Make your dream dress a reality

When Christine Karense Kristiansen started her online wedding-dress boutique, she discovered a lively demand for her made-to-order designs. Many clients were keen to see the dresses in real life and try them on, so Kristiansen expanded offline, opening a salon in Berger, around 30 kilometres south of Drammen, Norway.

By Hanna Margrethe Enger | Photos: Lady Di Bride

“The dream was to run something of my own and offer something out of the ordinary,” Kristiansen says. “Not the standard wedding dresses, but those that explore a little outside of what’s traditional. I try to find slightly different dresses to what is commonly found in Norway.”

The dresses are made to order and can be altered to each customer’s wishes. If a dress is perfect apart from having straps instead of sleeves, then sleeves can be added. At Carense, it’s all about making the dream dress a reality.

After being ordered, it takes about three months for a new dress to arrive. All the dresses are made in Ukraine, in factories in the safe zones. So, when you buy a dress from Carense, not only do you get your dream dress, but you support workers in Ukraine. www.carensebrudekjoler.no

If you want a dress from Carense, you need to book an appointment. Clients usually browse the website for something they like, before they book a time to try dresses. There are usually around 40 to 50 dresses in the salon. If a specific design is not in stock, it will be ordered in, so the selection of dresses available is continuously refreshed.

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