Holmfirth Bridal Business Goes Dotty For Valentines Weekend

Yorkshire wedding specialist retains UK Bridal Retailer of the Year title – and is chosen as the UK boutique to launch new Disney ‘Princesses’ dresses

The owner of a specialist Yorkshire wedding dress business says being named UK Bridal Retailer of the Year for the second year in succession is its ‘biggest achievement yet’ as the award follows a year of expansion and growth.

Established in 2015, Dotty Bridal has forged a reputation in the industry for leading the way and ensuring brides enjoy an ‘experience led’ service when searching for the perfect gown.

Supported by a team of experts, brides can select from more than 170 gowns from leading designers – an experience enjoyed with friends and family in plush bridal suites, and the boutique’s own bar and treatment room.

The customer-focussed approach ensured Dotty secured the title of UK Bridal Retailer of the Year in 2024 at the Wedding Industry Awards.

And now, founder Shannon Martin – a candidate on television show The Apprentice two years ago – says retaining the title in 2025 is a much bigger achievement – with brides describing having the ‘most amazing’, ‘magical’ and ‘amazing’ experience in their feedback.

“The past 12 months have been huge for us, because being named UK Bridal Retailer of the Year brought a lot of attention on our business, and perhaps even a higher level of expectation from the brides who put their faith in us. We knew we had remain on top of our game,” she said.

“Over the past year, we have evolved and expanded the business. This has included opening a sample dresses store in York, and rebranding our sample dresses brand to ‘Peggy’, which was a big decision for us.

“I was determined that we’d do all that without ever compromising on our levels of service, and I don’t think there can be any better verification that we’ve achieved that than this award, which places a huge emphasis on the feedback of customers.

“To be recognised as the best means the world to us and is a true reflection of the dedication, hard work and love that our entire team pours into creating the best possible bridal experience for every single bride who steps through our doors.

“This is our biggest achievement yet, and comes as we celebrate our 10th anniversary this year, so its really special.”

Pride in campaign to ‘Empower’ brides of all sizes

Dotty Bridal again claimed the crown of UK Bridal Retailer of the Year in the category for businesses established more than four years, having already been declared Yorkshire and the North East’s best in an initial, regional stage.

With back-to-back wins for the business, Shannon is already targeting a hat-trick, and says the business is planning to stay ‘at the forefront of the industry’ over the next year.

“I must admit that, knowing how many excellent bridal specialists there are, and having won last year, I thought the judges may feel they couldn’t choose us again, but I think they have recognised how we have not stood still and have really progressed the business,” she said.

“Rebranding our off-the-peg store and opening in York were all about developing the business, which has proved a big success for us, and we continue to invest in the Dotty experience to ensure we offer the very best gowns and experience.

“I was also really proud of our ‘Empowerment’ campaign last year too, which was all about encouraging brides, no matter their shape and size, to accept and love their natural body. Our motto is that we will find the perfect dress for every bride.

“Now we’ve got to remain at the forefront of our industry again over the next 12 months. We’re always looking at exciting new opportunities, and also working hard to ensure leading designers choose us to sell their dresses.”

Dotty chosen for launch of new Disney dresses in UK

First up in the new offers for 2025 will be launching Disney’s new ‘Fairy Tale Weddings’ collection of gowns, which pay tribute to beloved Princess characters.

Launched to mark Valentine’s Day, Dotty’s store in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, will be one of only two boutiques in the world – and the only boutique in the UK – to have them in stock on the opening launch weekend, from Friday, February 14 to Sunday, February 16.

The store has branded the weekend a ‘Once Upon a Valentine, as the collection – available in sizes 0 to 30 – becomes available and celebrates the 75th anniversary of Cinderella with a new gown, as well as dresses inspired by Tiana, Jasmine, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Pocahontas, Rapunzel and Snow White.

“We’re thrilled to have been chosen to sell the new 2025 Disney dresses range as these are hugely popular for those seeking a real fairytale wedding,” added Shannon.

“The fact that such a huge brand entrusts us for the launch weekend of its entire new collection is testament to our reputation and standing in the industry, and we can’t wait to help many more brides feel like princesses for the biggest days of their lives this year.”

The Holmfirth store is taking appointment bookings for the ‘Once Upon a Valentine’ weekend. Visit https://dottybridal.co.uk/book-an-appointment