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About Us

Karen started Clare Bridal Studio back in 2010 in the lovely village of Clare, Suffolk, with a simple goal—to help brides find something a little different, a dress that truly reflects their personality. Before that, she spent over 20 years making beautiful handmade wedding and occasion cakes, so weddings have always been close to her heart.

As the business grew, we needed more space, so in 2015, we moved to the bustling market town of Bury St Edmunds. In 2018, Karen’s daughter, Emily, stepped up to take on a bigger role in the family business and now runs the day-to-day.

Today, Clare Bridal Studio is still a family-run business with a real passion for making brides feel amazing. Emily and Debbie work closely with every bride to create a relaxed, personal, and unforgettable dress-shopping experience. We love what we do, and we can’t wait to help you find the one!

Our Designers

about

Our Shop

Located in the heart of the beautiful market town of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, our shop offers private and welcoming space for each bride, bridesmaid, friend and family.

We’ve poured so much love into creating a space that’s not just about trying on dresses, but about making memories. Whether it’s laughter, happy tears, or full-on celebration dances—we’ve seen it all, and we love being part of every moment.

Our main showroom, on the ground floor is split into two areas – one for bridal gowns, and the other for bridesmaids and all the gorgeous bridal accessories and veils. We’ve also got a lovely fitting room on the ground floor with plenty of natural light.

Upstairs is our favourite place – the Rose Room. It’s a private, peaceful, bridal suite where you can take your time, relax, and really enjoy your moment. There’s plenty of space to swish, spin, and soak it all in with your nearest and dearest.

meet

The Team

Emily

Emily is the proud owner of Clare Bridal Studio, having started as a junior bridal consultant when the shop first opened in 2010. Having been surrounded by the wedding world her whole life, she knows the industry inside and out.

Favourite designer…

Definitely Essense of Australia! They just have such a wide range of styles and always keep on trend. A lot of their dresses are also customisable so it’s so easy to make each dress personal and unique.

Favourite wedding vibe…

I love city weddings – mini dresses, sunglasses and candid polaroids! They’re just so fun. At the same time I feel you can’t beat a traditional Suffolk wedding – there’s something special about a barn lit up with fairy lights.

Favourite bridal trend…

I’m really loving basque and dropped waists right now! It just looks so flattering and adds a focal point to the dress without being too much.

Debbie

Debbie’s been helping brides find their dream dresses ever since she joined us as Store Manager in 2015. She loves styling with veils and accessories to make each and every bride feel unique, beautiful and most importantly, the best version of themselves.

Favourite designer…

All Who Wander – I love that they’re different from the mainstream! The fabrics and designs are so well thought through. As there are only 10 stockists in England including us, it makes them feel quite individual.

Favourite wedding vibe…

It would have to be “garden party” with a whimsical romantic feel! I love the relaxed and natural feel so that everyone has an enjoyable day.

Favourite bridal trend…

I love the current trend of dresses being versatile, you can start with a strapless dress and add straps, sleeves and even an overskirt to create different looks throughout the day.

Lauren

Lauren joined the team in 2025 as our Social Media Manager—so if you follow us on Instagram, you’ve definitely seen her around! She’s always on top of the latest bridal trends and loves sneaking in a little dress-up session with our gowns and accessories.

Favourite designer…

Galia Lahav because of how extra they are! I love that All Who Wander have a similar look and create dresses that are more budget friendly. Perfect if you want something a little different!