Walking down the (supermarket) aisle in style

CANNY Irish brides-to-be can save hundreds of euro by popping across the border to pick up a bargain wedding dress – with stylish gowns now selling for as little as a tenner.

UK supermarket chain Sainsbury’s – whose slogan is ‘Live Well For Less’ – has launched a budget bridalwear range to go along with its more mundane offerings of milk, tinned goods and freshly-baked baguettes. And while Sainsbury’s is not in the Republic, wily shoppers can simply order their wedding dress online, click on the ‘Free Click and Collect’ tab, and type in the location in the North that is closest to them.

They will then be directed to a Sainsbury’s or one of its sister shops, Argos, across the border, where they can pick up their gown within around three days.

The limited-edition range of gowns and suits, which start at just £10 (€11.50), are part of its fashion brand Tu Clothing. The range initially features two dresses, with more styles set to be released in the next few weeks.

While few blushing brides-to-be dream of walking down the aisle of a supermarket for the dress of their dreams, it’s expected many will jump on the wedding train North to snap up the dress of their dreams for a song.

One of those available to buy now is a £50 (€57) cowl-necked gown with an elegant bias cut, which features spaghetti straps and a thigh-high slit. Also on sale is a white sleeveless shift dress for £22 (€25). For brides who don’t want a traditional dress, other items include a white doublebreasted suit with wide trousers at £68 (€78) and a crochet-style co-ordinated cardigan and trouser two-piece for £36 (€41).

And grooms are not left out. Among the styles is a charcoal herringbone suit, with matching waistcoat, at £116 (€133). The collection is only available online.