What you can expect when you start looking for your gown…….

Do I need to make an appointment? 

You may find you can walk in without an appointment midweek, but you will always need an appointment at the weekend.

At The Wedding Rooms it’s always a good idea to make an appointment, because if you just turn up expecting to be seen and we are busy, you might be disappointed. Also if you have an appointment, it means you’ll be more prepared for the day and we will usually have some idea of what looking for before you arrive. At The Wedding Rooms, we allow at least an hour and a half for your appointment for bridal gowns and one hour for bridesmaids’ dresses, so that you get the full benefit of viewing our extensive collections. If you run out of time at your appointment we will always make you a further appointment and if there is no-one booked in straight after you you can feel free to use this extra time.

Can I look through sample dresses myself, or am I restricted to dresses the salesperson selects for me? 

On the day, as well as having our guidance, you will have the opportunity to look through all the preview gowns yourself. You will always be able to choose your own dresses. At The Wedding Rooms I let brides wander around the shop and put discs on the hangers, indicating dresses they want to try on. You should never feel pressured to try on dresses that you don’t like the look of – although it’s good idea to keep an open mind, too.


What you can expect when you start looking for your gown…….

I am sure you are very excited at the prospect of going and trying on as many gowns as you can, but also a little nervous if not a bit daunted at the prospect!!

You only get married once, and bridal wear is very different to shopping for your favourite fashion items. 

I thought it might be helpful if I tried to give you an idea of what to expect by answering a number of questions I have been asked in the past by new brides.

How do I choose which shops to visit?

Ultimately make sure the shop you choose gives you the best service – it is after all a very special day!

Start by checking out wedding shops in your area on the web, it saves a lot of legwork. 
Put two or three on your shortlist to visit, particularly any stockists of your favourite designer. Most good retailers will have plenty of information on their web site, including pictures of their collections, so you can have a look at their gowns without necessarily having to visit the showroom first.
 
Shortlist shops with a good range of collections for you to choose from, this is usually a good indication that they have invested in you as a potential customer in order to offer lots of choice when you are looking for ‘The One’ Here at The Wedding Rooms  you will find various styles and shapes of gowns to choose from.

When you start to visit the showrooms you have short listed, make sure you feel comfortable, don’t be rushed, remember, you will be spending up to a year with the consultants in the shop that you eventually choose, and remember, you are spending more money on this dress than on any other, so you should expect friendly, courteous, helpful service and information. If you don’t get it, then think seriously if this is the right place for you. 


When should I start looking?

I generally suggest eight months to a year before the wedding if you can, most designers take between 12 an 26 weeks to make a gown and the more time you give them to create, and us to do your fittings, the happier you’ll be with the outcome. Most designers say six months is ideal, although that is usually negotiable depending on the time of year and the availability of the bride for her fittings and how busy our seamstresses are in the workrooms!! 

What should I expect from a bridal shop? 

Look for well laid-out stock and staff who are prepared to listen, are approachable, friendly and knowledgeable. They shouldn’t push you to buy any dress, it’s your decision, but they should advise you if a particular design isn’t right for you – at The Wedding Rooms our consultants are here to assist, advise, and often help you look beyond the image you may have settled on in your mind. Ultimately the choice is always yours.

What should I wear?

Overall, you should feel comfortable. Some girls go in to a bridal shop for the first time all dressed up – but you really don’t need to. Don’t forget, after meeting your consultant, it gets personal very quickly!

Who should I take with me? 

Go shopping with someone who you trust and loves you and someone who will give you honest feedback, but keep the numbers manageable. Try not to encourage your friends to bring their babies or toddlers. Not only will they be a distraction, but bridal shops are full of expensive dresses, that don’t usually mix well with baby sick… lol, you know what I mean!! 

And although at The Wedding Rooms we have more room than most, there can be pins and beads on the floor. In my experience, the more advisors, the more difficult the process and the more unsatisfactory the outcome for all concerned.

What should I bring with me?

A few shops do keep lingerie, such as strapless bras for girls to wear when they’re trying on dresses. At The Wedding Rooms we do have shoes, but you will have to bring everything else. Try and wear a good strapless bra as this gives a degree of flexibility when trying different styles. Take grips or hair bands if you have long hair so you can see how each dress looks with your hair up or down.”

How many fittings are usual?

After your gown has arrived, two fitting is average. You’ll usually have an initial fitting, and then a further one after those alterations have been done. If you feel unhappy about your fitting at any time always say so! 

Will alterations be included in the price? 

Bridal wear is not like fashion. At a bridal retailer you try on the style you like in the size they have in store, then they order it in the size closest to yours, and complete the alterations to fit. Some retailers include alteration costs in the price but you may find that the dress therefore costs more. At The Wedding Rooms we do charge extra for alterations but will always discuss a bride’s needs fully before advising her about the costs. This is why it’s so important to bring the correct shoes and underwear to the fittings – Oh, and try not to have a spray tan the day before in case it rubs off on your dress. 
Don’t forget, if you buy from a home trader or via the internet, you won’t get the fittings and alterations service you would get from a shop and there is no one accountable for anything that goes wrong.


How should I store my dress?

At The Wedding Rooms we supply storage bags but you can also hang the dress long, out of its bag, covered with a cotton sheet – this protects it but also allows it to breathe. 


Can I change my mind and get the deposit back?

We have to pay for any order placed with our suppliers and there is a contractual obligation on both our parts once a deposit has been paid. However, at The Wedding Rooms we are prepared to try our best to resolve things, usually to a bride’s satisfaction. Sometimes we have been prepared to transfer the deposit on to maids or accessories. Other times we have been able to find an alternative dress here. It all depends on the specific circumstances. But we try our very best not to have an unhappy bride.

Bride Friendly Hours.

Many brides believe that weekend or late night appointments are helpful in searching for their dress whilst fitting in with work and other commitments. Don’t forget, bridal shop owners have another life too!! Although at The Wedding Rooms we will accommodate evening appointments, Tuesday – Friday they are by appointment only. 
We want you to get us at our best, and after a long day in work even the most committed consultant can run out of steam, so if possible come and see us when we are guaranteed to be at our best. Standard Opening times are Tues-Sat 10am – 5pm last appointment is usually 4pm and Sunday we are open 11am – 4pm with the last appointment being 3pm.

I hope these notes have been helpful, I’m sure there are loads of things I haven’t dealt with, but at least you shouldn’t be quite so nervous now as you embark on your search for the perfect gown. 

If you have any queries don’t hesitate to contact me Sarah Alexander 01704 879181.