When one bridal boutique in England decided to put a mannequin in a wheelchair wearing a wedding dress in their window display, they never imagined how much attention it would get. After all, it is very normal to have a bride in a wheelchair.
Every day, there are literally thousands of people across the world with disabilities getting married, but yet, having an inclusive display front and center at a wedding shop is not something we typically see. That’s why it is such a big deal.
This simple display is a very positive step in the right direction and something that has been much needed for a long time!
The story which was originally shared by Beth Wilson on Twitter has since gone viral, and people from all over are applauding the shop for their inclusivity.
The new wedding shop in town has a wheelchair using mannequin and it shouldn’t be exciting but it’s the first time I’ve ever seen disability portrayed in a shop window. pic.twitter.com/N5sco2fLJf
— Beth Wilson (@doodlebeth) January 9, 2019
The name of the wedding shop is The White Collection Bridal Boutique in Portishead, England, just a little east of Bristol.
In an interview with TODAY Style, owner Laura Allen elaborated on the decision.
“For this season we wanted to strip it right back and have a mannequin in each window,” Allen said.
It turns out, the previous window displays they put up in the past all tended to be much more elaborate. Last season, they had a full Cinderella carriage, complete with a staircase and falling snow, but now it would be just two basic mannequins.
“Our thoughts of having one of them in a wheelchair was ‘why not?’ And we didn’t really think too much about it.
The dress they chose to put on the mannequin is absolutely stunning, not to mention those fantastic shoes.
“We love the fact that it’s so simple compared to our window display before, yet it portrays such a powerful message of inclusion,” Allen added.
“We certainly didn’t expect (it) to get the attention that it has, but we have loved the positive comments from passersby and hope it means that one day things like this are just the norm.”
After Wilson’s Tweet started getting traction, others began chiming in as well with photos of their own inclusive weddings featuring wheelchair-using brides in wedding gowns.
Had to share mine. It was my mom’s that she made herself in ’77 and then did a few alterations for me. pic.twitter.com/ZvXWEmbdsB
— Emily Stoker, RDN, LD (@EmilyStoker5) January 10, 2019
It always brings a smile to the face to see two people so in love and so happy. In fact, that is one of the most beautiful wedding photos we’ve seen.
Another bride provided this image:
Have to say, when I got married it was the most difficult and emotional element. So much pressure to be that bride. Bought @jimmychoo shoes to highlight wheelchair users love shoes too! Hopefully I looked ok! pic.twitter.com/PQOZSEfgbH
— Sarah BF Marl (@SarahBFraser) January 9, 2019
Honestly, it doesn’t matter who you are, shoes are so important, and yes, Sarah you looked amazing!
It’s not just woman with disabilities that are being celebrated, either. Grooms in wheelchairs are just as common.
One Twitter user even spotted this super cool window display all the way over in Japan.
Tokyo! Spotted this fall and I was so excited I texted my bf. pic.twitter.com/tvbIzlyz6q
— Abba Wabba (@Abba_Wabbaz) January 10, 2019
It’s fantastic that inclusive displays like these are catching on.
A number of clothing lines like Tommy Hilfiger are following suit as well, launching awesome adaptive clothing lines designed specifically to help people with disabilities and limb differences get dressed.
It’s really great we live in a time where so much progress is being made, but yet, as we all know, there is always more to be done. So, let’s all help spread the love, make sure to keep on practicing inclusivity every day, and remember to give a big thanks to The White Collection Bridal Boutique and other store owners like Laura Allen who are helping to create this change.
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