Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Dream Wedding Dress in Colchester
Grace & Lace has been a trusted name in bridal wear since 1980, offering an exceptional selection of wedding dresses and accessories across our Colchester and Chelmsford boutiques. As a family-run business with over 29 years of expertise, we pride ourselves on delivering a personalized experience tailored to each bride's unique vision. Our boutiques, managed by sisters Julie and Donna alongside Julie's daughter Hollie, provide a welcoming environment where clients can explore designer collections from renowned European and international brands. We specialize in creating timeless elegance through strapless ball gowns, A-line dresses, vintage pieces, and intricate lace designs, complemented by curated accessories including veils and jewellery. Our commitment to excellence extends to in-house alterations performed by a team with over 85 years of combined experience, ensuring every gown achieves a perfect fit.Located in central Essex with easy access from London and Ipswich, our stores offer convenient appointments to minimize wait times and maximize individual attention. We provide complimentary gown storage and maintain an extensive seasonal collection to reflect the latest trends while accommodating diverse budgets. With operating hours designed for flexibility, including Saturday appointments, we strive to make the dress selection process both memorable and stress-free. Our dedication to customer satisfaction has earned us a reputation as a leader in bridal fashion, serving thousands of brides who continue to recommend our services for their special day.
Services
Wedding Dresses
Bridal Accessories
Appointment Fitting
In-House Alterations
Free Gown Storage
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We are family-run with over 29 years of bridal wear expertise.
- Our in-house alteration team has over 85 years of combined experience.
- We offer personalized appointments to ensure undivided attention.
- We stock exclusive designer collections from European and international brands.
- Our boutiques provide free gown storage and seasonal updates.
Services
Wedding Dresses
Our designer wedding dresses combine glamour and sophistication with contemporary and classic designs. Available in strapless ball gowns, A-line dresses, and vintage lace styles, each collection is curated from top European and international designers. With prices starting at 699, we offer seasonal updates to ensure modern trends meet diverse budgets while maintaining timeless elegance.
In-House Alterations
Our expert alteration team with over 85 years of combined experience provides precise dress adjustments for a perfect fit. Services include hemming, seam adjustments, and intricate lacework modifications performed on-site. This eliminates third-party delays while maintaining quality control throughout the customization process for your wedding day perfection.
Appointment Fitting
Personalized fitting appointments ensure undivided attention during your dress selection journey. By pre-booking, we guarantee specific gowns will be available at your chosen location with additional styles pre-selected based on preferences. This dedicated time allows thorough exploration of options while receiving expert guidance on styles, colours, and accessories for your ideal wedding look.
Bridal Accessories
We offer curated bridal accessories including veils, headpieces, and jewellery to complement your chosen gown. Our collections feature designs that enhance both modern and traditional wedding dresses while maintaining cohesive aesthetics. These pieces are specially selected to coordinate with our gown collections, ensuring perfect harmony in your overall bridal ensemble.
Free Gown Storage
Complimentary gown storage ensures your wedding dress remains pristine from purchase to your special day. We maintain optimal conditions to protect fabrics and prevent damage while eliminating storage concerns for clients. This service provides peace of mind knowing your investment is securely preserved until needed for final fittings or the wedding ceremony itself.
People
Julie
Co-Owner
With over 29 years in bridal fashion, Julie co-founded Grace & Lace and manages the Colchester boutique. Her expertise ensures exceptional customer experiences while maintaining the business's family values and commitment to quality.
Donna
Co-Owner
As co-owner and manager of the Chelmsford store, Donna brings decades of bridal industry experience. She works closely with brides to understand their vision while maintaining the boutique's high service standards established since 1980.
Hollie
Bridal Consultant
Hollie, Julie's daughter, contributes her fresh perspective to the family business. With formal training in bridal fashion and direct experience assisting hundreds of brides, she combines traditional expertise with contemporary styling insights.
Questions
Do I need an appointment to try on wedding dresses?
We recommend booking appointments to ensure undivided attention and gown availability. Walk-ins may be accommodated based on schedule availability at our Colchester and Chelmsford locations.
What price range do your wedding gowns fall into?
Our bridal gowns start at £699, with options available to suit various budgets while maintaining quality and designer exclusivity across seasonal collections.
Do you offer alteration services for purchased dresses?
Yes, we provide in-house alterations performed by experienced professionals with over 85 years of combined expertise to ensure perfect fit adjustments.
Can I see specific designers' collections at your stores?
We stock exclusive collections from Maggie Sottero, Rebecca Ingram, and Fox Bridal alongside other top European designers, with new additions each season.
Do you provide storage for purchased wedding dresses?
Yes, we offer complimentary gown storage to maintain your dress's condition until needed for fittings or your wedding day.
Are your stores accessible from London and Ipswich?
Both Colchester and Chelmsford boutiques are easily accessible via A12 from Ipswich and within commuting distance from London for convenient appointments.
