“Some people have stamp collecting, I happen to for some reason really love weddings and anything to do with weddings,” says Melanie Peters, founder of Honeybee Vintage Bridal—a boutique that’ll open this August on Gottingen Street (2130 Gottigen, in Glubes Lofts, to be exact).
"I was never one of those people who planned my own, I just want to dress everybody else.” Peters has had the idea for a store for vintage wedding gowns, accessories and party dresses for some time but finally “got the nerve” to give it a go this winter. She’s since been getting prepared with the help of CEED (Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development), collecting beautiful, preloved pieces from across the province and learning the ropes of the consignment world from her friend Pamela McInnis of Put Me On (1526 Queen Street).
“There aren’t a lot of options for people who don’t want a new dress, or can’t afford one, or want something different,” says Peters, who goes “treasure hunting” at little used clothing shops and on Kijiji, sticking to mostly pre-1980s pieces.
This weekend you’ll be able to get a taste of what Honeybee will soon pollenate the north end with—Peters will host a pop-up shop Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15 in the former Fisher’s Stationery in Dartmouth (122 Portland Street, upstairs) from 11am to 5pm. Stop by for not just gowns, but other vintage dresses and accessories, too.