In the future, we will have no hesitation in recommending you to any of our friends who are looking for their perfect dress. Your welcoming, laid back approach to bridal wear is one that many other shops could benefit from.

Thank you so much again,

Hannah & Becky Fakley ( now Hannah Gill & Becky Rivett!)                                                                                                                                                                                         

18 September 2006

To The Staff at Brides,

It has taken me some time to get round to putting pen to paper, but I

wanted to write to thank you for all your help in finding & obtaining

my perfect dress in time for my wedding on 15th July.
Thanks especially to Edna who helped me on my first visit when i came

on my own without a clue what i wanted & thanks to Edna's experience &

patience, we managed at last to find 'the' dress for me. The dress

lookked beautiful on the day & i had so many compliments about the

style, colour & sparkly bits! Thanks to the tuition given to my sister

by your staff, getting into it wasn't anything like as traumatic as we

thought it would be!
Steve & I had a fantastic wedding- the weather was beautiful and thanks

very much to you all for helping me feel like a million dollars!!

Best Wishes

Penny Kirk

19 April 2006

 

Dear Michelle and the staff at Brides of Southampton,

Just wanted to thank you for the great service you gave me when choosing and fitting my lovely princess dress for my wedding. I had the best day of my life and everyone said how gorgeous my dress was and sparkly!

Thank you for all your support and recommending you to others!

Love from

Sarah (was Roberts)

xx

04 April 2006

Shelley and all at Brides

Thanks a million for all your help getting my bridesmaid dresses.
I tried many bridal shops- you were the only one who were able to secure he dresses I wanted.

Thanks again for all your hard work (on your day off) which ensured that I got the dresses of my dreams.

Thanks- I would recommend you to anyone

Best Wishes

Sarah x

27 November 2004

To All at Brides

Thank you for making my day so special, I felt like a princess in my dress and everyone commented on how beautiful it was.

I didn't think it would be easy finding a dress for a larger lady but Marilyn in particular took the challenge head on and you all truly surpassed yourselves. I have wonderful photos and memories of one of the happiest days of my life.
Enclosed is my hired underskirt, I hope it has reached you in satisfactory condition. You all do a wonderful job!
    
    Thank you again

    Keely Gerrard

 

02 December 1996

Dear Shirley,

We needed to say how much we appreciate the support you,
Shelley and the rest of your wonderful team gave our
daughter Penny in helping to choose the right wedding
dress for her marriage on the 2oth July 1996.

Not one of you failed in your efforts to ensure that
Penny's wedding was right for her and that once
chosen, was meticulously altered to be a perfect fit.

As someone that appreciates top quality service we
realized three years ago when our eldest daughter Debbie
marched us around to various bridal shows and shops, that
we may have difficulty in finding the right dress for our girls.

Walking into BRIDES lifted any thoughts of despondency,
your team responded magnificently.

The brides day is special. You and your team are aware of
that and you all focused every attention on the bride to
ensure that she was breathtakingly beautiful on her day.

What was also noticeable on our several visits was, that
Every potential bride enjoyed the same degree of personal attention.

You are to be congratulated on your Twentieth year.

May you continue to go from strength to strength.

Yours gratefully

Graham & Annette Hopkins

09 November 1993

Dear Shirley, Shelley, Marie, Marilyn and Kathy

Just a few words to say thank you so much for all your help and assistance with my wedding.

You gave me such personal treatment and helped me to feel a million dollars on my very special wedding day.

There wasn't one other wedding shop but yours that were so helpful, friendly and considerate to my feelings, down to all the advice and help with my fourteen bridesmaids. I truly couldn't have coped without help and support from you all.

I wanted a fairy tale wedding and you made that possible, with the beautiful dress you helped me to choose and the beautiful bridesmaid's dresses you provided including the very special one for my daughter Kirsty. With all the bits and pieces, the special little touches that you added to her dress she looked stunning.

You made Kirsty feel as though we were family with all the special treatment you gave; there surely couldn't be another wedding shop to beat yours.

A special thank you to Shelley too for helping me on my wedding day, dressing all my bridesmaids and myself, you were my rock that day Shelley.

Bless you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart, you helped make my day a day to remember.

Love

Lynn & Kirsty Rolls
( nee Jones)

08 June 1992

Dear Shirley, John and Shelley

We would like to thank you very much for all that you did for us.
We had a fantastic day and you helped to form part of that.
Thank you once again.

Lots of love

Lainya and Alan Shearer

 

21 May 1990

May 21st 1980

To all concerned

I'd like to take this opportunity to say how much I enjoyed visiting ‘Brides'. I not only speak for myself as I have heard from others how kind and considerate you all are. I haven't experienced such care and attention in any other shop.
A beautiful shop, fantastic service, with a smile, and very, very kind staff would help any bride-to-be feel beautiful and that's exactly what is achieved from ‘Brides'.
You can be assured that I will highly recommend you to ‘others'

Yours Truthfully

Jane Morris