Frequently Asked Questions
Getting the most out of your appointment
When should I start shopping for my wedding dress?
We would advise shopping for your wedding dress around 9-12months before your wedding date. However, if you have already booked your wedding venue, then usually shopping for your dress is the next big decision to make and will (like your venue) dictate the style / theme of your wedding. Therefore, starting your dress shopping can be done at anytime you feel comfortable taking that next step. It is however essential that you do not leave the ordering of your dress too late – to minimise any added stress and worry. If you are working to tighter timescales, the majority of our designers can provide rush orders, though there would be an additional charge for this service.
What should I expect from my first appointment?
You should expect to receive a warm welcome as you walk into our shop from one of our Bridal Consultants who will sit and discuss your vision and dreams of your special day and get to know YOU. You will spend a wonderful 1.5 hrs (minimum) trying on lots of beautiful dresses. It is important to us that we find the right shape, material, and fabric that reflects you as an individual. Your dress must be perfect for you and reflect your personality and the style of your dream wedding.
What precautions are you taking against COVID-19?
From the 19th July whilst it will not be mandatory to wear face masks in the shop, we will be requesting that ALL Brides wear masks in the fitting rooms due to the close proximity the team and the Bride have to be to each other. Hand sanitising will remain for all customers and we will maintain our high levels of cleaning in between each appointment. This is all to ensure we keep our Brides safe due to the number of people we come into contact with each day and also our team to ensure we keep each other safe and prevent the need to close our doors once more.
Who should I bring with me?
We understand that this is a very special and exciting time for not only you but also your friends and family. And we know how important it is for you to include and involve them in the choosing of your dress. Unfortunately, relating back to COVID secure practices we are only able to invite the bride-to-be plus three guests into the store itself. However, we would love to invite your loved ones to attend the appointment with you virtually! If this is something you’d like to find out more about, please do get in touch and we’d be glad to talk you through how this will work.
We would still ask that you try to limit the number of virtual attendees to just 2 or 3 people. It will be a far more enjoyable experience for you as too many opinions can be unhelpful and confusing when making such a big decision. It is also important to remember that it is your opinion and choice that is most crucial, so you do not want to feel confused or distracted from your mission to find your perfect dress.
Most importantly – Only invite people along whose opinion you value and trust the most.
What should I bring and/or wear for my first appointment?
We always suggest you wear nude underwear to ensure you are not distracted by bright coloured knickers or bra straps! If you have a strapless bra this also helps. However, there is no need to go out and buy one specifically as most dresses have sufficient support built in.
What is the price range of your dresses?
Typically our dresses are priced between £1200 – £2000, a generous price range for a wide range of brides to find their dream dress.
What size are your sample dresses?
Our wedding dress samples vary in sizes, however we do have dresses available from 8-28 to ensure all brides are able to try on dresses at their appointment. If a sample is not held in your specific size, we have many ways of ensuring you can visualise how the dress will look on you… tricks of the trade!! It is very rare that a sample dress will fit any bride perfectly. The majority of brides will require fitting appointments following delivery of their dress, to ensure their dress fits perfectly on their wedding day. If you love a dress at the buying stage you are going to feel absolutely amazing when it is fitted to you.
Do you charge for appointments?
We charge a £20.00 deposit for Saturday and evening appointments only, as these appointments are always in high demand. This is fully refunded on your attendance of the appointment.
What happens after my dress has been ordered?
Once we have ordered your dress we will confirm the order by email along with details of what to expect next. Once the dress has arrived we will contact you to arrange to come and try on your dress, this is very exciting! Any outstanding balance will be payable at this appointment. We will then discuss with you what – if any, alterations are required. We will also help you choose your accessories, veil and shoes etc to complete your style/vision.
Do you provide a fitting service?
All of our brides have the option to use our extremely experienced and talented seamstress. Please note, the cost of alterations are not included in the price of your gown. If you wish to use the services of our seamstress, we will book you in for a fitting appointment and our seamstress will discuss with you work to be carried out and advise the cost. Payment for all alterations will be to the seamstress and payable at the first fitting, ahead of work being carried out on the dress.
For all fitting appointments you will be required to have your wedding shoes and bridal underwear to ensure a correct fit for your dress. We can always advise and help with this if needed. Please note: alterations cannot be carried out until the wedding dress has been paid for in full.