Something ReLoved

Dotty Brides, we know you’re always looking for a reason to come back and we don’t want your bridal journey to end either!

Has your beautiful wedding dress been tucked away in your wardrobe since the big day? With Something ReLoved by Meg Gardner of By Meg Bridal, you can breathe new life into your gown, transforming it into meaningful pieces that continue your love story.

At Dotty Bridal, we understand that your bridal journey doesn't end at "I do." We know how much our Dotty Brides cherish the experience, and we're thrilled to offer you a heartfelt reason to return. Through our collaboration with Meg Gardner, we're introducing Something ReLoved a unique opportunity to reimagine your wedding dress into bespoke items that celebrate your ongoing love story.

Whether it's elegant pyjamas for your anniversary, a chic mini dress, a stylish bag, a delicate scarf, or even a charming christening outfit for your child, the possibilities are endless. Each creation is crafted with care, ensuring your dress remains a part of your life's special moments.

Meg Gardner, renowned for her sentimental and sustainable approach to bridal fashion, will be available in-store at our new premises on select Saturdays each month. She will personally consult with brides to discuss design ideas and begin the transformation process, creating beautiful garments for every bride.

At the heart of Something ReLoved is more than just fabric and stitches, it’s a deep appreciation for love stories, sustainability and the emotional value woven into every wedding dress. We sat down with the founder to learn more about the inspiration behind the business, the transformation process, and what brides, or should we say wives, can take away from the experience.

Can you tell us how your journey in this business began and what inspired you to start the business?

‘My journey with Something ReLoved grew naturally from my background as a bridal designer and a deep rooted passion for sustainability. Over the years, I had so many brides ask, “What can I do with my dress after the wedding?” It struck me how often these beautiful, sentimental pieces ended up packed away indefinitely. I saw an opportunity to shift that narrative to offer brides a meaningful way to extend the life of their gown. It wasn’t just about upcycling, it was about preserving the memory while breathing new life into it. That’s how Something ReLoved was born.’

What’s your favourite part of your job or business? Is there a particular moment that has stood out to you over the years?

‘I absolutely love the transformation process. Seeing a dress that once walked down the aisle become a timeless keepsake, ready for a new chapter. If I had to choose one standout moment, it would be the first bride who cried when she saw her reworked piece. That moment solidified everything for me. This is more than fashion, it’s emotional storytelling through fabric.’

How do you help brides through their wedding journey?

‘We provide brides with a thoughtful and creative way to honour their wedding dress long after the big day. Whether it’s reworking the gown into a chic occasion wear piece, a custom-made christening outfit or a sentimental accessory, we guide them through a collaborative process that celebrates their style and story. It’s about turning nostalgia into wearable joy, rather than letting the dress gather dust.’

What services or packages do you offer?

‘Our core service is bespoke bridalwear transformation. That includes everything from subtle alterations and restyling to full reconstructions, think gowns turned into jumpsuits, co-ords or heirloom garments. We also offer consultation packages for those who aren’t quite sure what’s possible. It’s a chance to explore ideas and discover what feels right before committing. Every piece is handled with creativity, care, and deep respect for the original design.’

What is the one piece of advice you’d give to brides, or rather, wives?

‘So many brides box up their gown straight after the big day, thinking that moment has passed. But your dress doesn’t have to be a once-in-a-lifetime thing. My advice? Give yourself permission to revisit that feeling. Try it on again. Sit with the joy it brought you. There’s something powerful in reclaiming that version of yourself, not just in a memory, but in the fabric itself.’

Meg has worked her magic on one of our long loved boutique gowns, transforming it into a stunning collection of fresh, creative pieces. It's incredible to see how she's breathed new life into a classic we've cherished for years!

Embracing Something ReLoved not only allows you to relive the joy your dress brought but also supports sustainable fashion by giving your gown a new purpose.