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Crazy In Love Bridal FAQs
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WHEN SHOULD I START LOOKING FOR MY BRIDAL WEAR?You should ideally start to look for wedding dress inspiration at least 18 months before your wedding. You should aim to refine these around 9 - 12 months before the wedding as it can take from 2.5 - 6 months for bridal wear to arrive as they are all handmade. You will also likely need alterations, which can take another 8 - 10 weeks. 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.
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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. Leigh on Sea is also a gorgeous seafront town which is about a 20 min drive away with quaint restaurants and shops to visit.
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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'.
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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.
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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!
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WHAT IF I AM SIZE 16+?Although we are not Plus Size bridal specialists, we do strive to have a curated Curve Collection full of exclusive modern and fashion forward styles. 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 styles 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.
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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 are also 2-3 parking spaces available on the drive and lots more free parking nearby.
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WHAT ARE APPOINTMENTS LIKE AT CRAZY IN LOVE BRIDAL?Your appointment will last 2 hours, that gives us about 90 mins to find your dream bridal wear and another 30 mins to do all the measuring and paperwork. Please remember that all brides to be are different, some like to make quick decisions and some need second (or third!) appointments. There is no rush and 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.
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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.
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DO I NEED TO BOOK 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.
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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I 'SAY HELL YEAH TO MY BRIDAL WEAR'?1. Firstly I take your bust, waist and hip measurements and discuss any potential changes to your bridal wear. (Many of our designers offer customisations). 2. I ask for a 50% initial deposit to raise your order. The size ordered will be based on the specific designers size chart and your biggest measurement will be used to determine the size ordered so alterations will always be needed to ensure your dress fits perfectly. 3. Once your wedding dress is ready with the designer (This is usually around 3 - 6 months) we will then ask for the balance in order for your bridal wear to be shipped. 4. Once the remaining 50% balance has been paid you will then be invited back to attend your collection appointment. At this appointment you will get to to try on your dress and carry out final inspections. There is also the delivery option for those of you that live further afield. It is likely that your gown will need a few alterations as it is made to order rather than made to measure. I work with a dedicated dressmaker & seamstress who reserves slots specifically for my Crazy In Love brides. She is based 10 mins from the bridal studio but most fitting take place at the studio, usually on a weekday. Alterations costs are not included in the dress and are paid for separately and directly to the seamstress. As a guide, you will usually have 2-3 fittings. The first fitting takes place around 8 weeks before your wedding, with the last fitting taking place at least 2 weeks before your wedding or your travel date if you are getting married abroad.
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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. You will be spoilt for choice but not overwhelmed by it. To make it easier for you, all the bridal wear available in the studio 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 2 hours, that gives about 90 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.
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HOW MUCH IS AN APPOINTMENT?There is currently no charge for an appointment, but due to no shows and cancellations a £15 fee will be charged for all appointments from the 1st October 2024. Your £15 fee will be taken off the price of your bridal wear if you say yes to you dress, or you will be refunded this booking fee as long as you cancel at least 72 hours before your appointment. All appointments are 2 hours, private and always includes refreshments and snacks. 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.
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ARE ALTERATIONS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF MY DRESS?No. Alterations are a separate cost from the purchase of your wedding dress. They are carried out by my dedicated seamstress. If you consent, your details will be passed to my seamstress as soon as you say yes to the dress. I will provide her with your name, dress (including pic) and date of your wedding to pencil in your first fitting date.
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HOW DO I CLEAN MY WEDDING DRESS BEFORE OR AFTER MY WEDDING?We work closely with a specialist dry cleaner that cleans and repairs wedding dresses and bridal wear. Between trying on your dress before the wedding and alterations in-between, you may want to have your dress dry cleaned BEFORE your wedding. Some brides like to do this especially if they were sweating or accidentally got make up marks on their dress at their collection or fitting appointments. Dry Cleaning Charges: Pre Clean - £125 Post Clean - £150
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WHAT DO I BRING TO MY FITTINGS & CONSULTATIONS?Fittings are usually 30 - 45 mins and usually take place at the studio but can also be scheduled at the seamstress' studio in nearby Rayleigh. Your first fitting will take place at least 8 weeks before your wedding or the date you leave to your venue if you are a destination bride. It will also include a short consultation so the seamstress understands what changes you'd like made. At this appointment my seamstress will pin your dress and hem. Take measurements and take your dress away. She will also take down your personal details so she can send you a personalised quote for the work needed. Once you've received the quote you will have 24 hours to accept or decline it. If you accept the quote, a 50% deposit for the work must be paid before any work is started. Your second (and usually final) fitting will take place at least 2 weeks before your wedding. You must bring the following items to your both fittings: Wedding Shoes Underwear - Nude underwear or skims are recommended. Please note that some dresses may not allow for underwear. Many of our dresses have internal bust support and boning so it's unlikely you will need a bra but this will be discussed if you purchase a dress from me.
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DO YOU OFFER ALTERATION SERVICES?Yes. We work closely with a highly experienced and trained seamstress/dressmaker who reserves slots for my brides once they have said yes to their dress.
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CAN I SEND MY WEDDING PHOTOS TO YOU?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.
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