From £30 and a Vision: How Wilderness Bride Began

When I started Wilderness Bride in 2012, all I had was £30, a vision, and a deep belief that the bridal industry needed something different.

At the time, wedding gowns on the more affordable end of the spectrum often meant stiff fabrics, scratchy lace, uncomfortable corsetry and poor craftsmanship. I’d also long been drawn to vintage styles—particularly from the 1930s and 1940s—but I could never find anything that fit properly. Being tall, most original vintage pieces weren’t made for women like me.

So I began creating what I wished existed: gowns that celebrated vintage beauty but felt soft, wearable, and inclusive. Dresses that captured a sense of storytelling, simplicity and elegance—without the boutique price tag. I taught myself as I went, learning the ropes of business, design, production, and the ever-changing bridal world.

Wilderness Bride grew quietly but steadily. Along the way, I connected with hundreds of brides who shared the same values—those who wanted something timeless, meaningful, and personal. Brides who didn’t want to follow trends, but follow their instincts. Together, we built a brand that stood for thoughtful design, honest pricing, and a quieter kind of luxury.

Now, more than a decade later, Wilderness Bride is stepping into a new era.

With a fresh wave of vintage-inspired gowns and an emphasis on personal service through online shopping and exclusive pop-up events, we remain true to the heart of what started it all—creating pieces that feel like home, that honour who you are, and that hold space for the magic of the moment.

Thank you to every bride who’s walked this journey with us so far.
Here’s to the next chapter. It’s going to be beautiful.