Title: Bride’s Experience Sparks Conversation on Inclusive Wedding Dress Options
In January, Tessa Tookes had a disappointing experience while shopping for her dream wedding dress at a bridal boutique in Ontario. The store employees informed her that she would have to pay $200 for bra cups to match her skin color, while the beige cups already built into the dress were free. This incident left Ms. Tookes feeling uneasy about wearing the gown on her special day.
After sharing her story on TikTok with her fiancé, Joey Kirchner, the video went viral, sparking a conversation about the lack of inclusive options for brides of color in the wedding dress industry. Many designers reached out to the couple, showcasing their inclusive policies and offering support.
Ms. Tookes’s experience is not unique, as other women of color have faced similar challenges while shopping for wedding dresses. Ashley Oliver Thomas, a diversity director from Kentucky, shared her own experience of having to pay extra to dye bra cups to match her skin tone.
The lack of diversity in the bridal market has been a longstanding issue, with many brides of color feeling burdened to ask about additional costs for alterations to match their skin tone. However, there are designers and boutiques, like Brides by Nona and Alonuko, that prioritize inclusivity and offer a wide range of options without additional charges.
The conversation sparked by Ms. Tookes’s TikTok video has already led to some positive changes, with one designer updating their language to be more inclusive. While there is still progress to be made, Ms. Tookes hopes that her experience will continue to raise awareness and push for more diversity in the wedding dress industry.
