FAQ
WHEN SHOULD I BEGIN MY DRESS SHOPPING?
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In order to ensure that you’re not rushed with your decision-making, we recommend that you start your search in plenty of time before your big day, 6 – 9 months is often ideal. However, our dresses are sold ‘off-the-rack’ and are ready to take away with you, so there are no long lead-times unlike at many other bridal retailers, and some of our brides purchase their dress with as little as just 4 weeks to go!
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DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?
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Yes, our fittings are by appointment only to ensure that we can offer a professionally tailored service to each of our customers. For more information about booking online, visit our Appointment Bookings page to make a date with us. Don’t worry if a date or time you want isn’t available, we love to help, so email info@bridesdogood.com and we’ll see what we can do.
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Just looking for inspiration to start? Explore Our Designers to get an idea of our selection before booking your appointment with us.
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HOW LONG WILL MY APPOINTMENT BE?
Our appointments are 60 minutes, but if we run over, or if you want to come back and try a on a favourite again, we will gladly schedule a second appointment at no additional charge.
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WILL I BE CHARGED FOR MY APPOINTMENT?
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We charge a non-refundable fee of £30 for all first appointments, because sadly last minute no-shows and cancellations take appointments away from brides waiting for an appointment. However, 1/3 of all of our profits are donated to our Impact Partners to help empower women and end child marriage. So even your appointment with us can make a difference in the lives of girls around the world.
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If you need a second appointment with us to help make a decision, or bring Mum along to approve, that’s no problem – we’ll happily book a follow-up free of charge.
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WHAT IS THE PRICE RANGE OF YOUR DRESSES?
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Every Brides do Good dress is donated to us by bride or brand, and so we are able to offer our designer collection at very affordable prices, often up to 65% off the original price of the dress.
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Our dresses range from £1,000 to £4,500. However, most brides spend approximately £1,250 – £2,500.
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WHAT SIZES DO YOU STOCK?
Our collection runs from 6 - 16. If you are unsure whether we can help you, please do get in contact with us at info@bridesdogood.com. We want you to leave your appointment feeling great, even if you didn't find 'the One', so we will always be honest with you.
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Please note that as our dresses are donated from brides and brands we often only stock one or two of each style, and are unable to order anymore, so if you love one of our dresses, act fast!
WHAT IF I HAVE A PARTICULAR DRESS IN MIND?
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We handpick our collection of dresses which are donated to us by brides and brands, and choose them in accordance to style, quality, and what we believe our brides are shopping for. As such, our collection is incredibly unique, and you’ll find exquisite dresses that are difficult to find elsewhere. However, we don’t stock entire collections from our designers.
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Our online Designer collections give you a taste of what sort of styles are available store, and you can drop us a note at info@bridesdogood.com with specific questions or to see if we have a specific dress in the boutique.
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WHAT DOES OFF-THE-RACK MEAN?
Off-the-rack means that there is no wait for your gown, and you are free to take it home with you once you have purchased it. We also offer a Fittings Service in the boutique, so we can look after you from the moment you begin looking for your dress, to the moment it is ready to wow your guests! In order to achieve the perfect fit, we do recommend you seek the expertise of a seamstress of tailor, whether you choose to our service, or another trusted by you.
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WHAT UNDERWEAR SHOULD I WEAR FOR THE APPOINTMENT?
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We suggest you wear nude underwear, with a strapless or low back bra if you are considering that cut off dress. If you think you want a backless dress then it’s a good idea to make sure you would be comfortable with stick on cups or in a low back bodies. If you do purchase your dress at Brides do Good, we recommend you seek the help of The Pantry Underwear for your bridal underwear solution, who are the best in our opinion!
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DO I NEED TO BRING SHOES WITH ME?
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We recommend that you bring your wedding shoes or a similar style with you to the appointment.
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HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I BRING TO AN APPOINTMENT?
Due to size restrictions we can accommodate no more than 3 guests per Bride, and recommend you keep this to two where possible.
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WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I'M EARLY?
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The Brides do Good Boutique in a private Mews house in Kensington, and as such we do not have a waiting area. However, there are some yummy cafes just around the corner - so go and grab yourself a treat whilst you wait!
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CAN I TAKE PHOTOS IN THE APPOINTMENT, OR USE VIDEO CALL TO SHOW MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS?
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Yes! We will even hold the camera for you!
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WHAT IS YOUR CHILD AND PET POLICY?
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Unfortunately we cannot accommodate babies, children or pets in the appointment. We have learnt that having minis in the boutique takes the attention away from the Bride, and is more often than not very boring for them! We do understand that newborns are different, and whilst we do welcome the Bride's newborn we ask they are accompanied by a guest who can help to settle and entertain the infant so you can focus on finding your dream dress.
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WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY APPOINTMENT?
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We believe wedding dress shopping should be fun. And exciting!
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At your appointment our professional stylist will help you make a selection of dresses, 3 to start with. Based on how they fit and how you feel, she will pick a small selection in addition. She will be on hand to help you in and out of the dresses, and has a wealth of guidance to offer on what styles might suit you and the style of your wedding. She may encourage you to try on dresses that you may not have normally considered, so do come with an open mind!
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WHAT IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULE OR CANCEL MY APPOINTMENT?
We totally understand that things change! However, we are a small boutique and we only see a limited number of brides every day, so please do give us at least 7 days notice if you can’t make our date, and we will be happy to find another slot for you. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer refunds for cancellations or if you are late letting us know.
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ONCE I HAVE BOUGHT MY DRESS, HOW DO I ARRANGE FOR ALTERATIONS?
We are pleased to offer a Fittings Service in the Showroom, and once you have bought your dress you can book a fitting either at the point of purchase, or by emailing info@bridesdogood.com. We recommend the fitting process is started around 8 weeks prior to your big day, so we will ask that you take your dress away with you, and we'll guide you through the alterations when the time is right.
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There is no charge for the fitting appointment. The cost of your required alterations will be agreed with you at the fitting, and we will take a 50% deposit prior to the changes being made. If you are happy with your dress at a final fitting, we ask for the balance to be settled before you take it away with you.
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HOW MUCH DO ALTERATIONS USUALLY COST?
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We would expect most Brides to need some alterations, and whilst it depends on the work, we recommend a budget of £250 - £450. Our seamstress will discuss the work with you prior to going forward, and we will never surprise you with hidden costs.
RETURNS & EXCHANGES?
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Unfortunately we are too small to offer a refund or exchange policy, and it would make it very tricky to support our Impact Partners in the way we like to. However, we do encourage you to come back for follow up appointments at no additional cost before you buy your dress, so that you can be totally confident in your decision. We will never push you to make a quick decision, and we don’t offer any type of on the day discounts.
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WHAT TYPES OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT, AND DO YOU OFFER A PAYMENT PLAN?
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We accept credit/debit card and cash payments in store, and can also arrange to take payments over the phone if needs be. We do not currently offer any payment plans.
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WHERE DO YOUR DRESSES COME FROM? ARE THEY ALL PRE-LOVED?
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Most of our unique collection is donated to us from our designers, and are either new or samples gowns. Our designers choose to donate to us because they care about empowering women and creating a more sustainable way to wed.
We also accept some dresses donated to us by brides, and hold a small pre-loved collection. We have high standards, and only accept the most exquisite dresses, so you won’t find our dress quality any different to another designer boutique.
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DO YOU STILL RUN YOUR POP-UP AT BICESTER VILLAGE?
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We continue to work with the fabulous teams at Bicester Village to find ways to work together, including on our annual pop-up event. Keep an eye on our website and sign up for updates to hear about dates.
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