DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?
Appointments are recommended for all departments. As we work on a one-to-one basis, and with only one bridal suite, it is impossible to allow self service. We strive to provide great service in a comfortable atmosphere; our private boutique allows us to give a personal consultation and a fabulous experience. We can accommodate walk-ins, but appointments have preference. First visit bridal appointments will last for 1½ hours , second visit and bridesmaid appointments will last 1 hour.

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I BRING WITH ME?
Try not to bring more than three people with you, as too many opinions can be difficult to deal with. When shopping for your gown you need to be able to focus and concentrate without distractions. Choose people who love you and your experience will be much more enjoyable and successful. Choose your accompanying decision makers wisely, strong opinions are good, but don't invite someone who is likely to try to bully you into a dress that is their version of your wedding, rather than yours. Ensure they understand what your perfect dress criteria are, but remember that the only opinion that matters is yours – you are the only one who can really know when the dress you are wearing is the one! . How long does it take to order a bridal gown? The average for bridal gowns is six months. Some may take less, but it is always best to plan for the worst case scenario. As a bride, you need at least two fittings to make the dress perfect, so it is best to leave at least two months for alterations. For these two reasons, it is best to order your dress no later than eight months before your wedding. Sooner is always better. How much of a deposit is needed to order a gown? At least 50% of the total purchase price is due to place an order for a gown. As soon as the dress comes in, the remaining balance is due.

WHAT IF I PLAN TO LOSE WEIGHT?
If you have ordered enough time in advance we are able to provisionally order your dress, with the option to re-size you at a later date. Otherwise we will order your dress according to your measurements at the time of order, due to the fact that it is much easier to take a dress down a size than it is to make it bigger. Do you provide alterations? Yes we do, we have a fantastic experienced bridal seamstress that works with us at Wedding Belles, she is self employed and will provide fittings for you in our premises.

SHOULD I BUY MY WEDDING DRESS ON THE INTERNET?
Many brides are tempted by the hundreds of websites offering wedding dresses for sale on-line, but it is very much a case of BUYER BEWARE. There are now a considerable number of wholesalers and Chinese factories selling direct to the public at what appear to be very competitive prices. Even though the prices are much lower than retail, it is almost impossible for the bride to know if the dress shown on the website, will be anything like the dress she actually receives. Many factories lift images from other designer’s sites and pass them off as their own, when in fact they are often cheap, badly made copies.