FAQs

For a made to order dress we take your measurements and order you the dress in the size that closest matches your measurements with the designers set sizes. This is not a made to measure dress and you will still require alterations to ensure the perfect fit. So don’t worry of the sample dress we have in store doesn’t fit, we will be ordering you the dress in your size. These dresses wok best for brides with 9 months or more to go before their wedding.

Off-the-peg dresses are suitable for all brides, but in particular those with shorter timeframes as there are no order wait times, the dress you try on is the dress you take away with you on the day. These dresses are all new and unaltered, but they may have been tried on before, and are all discounted from the usual RRP. We only have one of each dress and they cannot be ordered again or in different sizes, they come and go quickly, and cannot be reserved…..so if you love a dress snap her up before the next bride does!

Our made to order dresses range in price from £1,300 to £2,800.

Our off-the-peg dresses range from around £1,150 to £2,000, with most falling between £1,300 and £1,800.

Our made to order try on dresses range from size 10-22, most are 12-16. But don’t worry, we use tricks to give you an idea how the dress will look when it’s ordered in your size. Some imagination might be needed, so keep an open mind, but once your alterations have been carried out your dress will be the perfect fit.

Off-the-peg stock changes regularly so we cannot guarantee what we’ll have and in what size, but in general we stock dresses in size 8-26.

Bridal sizing does come up small, so please don’t take it personally if you have to size up by one or two!

We operate on an appointment only basis to ensure that all brides get the high level of attention and time they deserve. Saturday’s are prime buying days for brides who are ready to find their dream dress so get booked up quite far in advance. If you can come on a weekday we will usually be able to see you much sooner. Weekday appointments are also suitable if you’re still in the early stages of your dress search.

We show just a selection of what we offer on our website, we like to keep a bit of mystery for when you get here!

You have your own private appointment suite for 2 hours.

Second/re-try appointments are 1 hour.

Collection appointments are 1 hour.

We start with a catch-up consultation to learn a bit more about you and your wedding, talk through styles, alterations and timeframes….then on to the exciting bit of trying on dresses! You will select some to try, around 6, and then as we move through the appointment we’ll suggest some others for you to try based on what you’ve liked and (as importantly) not liked. Be open minded, dresses on hangers look very different on bodies. We will narrow down to one or two favourites which you then re-try at the end of the appointment.

For every bride it’s different, ideally we say around 12-18 months ahead of your wedding, for some brides it’s longer. However, because we stock both off-the-peg and made to order dresses, we can accommodate any time scale. Keep in mind, ‘More Time= More Choice & Less Stress’. Made to order gowns take 3-6 months to arrive and then you need to add another 2 months for your alterations fittings, plus a month or two between to minimize stress.

We welcome the bride plus a maximum of three guests, we keep this the same for everyone so it’s fair. More guests will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.

Please note that children under the age of 10 are not permitted at any time. No matter how well behaved your little person is, bridal shops are hazardous places….think pulling down jewellery displays, hanging off dresses, or knocking over mannequins. Also, we want our brides to fully relax and immerse themselves in the experience of trying on dresses, if you’re being mum / aunty at the same time you won’t get the most out of your appointment. Babes in arms are fine as long as a guest is available to take them out for a walk should they become unsettled.

Nude coloured underwear and a strapless bra can be useful, but PLEASE don’t go out and buy anything especially, you don’t need any fancy underwear at this stage. Most wedding dresses are designed to be worn without a bra, but there are all sorts of clever underwear solutions on the market if you don’t feel happy being bra-less.  

Please refrain from wearing heavy make-up or fake tan.

We do not have our own car park, please note that the car park to the rear of the boutique is private and you will get fined if you park there. However, we are a short distance from both the train station and several car parks within a 5-10 minute walk. Please click here to find out more on our Find Us & Parking page.

The simple answer is yes, although we do have a few rules about this which we’ll explain during your appointment.

We will provide you with complimentary teas and coffees, but sadly we are not licensed to offer you fizz. However, you are very welcome to bring your own and will happily provided the glasses.

All dresses will come inside Queen Bee garment bag, these are specially designed to be breathable so your dress will perfectly safe inside for as long as is needed. Ideally the dress will be hung in her bag inside a wardrobe, on the back of a door, or from a picture rail…even laying flat on a bed if needs be. Just make sure there is some air circulation in the room (i.e. no damp or mould) and away from cats….they love running up and down the bags with their claws poking through!

Alterations are not included in the price of your dress. Regardless of whether you’re buying an off-the-peg dress or made to order, every bride needs alterations to make sure the dress is a perfect fit. With off-the-peg it’s very usual for a bridal seamstress to take in a dress by up to two sizes which widens the range of dresses available for you to try. Although your first fitting won’t happen until 6-8 weeks before your wedding day, a good bridal seamstress can get booked up 6-12 months in advance, so it’s important your secure your seamstress as soon as you have found your dress. For all brides who find their dress at Queen Bee we have a list of recommended bridal seamstresses which we will give you at the end of your appointment. We have a fun selection of example sleeves for you to try, as sleeves can be added to almost any dress!

Made to order dresses require a 50% non refundable deposit at your appointment, the remaining 50% balance you pay at your collection appointment. We cannot order your dress unless all the paperwork is signed and the deposit is in our account. You can pay by cash, credit/debit card, or by bank transfer, we do not accept cheques. Please keep this in mind and ensure your preferred payment method and funds are in place ready for your appointment. Please note that we are not able to offer returns, exchanges or refunds on either off-the-peg or made to order gowns, and all balances must be paid in full.

Off the peg dresses are pay in full on the day and take away with you.

If you have bought your dress from Queen Bee we have a large selection of veils, shoes, belts and jewellery for you to try on at your appointment or when you collect your dress.