Today, we are getting an insight into You & Your Wedding Awards nominee, Sarah Jane Bates, who makes beautiful garters by hand from her studio and boutique in Bradford-on-Avon. Sarah Jane started Wedding Garter Co in 2014, but has gone from strength to strength with her lovely, bespoke creations. We asked her the secrets of her success…
Why did you start making wedding accessories?
After university, where I had studied leatherwork and handbags, I worked with couture footwear. However, I soon realised that I really wanted to design pieces that would be cherished for decades rather than years. I love the idea of my creations being passed down through generations of the same family.
Where are you based?
We have just moved into our brand new, custom-built boutique and workshop in the stunning town of Bradford-on-Avon. It’s amazing for our brides to pop in and see their pieces being made in front of them! Of course, most of our business is online, so we sell all over the world – we offer free delivery to the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the EU!
What is the design inspiration for The Wedding Garter Co?
Well, we are fashion-led but really try to avoid the more fad-like trends. We want our pieces to feel timeless so they can be worn 20, 30 or 40 years from now by the children of our current customers.
Was it a surprise to be nominated in the 2015 You & Your Wedding Awards?
Completely! We’d only been operating The Wedding Garter Co for 9 months at that point (we launched in Feb 2014), so to be recognised so early is fantastic. We built the company from the ground up, focusing on amazing and friendly customer service. The shortlisting committee obviously recognised that.
What makes you different to your competitors?
We can only continue making our garters exclusively in England by reaching out to brides directly. You’ll only find our garters online or at the boutique next to our studio.
Update:
Linkedin:
Established in 2011, Britten creates bespoke bridal accessories inspired by the iconic fashion of times gone by. Distinctive in design and renowned for exceptional craftsmanship, Britten’s collection of original, beautifully designed hair adornments, jewellery and accessories promises to make a style statement.
From opulent ostrich feather fans to intricately embellished headbands, Britten’s designs are synonymous with the elegance and style of bygone eras. Inspired by the glitz of the twenties, the glamour of the thirties and forties, and the femininity of the fifties, Britten’s collections of bridal accessories are designed to be both timeless and treasured. Each piece is handmade in the UK by head designer Sarah Jane Bates, who studied the art and craftsmanship of accessory design at the London College of Fashion.
Britten accessories are made to order from the quaint workshops located just outside Bath. Brides can either purchase pieces from the current collections online or customise their chosen accessories to complement their wedding-day look. For brides seeking a truly unique, one-off creation, Britten also offers a fully bespoke service, allowing you to work alongside the team to design the perfect heirloom piece.
