The House of Vintage Weddings & Accessories

THE HOUSE OF VINTAGE WEDDINGS

I love what I do. I recycle Upcycle and even use a bicycle because I believe in using all things collectable re-useable or second hand. I also love fashion. I believe that when it comes to weddings every couple can manage a budget however large or small in the “Vintage World", and for that really special day ensure that even past members of both families become involved.

The business aspect of all this started many years ago. In 1986 when I myself was taking the plunge, I did not fancy any of the modern dresses available. As a result I trawled the charity shops in Belfast and eventually in a " WAR ON WANT" charity shop in Rugby Avenue in Belfast, I found for the princely sum of £18 a vintage Edwardian wedding dress. With the best will in the world and despite being half the size I am now, it was never going to fit, so I brought it to a wonderful lady called " Mrs. Love" in Hillsborough in Northern Ireland, who never laughed, despite selling a very beautiful range of wedding dresses herself, instead took my piece and brought it to her workshop along with other bits and pieces, where we sat " Brainstorming" over a cup of tea, until with Mrs. Love's sketches and my " Vintage" attention to detail we produced " The Dress", and to this day I love it as much as I did then, and yes I am still friends with my ex-husband!!. The cost of producing this unique piece that fitted, as well as utilizing recycled material, was far less than purchasing a new gown, and it definitely was a one off. I was smitten with the recycle Upcycle bug.
Shortly after I was married a very good friend of mine came round to get a few tips from " An Old Married Woman", on her own forthcoming nuptials, and the biggest concern was the fact that the wedding itself had two services. One in Rome in front of the Pope, and then the one at home with blessing and party. The dress which had been picked and paid for many months before was not suitable to wear in the service in Rome. (Off the shoulder) After chatting for a while I had an idea, we changed my dress a little and it was borrowed for the Pope, then the other dress worn for the “Big Day", all happy!! I was so pleased when my friend brought the dress back and added that it felt better than the " Big day " dress, and then I was even more surprised, when some week's later a cheque arrived in the post for payment of the dress, which was neither asked for or expected, friendship and a willingness to help were more important, however, I decided there and then to go out and buy more " Vintage" dresses, and make them into other things, and that cheque enabled this business!!.
I bought two old wedding dresses and cut them up to make “Holy Communion dress's" and when I sold them turned the money into more dresses. Then suits and veils and all sorts of things!!
Since then I have been approached by customers who swap or make their dresses from family member’s old items. Great Granny's Veil, Aunties shoes and Mother's slip are just some of the things we have changed. Grand dad's Uniform, even a few kilts have passed through our hands, and each piece has made a new memory for the next generation.
If a family is a little tense about who gets the old dress or piece, then I have changed that old piece into Christening Robes for the whole family to use, with each New Child's name embroidered on the Christening Robe. Boy or Girl!!. Every time I have been sent a photo, some of which I now have on display for the shows.

The collection you see before you have all started thanks to that one cheque and 27 years of buying and selling or even hiring the pieces. This collection has only happy memories from what I have been told, if the couple have not had a successful time, then the pieces are immediately turned into something else, except for my own dress of course!!... Each piece has a history which I am privileged to know and on more than one occasion the client has recollected many stories of how, where, when and why the piece was theirs.
From 1989 to date I have worked with 280 brides, 70 Groom's and created 270 christening or Holy Communion pieces. I have had one “Bridezilla" and a groom who was with his partner beyond any amateur seamstress’s help!!!

This business is now going on tour, with many shows in many hotels and locations. We will also have a fitted workshop with us and can set up alterations, during our stay with local seamstress’s being asked to come along and help. In January 2013 we will be posting out to any customers on our list, information on where or how to meet to discuss you’re “Vintage Wedding". We do not know yet how long we will stay in each location but I can say we are packing up like a “Road Show" and with over 800 pieces in the collection which will be for sale it is worth having a look at.
Pieces which may be of interest just to see are.
The Wedding Dress made by Norman Hartnell which was “Never Worn" by HRH Princess Margaret
The going away outfit made by Norman Harnell which was “Never Worn" by HRH Princess Margaret.

Various other celebrity vintage exchanges or photos are available as well as past weddings and recommendations.

Two fine dresses designed by THE Emmanuelle’s. Four hundred and eighty gowns from 1908 to 1989. Approx. Eighty Gents suits and Uniform’s now to be viewed separately at Johnny Rocks Shop in Cheltenham Hundreds of pearl pieces of jewelry and Tiara’s. Crowns and hats and costume wedding pieces. Shoes Hats & Gloves
The Barn Workshop is in the Cotswold’s and is by appointment only. Each Bridal party receives a full day. We can provide dressmaker and seamstress and any advice on hair makeup flowers and decoration that you require.
When returning this E-Mail we advise that you pick ten dates up to two months prior to your wedding date for consultation.
Thereafter when booking your date a £50 deposit is required which covers the day in the barn? We only have 365 days in the year and 265 for bookings but we will work weekends and evenings to accommodate any Bridal Party
Contact is always best by E-Mail but if you have a problem and need to change meeting time or anything on your Detail Card, we have a mobile number.
(0044) (0) 7510161103
raffertysuzanne@msn.com
Webb site not built yet but new account on Face Book.`
A selection of stock can be viewed at each of the 36 wedding shows booked for 2013.
We take each Bridal Party seriously. We do become personally involved and endeavor to make your day as special as you would like it to be.
Thank you
Suzannah