by Johanna Osborne

Frank Casey has been a staple “go-to” wedding supplier for many years. Easily accessible in its Brandon Street location, the shop boasts many divine suits ready to transform even the most resistant chap into a prince charming for his wedding day.

It was no coincidence that I personally used this awesome store to dress my handsome groom, our groomsmen and pageboys. And therefore I can speak from personal experience when I say that Frank Casey does an outstanding job. Both our pageboys, as well as one of our groomsmen came from overseas, and it was no problem – I was simply able to send measurements through, and when it came time for the fitting Frank Casey took care of a couple of last minute adjustments in no time. The sort of thing that would send most brides into a tizz, but Frank Casey had it sorted in no time and everyone left with a kick-ass outfit to wear on our big day. And that’s how I remember Frank Casey, as the place that dressed the male half of my wedding party, and by George, they did a great job! I can only imagine how many others have had the same experience and how many countless amazing memories 10 Brandon Street holds for so many different people!

Today we chat to Waari Ward-Holmes of Frank Casey Wellington. Check out our mini interview below. And don’t forget to come and see the awesome team for yourself when you stop by the Frank Casey Stand at the Wellington Wedding Show on 8th September at Shed 6.

1. How long has Frank Casey been in Wellington?
Frank Casey opened his original store in Newmarket, Auckland. My brother was returning to NZ after 9 years in Houston, Texas. I helped Frank set up the franchise and my brother and I decided to take up the Wellington franchise opening the store on 10th January 1990.

2. You are known as the go-to place for all grooms and their trusty groomsmen and pageboys. Why is that?
Frank Casey has 18 suit styles in multiple sizes and carries all its stock in store. Each member of the wedding party can try on in store their complete wedding outfits to their satisfaction when booking so they know exactly what they will be wearing on their big day. The interactive virtual model on our web site enables the couple to mix and match possible combinations in advance. Also overseas guests can book over the internet knowing that their out fits will be ready on arrival, or they can take advantage of our same day service if they want to wait until they arrive.

3. Your service has always set you apart – what can you offer your customers?
Our customers know that the suits will always be ready for pick up at the agreed time and the garments will have been freshly dry-cleaned. In addition we are now making the task of returning the suits much easier by providing free return courier tickets. All they need do is call our courier and he picks up the suits from the agreed destination. A real bonus if the wedding party is going away. Many have hired suits from us for their school balls and remember the quality service.

4. What do you like most about working with brides and grooms?
Weddings are happy occasions (admittedly with much stress in the build up) and it is very satisfying to see how great the wedding party looks when they have chosen and tried on their outfits.

5. Any funny/special stories?
We had a large customer who found our largest shirt too small and decided to slit it down the back to make it fit. We think his size increased from the original fitting. No one would have noticed as he kept his jacket on, but we lost a shirt. We decided not to charge him for the shirt, as it was a first for us and we could empathise with the problems he had.

6. Anything else you would like to add?
Our manager, Brad has been with us for 9 years and has a wealth of knowledge. He makes sure ourstaff are well trained. We are now open on Sundays from 11am to 3pm.