A new studio offering a place for bridal parties to get ready before weddings has launched near Ashford.

The Pretty Prep Studio opened earlier this month in a renovated oast house on the Evegate Business Village in Station Road, Smeeth.

It has four styling stations for hair and make-up, a dressing room and kitchen for brides to use on their wedding day morning.

Samantha Beeny from Kennington came up with the idea after noticing a gap in the market as there is nothing else like it locally.

The 29-year-old said: “It’s the first of its kind that I know of.

“Now my kids are at school, this is my time to get my passion project back.

“I love being part of the most exciting day of people’s lives and I have always loved the wedding industry so I thought this was a good time to do something to help brides.

“Some local venues don’t have anywhere for brides to get ready and even those that do have a studio or a bridal suite, sometimes they’re not big enough, people are fighting over mirrors and plug sockets but this is a big, bright, airy space where everyone can get ready together.

“You don’t have to pick and choose who to get ready with because you can bring everyone which is nice especially after covid as you can all be together.”

It took six months of planning and market research and two weeks of renovations for Mrs Beeny to reach this point and is now ready to take bookings.

Brides can bring their own stylists to the self catered space which is available 24 hours.

While the space is ideal for weddings, it can be hired out for any groups needing a space to get ready such as on hen nights and proms.

Mrs Beeny, a mother-of-two, added: “I’ve tried to think of everything, we’ve got wifi, a speaker system, coat hooks, umbrellas if it’s raining, storage boxes to put your stuff so it’s not everywhere for the photos.

“In the oast there are places to hang the dresses so you can get all the photos you want in your wedding album.

“I spoke to hairdressers and they said there are never enough plug sockets or places to put things down so I’ve got extension cables, shelves, heat proof mats so I hope it’s a nice place for suppliers too.

“To start a new business at any time it’s terrifying but since Covid if you don’t give yourself a chance, and it makes you realise if you don’t do something, you never will.”

After searching across Ashford for the right premises, Mrs Beeny says the space in the business park was ideal because of its character and picturesque landscapes nearby perfect for wedding photos.

To celebrate the launch, The Pretty Prep Studio is offering a 25% discount for anyone getting married in August.