Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start looking for my wedding dress?  

Our wedding dresses typically take between 3 and 9 months to be made and arrive in the shop. Depending on the design and time of year, it can take a little more or less time than this, and you will also need to allow a few weeks once your dress has arrived for your fittings to be carried out. Most seamstresses like to start the process 2-3 months before your wedding.

It’s therefore a good idea to start looking for your dress at least a year before your wedding, but if your wedding is sooner, don’t worry -  we can still provide you with a dress! 

Do I need to book an appointment? 

Our opening hours are Monday - Friday 10am-5pm and every Saturday 9am-5:30pm. We are also able to open late on request and we welcome brides for a ‘walk-in’ appointment whenever possible – as long as we have a free changing room and a bridal consultant to dress you! 

Our Saturday appointments are especially popular, and we are usually fully booked several weeks in advance on Saturdays, so it is best to make an appointment if you can. You can book via our website, through our social media channels, or the good old-fashioned way, by phone!  We do not charge for bridal appointments during normal opening hours.

Who should I bring with me? 

We have three different sized fitting room suites, which can seat between 2 to 5 guests comfortably. Please let us know how many people you are planning to bring, and we'll make sure you are booked into the one that suits your needs. 

You may find it helpful to keep your guest numbers to no more than three trusted people, who really 'get' you. Larger groups can be a lot of fun, but some of our brides have found that they can end up feeling overwhelmed by too many opinions, so you may find fewer guests leads to a more relaxed experience for you. However, every bride is unique, and if a larger party is what you would like, we are more than happy to accommodate this.

What should I wear to try on wedding dresses? 

A good quality, supportive bra is ideal, to get the best fit and look under wedding dresses. 'Comfort' or crop-top style bras are not suitable to wear to your bridal appointment, as it's difficult for us to measure brides accurately in these. We’d appreciate you avoiding fake-tan, as it tends to rub off onto the dresses. You are welcome to bring a pair of heels with you, if you are planning on wearing shoes with a heel on your wedding day. Also good for feeling extra glam whilst trying on the dresses!

We understand that some brides will feel self-conscious at the thought of getting undressed in front of your bridal consultant, but please don’t worry, we really have seen it all, and honestly no longer even notice people in a state of undress! Some of our brides have felt more comfortable by wearing tights or thin leggings, and keeping these on, which is absolutely fine. We promise that our lovely consultants will soon put you at your ease. 

What sizes do you have in your shop?

Pretty much every size!  We have over 200 wedding dresses from a size 6, right through to a size 32 in the shop.  The majority of our gowns can be ordered in sizes 2 through to 34, with many also available in different hem lengths.

I’m a curvy bride – will you have dresses for me? 

Absolutely!  We are very proud of our Curvy Collection of dresses, with over 50 gowns in sizes 20 to 32 to try on.  Our shop is the go-to place for a fabulous choice of beautiful, curvy sized wedding dresses in Kent. Rock those curves!

How do bridal sizes compare to High Street sizes? 

As you might already have heard, bridal sizes tend to come up small. This is especially true from size 14 and upward, and most of our brides find that they measure one, two or three sizes up in ‘bridal sizes’. Please don’t worry, it’s the same for everyone, and it really is true! They are just teeny tiny, and no, we’ve never worked out why this is either! You may also find that you vary between sizes depending upon the designer of each dress. Again, that’s completely normal. When you have found your perfect dress, we will carefully measure you up, according to the designer’s size chart.

My wedding is happening very soon! Can I buy a dress ‘off the rail’?

Yes, absolutely! Many of our wedding gowns are available to buy straight from the rail, and you can take one home the same day. We also have other options if you don’t have much time before your wedding, such as ‘quick delivery’, so please get in touch for a chat. The seamstresses we recommend can also turn around alterations very quickly when needed. We have provided previously met a bride, provided a dress, and arranged to have it altered all within 24 hours of the wedding!

What is a ‘Trunk Show’? 

A Trunk Show or Designer Weekend is a special event where we are lent an entire new collection of wedding dresses from a particular designer. This is a great opportunity to find that elusive dress you’ve seen on Instagram, or to grab a deal, as there is usually a discount offer while the trunk show is on. The designer’s collection of dresses will only be in the store for a few days, so it’s essential to book your appointment to get to try them on. Keep an eye on our social media and our Events page these. 

What is your price range? 

Our made to order wedding dresses range from £1,100 to approximately £3,000.  

If your budget is more modest, please come and see us, as we always have beautiful ex-sample gowns that are available at great prices, from around £400. 

How do I pay for my dress? 

We accept payments by credit or debit card, or cash. You usually pay 50% of the dress cost up front, and the balance when the dress arrives in the shop. However, we also offer payment plans (0% interest) so you can spread the cost over several months.

What happens about alterations? 

We work closely with a number of professional seamstresses and bridal alterations specialists around Kent. These talented ladies will alter your dress to perfection at their premises or home studio. We’ll provide you with a list of our recommended alterations services when you have purchased your dress, and we are always available should you need any help or advice during the alterations process.

Can I bring a child with me?  

Yes, we welcome children in our shop.  We understand that it’s not always possible to shop on your own! All that we ask is that you bring an additional adult with you so that they are not left unattended while you are behind the changing room curtains. We have a toybox to keep little ones occupied – please just ask. It is helpful if you can let us know in advance if you are bringing a pram or pushchair, and we will make sure you get the fitting room without any steps. Please note that due to space constraints we don’t have baby changing facilities, but we can direct you to some nearby. 

Can I bring food/drink/champagne with me? 

We offer a selection of complimentary hot and cold drinks for you and your guests during your appointment. We don’t have an alcohol licence, so we don’t provide champagne/prosecco, but are happy to provide glasses should you wish to bring some along with you (just let us know, and we’ll have these ready).

We are also surrounded by some amazing restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, so you will be spoilt for choice for somewhere to celebrate after choosing your wedding dress!

Do you have wheelchair access?  

Yes, we have a ramp up to our front door, and the majority of our store is accessible.  Please let us know if you or one of your guests is a wheelchair user, and we will book you into our beautiful ‘Jasmine’ fitting room suite on the ground floor. 

Do you have discount sales? 

Absolutely! Keep an eye out on our Socials for details of our next sale, or check out our 'Events ' page on the website here.