Five honest answers
The questions
you were afraid to ask
Not sure what dress you want? Worried nothing will suit you? Don't know when to start, or even which bridal shop to choose? You're not the only one. Here are honest answers to five of the questions brides ask us before they ever book an appointment.
“You don't need to know what you want before you walk through the door.”
The Pure Brides approach
In this guide
Choose the question that brought you here.
Starting with style
I have no idea what dress I want.
Good. You don't need to.
You don't need to know your style yet
How your stylist helps you work out what you like
Most brides do not arrive knowing their silhouette, fabric, neckline or designer. That is not homework you need to complete before booking.
We can start with easier questions: how do you want to feel, what have you saved, and is there anything you already know you dislike? Trying dresses is how we begin to narrow it down.
Even the dresses you don't love help us get closer to the one you will. With collections from Milla Nova, Maggie Sottero and more, your stylist can use those reactions to work out which shapes, fabrics and details to try next.
You don't need to figure out your dress before you book your appointment. Discovering it is part of the appointment.
Fit and samples
What if nothing suits me?
That worry is far more common than you might think, and the first dress not looking right doesn't mean nothing will.
You are not the size on the label
An honest note about bridal sizing and fit
Showroom samples are not made to your measurements. The first one may be too big, too small or simply the wrong shape.
An experienced stylist can pin and adjust a sample to show how the correct size should sit. We look at silhouette, proportion, support, structure, fabric and how you feel and move.
At Pure Brides, you will have a private suite and a dedicated stylist. Our showroom samples currently cover UK sizes 10 to 24, with made-to-order options available in sizes 2 to 30.
Your body isn't the problem. Sometimes the sample simply isn't the right dress.
Choosing where to book
How do I choose a bridal shop?
Before you book anywhere, do a little homework.
What to check before you book
Six practical ways to compare bridal shops
Look beyond the photographs. These are the six things we recommend checking before you book:
- 1. ChoiceDoes the shop actually carry dresses, designers and shapes within your taste and budget?
- 2. PricingCan you understand the approximate price range before you visit?
- 3. ReviewsRead what brides say about how they felt and what happened during the appointment, not only the star rating.
- 4. The AppointmentWill you have privacy? How long is it? Is there a dedicated stylist, and what is included?
- 5. ExperienceDoes the team appear knowledgeable about fit, ordering, lead times and alterations?
- 6. Your InstinctDoes the shop feel like somewhere you would be comfortable saying "I don't like this", "I feel self-conscious", "I don't understand", or simply "No"?
Want to do your homework on us? Please do. We're confident enough to let you check.
Working from your date
When should I start looking?
For most made-to-order wedding dresses, around 12 to 18 months before the wedding is a comfortable window. But if your wedding is much sooner than that, don't panic.
When to start looking
How dress ordering and alterations affect your timeline
Timing depends on your wedding date, designer lead times, whether you choose made-to-order or off-the-peg, and the time needed for alterations.
Tell us your date and we can work backwards with you. We can suggest suitable designers or show you off-the-peg dresses, currently starting from £800, that can be taken home much sooner.
Let's understand your date and work backwards.
Expert advice without pressure
I am scared I will be pressured to say yes.
You don't owe us a yes.
You can say no
The difference between expert guidance and pressure
Our job is to help you work out what you love and, hopefully, find your dress. The decision to buy it is yours.
You can retry a dress, ask for another option, ask questions, take a moment or simply say no.
Your private suite gives you and your chosen guests room to think. We will offer expert guidance when it helps, but we won't turn enthusiasm into urgency.
The yes belongs to you.
Your next step can be small
You don't have to have it all figured out.
That's what your appointment is for.
Come with a Pinterest board, a very clear idea, or absolutely no idea at all. We'll start with you, your wedding and how you want to feel, and work it out together.