A bridal shop has revealed how the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis have sparked a “knock-on effect” in the wedding industry.

Isla Loux Bridal Boutique announced plans to close its doors in February amid challenging trading conditions and rising energy bills.

Owner Haley Gartland told how the difficult decision has left her with “mixed emotions” after almost a decade on Bailiff Bridge’s high street.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Shedding light on the issues facing the industry, she said: “If you’re selling dresses at three or four thousand pounds, these people are not feeling this pinch.

"The people we’ve always tried to bring into the shop we’ve always tried to keep dresses around £1,000. Dresses we used to do at £995 are going up to £1,350-1,450.

Describing the impact of the pandemic, she said: “It was just horrendous. As things started opening back up we still had to close.

“When they did a second round of grants - for example we do alterations so we’re close contact with people - a tailor was classed as close contact. But we were not, we were still classed as retail. We didn’t get the extra grants that everybody else got but we still had to close.

“It was just hard. We kept going. We paid our rent.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

She added: “We’ve gone appointment only so we’re not heating the shop all day every day because we’ve got to have it warm.

“It’s a knock-on effect to everything. That’s why the dress prices have gone up. Even if it’s dresses made in this country, the fabric, nine times out of 10 it’s from abroad. As a country we produce very little. What they tried to do is keep the costs down, they’ll send things by boat rather than air freight.

“I’m part of a bridal retailer’s group all over the country. We’ve noticed so many people on that group that’s closed.”

Rising costs are also hitting brides-to-be's pockets and changing the way people celebrate their big day, she said.

Ms Gartland said: “I’ve had a lady with a wedding that had to be cancelled because the venue had to put the prices up or cancel the wedding. They couldn’t do it at the price they’d wanted.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

“There are people that have just bought a dress online and gone to the register office because they can’t afford it.

“The affordability is massive.”

Predicting the future of the bridal industry, she said: “I don’t think they will go immediately. But I think people will start buying more online.

“We just can’t keep going forever. It was coming round to secure a tenancy on the property and there was no way we could take it on forthree-yearear basis. Originally we were onsix-yearear lease.

“I’ve had many, many tears over it. We’ve just loved it. It’s a very personal business. It’s been absolutely amazing - wonderful brides, wonderful reviews.”

Any remaining wedding dresses have been discounted in the shop's closing-down sale, offering “massive savings” on dresses, bridesmaid gowns and accessories.

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