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FAQ

Do I need an appointment to try on Wedding Dresses?

Yes please; telephone for an appointment, or before you call in, especially if you have a distance to travel or your diary is tight. We need to check we have space available in the diary and are able to give you the time and attention you need. You are welcome to browse at anytime (small groups only please at weekends). Why not contact us via our link on the 'contact us' page here on the website?

N.B. Please, please let us know if you cannot make an arranged appointment, as soon as possible.  We frequently have a waiting list, especially at weekends...

 

How long will my appointment take?

Our appointments are for one and half hours each. Experience shows this is long enough at a time to sift through the available choice without being confused. You are welcome to return as many times as you like, we will not push you to make a decision at your first appointment.

 

Should I bring all my bridesmaids, friends and family to help me choose my wedding dress?

Avoid that trap. You need to choose a dress that suits your personality, style and budget. Too much advice and differing opinions can cause confusion. Besides it is nice to surprise people on your special day...

Also, at weekends we are very busy, large groups do adversely affect the choosing experience of other brides...

Please advise us well before your appointment of special circumstances or accessibility issues. 

 

 

How long does it take to order a dress?

The ideal time for a stress free wedding is 10 months before your wedding. Most dresses take 16 weeks for delivery. You need to allow extra time in case there is a problem with the dress. You also need to allow time for final alterations** to your dress, 2 to 3 months before your wedding is ideal.  **see FAQ on 'How many fittings will I need'

What if I have not allowed enough time to order the dress?

We do sell our samples from the rail and some manufacturers carry some stock, so we have been able to obtain dresses in a shorter time scale, but we do not recommend it for your and our stress levels!!!. We also have a couple of companies who can fulfil orders in 5 weeks so we can usually get you a dress. We also have a 'sale' rail for some excellent bargains.

How do I keep to a budget?

Plan how much you want to spend in total for your outfit. Do not be tempted to try dresses above your budget. However it is better to spend more on your dress and look for cheaper accessories because it is the dress that makes the most impact.

How will I know what suits me?

It is a good idea to keep an open mind and try things that you have not necessarily thought of. We try to help you identify the dress shape that is the most flattering for you by encouraging you to try one of each shape. Once you have found the shape then you can decide on the details you like best regarding neckline, amount of beading or embroidery, colour, train length and fabric. Also once you have found a shape you like it makes looking through magazines more productive in that you know the dresses that will look good on you.

What do I do with the train on my dress in the evening?

Most dresses can be hooked up for the evening so that you can dance the night away.

When do I try on tiaras and veils?

We advise that you do not put on tiaras or veils until you have bought your dress. Obviously the accessories make any dress look finished but you need to concentrate on your dress choice without being distracted by choosing the correct tiara.

Can I wear high heels for the ceremony and low heels for the reception?

No the dress will be shortened to your heel height and if you lower the heel height your dress will drag on the ground. Choose a comfortable shoe as you will be standing for a long time.

How do I pay for my dress?

You pay half the price of the gown with your order and the other half once the dress arrives in the shop. There is also a separate charge for any additional fittings work to your dress. We accept all major credit cards or cash, unfortunately we do not accept cheques.

Why do I need fittings after the dress arrives?

The dress we supply, although only made specifically for you, is not bespoke i.e. not made exactly to measure.  Each dress is supplied as 'best fit' to the designer's own size chart. So, for most brides additional alterations/fittings are required, if only to hem length to fit heel height. So, when your dress arrives in the shop you come and try it on. Then you can experiment with finding the right underwear. Once you have underwear and shoes it is then time to start the final fitting phase.  

I do not know a seamstress who will fit my dress...

If you do not have access to someone who can alter your dress, we are able to introduce you to one of our seamstresses with experience in dealing with wedding gowns. If you choose one of these ladies we can arrange for her to visit the shop, pin the dress, she will then take it away to alter. You both then return to the shop later as arranged to re-try your dress; many of our brides find they do not need another fitting.

However... each dress is different and so are brides, so some brides may need more than one visit; it all depends on the complexity of the dress and the individual shape of the bride: this is the main reason we recommend allowing good time for alterations, especially in the popular Easter and summer seasons.

To help you to budget we can give you an Alterations Cost Guidelines sheet which provides a rough guide to the price you might have to pay for any alterations done by our seamstresses.

I plan to lose some weight before my wedding...

Not unusual. This does however need very careful planning when considering the final dress size, especially as the weight may not disappear from the area you need to lose the inches/cm. Do not make the mistake that 'dress alterations' will solve any last minute issues.  We recommend to stop dieting before you start the 'final fitting' phase, which could mean some 2 months ahead of your wedding day...and remember whoever you choose for a seamstress they will charge you for each hour/visit they work to fit that moving target!!!

Are alterations included in the price?

No. You do have to pay a SEAMSTRESS wherever you go for all alterations, usually based on the amount of time it takes for the seamstress. To help you to budget we can give you an Alterations Cost Guidelines sheet which provides a rough guide to the price you might have to pay for any alterations done by our seamstresses.

Should the bridesmaids’ dresses match the wedding gown?

It is better to buy the bridesmaids’ dresses after the wedding gown because it is better to carry a theme through however small to link the dresses together.

How long do bridesmaids’ dresses take to order?

Again allow between 12 and 16 weeks for delivery. You also need at least a month for the fittings.

What if my bridesmaids are all different shapes and sizes?

You need your bridesmaids to feel confident in what they are wearing and look good in the photographs. Sometimes brides choose similar dresses but with subtle changes to ensure each girl looks her best. Many of the bodices come with either a straight or A line skirt. Larger arms can be hidden with a matching jacket or stole. Most bodices can be strapless or have straps attached. Lace up backs can have a placket which hides the bra strap if a girl feels underwear is essential.

I have a bridesmaid who is too young for an adult dress but too old for a frilly dress?

These young ladies are the hardest to find suitable dresses for. If you need to match this bridesmaid to an adult it is best to find her dress first as there are only a limited number of firms that supply these dresses. Once she is sorted you then can choose an adult from the same company to ensure a match.