1984

Leave College & Set Up Business

I left college with a diploma in Fashion Design, I’d already decided I’d like to start my own business…

Create a Collection & Start Selling

I created a collection of extravagant honeymoon nightwear and started selling in a party-plan format

1986

Local Advertising

Local advertising led to two important events…

1) Being invited to take part in a Wedding Exhibition/Fashion Show – This was completely new for the time.

2) Taking on my first sales person The lovely Paula, saw the advert and asked if she could sell for me.

1987

A Shared Workspace

Things were growing rapidly and I was invited to share a premises with a Tailor and an Alterations Business. 3 ladies working together, we each had our own space.

1988

My Own Studio

I soon outgrew the space and took on my own studio.

By now I had 4 sales ladies and an apprentice in the workroom.

July 1988

My Collection in Moss Bros

I was still taking part in the Wedding Shows and the buyer for Moss Bros, placed an order for their Covent Garden store. Gorgeous pieces to sell as Christmas gifts.

1989

A New Town Centre Boutique

I took on a new town centre premises. By now there were 6 sales ladies another new apprentice and two shop staff. My lovely Manageress Linda, a trained corsetier, stayed with me for 16 years.

1995

Selling to Other Boutiques

The party plan side of the business was winding down and I started selling to other boutiques and a mail order company

2003

The First Website

Computers were new and I decided to have a website to compliment the town centre boutique

2005

Closing the Boutique

Linda was retiring and I wanted to spend more time with my children, so after 16 years, the town centre boutique was closed and I went back to working from a studio.

2006

'Silk Garters' is Born

Part of the original website, had been inviting clients to have bespoke work and at the time, there wasn’t anyone making bespoke wedding garters… Most of what was available was quite sad and I realised I had a lovely niche!

This was before any of the market-place sellers had gained traction and there were just 3 wedding garter businesses online… now there’s hundreds!

2007

Bespoke Garter Gifted Live on ITV 'Loose Women' Show

🎁 I was asked to make a bespoke garter for Coleen Nolan, to be presented live on the ‘Loose Women Show’, with cheeky text.

What a lovely order! I actually took a little video. I was so excited to see it on TV 🤩

2009

Silk Garters on ITV Coronation Street!

It was February and we were snowed in… Sledging with our boys, when I had a call from ITV’s costume department.

Could I make a bespoke garter and get it to them in two days?

Of course I said yes! I’d have walked to the delivery office if I had too!

It was worn by Actress Katherine Kelly who famously portrayed Becky Granger. A beautiful delicate pink silk garter, with pale blue embroidery.

2013

Silk Garters is seen in Vogue

The Silk Daisy Wedding Garter Set is in British Vogue… I was so pleased with this, I think it was my homepage banner all year!

The beautiful handmade Silk Daisy flowers, are still a favorite with my brides 😍

2014

Shared by Love My Dress on Pinterest & Instagram

Love My Dress shared, several Silk Garters designs, to their followers on Pinterest and Instagram. The Ivory Silk Ruffle also available as a Set, Filigree Lace Silk Garter… “Just so gorgeous in a simple ivory! Both exclusive to www.SilkGarters.co.uk

With their worldwide following, this led to many international orders too!

2018

Featured in Vicinity Weddings

A Burgundy Shoot at Putteragebury Bedfordshire…Featured by Vicinity Weddings (formerly Plans & Presents) in their “Gothic Art Wedding” editorial, with Silk Garters credited as the maker of custom wedding garters. “Catherine from Silk Garters made a selection of beautiful garters for the shoot”

You can read the full article here

2019

Featured on Coco Wedding Venues

Luxe Wedding Inspiration at Waresley Park Estate

The editorial focused on the beautiful venue, however there are many gorgeous pictures of Silk Garters pieces in this inspirational shoot…

read the full article here

2016

Exclusive Nottingham Lace Commissioned

I’ve been working with my Nottingham Lacemakers for years, I love their history, making for Royal Family weddings and designer brands and I was really excited to commission some beautiful, embroidered cotton tulle lace.

This lacemaker, made lace for Princess Diana’s wedding!

I use the lace they made for me in some of my favorite designs, unique lace exclusive to ‘Silk Garters’.

2020

Rosie Londoner Shares Silk Garters 3 Times!

The lovely ‘Rosie Londoner’, shared Silk Garters on her Instagram Stories, to her 340k followers, 3 times. The website went wild and I will forever be grateful for her kindness 🥰

November 2022

Featured Shoot on Rock My Wedding

Editorial at the Bedford Swan Hotel,including a gorgeous getting ready look from Recommended supplier, Silk Garters

The 'Love My Dress' Directory

Silk Garters is in the ‘Love My Dress’ Directory again 😍

2024

Silk Garters On Dancing On Ice!

It was a Friday evening in January, when I took a call from the ITV costume department, asking if I could supply them with the Honeymoon Dreams set in ivory for Dancing on Ice!

It was beautifully modelled by professional figure skater Vicky Ogden with Eddie the Eagle and you can see them here

April 2024

Featured in the Evening Standard

“Best bridal garter accessories for the wedding 2024”

Featured the Ava Garter…”intricate applique and hand-stitched pearls and crystals, you can be sure that this is a style that will stand the test of time. The vintage-inspired Ava garter is available in a diverse range of sizes including plus size. The versatile adornment even features a blue pearl for your something blue.”

You can read the full article here

June 2024

Featured on Rock My Wedding!

“Best Wedding Garters to Amp Up Your Bridal Accessories”

Featured the lovely hand embroidered, Silk Garters, Wild Flowers Wedding Garter @danielmicephoto as the hero image and the Abigail Garter too!

You can read the full article here

September 2025

Featured on the English Wedding Blog

“2 Surprising Reasons to Wear a Wedding Garter You Probably Haven’t Thought Of!”

The lovely Claire Gould of the English Wedding Blog shared “and I realised I’ve missed something really big. I saw a post by Catherine from Silk Garters and it turned so many of my preconceptions on their heads…Sometimes, they’re (traditions) all about following in the footsteps of your parents, experiencing a shared, fond memory, or sharing something special.

Read the full article here

2026

20 Years of Silk Garters!

This is a real milestone… I was talking to some wedding pro’s the other day, who said most don’t survive past 5 years, the industy is so full on.

So I’m really quite proud of this one. And currently 27,080 orders since 2006, with happy brides all over the world! You can see some highlights of their weddings on the Silk Garters Blog.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me in reaching this milestone, I appreciate every one of you 🥰 Catherine