Crazy In Love Bridal FAQs
HOW ARE YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHER BRIDAL BOUTIQUES?
I stock sassy, unique and exclusive designer bridal wear that you will be hard pressed to find elsewhere in the UK. I am one of a handful of stockists of some of these designers in the whole of the UK, and the only stockist of them in the Essex area. I offer collections at a variety of price points to suit different budgets. I have great lead times for the made to order dresses with many of our designers being able to deliver these between 2.5 - 4 months.
I offer a really relaxed and cool atmosphere in a summer house setting which means you and your guests will have my undivided attention. I stock over 40 unique and stunning dresses (many of them exclusive) so you will be spoilt for choice but not overwhelmed by it. To make it easier for you to pre select styles, all bridal wear is available to view on the website and pieces in the Rebel Bride collection are available to buy online. I want all brides to get their special bridal experience by feeling relaxed and at ease. From start to finish you will be at the centre of the appointment.
I also understand there are brides to be who aren't interested in the the usual luxury bridal boutique experience and would be more comfortable and confident purchasing their dress online - and that's cool too as I'm here to help you every step of the way :)
WHAT IF I AM GETTING MARRIED IN THE NEXT 8 WEEKS?
I always have sample bridal wear available online and in the studio to take home straight away! Many of my designers offer Rush Orders and Made to Measure orders meaning you could get your new bridal wear in 4 - 6 weeks but please get in touch with me first to ensure the exact bridal wear you are after is available on a Rush Order.
The OUTLET also caters for last minute brides or brides on a budget.
WHAT IF YOU DON'T STOCK THE BRIDAL WEAR I AM LOOKING FOR?
If there is specific bridal wear from one of my designers that you love but I don't stock, I am more than happy to order this in for you with a 100% non refundable payment. If you are in the studio, we will take your measurements and if you are purchasing online, you will need to send accurate measurements to me. I can help guide you with this. Once the payment has been made, the order will be placed and you can come to the studio to try it on and take home, or I will happily send the bridal wear to you.
WHERE IS CRAZY IN LOVE BRIDAL?
I am based in a small town in Essex called Hockley. It's 50 mins by train from London Liverpool Street and 60 minutes drive from London (off the A127). I am a 4 min walk from Hockley Train Station so easily accessible. There is also parking available on the drive.
I LIVE OVER TWO HOURS AWAY – IS THERE ANYWHERE CLOSE BY TO VISIT?
Absolutely – I am a few train stations away from Southend On Sea (or about a 20 min drive) so it's definitely worth incorporating a visit to the seafront when visiting , especially if you're after one of the exclusive designers I stock.
WHEN SHOULD I START LOOKING FOR MY BRIDAL WEAR?
I recommend you start to gather your ideas at least 12 months before your wedding. You should aim to refine these around 9 months before the wedding as it can take from 2.5 - 4 months for bridal wear to arrive as they are all handmade. You may also need alterations, which can take another few months.
If you are getting married sooner, don't worry as I do my very best to accommodate last minute brides to be. I have a collection of 'Sample' bridal wear in a variety of styles & sizes that can be purchased on the day or online. Most of my designers also offer 'Rush Orders' for a small fee and I have recently opened an online OUTLET where bridal wear can also be purchased.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR SIZING?
I embrace all my brides to be and offer a personal service specifically tailored to meet each brides’ needs, in a relaxed, non-judgmental and friendly atmosphere. There is no body shape or body image issue that I have not seen.
Bridal sizing is notoriously small, and I strive to stock bridal wear that is true to size but at times they do come up smaller, so in many circumstances I order bigger samples so please ignore the size on the label!
WHAT IF I AM SIZE 16+?
Don't worry if you are size 16+, I have a stunning Curve Collection where all studio samples are available to try on in sizes 18 - 22. These are just as gorgeous, modern and stylish as all the other dresses. If you are worried, do get in touch to talk through your concerns, I want you to feel as comfortable as possible before your appointment. If the dress you love is not available in your size to try, I work magic with clips and it's likely I will have a similar style in the Curve Collection so you can see how it'll fit.
DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?
Yes please, scheduling an appointment with me is easy and allows me to fully dedicate myself to you, ensuring that your experience is everything it should be. I offer appointments at a time to suit you, day, evening or weekends. If you cannot find a time in the calendar, please get in touch as I can usually slot you in.
HOW MUCH IS AN APPOINTMENT?
Exactly £0! There is currently no charge for an appointment, your appointment always includes refreshments and lasts around 2 hours. You will have exclusive use of the studio throughout your time with me. You will never have another bride or bridal party with you at the same time.
WHAT ARE APPOINTMENTS LIKE AT CRAZY IN LOVE BRIDAL?
I offer a really relaxed and cool atmosphere in a summer house setting which means you and your guests will have my undivided attention. I stock over 40 unique and stunning pieces of bridal wear, many of these are exclusive to the UK & Essex so you will be spoilt for choice but not overwhelmed by it. To make it easier for you all the bridal wear is on the website to browse so you can pick your faves in advance. I want you to get your special bridal experience by being yourself!
Your appointment will last 90 minutes, that gives about 60 mins to find that dream bridal wear and another 30 mins to do all our measuring and paperwork. All brides are different, some like to make quick decisions and some need second (or third!) appointments. Please remember, there is no rush an no pressure to make a decision, I understand it's an important decision so take your time and relax. Sleep on it if you need to.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY APPOINTMENT?
Your bridal appointment will be an incredible experience for you and your guests. Top of my list of what to bring – an open mind! You'll have the opportunity to try on lots of silhouettes and styles to help you discover what you love but any photos or inspiration for the big day are very welcome. I might not have that exact bridal wear, but chances are I have something similar. Saved posts on Instagram and Facebook are also super useful. I will send you a 'Pre-Appointment' form about a week beforehand so I can get some more information about your budget and the styles you love to ensure your appointment is not wasted trying on bridal wear out of budget or not your style!
Some brides prefer to wear a strapless bra and some like to wear tummy-tuckers but neither is essential, just try and steer away from the black undies as they will show up underneath bridal gowns. Just be comfortable and I will do the rest! The shoes you are going to wear on the day and nude underwear is always helpful to give you a good image of what the dress will look like on the day.
HOW MUCH CAN I EXPECT TO SPEND WITH YOU FOR MY BRIDAL WEAR?
Crazy In Love Bridal caters to all different budgets with bridal wear and separates ranging from £399 – £2999. Let us know what you are comfortable spending and we will show you a variety of amazing gowns to fit your needs. We really believe that your wedding day is important but not a reason to put yourself into any financial difficulties.
I’M ON A TIGHT BUDGET, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO?
I always have a selection of stunning samples available to take away the same day, these are sometimes available with up to 75% off the RRP! I have recently opened an online OUTLET where bridal wear can also be purchased 'off the peg'.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I 'SAY HELL YEAH TO MY BRIDAL WEAR'?
Firstly I take your measurements and discuss any potential changes. Some designers offer customisations. I ask for a 50% initial deposit and ask that you pay the remaining 50% balance when your dress arrives (This is usually takes around 2-4 months). I will then invite you back to try on the dress again or there is also the delivery option for those of you that live further afield.
It is likely that your gown will need a few tweaks. I do not currently offer alterations but can provide you with recommendations for amazing local seamstresses. Some brides that live further afield find doing alterations closer to home more convenient. As a guide, this usually takes place 8 - 10 weeks before the big day!
Finally it’s time to become a Real Crazy In Love Bride on your wedding day – don’t forget to send me pictures snaps and tag #crazyinlovebridal on my Instagram. When your professional photos arrive please send them in as I would love to feature you on my website and socials.