A bride whose wedding was called off decided to wear her dress around town while shopping, instead of letting it go to waste. Lauren Scott-Berry, a 34-year-old movement therapist, had split up with her partner and called off their July 9 wedding last year. Despite feeling like her world had crumbled, Lauren chose to don her £250 silk gown and flaunted it in a unique photoshoot around Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire.
Rather than traditional wedding photos, Lauren stunned onlookers by visiting various places like the beach, a sweet shop, an ice-cream van, and a children’s play area, all while wearing her bridal dress, make-up, and tiara. She explained that she wanted to rewrite her narrative and reclaim her power after the breakup, avoiding a Miss Havisham situation where she would dwell on the failed relationship.
Lauren felt empowered by the experience and received congratulations from strangers as she strolled in her wedding dress. Despite the dress representing a cancelled wedding, Lauren shared her story to inspire other women who never made it down the aisle to enjoy their unused gowns. A clip of the photoshoot shared on TikTok went viral, garnering 220,400 views and positive feedback.
The nine-layered silk wedding dress, bought from a charity shop for £250, made Lauren feel special and separate from the failed relationship. Through her TikTok account, Lauren hopes to encourage other women to break tradition and wear their unused dresses, regardless of the circumstances. The response from viewers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Lauren’s unconventional and empowering choice.
Lauren’s decision to wear her wedding dress while shopping and exploring different places has resonated with many, proving that there are alternative ways to cherish and enjoy such a significant garment. By sharing her experience, Lauren hopes to inspire others to find their own unique ways to appreciate and celebrate their unused wedding attire.