‘Next year is going to be wild’: Abbotsford bridal shop preparing for a busy 2023

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Image: L. Gomes / PML / Staff at the Abbotsford bridal store were busy Monday afternoon (Aug. 22) fulfilling bridal appointments.

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“We are seeing an increase in appointment requests, which don’t always turn into sales, which is okay,” the owner said matter-of-factly. “But soon-to-be brides coming to our salon for this time of the year, there are definitely at least 25 percent more requests than in previous years.”

MacFarlane explained that it is hard to compare numbers because of the unusual circumstances that have thrown a wrench in predictability.

“In the bridal industry, a lot of times you do sort of compare this August to last August, or this July to last July,” she said. “Well, COVID completely messed that up, because how do you compare yourself to maybe a month ago when you were closed? Or that you have a capacity limit? We’re either comparing to the year before or we’re comparing to 2019 pre-COVID, which you can’t really do that either.”

The bridal wear expert said a lot of couples went the elopement route during the pandemic, but that has since changed.

“Now they’re going back to let’s party and celebrate with family; so, we are definitely seeing bigger weddings,” she expanded.

For brides getting married in 2023, MacFarlane suggests a head start on dress shopping, but without the hysteria.

“Don’t panic, but don’t wait,” she said. “Ordering at least six to eight months, where before it was three to six months.”

Image: L. Gomes / PML / For brides getting married in 2023, MacFarlane suggests ordering six to eights months ahead of time.