Find out about Essex's experience-led bridal boutique, Erin Kelly Bridal

Erin Kelly Bridal is an experience led boutique situated in the Essex countryside near Colchester. Drawing from her own experience of wedding dress shopping, Kelly has created a bridal sanctuary that gives an amazing choice of carefully chosen gowns from exclusive global designers: Watters, Willowby by Watters, Catherine Deane and Karen Willis Holmes.

The location is out-of-town so parking is free, every appointment is private and the boutique is light airy and spacious for the bride and her chosen guests to relax, enjoy and have a great time.

How did you come to open your Essex bridal boutique?
I found my own experience of wedding dress shopping a bit uninspiring; I come from a design and retail background and everything just seemed a bit dated. My husband stumbled upon this beautiful space through his own work and everything just seemed to fall into place from there. It all happened so quickly and it still feels like a dream!

Ultimately, I see myself as a stylist; I listen to what the bride wants and with my experience guide her through the process to make her vision a reality.

Tell us about your own wedding outfit...
I only got married last year and I chose a simple silk bias-cut dress from UK designer Charlie Brear, accessorising with a statement necklace from Etro and black gladiator sandals from Isabel Marant (yes, black - I like an element of different! )

However, if I was doing it again, I would choose something different. There are so many beautiful options it seems crazy not to take advantage of that.

What's your top tip for brides?
- Choose your guests wisely and don't bring more than two or three. Too many opinions can be very over whelming.

- Don't try on too many dresses, focus on the likes and dislikes to find your perfect dress.

- Go with the feeling; if you don't want to take the dress off, that's your dress!

- Take a deep breath and enjoy the experience - it's your wedding.

What's the question you get asked most by brides?
I get asked how long it takes for dresses to arrive. It's usually four to six months order time. My advice is to start looking a year before your wedding to give yourself time; allow for styling and accessory shopping plus eight weeks prior to your wedding for alterations.

Kelly Hull | Erin Kelly Bridal | www.erinkellybridal.co.uk | www.instagram.com/erinkellybridal