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Being A Bride in The Midst of a Global Pandemic:
House of CB Special
Interview & Words Bethany Boyo
2020, who would’ve imagined it would unfold the way it has so far? Being a bride amid a global pandemic is something that no little girl imagines when dreaming of her special day. As wedding cancellations and postponements continue to soar in number, the chances of finding the right wedding dress have become almost slim to none. In a year where it seems that there’s no hope, there seems to be a silver lining. Following the launch of their bridal wear collection, House of CB’s Conna Walker, brought seven brides together from different walks of life giving them the opportunity to be a part of the campaign photoshoot and allowed them to keep the dresses. WOTC had the pleasure to catch up with three of those brides to hear their struggles, their story and their hopes for the future.
Conna took to social media to find her brides. The criteria being brides whose weddings were postponed due to COVID 19 and offering a pamper day, a photo shoot and the opportunity to keep one of the amazing dresses. After speaking to three of the lovely brides, it’s clear as day why they were chosen for the campaign. Through the trials they’ve faced this year they’ve continued to remain hopefully. Though many stores have reopened, a lot of bridal stores are yet to open their doors with many only taking minimal appointments and with only one or two guests allowed in alongside the bride. Dampening the excitement and fun of sharing bridal fittings with family and friends, one of our brides describes finding a dress in this season as a nightmare.
Jessica Garty had to postpone her wedding until next year even though she had her dream dress planned out. After searching far and wide she found the dress for her, only to see the same dress on another bride from her town four weeks later. Going back to the drawing board, she dress travelled beyond London to a store in Birmingham to find her new dream dress. Taking part in the House of CB campaign and being able to keep the dress has been an amazing experience according to Jessica. “The first thing this year that was really positive.”
Reigniting the excitement of being a bride is a major takeaway our brides shared when asked about the House of CB Bridal campaign. Dr Winnie Uchendu spent significant time planning her wedding. Due to be married in Cape Town in October, she’s now thinking twice about a wedding abroad. The tips she offers newer brides are ones all of our House of CB brides agree on “Remember why you’re getting married. Surround yourself with friends you love and pick your bridal team very carefully, only those who have your back.” Wise words that we believe will help any new bride whose anxious about planning a wedding in this season.
Our third bride Maria Ward-Newton’s wedding was booked for the week of the House of CB campaign. Having gone through an emotional week she describes the pamper day and photoshoot as a Godsend “It was an amazing distraction and I’m so happy I still got to wear a wedding dress.” She explains that both she and her partner held off postponing their wedding till quite late - until May when they made the agonising decision to postpone until next year.
Hearing from the other brides has shown the power of giving back in season filled with anxiety. What House of CB has done is give brides whose lives may feel like they’re on pause a sense of reassurance, community and also amazing dresses.
