When should I start looking for my dress?

Its never too early to start! As soon as you're engaged start researching online to get an idea of what you like. Ideally you want to give yourself 12 months. This will give you plenty of time to find a style that suits you, find THE dress, and have alterations done. I recommend leaving it no later than 8 months.

Do I need to book an appointment?

Yes. I run a by appointment boutique so you will need to book to come in and try the dresses on. Each appointment 1.5 hours. Please make sure you arrive promptly so as not to miss out on any styling time. Weekend and evening appointments get booked up quickly, book now to avoid dissapointment.

Where is Lavelle Bridal Couture?

I'm on Jury Street in the heart of Warwick town centre. Here are directions on how to get here.

Is there parking available?

Whilst there is private parking, being a town centre boutique, there is plenty of parking in and around Warwick. Go to the how to find us page for the closest parking.

How long is the appointment?

The appointment is booked in for 1.5 hours. Some brides don't need all the time but everyone is different so I allocate this time to make sure we're not rushed.

How many people can I bring to the appointment?

Due to size of the boutique I can only allow you (the bride) plus two guests. This is the maximum number of people allowed in the boutique at any time to enable social distancing rules to be followed. I do however have wifi and a tripod so that you can get anyone else you'd like in your appointment to join us virtually.

Can I bring children with me?

No. Children are not permitted in the boutique.

Should I bring anything with me?

Please bring a facemask if you have one. If you have a pair of shoes that are your perfect heel height feel free to bring them with you, or if you're like me and are shoe obsessed, you might have got your shoes before your dress! Similarly if you have a family heirloom or a piece of special jewellery that you know you're going to wear on your big day bring this along so you can see how it looks with your dress.

What should I wear for my appointment?

Get in the mood. Use your good shower gel and do your hair and makeup, it doesn't have to be exactly how your going to have it on the big day, but you'll feel better for it. Please refrain from using heavy foundation, lipstick or fake tan as I'd like the samples to stay ivory! It's best to stick to nude underwear, no one wants pink stripy knickers showing through their ivory wedding dress when they're trying to envisage walking down the aisle! Most dresses don't need a bra but if you're more confortable wearing one then invest in a well fitting strapless bra before your appointment (again in nude) as you'll be able to see all the dresses looking their best.

Can I take photos in my appointment?

Yes. Whilst I don't recommend it, because a lot of people look back and pick flaws in photos of themselves, it can sometimes be overwhelming trying to remember so many dresses. Try to remember how you felt in the dress rather than taking photos.

What size are the dresses at Lavelle Bridal Couture?

Most of my samples are in a UK size 10 or 12 however I do have samples from size 8 to 16. Just bear in mind that a samples dress is never going to be the perfect fit on you, because it's a sample. It's my job to let you see how the dress would look when properly fitted with a few pins and my magic wand.

What is the price range?

My dresses start at £1,450 and go up to £3,500.

When should I order my dress?

Try to give yourself 8 months so that the designers have time to make your dress and to allow plenty of time for alterations. Dresses usually take 4-6 months from ordering.

How long will it take for my dress to arrive?

This varies by designer and can take up to 6 months for your dress to arrive in to Lavelle Bridal Couture.

I've found the dress, what now?

Yay! Congratulations! I'll take your measurements to see what size dress we're going to order for you. You'll sign to confirm your measurements and the terms and conditions. Then I'll take a non-refundable 50% deposit, the remainder will be required when you collect your dress - within 14 days of it arriving in store.

Can my dress be customised?

Yes, most of my designers allow customisations to suit your specific requirements. I also have a fabulous seamstress who can work most miracles. Any extra fabrics, appliques, buttons etc have to be requested when your order is placed.

When can I collect my dress?

I'll give you an excited call when your dress arrives in store and from then you have 14 days to collect your dress and pay the balance.

What about alterations?

Your first alteration appointment will take place about 12 weeks before your wedding. I have an amazing seamstress who does all your fittings in the boutique. These appointments are held on a Wednesday and Thursday evening at Lavelle Bridal Couture. If you have a seamstress in mind that you'd rather use that is absolutely fine. Alterations are charged seperatley and only once all the work on the dress is complete.

How many fittings will I need?

Usually 2 or 3 fittings, depending on the work involved. In your first fitting we'll discuss with you what's going to be done to the dress and if we need any more appointments we always make sure we have plenty of time and can work around you. Please make sure you tell us everything you'd like to be done in your first fitting so we have time to manage these requests.

What should I bring to my fittings?

You HAVE to bring your shoes and your bra (if you're wearing one) to all your fittings. My seamstress cannot begin alterations without these!

How much do alterations cost?

How long is a piece of string? Every bride is different and this will totally depend on the work involved. 'Regular' alterations to fit (i.e. without any bespoke changes) usually cost between £300-£400 but depending on the dress can sometimes be more.

I've found a dress by one of your designers that you don't have in stock, can I still order this dress?

Of course! You can order any dress you like from one of my designers. Please let me know when you call to book your appointment. We can often loan a sample of this dress from the designers at a small cost for you to try on.

Do you accept returns?

No, all dress sales are final and we do not accept returns at Lavelle Bridal Couture.

What's changed because of Covid-19?

To make sure that I keep both you and myself as safe as possible during this time there are now new safety procols in place within the boutique in line with Government guidance. Below are a few of the key policy points that are now in place, a detailed breakdown can be found here. All of the details will also be discussed and sent to you prior to your appointment.

• You will be the only bride in the shop.
• The boutique will be thoroughly cleaned prior to your appointment.
• Social disntancing is in place thorughout the boutique wherever possible.
• You can bring two other guests with you.
• Please bring a facemask with you, you'll need it in the changing room. For fitting appointments, facemasks are to be worn throughout the appointment.
• Sanatizer and hand washing facilities are available throughout the boutique.

Do I have to pay for an appointment?

There is a £25, non-refundable appointment fee for Saturday and Evening appointments (after 17:00). However there is no charge for weekday appointments.