As one of only 12 Oxfam stores in the country to receive donations of brand new designer weddings dresses from generous bridal shops across the UK, the shop is able offer gowns for hundreds of pounds instead of thousands with the proceeds going towards good causes.
Having been invited to showcase a selection of their 200 gowns at the Compton Acres January wedding fair, Suzie Watts from the garden attractions Italian Villa explains how it came about:
"We had noticed a new trend in some of our brides appearing to be far more relaxed about walking around in their dresses with their trains still trailing on the ground! We were intrigued because these dresses were so unique in detail and certainly appeared to be a considerable price. When we were informed where they had been purchased from we were shocked. We decided that in the current climate it would be worth inspecting this hidden gem before our wedding fair. We weren't sure what to expect, you just don't associate Oxfam with beautiful wedding dresses but we went along with an open mind and were hugely impressed with what was on offer."
Yvonne Meston from the Poole High Street Oxfam Bridal Shop says people have been queuing up to make appointments following the fashion show at Compton Acres and thinks she knows why, she says:
"For some people it's due to finance, some for ethical reasons, they like to think they're able to help others on their big day. We've had extremely wealthy people come in who don't feel right spending large amounts of money on a dress they'll only wear once.
We're delighted to be able to offer such a unique service and are very grateful to have such generous donors - we even recently took delivery of 10 pairs of Jimmy Choo shoes!"
