Member Article

South Shields home to UK's first gay wedding shop

The nation’s first wedding shop dedicated to civil partnerships has opened in the North East. Lynn Lucas will open ‘Aisle Alter Hymn’ this Saturday to gay and lesbian couples who wish to relax and feel at home when they are choosing wedding outfits and planning for the biggest day of their lives. The shop is situated on Dean Road in South Shields, next to Westoe Village Rugby Club.

Lynn said: “There is a definite need in the marketplace, and to my amazement there are no other shops in the country specialising in this service. I have a lot of gay friends who were all overjoyed when they could finally tie the knot. However, many of them said to me that although it was great news, they would still feel uncomfortable about going into a bridal or menswear shop.

“This gave me the idea and the inspiration I was looking for. I researched the market and found a real niche for a specialist gay and lesbian wedding shop. I will of course cater for heterosexual weddings, but the civil partnerships will be my niche. “I have created an environment where people can come in, relax, have a glass of wine, try on the suits and dresses and plan their special day. I am here to make their day as special as it could be.”

Before starting out Lynn received business advice and guidance from the Wearside Business Centre. She also received a Tyne & Wear business grant from South Tyneside Council, a start up loan from Project North East, and help from TEDCO and Mercury Marketing. Lynn says she has set her sights on Benidorm as her next project, due to the Spanish town’s large gay population.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .