If you are local to Edinburgh then you should definitely check out a wonderful wedding lingerie shop called Boudiche on Frederick Street, literally just off Princes Street. You can check out their web site at Boudiche.co.uk. This really is a haven for all brides – the perfect place for you to find white, ivory and gold wedding strapless bras, basques and corsets. Boudiche offers you a marvellous opportunity to pamper yourself whilst you find elegant and beautiful lingerie for your wedding day. Whether you are looking for something luxurious, sexy or decadent, you will definitely be spoilt for choice!

This boutique style lingerie shop is run by Clare Thommen and Fiona McLean, two former charterd accountants, who were quick to fill the gap for an upmarket women's underwear shop back in July 2005. These two successful young female entrepreneurs have created a shop with a Parisian boudoir feel where you can truly relax and try on underwear at your leisure. Plush changing rooms with brass bells for assistance, a day bed, scented candles, Louis XV style chairs, massive chandeliers, Venetian glass mirrors and purple velvet drapes make Boudiche a truly welcoming place. Every exclusive designer range has been handpicked by the girls during their visits to fashion shows around the world including the top catwalks in the UK, France and Italy.

Clare says:

"We get lots of brides visiting Boudiche for their bridal lingerie and honeymoon underwear / swimwear and many of them have been looking for some time to find something really pretty, yet that they can wear under their wedding dress, and they are always delighted when they realise there is gorgeous lingerie for them (after having been told by many bridal shops or department stores to go for something really plain, skin coloured or that is going to hold them all in and look like Bridget Jones knickers)."

Bridal collections

The wedding lingerie ranges include Beau Bra, Damaris, Macpherson Intimates, La Perla Black Label, Lise Charmel, Maisie & Lilly, Spoylt, Rigby & Peller and Panache The honeymoon swimwear ranges include the “Just married” diamante bikini’s by Pin Up Stars and are exclusive to Bouchide.

Other designer ranges include Mimi Holiday, Lejaby and Argentovivo

Prices range from £25 to £300, so this really is a chance to treat yourself without blowing the wedding budget! Isn't it important you feel great on your wedding night - surely you can spend a little less on the favors i it means you get to wear amazing designer lingerie!

Bouchide is a fun place to shop with items such as a pair of chastity pants for the bride and a pair of blue satin pants that have a silver padlock on the front of them - the key simply says "For the Groom" !

Bridal appointment service

I recommend you take advantage of their special bridal appointment service for your very own bridal lingerie fitting. This is your chance to try on amazing wedding and honeymoon lingerie and swimwear while being given a VIP service and sharing a bottle of pink sparkling wine. Simply phone on 0131 226 5255 to make your appointment and receive a small mini heart soap gift. Appointments by arrangement are available between 10 and 5 Monday to Friday with some 6pm and 7pm evening appointments available and Sundays between noon and 4pm. In fact you can take along a bridal party of up to 5 people - so there is no excuse to include your mum and bridesmaids!

There is a booking fee of only £5 and this is redeemable against any order or purchase on the day.

Customer service

Both Clare and Fiona are passionate about underwear and are always on hand to advise and assist.

Clare says:

"Wearing something gorgeous gives you confidence. I think women should be able to wear quality underwear every day and not just for a special occasion."

Research shows that too many women actually wear the wrong bra size and this is your chance to have a proper fitting. Whether you are looking for a girly theme or an elegant look Boudiche is sure to have the style you are looking for.

Plus Size

Please don't worry if you are a plus size, as their bras start at a 30" back and go up to a GG cup size. Women with a fuller figure or large bust should certainly not worry - we certainly aren't all size 8 super models - though saying that it is fun to take a look at the celebrity ranges including Love Kylie and Caprice. There really are so many gorgeous and sophisticated garments for all sizes.

Reviews and awards

The shop has received rave reviews and is currently up for 'The Vows' awards this year, run by the Scottish Wedding Directory. Clare tells me that they are using Boudiche in some of their PR for the awards having interviewed one of their brides who felt they went the extra mile for her helping pull the last few things together for her on the day before her wedding which she was really grateful for.

Clare and Fiona were recently awarded joint second prize in the Edinburgh and Borders Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2006.

More than bridal lingerie!

Finally remember Boudiche isn't just about bridal lingerie, they sell maternity, larger cup lingerie, loungewear, jewellery, shoes, bags, pampering products, menswear, swimwear, accessories, and make up.

Why not treat yourself to some lotions such as Mor's Marshmallow Body Polish and Butter or Pomegranate Bath Soak! Or alternatively go for the Gianna Rose Altier soap petals and soaps.

You can find Boudiche at:

15 Frederick Street
Edinburgh
EH2 2EY
0131 226 5255
Email: info@boudiche.co.uk
Web Site: Boudiche.co.uk

Printer friendly map and directions
Open 7 days a week

You currently can’t order online but they do accept telephone orders and goods are shipped first class within 24 hours.