We meet the owners of High Society Bridal Lounge in Llantwit Major
We meet Natalie Penberton, who co-owns High Society Bridal Lounge in Llantwit Major with her Mum, Sue. Natalie tells us how much they love running a bridal boutique and why all brides-to-be should be visiting them.
What inspired you to open a bridal boutique?
Opening our bridal boutique has been a dream of mine since I was 17 years old. The idea stayed with me over the years, and in January 2020, my mum and I finally turned that dream into reality when we got the keys to our beautiful bridal lounge. Before this, I spent a decade working in wedding and events management, where I fell in love with helping brides create the most memorable day of their lives. Now, I have the privilege of being part of the start of their journey. We’ve created a warm, welcoming space where brides and their families can experience the magical moment of saying “yes” to the dress they’ve always dreamed of.
Can you share the most memorable moment you've had at the boutique?
One of our most memorable moments has to be winning our very first award at the Welsh Wedding Awards. It was such a surreal and emotional experience! The day of the awards, I had just come out of the hospital with my newborn baby girl, so I couldn’t attend. Mum, Karen, and Natalia went, and when they FaceTimed me to share the incredible news that we had won, they were hysterical with excitement. I sat on the sofa, holding my one-day-old baby, crying tears of joy and disbelief. It was the best weekend of my life—I was overwhelmed with happiness and cried for days!
What trends are you seeing this season in bridal fashion?
Lace is making a major comeback, adding a romantic and classic touch to gowns. Pearls are everywhere, from delicate embellishments to statement accents, giving dresses a touch of elegance. Oversized bows are also having a big moment, adding drama and flair to bridal looks. And let’s not forget the mini dress—it’s here to stay, perfect for modern brides embracing playful and chic vibes!
Do you have a personal favourite designer or gown in the boutique right now?
We love all our designers for their unique styles, but there’s something truly special about Eva Lendel. The excitement in the boutique when a new Eva Lendel gown arrives is unmatched! Her designs consistently amaze us with their stunning details and innovative detachable elements, which give brides the flexibility to customize their dress. We adore how her creations empower brides to add personal touches and truly make the gown their own.
What's the one accessory brides often overlook but shouldn't?
A LONG VEIL!!! Many brides initially think a veil isn’t for them, but we always encourage them to try one. While some still decide against it, we’re big fans of long veils here—they truly add the perfect finishing touch to a bridal look. Plus, they make for the most breathtaking photos, creating a timeless and dramatic effect that’s hard to beat!
Do you have any tips for brides-to-be on choosing the perfect dress?
Absolutely! Here are our top tips for choosing the perfect dress:
Keep an Open Mind – You might be surprised by what you fall in love with! Even if it’s different from what you imagined, be willing to try styles you hadn’t considered.
Bring Your Cheerleaders – Limit your entourage to a small group of supportive people whose opinions you trust. Too many voices can make the decision overwhelming.
Plan Your Undergarments – If you’re considering a fitted gown, wear nude, high-waist, seamless knickers. Visible lines can make all the difference in how you feel during your try-on experience!
Most importantly, trust your instincts and enjoy the process—it’s your special moment!
What's a fun fact about weddings that might surprise people?
The longest wedding veil ever recorded was an incredible 63.5 miles long! It was worn by a bride in Cyprus in 2018, setting a Guinness World Record. That’s longer than the distance between two cities—imagine how many photos you could take with a veil that long! YES we had lots of questions and YES we googled them all!!
How do you balance current trends with timeless classics in your selections?
With a team of different ages and tastes, we’re able to appreciate a wide range of styles and take each other’s opinions into account when selecting dresses. While we love showcasing new trends and always make sure to include them in our collection, we also dedicate half of our space to more classic styles. This is because, although many brides come in excited about the latest trends, they often end up falling in love with a timeless design that feels more fitting for their special day. It’s all about offering variety and helping brides find the dress that feels right for them!
Do you stock any bridal accessories or little extras?
Absolutely! We stock a wide range of bridal accessories and little extras to complete the perfect look. From stunning veils and hair accessories to elegant jewellery, we’ve got it all. We also offer overskirts, capes, sleeves and a variety of detachable elements, so brides can customise their dress and add unique touches to make it even more special. Whatever the bride’s vision, we have the perfect accessories to make it come to life!
What's the biggest misconception about shopping for a wedding dress?
The biggest misconception about shopping for a wedding dress is that it has to be a difficult or stressful experience. In reality, if you choose the right boutique that aligns with your style, the process should be enjoyable and exciting! Trusting your stylist is key—they are there to guide you, help you explore different styles, and narrow down what works best for you. Many brides find their dream dress at the very first shop they visit. You don’t need to visit every store—trust yourself and enjoy the experience, and we’ll make sure it’s a fun and memorable one!
Do you have a funny or unexpected story from your time running the boutique?
We have so many funny stories, but one that always stands out (even though it wasn’t very funny at the time) is when our water pipe burst while Mum was trying on a dress! It happened just as she was in the middle of getting into it—half done up—and suddenly, water started flooding out of the bathroom. Mum, in a panic, ran out of the shop in the dress to try and get help. Meanwhile, we had a bride in the bridal lounge, and we had to quickly turn off the electricity. Our poor bride was left standing in a dark room while chaos unfolded downstairs! The entire downstairs had flooded before we could find the stop tap.
What can brides-to-be expect when they visit?
Wedding dress shopping isn’t just another shopping trip, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment and we understand that each bride’s journey, vision and dream is unique. We want brides to feel like we’ll be their biggest cheerleaders throughout the process. Our mission is to ensure every bride feels empowered, confident and her best self in her dress. Above all, we want our brides to leave with unforgettable memories, feeling excited to wear the dress of their dreams on their big day!
