Frequently Asked Questions - Bridal Fittings

FAQ's

Find answers to common questions about bridal appointments at Brides of Swansea. Whether it's your first time or your final fitting, our FAQ's will help make your appointment smooth, stress-free, and memorable.

Explore our Frequently Asked Questions to ensure your appointment is stress-free and unforgettable!

Q: How far in advance of my wedding should I book my appointment?

• • Answer: Ideally 12-18 months before your wedding day, this allows plenty of time for production and final alterations. Shorter timelines are easily accommodated through selected designers, sale gowns and priority orders. 

 

Q: When is the right time to book my appointment?

• Answer: We recommend having your venue, date and dress budget in place before you book your appointment. This allow us to focus on the right designers for your vision, timeline, and budget.

 

Q: Is there a fee for the wedding dress appointment?

• • Answer: No, we don’t charge for our standard bridal appointments, we just ask that you are prepared to move forward on the day if you find your dress - as our showroom is exclusively yours during your appointment, we are unable to offer browsing appointments. Sunday appointments require a deposit of £25, redeemable against your dress order placed on the day.

 

Q: What is the price range of your wedding dresses?

• • Answer: Our city collection (short & mini dresses) range from £460-£999.  Our made-to-order collections range from £1100-£3000 and out Off-the-Peg collections are £1100-£1500. Most brides invest between £1500-£2500 for their gown and accessories. During your private appointment, we’ll help you explore options within your budget. And we have a selection of one-off and sample sale dresses ranging from £299-£995.

 

Q: I've said YES to my dress, what happens next?

• • Answer: During your appointment, you'll place your order by paying a 50% non-refundable payment for made-to-order gowns (this covers standard timescales), or in full. If you are buying a 'off-the-peg or a sale gown, payment is required in full at the time of ordering.

 

Q: How many people can I bring with me to the appointment?

• • Answer: You can bring up-to 3 people with you, whose opinions you trust. 

 

Q: How long will the appointment last?

• • Answer: You will have exclusive use of the showroom for 1-1 1/2 hours.

 

Q: What should I bring with me?

• • Answer: An open mind, neutral underwear, a make-up free face and faux tan free body, and something to tie up your hair, and any inspo pics.

 

Q: What underwear should I wear to the fitting?

• • Answer: We recommend wearing nude or white, seamless underwear and a strapless bra. This will help create a smooth silhouette under the dresses.  However anything goes, don't go out buying anything new.

 

Q: Do I need to bring my wedding shoes to the fitting?

• • Answer: No, you don't need to bring your wedding shoes to the initial appointment. We'll focus on the dress style and fit. Once your dress arrives and we begin final alterations, you'll need to bring your wedding shoes to ensure the hemline is perfect.

 

Q: Can I take photos during the appointment?

• • Answer: We kindly ask that you don't take photos during the appointment. Our goal is to ensure that you fully experience each dress in the moment without distractions. We want you to remember how you felt in the dress rather than relying on poor and unflattering photography. 

Q: What if the sample dress doesn't fit me?

• • Answer: Our sample dresses come in a variety of sizes, typically 10-26, and may not fit you perfectly. Our consultants will expertly pin and clip the sample to give you a better idea of how the dress will look. We also have tools and padding to help simulate the correct fit.  We are proud to offer inclusive sizing for every bride and can make-to-order in sizes 4-30+

 

Q: Can I bring children to the appointment?

• • Answer: While we love meeting your children, bridal appointments can be long, and we want to ensure that your experience is as stress-free and focused as possible. Finding childcare during your appointment gives you the time and space to make this important decision on the day.

 

Q: Do I have to make a decision on my dress during the appointment?

• • Answer: We encourage you to come prepared to make a decision, as dresses are made to order, and can be discontinued or sell quickly. and production times can be lengthy.

 

Q: What happens if I'm torn between dresses during the appointment?

• • Answer: We will schedule a brief follow-up appointment for you to decide

 

Q: Do you offer alteration services?

• • Answer: Yes, and we cap our standard seamstress service so there are no surprises during the final process. At your request, we will book you in with the seamstress as soon as we know your dress is due to arrive. You are welcome to source your own seamstress if you prefer.

 

Q: What happens if my weight changes after I order my dress?

• • Answer:

    
    

    • Dresses are ordered based on your measurements on the day of your appointment. We recommend stabilising any significant weight changes before ordering, but our dresses can usually be taken in moderately if needed. If your body measurements change after ordering, please let us know as soon as possible so we can guide you on the best way to achieve a perfect fit. 

     

Q: What happens if I'm having buyers remorse?

• • Answer: This is normal - Feel free to reach out to us and we will happily introduce you to your dress again to alleviate any concerns. Our wedding dresses are made to order or sold as seen off-the-peg, although we cannot offer refunds or exchanges, we will do our best to settle your nerves.

 

Q: Can I bring food or drinks to the appointment?

• • Answer: No. Please avoid bringing food or drinks into the showroom to help protect our dresses. This ensures the gowns remain in pristine condition for every bride, and that you don’t end up with an unexpected laundry bill.

 

Q:  Do you offer dress steaming and cleaning service?

• • Answer:  Yes, we offer gown steaming before your wedding and a cleaning
    preservation package for after your big day. Ask us for details.

 

Q: What happens if I am running late for my appointment?

• • Answer:  Appointments last one hour. If you are running late, please call us immediately on 01792 803541. We can hold your appointment up to 10 minutes; beyond this, we may need to reschedule to avoid impacting other brides.

 

Q: What if I can’t make my appointment? 

                   Answer:  We fully understand plans change after booking your appointment. We ask for 24 hours notice where possible to re-schedule, this allows us to re-open the appointment or offer it to a bride on our waiting list.  On the day cancellations allow us to offer your appointment to a walk-in bride.

 

Now you have the full know-how on our decision-ready bridal appointments, you’re ready to book your appointment!