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Ripon wedding boutique shortlisted for industry award

Gail Byrne's wedding boutique (front, centre) has been shortlisted for an industry award.

A popular wedding boutique in Ripon has been shortlisted for an industry award.

Gail’s Wedding Boutique and Alterations, located in the Duck Hill Shopping Quarter, is a regional finalist in the Newcomer category at the Wedding Industry Awards 2025.

The business will be vying to be named the best in North Yorkshire at the awards in November.

Gail Byrne, Managing Director, said: 

“I started this business after buying my daughter’s wedding dress, it was expensive, and I just thought everyone deserves the dress of their dreams and should be able to afford it. 

“I have dresses from £50 to thousands of pounds. I was nominated for this award by a lovely bride called Charlotte so I had to follow it through.”

The first step on the road to national glory will be a triumph at the Regional Awards event next month.

Companies that receive the best feedback from clients and judges will then progress to the national finals in January 2025.

Damian Bailey, founder of The Wedding Industry Awards, said:

“Since 2011 The Wedding Industry Awards has been dedicated to recognising and rewarding excellence in the wedding industry and this year’s Regional Finalists are clearly at the top of their game. 

“Our awards are unique as they are voted by recent wedding couples and it’s not the total number of votes that companies receive that leads to success. Instead, we focus on the quality of the feedback they get from eligible couples, amongst other things. 

"Larger companies and talented individuals compete on a level playing field and the best wedding suppliers always rise to the top.”

Since moving to its current, larger premises in Ripon, Gail’s Wedding Boutique & Alterations has gone from strength to strength.

It now stocks Marc Dary Apparel, bridesmaid and prom dresses.

Gail said winning this award would “confirm that I did the right thing" in taking the leap from full time employment to running her own business.

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