A Welsh bridal shop with a unique twist is calling on former brides, to gift their wedding dresses for a very special cause.
The Whitchurch-based bridal store, Pritchard & Moore, which celebrated its one-year anniversary earlier this year, wants to encourage former brides, to gift their once worn wedding dresses so that they can be lovingly worn again and help raise essential funds for Cancer Research Wales.
The bridal boutique first opened in 2016 and has gone from strength-to-strength. Like most boutiques it offers a luxurious atmosphere, high quality dressing rooms and a specialist service. However, unlike most bridal boutiques, all the profits from sales of wedding dresses and accessories go straight to Cancer Research Wales, the Welsh charity behind Pritchard & Moore; when a bride finds her dream dress at this boutique it makes a world of difference to Wales’ leading cancer research charity.
Cancer Research Wales has sold wedding dresses at its Bridal Suite in Whitchurch since 2011, but expanded the idea launching Wales’ first stand-alone, not-for-profit bridal boutique. The store’s name comes from two longstanding Cancer Research Wales trustees and renowned scientists, John Pritchard and John Moore, who have both contributed enormously to the landscape of cancer research in Wales and beyond.
Many of the dresses stocked at Pritchard & Moore come directly from designers or other bridal boutiques, or kind donations by former brides who would like their special dress to be worn again and raise money for a worthy cause.
Alison George, Pritchard and Moore’s Manager said, “So often, I hear how special it is for our brides to include Cancer Research Wales in their most joyous of days because they wish to celebrate a family member who is winning their fight against cancer, or perhaps sadly because someone that they love is no longer here to share their special day. Each story is personal and unique, and I am touched that they choose to support our charity with the purchase of their wedding dress.
“The gifting of a wedding dress is also very special. A former bride has had the most magical of times wearing their dress, and now is willing to part with it as she wants to make a difference to Cancer Research Wales – we are so grateful for this generosity.
“Because of the unique way that we source our beautiful gowns, our stock is constantly changing. I enjoy helping brides find the perfect dress and ensuring their gown is everything that they want it to be, and perhaps just a little bit more. The most magical moment is looking at the shopping party’s faces, when our bride first steps out of the changing room, and then the bride herself as she steps in front of our full-length mirrors and sees herself for the first time in the perfect wedding dress.”
The bridal boutique is located on Tyn Y Pwll Road and stocks a wide range of designers including Ellis Bridal, Jonathan James, Justin Alexander, Blue, San Patrick, Eva Jordan, Catherine Jane, and Ronald Joyce. Prices for a typical designer wedding gown range from £300 – £600, which is a significant saving on the usual prices of a designer wedding dress.
Liz Andrews, Director of Cancer Research Wales, said: “From the moment you set foot into Pritchard and Moore, you are our special guest. With unparalleled customer service, we ensure your visit with us will be one to remember and invite you to visit and browse or book your appointment today! Our warm and welcoming staff believe your dress search is more than simply shopping – we provide a luxurious and exclusive experience tailored exclusively for you.”
All the money raised by Cancer Research Wales stays in Wales to fund pioneering research into earlier diagnosis and developments in prevention and treatment of cancer.
