OUR STORY
THE INSPIRATION BEHIND CROWN & HALO
HOW
Clare Heaffey
Turned Her Own Bridal Challenge Into a Gift for Every Woman
Crown & Halo was born from the heart of its founder, Clare Heaffey — a woman who understands that love has no age, no timeline, and no rules. At 60 years old, while preparing for her second wedding, Clare expected to find a dress that felt elegant, magical, and true to her story. Instead, she faced something many brides know too well
- Overpriced gowns
- Limited choices
- Designs that didn’t reflect her style or confidence
- Pressure to spend thousands on a dress worn once
Clare knew she deserved a gown that made her feel beautiful. Not youthful. Not perfect. Just beautiful.
A Spark That Became a Mission
Standing in a fitting room, Clare had an epiphany:
If she was struggling to find a beautiful, affordable dress at 60… how many other women were facing the same challenge?
This moment became the spark that later grew into Crown & Halo Dress Hire — a place where every bride, regardless of age, size, or budget, can feel extraordinary.
“Every wedding is a fairytale — every bride deserves to feel like she belongs in hers.” — Clare
Driven by this belief, Clare set out to create a luxury-yet-affordable alternative to bridal shopping. Her vision was simple:
- Designer-inspired gowns without designer price tags
- A sustainable approach to bridal fashion
- Beautiful, high-quality dresses available to every woman
- A choice — one that most bridal shops don’t offer
- A magical experience that doesn’t depend on your bank balance
For Clare, this isn’t just a business. It’s a way of making sure no woman ever feels she must settle for less due to price, pressure, or age.
Transforming Dreams Into Moments That Last a Lifetime
Crown & Halo is Clare’s gift to today’s brides — especially those navigating rising costs, financial challenges, and a fashion world that often forgets real people and real budgets.
Her mission is to:
- Make sustainable bridal wear more accessible
- Offer gown hire options that feel luxurious and special
- Give women the power to choose elegance without overspending
- Help brides create unforgettable memories, wrapped in confidence, joy, and beauty
Because every bride — whether she is 25, 35, 45, 60 or beyond — deserves that moment when she looks in the mirror and feels:
A New Chapter For Brides Everywhere
Crown & Halo is now one of Peterborough’s most exciting options for affordable wedding dress hire, evening gown hire, and designer-inspired occasion wear — all thanks to one woman who dared to ask:
“What if beautiful didn’t have to be expensive?”
Clare found the answer. And now she shares it with every bride who walks through our doors.
