Enjoy a magical experience at Grand Jour Bridal Boutique
With the launch of our new bridal section this autumn and one of The Sloaney team newly engaged, our HQ is buzzing with bridal chatter. Finding the perfect dress is one of the most important parts of planning the big day and also one of the most talked about parts of the preparation process.
With many of the top designers owning flagship boutiques in London, you can spend weekend after weekend browsing incredible styles. However, finding the perfect dress can also be an event in itself. With this in mind we recently decided to make a weekend of it and venture outside of London to visit a lovely shop in the Cotswolds.
Grand Jour is a family owned business that is run by a mother and daughter partnership. It was started when owners Alison and Jessica were less than impressed with the service offered at some of the bridal stores they visited in preparation for the big day. They subsequently decided to create a special offering for all brides-to-be.
Grand Jour has been set up as an extension to their home and the service you receive is impressive from the moment you walk through the door. As soon as you arrive you are made to feel like a Hollywood star with a glass of champagne awaiting your party when you reach the end of the hot pink carpet. A silver afternoon tea tray is full of fairy cakes and the décor is magical; sparkling tiaras and pearly shoes line the shelves, helping to capture the moment.
While the array of accessories dotted around the room all prove rather appealing, the reason for visiting this store is ultimately to browse their elegant selection of dresses. There are styles to suit all body shapes from collections including Mon Cheri, Amalfi and Phoenix.
Once you have selected your favourites, Alison and Jessica leave you to try the options on in the privacy of a discreet dressing room that neighbours the main area. They have thought about every detail; for example, many brides-to-be actually like to try the dress on without having anyone else in the room at first, in order to form an independent opinion (and cherish that precious first glance of themselves in wedding gown!). Too often, helpers or dressers almost spoil this part of the fitting but this is not the case at Grand Jour.
There is plenty of time for your bridal party – who are likely to be pre-occupied with the cakes and bubbles – to admire each dress when the bride re-enters the main room and stands on a raised platform in front of a grand mirror. Every wish can be granted with alterations possible if needed and this mother-and-daughter team really can’t do enough to help. Their friendly but gentle approach also creates the ideal atmosphere for such an occasion.
If you end up finding your perfect dress at Grand Jour, you will also leave knowing that you have supported a brilliant boutique and flourishing family business.
Grand Jour is situated between Stroud and Gloucester, away from the high street to ensure that you will not be interrupted during your totally exclusive and private appointment.Located between Junctions 12 and 13 Grand Jour is easy to reach from the M5 traveling from either the North or South. You can find out more by visiting www.grandjour.co.uk or calling 01452 699 018
Make a day of it and visit Cowley Manor (less than half an hour away by car) for lunch or a spa treatment. This beautiful country house hotel and spa is situated in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Cowley Manor is located at Cowley, Near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 9NL. You can call the hotel by dialing +44 1242 870 900