I recently visited TDR with the hope of finding my wedding dress. I had looked at many online, but not visited any bridal shops. I made TDR my first stop purely because I was so blown away by the inclusivity displayed on their stand at the national wedding show; they had a mannequin in a wedding dress, sat in a wheelchair amongst all the other mannequins. In fact, they were the only stand with a mannequin that represented me! As you can imagine, this immediately made me smile and I just knew they were the place to go, being a wheelchair user myself.

In terms of my access, TDR have step free access, space to wheel around the shop in order to look at dresses, fitting rooms big enough to wheel into (though I did not, as I am able to walk a little), and a bathroom I could use too! All things one would think are easy to find, but sadly that is not always the case. As a wheelchair user I needed a dress that would work with my (manual rigid frame/active user) wheelchair. I had always said my “dream” dress, if I wasn’t a wheelchair user, would be very different to the dress I would need to have. My “dream” dress was something somewhat fitted at the bust but not overly fitted on my hips, with quite a lot of body to it and a large train - you know the type, a very ‘princessy’ dress! I’d decided already that I wanted to try on a dress of that style even though I knew it was not at all practical or doable. I suppose it was to ‘confirm’ that it definitely wouldn’t work with my wheelchair, and to see what I would look like in said dress too. Paige didn’t mind helping with that at all. My “practical” dress needed to be something not overly fitted, with a little train but not too much train, that did not get caught in my front casters/wheels, could be managed sitting down, was comfortable both sat down and stood up, and was flattering when sat down. I expected it would be very difficult to find the dress, and I expected that I would have to compromise quite a lot on the dress due to the natural practicalities and requirements that come with being a wheelchair user bride.

On the day of my appointment, we arrived at the shop and it was just so beautiful! We were struggling to take a photograph in the beautiful pink floral phone box outside, when a lovely lady came out to take several photos for us. Upon entering the shop we were greeted warmly and picked drinks from their menu. The menu consisted of a variety of warm drinks, soft drinks, cocktails, gins etc. The bar area is beautiful, and the vibe of the whole shop is just so classy! It was clear they were very busy (we went on a Sunday, with a pre-booked appointment) however it didn’t feel at all busy; there was still more than enough room to look for what we wanted, and the way the room is divided means you never see any other bridal parties. There was no rushing, just a relaxed environment as if we were the only people in the shop.

We were allocated Paige to assist us with finding a dress. She, like all the other lovely ladies we spoke to, greeted us warmly. She asked questions about what I liked, didn’t like, looked over some of the screenshots I had taken and such. I listed so many things: I think I want sleeves, I don’t like totally strapless, nothing too boobsy, I don’t like blush colours, I like lace but not the big lace, I need it to be flowy and have a train but not a huge train etc. There was one particular dress I had looked at online and adored immediately - in fact, it was the only dress I loved every aspect of, and it was the only dress I had shown my mum that she loved too. All the other dresses I had screenshots of I liked an element of; I liked the long sleeves of some, I liked the capped sleeves on another, a sleeveless dress, the waist of another, the back of one, beading on one but not the dress itself, the top portion of another etc, but there was only one dress that I loved everything! Paige got that dress for me to try on, and let us look through all the dresses, with my mum and sister picking some to try. As we were looking, I was able to point out more things I liked and didn’t like which enabled Paige to pick some dresses for me too. She truly got my likes and dislikes and made some fantastic choices. I was by open to trying absolutely anything on.

I explained to Paige that I would like to try on the ‘dream’ dress, even though it was not possible to wear it. She understood completely and we picked one in that style and added it to the collection to try on. Armed with many, many dresses we set about trying them on! Paige asked what level of support I needed from her in terms of mobility needs, and was absolutely fantastic the whole time. She supported me into the dresses, kept me balanced when I got a bit wobbly and was just fabulous on the whole! The first dress I tried on obviously had to be the one I had looked at online, and my god it did not disappoint! It was so comfortable from the moment I stepped into it, it was classic, elegant and just looked incredible. The beading wasn’t scratchy, when I moved my arms back and forth it was still very comfortable and the dress didn’t feel heavy at all. In fact, I loved it so much I didn’t even notice it wasn’t the colour I wanted! We then tried on a similar dress which had a more bardot neckline, it was absolutely lovely but just not comparable to the first dress, and the beading was very scratchy under my arms which meant as I wheeled around my arms would get rubbed sore, something the first dress did not do.

We sailed through many other dresses (I believe I tried on 13 dresses in total) - unsure of some, liking others but none ever coming close to the first dress. Having been so sure I wanted sleeves I tried a long sleeved dress on early on into the process, I quickly realised a sleeved dress did not suit my body type at all. And then I tried on the big “dream” dress, it was HUGE! The train was magnificent; a gorgeous A-line dress with some lovely detailing, a mix of delicate lace and beading, but as expected it was not at all practical - as I sat down in my wheelchair, I looked like I was levitating as my wheelchair disappeared entirely underneath the poofy dress! It was not very flattering on my figure, either. This is why it is so hugely important to try absolutely everything on, even the dresses you pick up and think “I’m not too sure” need to be tried on as they look vastly different on the body than they do on the hanger. As it turned out, wheelchair or no wheelchair, it actually was never really my “dream” dress after all.

My dream dress was the first dress. The way I felt it in, the way it fitted me, the style, the detailing, it was just perfect. I felt like that dress was made for me. It was an easy yes to the dress! Following the “yes”, and a few tears, Paige picked out two different veils to try; a cathedral length and a shorter length with beading around the edge that complimented the dress to perfection. Trying the dress on with the beaded veil really brought it all to life. We picked some of the beautiful accessories to go in my hair above the veil, there are so many truly beautiful options to try! I know it’s going to be so hard to pick which one to wear!

After getting changed into my clothes again Paige brought over some ivory material and placed it behind the beadwork of my dress to show us what it would look like ivory on ivory, instead of ivory on blush. I had entirely forgotten that I’d told her I didn’t like the blush colour dresses, it seems I loved the dress so much I failed to even see it was the blush colour! But Paige didn’t forget, because she really listened to every little details. Everything I said, she absolutely took onboard. She encouraged me to see how each dress felt sitting as well as standing. As a wheelchair user I find quite often that the fit of a dress stood up is very different to the fit of it sat down, which means getting the correct size is so important.

As I’m getting married on a cruise ship, we decided it would be best for the dress to be packed into a box for travellin instead of a bag. After the wedding, the dress will go back to TDR for a professional clean, any small cosmetic damage will be fixed, and then the dress will be packaged away in a box to preserve it. There are various packages you can pick depending on your needs, we went with the “deluxe destination package”. I was given a lovely box containing some gifts from TDR. A cute ‘bride’ headband, a TDR ceramic mug, a travel coffee cup, notebook, pen, tissue and satin eye mask, along with some important information in the ‘order of service’ booklet which answers any and all questions you may have; all of which presented in a lovely TDR gift box. It was such a lovely touch!

On the way out, we got to take some more photographs. This time in front of the beautiful flower arch, holding the “I’m a TDR bride” sign. There is also an area, behind a Perspex screen, to pull a confetti cannon and get some lovely photos there too. They have put so much thought into making the entire day an experience, and it shows.

As it was estimated my dress would arrive in store in 6 months I moved on to planning some of the other details. And then I got a text to say my veil arrived four days after ordering it - how exciting! And to my absolute surprise, my dress arrived at the shop just eleven days after ordering it!! I was shocked, but very happy as I was dying to see what it looked like in the ivory colour I had chosen! It was so hard to picture it without ever seeing the ivory/ivory colour way. I booked a date within the 10 days specified in the email (it is advised to go within 10 days just in case anything wasn’t quite right with with the dress), and was SO excited to see my dress on.

The moment Paige unzipped the bag I knew I had made the right decision in changing the colour of the dress. It was beyond anything I could’ve ever imagined. It looked like a completely different dress, the detailing popped so much more - it was just stunning; the way the light hit the beading made it stand out so much, even though it was now ivory on ivory. Nothing was blended in, and the colour of the dress suited my skin tone far more too. As the sample dress I had tried on before was too big meaning it needed to be clipped to make it fit, a lot of the detailing on the back of the dress got lost. Trying it on this time, now that it pretty much fit me, I fell in love with the back of the dress so much. It is stunning. The level of detailing on the back is beautiful. I cannot believe how insanely gorgeous the back is, and that I didn’t really notice it too much the first time! The dress came with a little piece of material with the beadwork on in case I wanted a modesty panel sewing in, however as the dress is so detailed and has a high lace & beaded neckline, I don’t feel you’re immediately drawn to the plunging cleavage on it the dress. Paige suggested I wrap it round my bouquet instead which is an incredible idea and definitely something I will be doing! Again, they truly think of all the little details.

A few days after ordering my dress, it suddenly occurred to me that I had never asked about bra options. I realised that as my dress has a plunging neckline and a sheer back, I cannot wear a bra. I posted in the TDR Bride Facebook group asking for recommendations for stick on bras and such, I received several recommendations of things to try, such as tape, which I have ordered, and one of the lovely seamstresses reached out to me by DM to let me know they can sew in some cups or cut up one of my bras to sew into the dress. This put my mind at ease immediately. I really appreciated her taking the time to go over the options with me.

I truly thought finding the right dress would be so difficult and frustrating, so much so we started our search 16 months before the wedding because we felt sure we would need extra time to travel around to various places. But it wasn’t difficult, and it wasn’t frustrating either. In fact, I don’t feel I had to compromise one bit on my dress, which is huge really. I expected this process to be the one thing that made me think “I wish I wasn’t in a wheelchair”. That never happened, I simply found the most perfect dress and had the most wonderful day from start to finish. There is so much variety, and so many different dresses to try on at TDR that I cannot imagine how one could ever leave without finding a dress! They have something for everyone, regardless as to what style you want, and what your needs are.

TDR made the process of finding the perfect dress feel just the same for me as every other (non-disabled) bride, and I will forever treasure that. They don’t just care about inclusivity on a surface level as a box ticking exercise, it is something that is evidently very important to them - and I felt that from start to finish. I couldn’t have dreamed of a more perfect moment to share with my mum and sister. The memories we made will last a lifetime, all three of us left there so happy having had a truly magical day.

I have my alterations appointment ready for next year, and I just feel so reassured that they’re going to do a wonderful job. I have absolutely no concerns whatsoever about anything relating to my dress, I just know I’m in safe hands with TDR. I cannot recommend TDR more highly.

Whether you’re a disabled bride or not, make TDR your first stop on the wedding dress buying journey because they really are phenomenal. But if you’re a disabled bride, just know that TDR have got you - you’ll be in safe hands every step of the way.

My experience at TDR was exactly what I was hoping for when finding my wedding dress. I was made to feel special despite there being many brides-to-be there. I only had 6 months between my appointment and my wedding day, but Maya was professional, friendly and assured me that they would be able to find a dress perfect for me that would be delivered in time. She was a huge help with my "no flowers/floral" and "long sleeve" preferences (not the easiest bride to please, I know), and after trying on 7+ dresses, we finally found the one. As promised, the dress arrived with 6 weeks to spare, and my seamstress, Sati, was equally as helpful to get my dress ready in time. Thank you, all; you made an experience I was dreading one I will remember forever.

Growing up watching say yes to the dress I always wanted a magical experience. This shop gives you that and so much more! They really listen to you and support you throughout.

I messaged before I went regarding a dress and they did everything in their power to try and get a sample in for me.

Before the appointment, during and after the team all make you feel special and supported. I am so glad my dream dress is with this shop as I genuinely don’t think any other shop has or would match this level of support.

I Bought my dress a couple of weeks ago and i honestly didn't think i'd find what i was looking for but the first dress i tried on was the one! Faye was amazing as was other staff that walked by! Incredible from start to finish! Couldn't recommend enough!!!

TDR is an outstanding wedding dress shop. From start to finish, my experience at TDR has been nothing but flawless. Thank you so so much for helping me find my dream dress and veil. It was everything I wanted and more! I felt so beautiful on my wedding day and this is down to the hard working people at TDR.

I can’t begin to describe how wonderful my entire experience was at TDR. From my first appointment with Paige to my last seamstress appointment with Lisa, I felt so well taken care of.
Lisa- you are an absolute magician and I adore you! I know I was a pain, being 5 months pregnant on my wedding day, but you really pulled it out of the bag for me and the dress fit like a glove, so thank you!
I’ll be sad to say goodbye to you all when I come to collect my dress after it’s been cleaned!

The girls were so friendly and helpful. I struggled to commit to my dream dress on the first visit but I felt the girls were really helpful and allowed me to come back another day and have time think about it.

I went to buy my wedding dress from TDR Bridal. The team were amazing. I picked 8 dresses to try on, and felt like a princess in my final dress. The consultant really helped me narrow down my dress choices. Cant wait to keep working with them.

They were so lovely and welcoming! They had 500+ dresses to choose from and I was spoilt for choice! The dress I purchased was £800 (on their lower end) - they were super friendly and kept to my budget!

For my appointment I felt like a princess.
Everyone was professional , friendly and helpful with my requests. I will recommend this bridal store to all my friends and family 😊

The most beautiful shop, you are well and truly looked after from the moment you book your appointment.

The best customer service by far.
The team are very responsive, friendly and communicative. Just what a bride needs with lead up to wedding :) Cannot fault them.

Everyone here, from start to finish has been an absolute star. I can’t think of a single thing they’ve done wrong so far. I’m about to get married in 2 weeks and have lived every second spent at their bridal shop. Thank you girls xx

From start to finish was the mist amazing journey. Everyone was so friendly helpful and knowledgeable. They listened and advised. Every visit was an absolute joy and so stress free. All ages ate catered for and treated with the upmost respect. Every member of staff were so kind and just wanted you to feel special. Ever step of the process was explained and followed up by text and emails. Any questions erre answered in a timely manner. Could not thank everyone enough. Wouldnt hesitate to recommend to any future bride.

This shop is amazing and the staff are very kind and helpful. I would definitely recommend this shop to any bride to be. I had my wedding dress from here and the groomsmens suits. Very good quality in both