My name is Claire Ingram, and 10 years ago I bought a beautiful once-worn wedding dress for my own wedding. It was a second hand gold Donna Salado dress which I had seen in a wedding boutique but couldn’t afford. Then I found a lady who sold pre worn / nearly new wedding and bridesmaid dresses from her home, and bought exactly the same bridal gown from her for half the price. It never seemed like a compromise and I felt just as beautiful on my big day as if I’d paid the full price for a brand new dress!
I’ve wanted to offer the same opportunity to brides for a long time, especially as the lady I bought my wedding dress from is no longer in business – and now I can. After having my second child, I decided to follow my heart and set up Once Worn With Love.
My aim is to offer you the most enjoyable experience trying on once worn and ex-sample wedding, bridesmaid or prom dresses as you would get in the best wedding or evening wear boutique. After all, its all part of what should be one of the best times of your life, so you want to feel like the most important person in the world – not be looked down on, made to feel inadequate or that you’ve chosen a less than perfect option – which we all know happens sometimes in this business!
My studio is designed to make you feel comfortable and special at the same time, whilst giving you the time and space to try on as many pre loved wedding, bridesmaid or prom dresses as you would like. There’s no pressure – if none of my dresses is the ‘right one’ for you, then I really do hope you find the dress of your dreams somewhere else.
Look forward to meeting you, and hopefully finding your heavenly dress at a down to earth price!