In a recent survey carried out by renowned bridal store, Kadee Bride, it revealed that 72% of brides-to-be feel pressure to lose weight ahead of their big day, while 10% also admitted to asking their bridesmaids to do the same.
The shocking statistic emerges in an era where social media plays a huge role in wedding planning, seeing it influence brides who want to look their best on their wedding day, not only for their guests, but also for their online presence.
Speaking about the survey findings, co-owner of Kadee Bride, Dee Shine said “This stat comes as no shock to me as the majority of our brides at their first fitting will discuss what their dress will look like in a few months time when they’ve lost weight, with most telling us they plan to drop a least a dress size before the big day. We have noticed this trend creeping in over the years, and as a result our designers have been making dresses that will flatter any figure and make you look slimmer without having to lose weight. “A new worrying trend however is the expectation for members of the bridal party to follow suit when it comes to weight loss. This has been creeping in and unfortunately is on the rise.”
The survey also revealed the good times are most certainly back, with almost 50% of brides planning to spend between €20,000 and €30,000 on their big day; with 54% expecting their parents to contribute to the wedding costs. Katt Shine, co-owner of Kadee Bride explains that the recession is well and truly over, and the Celtic Tiger is starting to roar again: “People want their wedding day to be special and something that all their guests will remember for years to come. As a result, brides and grooms are borrowing and saving, as well as expecting contributions from their parents, to host lavish wedding celebrations and to ensure they have the best of the best.”
Katt’s comments were further backed up by the survey results, when 27% of brides admitting to spending, or expecting to spend, over €5,000 on their engagement ring and over 76% will wear or have worn a designer wedding dress. The nationwide survey also revealed that 96% of brides and grooms would prefer a cash gift rather than a traditional wedding gift; and 58% expected between €100 and €150 per person.
Sister duo Dee and Katt have been in the wedding business for more than 20 years and have seen trends come and go. The bridal shop, based in Athlone, stocks a number of exclusive designers including celebrity favourite Suzanne Neville, and welcome brides-to-be from around the country who are looking to get their hands on their dream dress.
The fashionable duo are now taking the bridal boutique on the road and on March 3rd and 4th, and will host a pop up shop in the Montenotte Hotel in Cork, offering southern brides a chance to try on their exclusive dresses without having the travel. Appointments are limited and are booking up fast.
To book your appointment please call 0906498355 or for more information visit www.kadeebride.ie.