Start a home-based bridal boutique

Brides and their families, often looking for a quieter, more personal service than a high street shop.

Margin on dresses and accessories, plus fees for fittings or simple alterations. Low overheads can allow lower prices or a smaller, curated range.

• Friendly, personal customer service
• Good eye for style
• Basic sewing or alterations knowledge, or a seamstress to work with
• Social media and local marketing

• Permission from your landlord or mortgage lender, and check with the council whether planning permission is needed
• Home insurance may not cover business stock or visitors, so check and arrange the right cover, including public liability
• Safety and privacy when welcoming strangers to your home, so consider how you manage bookings
• Customer deposits and refunds, so use clear written terms and check consumer law
• A small range may limit sales, and brides often visit several shops before buying

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your stock and how you set up the room. Check your home insurance covers business stock and visitors, and arrange public liability cover.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on your range and how many appointments you take. A small range may limit sales, as brides often visit several shops before buying.

Check permission from your landlord or mortgage lender, and with the council whether planning permission is needed. Also check customer deposits and refunds under consumer law, and use clear written terms.