Sneak Preview - The Old Courthouse Shoot

While we may be closed for appointments on a Monday, most of the time we are still squirrelling away in the background creating content to share with all you lovely people; and yesterday was no exception.

Keeping it local we recruited in the lovely Sophie from Gigil & Bloom to work her magic on our new space and she did not disappoint with some subtle florals, framing our mighty new windows and adding some pops of summer colour to our ivory rails.

After working her floristry magic and a quick clean up, it was time to get the space ready for shooting. With the extra room in our new boutique we have dedicated areas for our designers allowing us to showcase, Jesus Peiro, Stephanie Allin and Suzanne Neville in all their gorgeous glory. In addition to this, you’ll find our Ready to Wear Collections, Veils, Jewellery and Accessories all have their own areas for your perusal.

Before we knew it, it was time for Anna to arrive from Pear & Bear Photography a regular favourite face here at Frances Day Bridal. After the obligatory ‘tour of the new boutique’ and catch up she set to work capturing the interesting quirks of the Courthouse and our new dedicated fitting appointment space. After many a mannequin change, a few trips up and down the step ladders and of course a giggle or two we were happy we had captured The Old Courthouse.

So looking forward to sharing Anna’s professional images with you, but for now you’ll have to put up with my sneak peeks that I couldn’t help but snap on the day. Much Love, Team FDB x

Location: Frances Day Bridal, The Old Courthouse, Burgage, Southwell, NG25 0EP

Florist: Gigil & Bloom

Designers: Jesus Peiro, Stephanie Allin, Suzanne Neville

Jessie + Ashley: In her own words. In Suzanne Neville.

A little while ago we received one of those emails that we like to describe as a ‘happy heart’ mail. The below words epitomise the reason Julia started FDB, to have brides feel this kind of support and dare I use the ‘J’ word, go on a fabulous journey together.

Take it away Jessie…

I can't begin to put into words how grateful I am for all of your love and support in the run up to our wedding which finally happened on 9th August last year. I simply cannot fault the experience you gave us during every single visit. You are all so incredibly welcoming, friendly and professional and I cannot thank you enough for that. The phone call from Emma early in 2020 to see how I was with all the news of a potential lockdown with weddings not going ahead etc will always stick with me. It was so kind of you to get in touch just to let me know you were thinking of me during that time in particular.

I will never forget waiting for over an hour outside of FDB early on the Sunday morning of your sample sale many moons ago in June 2019. I remember my Mum, Sam, insisting that we go extra early to ensure that Suzanne Neville's 'Rosa' was there waiting for me and wouldn't be in someone else's hands before we arrived. To our luck, we were the first through your doors that morning and my Mum launched past the lady with the clipboard and grabbed the dress as quickly as she could! The rest, they say, was history! 

Waiting to get married during a pandemic was horrendous especially after postponing 3 times in total, but knowing that my dream dress was being looked after and waiting for me helped me to see the light at the end of a very long tunnel. 

 Fast forward to June 2021 when I came for my first fitting, I was fairly nervous as a lot of time had passed and I'd hired a personal trainer during lockdown to help me tone up for the big day so I was worried the dress wouldn't quite look the same. BUT IT LOOKED BETTER!! I fell in love with the dress all over again and was so proud of everything I'd achieved with getting fitter and being more toned during the time between our original wedding date in May 2020 to then.

We had the most perfectly flawless day and everybody said how much of a fantastic time they'd had (especially after being cooped up with no social life for so long) and we can now say it was 100% worth the wait!!!!

I'll stop babbling now but in nutshell, I just want to thank you for the wedding dress experience every girl dreams of. Best Wishes, Jessie x

J + A The Team

Hair: Deborah Williams Hairdressing Salon

Make Up: Cabella

Floristry & Venue Decoration: Hannah Lane

Photographer: Lee Garland

Videographer: Lara Elliot

Cake: April Delights

Venue: The Pumping House

Band: The Burgundys

Suits: Peter Posh 







Frances Day Aftercare

You’ve found the one and after weeks of alterations, fabrics and fittings your dream dress is coming home with you, ready for your wedding day. It’s left the safety of our FDB Boutique and you’re thinking eeek, how on earth to a keep her safe? Fear not, we have some fool proof steps to ensure that your dress remains exactly how you’ve envisioned by the time your big day arrives and you’re walking down that aisle.

Caring for your gown : The Complete Guide

Miss to Mrs

1. Perfect Timing. We recommend collecting your gown no less than two days before your wedding date.

2. Departing in style. Ideally you need to transport your gown in a vehicle where you can lay down the back seats, or front passenger seat so that your gown and train can be horizontal, with all the space she requires (Diva)!

3. You’re home safe. Hang your gown as high as possible, perhaps a wardrobe front or door frame. Leave her in our dress bag to prevent any dust or bugs from landing. Chances are your dress has a train, lay a clean sheet onto the floor and open the bottom of the bag. Placing your finger behind the zip (so as not to catch it in the fabric) release your train to avoid wrinkling. Avoid hanging in direct sunlight or from a light fixture or ceiling fan, although high, we don’t want any accidental damages or burns!

The Big Day

4. To steam or not to steam. That is the question we get asked a lot. Only steam your gown again if really necessary and if your chosen fabric can handle it. If you have a fair distance to go with your gown, you may need a few touch ups. If your venue doesn’t have a professional service, make sure you use a clean white flat sheet as a barrier between your dress and the iron plate. Ensure you use the correct heat setting depending on your fabric.

5. Potions and Lotions. Perfume, hairspray, moisturiser and deodorants must all be applied before putting on your dress. Mists from such products can cause staining to your gown.

6. Girl Gang Assemble. Your girls are there for a reason, get them to help you step into your gown (ensuring you all have your little white gloves on) and ask one of them to help you into your shoes too.

7. Of course there will be touch ups. Cover your dress with a clean white towel before applying any lipstick or other such final finishing touches. Top Tip, apply any nail or toe polish at least the day before your wedding. Wet polish can cause permanent damage to your fabric.

8. A few too many. There’s a small chance there could be some spillages as you dance the night away. Do not apply water or other cleaning liquids as this could increase the stained area. Blot dry with a clean towel and enjoy the rest of your celebration.

Tied the Knot

9. O Dress Where Art Thou? Remember where you took your dress off and hang her back up! You might also need to consider that where you’re getting ready, won’t be where you end up. Task a bridesmaid with ensuring your dress bag or carrier ends up at your wedding night accommodation. Avoid storing her in any plastic for a long period of time, we don’t want any yellowing or moisture traps.

10. Bring her back! A, we would love to see you again and hear how epic your day went and B, we offer a fantastic dry cleaning and dress box service don’t you know. Give us a call to make your appointment and we will get you in. We have used a local family run dry cleaners for literally years, the best in all the land. Not local, not a problem, we can arrange home collection and delivery as part of our FDB Aftercare service. The sooner your gown is cleaned the more chance you have of avoiding any permanent discolouration. Prices start from:

  • Dry Cleaning and Hanging £140

  • Dry Cleaning and Boxed £190

11. Safe and Sound. As mentioned above we other a variety of wedding boxes, suitable to store your gown and veil or separates. Prices start from £165 (including the dry-cleaning) and will increase dependant on the size of your gown and if you wish to include your veil or for example, Mother of the Bride, Bridesmaid and Flower Girl Dresses.

12. Back for good. Once you have received your beautifully packaged gown, store in a cool dry place like under your bed or a wardrobe floor. Avoid keeping in the loft or cellar, these rooms are prone to temperature changes, damp, humidity and leaks!

Need anything clarifying? We are always at the end of the phone, for a natter and or important things…

Much Love, Team FDB x

Jesus Peiro 'Textures' Collection Event

Friday 28th January - Sunday 30th January

Jesus Peiro at Frances Day Bridal, Nottinghamshire

Pssst, the rumours are true, Jesus Peiro ‘Textures’ Collection is coming to Frances Day Bridal.

Not only will there be the seven permanent 2022 styles in the FDB edit, but eleven, yes that’s right, eleven visiting pieces, exclusively for one weekend only. Included in this selection are dresses, separates, culottes and many more stunning items, just waiting for you to try on.

So what does Textures promise to offer? It’s an honest tribute to the innovation and imagination of fabrics that convey etherealness and creativity. Merche Segarra of Jesus Peiro, has designed and created garments with unique tailoring and alluring volumes. New proportions and combinations that allow for more freedom of movement, a more dynamic attitude and a new complicity.


The aesthetics have been updated, but the spirit of Jesus Peiro’s classic style is still present in each of the designs. A delicate, subtle, yet slightly eccentric and modern style that blends in with the precious nature of our cherished brides.

How to find us you ask, Frances Day Bridal is superbly located in the picturesque market town of Southwell, just off the A46 past Newark, Nottinghamshire. A trip to Frances Day promises the ultimate and unrivalled relaxed luxury bridal experience in East Midlands.

A final little treat from us to you - all orders placed during the event will receive our made to measure service free of charge, usually £300.

Get in touch to book your 1.5 hour private appointment. There is very limited availability.