Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions answered for you about the boutique,
our collections, and the appointment process.

When should I start looking for my dress?

Every bride is different so it really does depend on your needs and timescale. For some the dress is the first thing they want to sort whilst others nearer the date of the wedding. We do recommend a good comfortable time looking for your gown is 10-12 months before your wedding. We advise to order your dress at least 6-8 months before your wedding to allow time for your dress to be made, delivered and fitted. However if you are short on time some of our designers offer a rush order service for a small extra charge. We also have a rail of sample dresses on sale which can be bought and taken away that day.

What is the price range of your wedding or prom gowns?

Our exquisite bridal gowns are made using high quality fabrics and start from £1200-£3000 providing a wide range for everyone to find their perfect dress.
Our stunning prom dresses start from £250-£450 in a range of styles to suit any prom night.
We often have to make way for new collections arriving from our designer’s and we also have the occasional discontinued dress. This means we have gorgeous designer wedding dresses on our ‘ready to wear’ rail which you can take away the same say.

Do you charge for your bridal appointments?

Yes we charge £25 for our bridal appointments.

Your appointment will last for 1 hour and 30 mins in a relaxed and calm atmosphere. With our expert advice we hope that we can create some wonderful memories together. By providing you with an amazing shopping experience within our beautiful bridal boutique, and letting your individuality shine through, we can help you find that perfect gown, and make your dreams and wishes come true.

The reason we charge is that it helps brides to find the boutiques best suited to their style, encourages brides to keep appointments and reduces no shows, allows us to provide you with a more personal buying experience, covers us for a tiny percentage of the time we spend with a bride, and reduces trying on dresses with no intention of buying.

We have always provided the best possible one-to-one service to our brides and will continue to do so.

Please be aware that you will receive a confirmation call to take payment when you book a bridal appointment. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours please get in touch with us on 01793 671439 to confirm. All appointment fees are refundable against a dress purchase. However will be retained for all appointments cancelled or missed within 48 hours of appointment time.

What sizes are your sample gowns?

Our bridal sample gowns are available to try on in sizes 14 – 26, and prom dresses in 8-16. However any dress can be pinned in if needed to see the overall look. Please remember that bridal sizes are not the same as high street sizes and you may need a dress two sizes bigger depending on the designer of the dress.

How many guests can I bring with me for my appointment?

We understand that this is a really important event for you and you would want everyone there, but we do ask that you only bring 2-3 guests maximum if possible for a few reasons. Our small, but perfectly formed boutique can really only accommodate this amount of guests. Please remember it is your day and your opinion is most crucial in finding the perfect dress for you. We also want you to relax and enjoy your time at our boutique.

Is there anything I need to bring with me for my appointment?

It is always advisable to wear a nude coloured strapless bra for your appointment. It helps you to visualise necklines without your bra straps getting in the way. We can also provide shoes for your appointment, but if you have already have a pair then please feel free to bring them.

Can I wear fake tan and makeup for my appointment?

We understand that you want to get the full effect and feel perfect for trying the gown of your dreams. However, we respectfully ask you not to wear ANY fake tan as it comes off onto our dresses, and keep your makeup light and to refrain from wearing lipstick. We wouldn’t want you to be liable for any dry cleaning charges.

Are children welcome at Fairytale Occasions?

As a mum I know only too well how difficult it can be to find suitable childcare, we are therefore happy for you to bring your children along to your appointments. But we respectfully ask that another adult is available to look after them during your appointment, keep them entertained and away from the Ivory dresses, mirrors and sharp pins etc so you can fully concentrate on finding your dream dress relaxed and stress free, or choose to have the little bit of ‘me time’.

What happens at my appointment?

During your appointment, you will receive a one-to-one personalised consultation where we will take you through our entire collection, discuss with you little bit about you, your hopes and dreams for your event, to then help you find your dream dress. Your appointment will last two hours for bridal and one hour for prom. Then you can take a look through all of our dresses and choose which ones you would like to try on, and we will help you into the gowns before revealing them to your family and friends. We can also help you accessorise your look with our beautiful collection of tiaras, hair pieces, veils, shoes and boleros. You will know the right gown for you when you find it!

Can you loan sample dresses from your designers?

If you have seen a dress on one of our designers websites that you would like to try that we do not have in the boutique, it is possible to loan dresses in for you. We can contact the designer to find out the availability of the sample dress and arrange a convenient appointment with you to try it on. There is a small delivery charge which is refundable if you decide to purchase the dress.

Are your gowns made to measure?

Our bridal and prom gowns require dress measurements to be taken to ascertain a standard size to order for you. Unless you are having a bespoke garment made using this service. All of our gowns made require alterations as none of them are made to your exact measurements, and you may be in between sizes.

Will I be charged extra for my alterations?

You have the option to use our alteration service, but are under no obligation and are free to have your gown altered elsewhere. All alterations are a separate charge and will be payable during the alteration process. All standard alterations costs can be found on our alterations page, and all the details of which will be provided at your appointment too. You will usually have your first appointment 2-3 months prior to your wedding to allow enough time to work out a suitable timescale. You will need 2-3 fittings and will be required to bring the shoes and underwear you intend to wear on your day. As soon as your dress arrives we will contact you to invite you to come in and try on your dress.

I intend to lose weight, how will this affect my alterations?

We recommend you reach you goal weight by the time you start your first alteration appointment. If you continue to lose weight once the alteration process has begun you may be charged again should your gown require further alterations.

When will I collect my gown?

At least one week or more before your event or wedding is the ideal time as this then ensures you can leave yourself plenty of time for any last minute preparations without worrying about you gown.

Am I able to use your alteration service for dresses not purchased from you?

As dressmakers too we are more than happy to alter dresses that have not been purchased at Fairytale Occasions. We have a full list of alteration services we offer on our alterations page.

Can I view your accessories only?

Yes of course. You can just book a one to one accessory appointment even if you have purchased your dress elsewhere, we would love to assist you in completing your look. Please see our accessories page for further details of our range.