Adding spark to weddings at no cost

Bridal Spark, Kerala’s first free wedding dress rental shop, aims to provide wedding dresses to those in need without any cost.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Bridal Spark, Kerala’s first free wedding dress rental service at Taliparamba, is quickly becoming a standout initiative. The venture, launched by the NSS unit of the Sunrise College of Advanced Studies, aims to ease financial strain on families by renting out wedding dresses and fancy jewellery at no cost.

Situated in the heart of Taliparamba, the shop collects gently used wedding dresses from the public and provides them to young women preparing for their wedding. It not only promotes sustainability by reusing bridal attire but also offers relief to families who may struggle with the cost of wedding outfits.

NSS programme officer Muhammad Jabir M.K. says the inspiration for Bridal Spark came from his personal experience. “People spend lakhs of rupees on bridal dresses for a single day but these expensive outfits are rarely worn again after the wedding,” he says.

“This is a huge financial burden for many families. The idea behind Bridal Spark is to relieve that pressure by offering free dresses and jewellery to those in need,” he says.

Mr. Jabir discussed the idea with his students and colleagues, all of whom supported the concept. Along with him, many NSS volunteers have been actively collecting donated dresses and jewellery. These items are carefully checked before being offered to brides-to-be.

NSS students coordinator Muhammed Shezin says the response has been overwhelming. “Since launching the initiative two months ago, we’ve seen an increasing number of people eager to donate their beautiful dresses. After a thorough check, we either collect them directly from homes or they can be brought to the shop,” he says.

“We don’t charge for the dresses or jewellery, so many brides-to-be are eager to use the service. All we ask for is their contact number to keep track of the items,” says Mr. Shezin.

Thanks to generous donors, Bridal Spark has accumulated wedding attire and jewellery worth over ₹5 lakh. Despite low-key publicity, word of mouth has attracted many brides-to-be who prefer to save on wedding expenses.

The dresses are cleaned, restored, and repaired by a tailor, ensuring they remain in excellent condition. The shop’s simple procedures, including taking a contact number, help keep everything organised.

Bridal Spark is more than just a rental service; it’s a symbol of compassion, sustainability, and empowerment. As the shop continues to grow, it sets an inspiring example of how small actions can bring about meaningful change.