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How far in advance before my wedding do I need to find my dress?
We suggest that you start to look for your wedding dress about 12 months prior to your wedding date. The average lead time for your dress to arrive once ordered is usually between 4 and 6 months depending on the designer. Ideally you want your dress to arrive in a couple of months prior to your wedding date so ordering 8 to 12 months in advance is perfect. Ordering within this time frame allows for any delays such as bad weather or interruptions in transportation. We have fully insured storage facilities where your dress can be stored upon its arrival and will remain until just before your big day.
Do I need an appointment?
While the kettle is always on and we welcome all enquiries we would recommend that you book an appointment in advance. We operate on a strict 'one bride at a time' policy to ensure that you receive the highest level of customer care possible. If you arrive without an appointment we cannot guarantee that you will be seen as priority is given to pre-arranged appointments. Saturday and evening appointments are very popular and get booked up very quickly. We recommend booking two to three weeks in advance for these to avoid disappointment.
How do I prepare for the appointment?
The appointment should be the fun bit of buying your bridal gown! You may have already browsed through magazines to see which styles you like. You’re very welcome to bring these with you for your appointment so that we can see if there is anything similar in our range. We prefer that you don’t wear heavy make-up or freshly applied fake tan for your appointment. This helps keeps our dresses in pristine condition. It also helps to see the colouring of the dress against your natural skin tone: it’s amazing how the right colour of dress against your natural colour can make a difference to your overall final look. We recommend that you wear light coloured underwear and bring along a good fitting strapless bra if you have one. You may also like to bring a pair of shoes with a comfortable heel height similar to what you will be wearing on your wedding day.
How do I get the best out of the appointment?
Come with an open mind, and be honest with us! Every dress looks different when it is tried on. Unless you already know what style suits you, be prepared to try different styles – that way you’ll know when you try on the perfect dress. Eliminating styles is just as important as finding the styles you like in the search for your perfect dress. Speak to us! – we will not pressure you in any way, tell us what you like and don’t like, we can help you select dresses. We know the dresses and how they fit and will advise you on what will suit your shape. But we are not mind readers! do help us to help you, that is how you will get the best out of the appointment! If you have a budget in mind, please tell us. The more information you give us the more efficiently we can help you.
Who should I bring with me to the appointment?
Someone whose opinion you really trust and who will be honest! We don’t recommend a large crowd as sometimes a range of opinions can be overwhelming for a bride to be.
Can I take photographs?
We are happy for customers to take photographs if they feel this will assist them in making a decision about buying their dress. Many shops do not allow this in order to prevent dresses being copied. However it is our opinion that the images are widely available on the internet should this be someone’s intention.
Do you have a catalogue of your dresses available for me to look at before I visit the store?
No. Because our dresses are from a range of designers we are unable to provide a catalogue. Our website is regularly updated and we often feature new arrivals on our ‘bridal book’ page. Our website only shows a small selection of what we have to offer so we recommend booking an appointment to see the full collections.
What if the dress requires some alterations?
We offer an in-house alteration service. We recommend a first appointment with our seamstress should be at least 6 – 8 weeks prior to your wedding date. Alternatively, you are welcome to use any seamstress you may already know of. Therefore this is an extremely flexible service depending upon your preference.
I am getting married abroad, what should I consider?
Hot climates can make some dresses more uncomfortable than others. A light fabric can make all the difference to the comfort factor for your big day. We have a range of dresses in store particularly suitable for weddings abroad. Most of these are made from a light chiffon fabric which is also easier to transport and less prone to creasing. These dresses come with very small trains, or without. Any dress can have the train removed by a seamstress if you prefer.
Which designers do you stock in store?
We are a stockists of Alfred Sung, Mori Lee, Benjamin Roberts, 2Be by Mon Cheri, Special Day, Forever Yours and Opulence and Blue Moon by Romantica to name just a few! However, we continually strive to bring new and exciting designers that offer the best value for money so these may be subject to change.
Do I pay a deposit for a dress?
We take a deposit of 50% at the time of the order, and then the balance is payable once your dress arrives in. We take payment by cash, cheque and Credit and Debit cards.
How often do you get new stock in store?
We have new seasons collections arriving into store twice a year. Usually in January and June time.
Can a dress be made for me in another size?
Yes, the dresses in store are only samples. Once you have decided to purchase your dress then you will be measured and the dress will be ordered and made for you in the size you require.
Do you hire dresses, or can they be purchased on line?
Generally, no, we only sell dresses direct from the store. Occasionally we may sell ex samples on our website.
Do the same rules apply for bridesmaid dresses?
More or less, Bridesmaid dresses don’t take just as long to arrive. Normal lead time on is 3 to 4 months. Again we recommend ordering a few months in advance of this to allow for any delays due to weather conditions, holiday periods or transportation issues.
What sizes of dresses do you stock?
Our ranges are available in sizes 4 to 34. Our average sample size is between a 14 and 18. We do hold a range of samples in store that are especially designed for the fuller figure and sizes are only available in an 18 plus. Careful consideration is always given when purchasing our new collections. We always ensure we have a wide selection to suit all 'brides to be' no matter what style, size or body shape.
What is the price range of the dresses?
Our average dress price is between £700 and £900. We do also have dresses above and below this. We aim to cover all budgets where possible. Our collections are unrivalled for quality and provide our brides with great value for money.
What if my wedding is in less than 4 months?
We always carry a selection of 'ready to wear dresses' that can be purchased and taken away in the same day. These dresses are available at often unbelievable prices. These dresses are usually in perfect condition and are ideal for those in a tight time frame or budget.
I have seen a dress on the internet at a much lower cost, why?
It is difficult to answer this. All bridal shops provide a service and give you the "genuine article". There are some websites that are offering some very good prices on dresses that appear to be the same dress. Unfortunately many of these websites are advertising dresses much less than we can physically buy them for. So you have to ask how it can be possible for them to sell genuine dresses at these prices. If I said that I see a bride every week, that has received a dress that is not what she ordered – it may give you a different perspective. The dress just hasn't been the same dress. However, in some cases, the dresses are similar but are of inferior quality. Dresses sold in bridal shops are well structured, and have good 'boning' in the structure (so they stay up when fitted correctly!). Good quality fabrics are used to produce a high quality end result. This is not guaranteed with internet sellers. It's your call, but why compromise the most important day of your life?
What is your refund policy?
We do not offer a refund for special order dresses, if you change your mind about a dress that has been specially ordered for you, your deposit is nonrefundable. It may be possible for your deposit to be transferrable to another dress, but is not guaranteed. Once your order has been placed you are legally bound by the terms and conditions of sale to pay the full price on the dress. (copies of our terms and conditions are provided with every sale).
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