Frequently Asked Questions
Our most frequently asked questions are answered below. If you have a more specific query, please don’t hesitate in contacting us before your visit.
Booking Your Appointment
- Do I need to book an appointment to visit your boutique?
It is advisable to book an appointment to avoid disappointment, especially if you are planning to visit on a Saturday or a Sunday. To make an appointment, please call us on 01244 390097 or fill in our ‘Book your Appointment’ form.
- How long is an appointment?
A Bridal appointment lasts for 1.5 hours, allowing you time to browse through our collections and try on a selection of dresses without feeling rushed.
- Do you charge for appointments?
All of our one-to-one Bridal appointments are Free of Charge*. Our Bridal specialists are committed to ensuring that you are given honest advice in a welcoming and relaxed environment.
*Please Note: Card details are required to book your appointment. A fee of £25 (options with 3 guests) or £50 (options with 5 guests) will be applied if a cancellation is made within 72 hours of your appointment or if your appointment is missed.
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Do I need to bring anything with me for my appointment?
If you already own a strapless bra, it may be worth bringing it for your appointment. You will then get a better look at the neckline of the gowns you are trying. This is, however, not essential. Some Brides like to bring shoes to try on with the dresses. This is, again, not essential.
- How many guests am I allowed to bring to my appointment?
We want you to enjoy your experience with us and would recommend bringing 1 or 2 guests whose opinions you value and trust.
We’re able to welcome up to 3 guests or up to 5 guests with each Bride to her appointment, depending on the appointment type chosen.
- Are children welcome at Brides of Chester?
Children are always welcome at Brides of Chester; weddings are a family affair! We have space to accommodate a pram and we have on-site toilets.
Wedding Dress Planning
- When should I start looking for my wedding dress?
We normally recommend at least 12 to 18 months before your wedding day and once your venue is booked. However, it’s entirely up to you; whenever you’re seriously ready to start looking! Please bear in mind that a new, made-to-order wedding dress normally takes 12 to 16 weeks to arrive into store and you will need to allow another 8 to 10 weeks for alterations to be completed on time.
Is your wedding date much closer than that? Don’t worry: We work with outstanding designers who are often able to supply us with gowns at very short notice. Our dedicated seamstresses will also ensure that your dress will be ready on time.
- Which designers do you stock?
We are very proud to be the exclusive area stockists of Essense of Australia, Justin Alexander, Eva Lendel, Stella York, Lillian West, Milla Nova and Justin Alexander Signature.
- What sizes dress do you have in stock in store?
Dresses in our standard collection vary between sizes 10 and 16. We also have our plus size collection of dresses (same designs as our standard collection, different sizes), available to try up to a size 32. Most dresses are available to purchase as standard up to a size 36.
Wedding Dress Budget
- What is your price range?
For a new, made-to-order wedding dress, our prices range from £950 to £3,750 with the majority of gowns ranging between £1,299 and £1,899. You will see a ‘Price Guide’ available with every dress. This price guide includes all options available with each dress, for example, the option to buy with/without beading or with/without train, etc.
We also have a collection of ex-sample wedding dresses available to buy ‘off-the-peg’ from £499.
Please do not hesitate in discussing your budget with us at the beginning of your appointment. We want you to be comfortable with the dresses you are trying.
- I have chosen my dream dress. How do I pay for it?
Congratulations! Please have a look at our Payment Options, where we explain the various payment methods we offer.
Wedding Dress Services
- Do you provide an alterations service?
Yes, we have an in-house alterations service with 4 experienced and dedicated seamstresses, which is available to all Brides who purchase a gown with us. Alterations are chargeable and will differ from gown to gown.
Our seamstresses are also able to customise wedding dresses to your request (e.g. add straps, sleeves, belts).
- How many dress fittings do I need to attend?
You will normally have 2 dress fittings; one approximately 10 weeks before your wedding and the second about 4 weeks before. Depending on the alterations required, you may need a 3rd fitting. After your fittings have been completed, your dress will be beautifully pressed, ready for you to collect at a suitable date and time; normally a couple of days before the wedding.
- How do I pack my dress if I’m taking it abroad for my wedding?
If you are marrying abroad, we are happy to professionally pack your wedding dress, after steaming and preparing it, to minimise creasing. There are 2 options; one, to provide your own suitcase and we will pack your dress for £15 or; 2, to buy an in store airline box, the price of which includes packing, and we will pack your dress into this.
We hope these answers to our most frequently asked questions have helped you prepare for your appointment. If you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate in contacting us on 01244 390097 or emailing us at info@bridesofchester.co.uk: we’re happy to help!