WEDDING DRESS FAQ
When should I order my wedding dress?
IThe best time to order your wedding dress is 8–12 months before your wedding. This gives us plenty of time to design, make and fit your dress perfectly. Our minimum lead time is 6 months, as every gown is made to measure in our Kent atelier.
What is the minimum time needed to order a wedding dress?
We require a minimum of 6 months from ordering to your wedding date. This allows time for your technical design appointment, production and fittings.
What does made to measure mean?
ade to measure means your wedding dress is made from scratch to your own measurements. We don’t simply alter a standard-size dress. Your gown is created in our Kent atelier specifically for your body, helping achieve a beautiful fit without expensive alterations.
Do I need to pay for alterations?
No. There are no alteration fees.
Because every gown is made to measure in-house, your fittings are included in the price. Unlike many bridal boutiques, there are no unexpected alteration bills at the end.
Are your prices all-inclusive?
Yes.
Our prices include:
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Your made-to-measure wedding dress
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Technical design appointment
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Measurements
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Dress production
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Fittings
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Final adjustments
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Collection appointment
No hidden alteration costs.
What does custom wedding dress mean?
A custom wedding dress means you can personalise one of our designs to suit your style.
Popular customisations include:
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Changing necklines
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Adding sleeves
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Removing splits
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Changing the back
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Adding trains
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Making skirts fuller
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Combining elements from different dresses
Every bride receives a gown that’s uniquely theirs.
Can I lose weight before my wedding?
Absolutely.
We don’t take your final body measurements when you first order. Around 6 months before your wedding, you’ll attend your technical design appointment, where we take your working measurements before your dress is made.
This gives you time if you’re planning to lose or gain weight naturally before production begins.
Where are you based?
Story Of My Dress is a made-to-measure bridal boutique in Kent, just outside Tunbridge wells and Maidstone, welcoming brides from across Kent, Sussex, Surrey, London and the South East. However we have brides travel from all over the world.
Are your dresses made in the UK?
Yes.
Every Story Of My Dress gown is designed and made in our own Kent atelier, located above our bridal studio.
How many dresses can I try on?
During your private appointment you’ll usually try 9–12 dresses, before narrowing them down to your favourites.
How long is a bridal appointment?
Our appointments last around 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore styles and receive expert styling advice in a private bridal suite.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes.
We work by appointment only so every bride has exclusive use of their own fitting room and dedicated stylist.
e bridal suite.
What sizes are your sample dresses?
Our sample dresses range across various sizes, but remember they’re simply to help you choose your design. Every gown is then made to your own measurements.
Can I change my mind after ordering?
Before production begins, we’ll finalise every detail during your technical design appointment. Once your dress has gone into production, major design changes may no longer be possible.
Can I combine different dresses?
Yes.
Many brides combine bodices, skirts, sleeves and backs from different Story Of My Dress designs to create something completely unique.
How many fittings will I have?
Most brides have 2–3 fittings, depending on the design and any custom details.
How much is the deposit?
For weddings within 12 months, we require a 70% deposit to secure your order. The remaining balance is due after your first fitting, approximately 8 weeks before your wedding.
For weddings more than 12 months away, we take a 50% deposit, with the remaining balance split into two manageable payments.
Do you stock off-the-peg dresses?
Our focus is on made-to-measure wedding dresses, but we occasionally have ex-sample gowns available to purchase.
If you like what you have read or want to ask a question, then please head over to our book appointment page by clicking here.