New beginnings for Inverurie bridal shop
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A bridal shop in Inverurie has announced it will be stepping out of lockdown and into new premises with a coveted industry accreditation to its name.
Midnight Elegance, which was previously located on Burn Lane, will reopen on Monday on the High Street.
The store will be based over two floors and will have its own dedicated car park.
Kathy Yates, owner of the boutique, which also offers prom dresses and couture evening gowns, said: “In light of the latest government guidelines, we hope April 26 will be a triple celebration.
"Not just celebrating seeing our clients again, we’ll also be revelling in our new premises and a new accolade. It’s been a busy lockdown for us.
“Previously, we could only have one appointment at a time. Now, with a floor for bridalwear and a floor for bridesmaid, flower girl, prom and evening dresses, as well as three fitting areas, we’re much more flexible.
"That said, we don’t want to lose the much-loved intimacy we’re known for. Our brides-to-be will always have one-to-one service and exclusivity of the bridal floor.”
She first viewed the property in early 2020 but, due to lockdown, negotiations did not begin until October.
She added: “It worked in our favour and we were able to gauge demand when we reopened in July.
"With a waiting list of 150 that we couldn’t keep up with there was no doubt about whether or not the demand was there.
“But with the site in a poor state of repair it was a big risk. I hope that self-financing this venture during these challenging economic times lets our clients know we’re 100 per cent committed to fulfilling their dreams, and we’re here to stay.”
The shop worked with Amy Bruce, design consultant at Andersons of Inverurie, to sympathetically upgrade the historic Victorian building.
Kathy said: “I wanted to take advantage of the light, airy space while weaving in the dainty, intimate vibe our clients know and love.
"There are soft, white drapes with hints of pink and gold; two show-stopping chandeliers and a fairy-tale staircase. It’s glamorous but elegant; comfortable yet luxurious. I’m excited to wow our first clients.”
Also during lockdown, Midnight Elegance became one of just three bridal boutiques in the north-east of Scotland to be accredited by the Retail Bridal Association (RBA).
The accolade comes with stringent entry requirements.
She added: "It’s one of those accolades everyone really aspires to and I’ve been working towards it for years. It’s like having a gold seal of approval or VIP status.”
“I feel so proud of the business. If I look back to where I was and where I am now, I’m a million miles beyond where I thought I’d be. We just can’t wait to make dreams happen again after a long wait.”
