The boss behind an award-winning studio offering bridal parties a place to prepare before the big day has announced its closure amid “crippling” financial pressures.
Owner of The Pretty Prep Studios, Samantha Beeny, has called time on her venture, which will see its three sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Tonbridge close this year.
Founded in 2022, the business offered bridal parties a place to prepare in comfort and create perfect pictures to capture their special day.
However, following the post-Covid wedding boom, Ms Beeny said 2024 brought a downturn in the industry, with many venues and suppliers struggling to stay afloat.
The 31-year-old added that closing was “one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make”.
“This year, I found myself facing financial pressures I couldn’t have predicted,” she said.
“With rising rents, rates and utility costs, I had to come to the horrible realisation that the business was no longer financially viable.
“The strain was crippling, but I couldn’t bear the thought of letting anyone down.”
In a bid to keep the business afloat, Ms Beeny took on personal financial burdens.
“I’ve taken out a personal loan to ensure that all of my brides who’ve booked in the future will get their money back,” she said.
“I didn’t want anyone else to have to bear any losses, which I have seen happen so frequently with other businesses.”
The Pretty Prep Studios won the southeast region award at The Wedding Industry Awards 2024, having been judged by over 150 wedding professionals and voted on by real brides.
It also received a highly commended accolade at the national level in 2025.
Tonbridge, based at Bullen Court Business Centre, will be the first studio to close on March 10, with Canterbury, based at Chalkpit Farm, and Ashford, based at Based at Evegate Business Park, calling time on October 5 and 31.
Bookings are still being accepted until the final closing date at a discounted rate.
Ms Beeny remains hopeful of returning to the industry one day.
She added: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the brides, suppliers and industry professionals who supported my vision and made Pretty Prep a beloved part of so many weddings.
“Being part of someone’s best day of their life is a joy I will always treasure.
“While this is a bittersweet ending, I hope to re-enter the wedding industry in some capacity in the future.”
Brides have expressed their sadness at the closure.
One said: “Oh no!! I’m so sorry to hear you are closing down you were absolutely brilliant on the morning of my wedding.
“It was the best place for me and my girls to get ready and I would have recommended it to anyone! I hope you find somewhere else soon enough.”
Another said: “This is truly heartbreaking. I loved using your space for getting ready on my wedding day, and everybody still speaks about how beautiful it was. Wishing you all the best.”
