There is no question we haven’t heard before and are happy to hear any of your queries.
Here is a selection of our most frequently asked.
Do I need to book an appointment to try on gowns?
Yes please! All our appointments are totally private so you’ll have our undivided attention. To make your appointment please don’t hesitate to call or email our FDB Team.
Can I come in and browse without an appointment?
An appointment is required even for browsing. This ensures that all our brides experiences are personal and private.
How long will my appointment last?
You’ll have our undivided attention for an hour and a half in the comfort of our boutique, allowing you to explore our collections and discover your own style with our professional assistance when required.
When should I start shopping for my gown?
We advise that you start searching for your gown around 12 months before your wedding date. All brides are different so if you wish to start looking sooner, the more time on our side the better. If you need something sooner, don’t panic, we will always do our best to accommodate all timescales.
Who should I bring?
We can comfortably accommodate 3 guests during your appointment. It’s really important to choose loved ones whose opinions you value and will support you to make the best choice for you. Too many opinions can sometimes cloud your judgement and be overwhelming. Should you or your guest have specific requirements please let us know in advance.
What should I wear?
We advise our brides to wear suitable skin toned and seamless underwear. Please don’t feel like you need to wear control garments, whatever you feel most comfortable and confident in will always be best. It’s a good idea (however not essential) to bring along a skin toned strapless bra, however we have plenty of tricks up our sleeves to support all shapes and sizes.
What should / shouldn’t I bring to my appointment?
Shoes, although not essential as we do have a selection in the boutique; a pair that is roughly the heel height you’d like on the big day will help with your overall look and feel in your appointment. For the sake of our beautiful gowns, kindly avoid wearing heavy makeup, fake tan, oils and moisturisers. Thank you.
How do I pay?
Unless otherwise agreed at the time of order. The payment from the customer is expected in two parts, 50% deposit and 50% final payment.
Do you accept refunds and exchanges?
We hope that during your bridal experience at Frances Day we have taken the time to ensure you’ve made the right decision and that due to the nature of how the gowns are made and ordered, all sales are therefore final. You are entitled to cancel your order within 7 days and receive a full refund, minus administration fees. More information is available in our T&Cs.
Will you have a dress that fits me?
Do not fear, the answer is yes. We have many tricks of the trade to give you the best possible vision of how your dress will look. As all our dresses are made to order, size is no issue so relax and enjoy.
How about alterations?
Ideally, we book you in for your measuring appointment 4 to 5 months before your wedding date. Alterations are not included in the purchase price of any gown. All alterations are crafted in house by our super team.
Can I take photographs?
We are happy for you to take photos to remember your favourite dresses and help with the all important post appointment debrief however it is important to focus on how you felt in the dress. Don’t let one funny picture sway your decision.
Is there a charge for dress appointments?
Your first appointment is chargeable at £25, this is fully redeemable against any dress purchase.
Do I need an appointment to view accessories?
Yes, we like to keep all our appointments private. We suggest attending our seasonal events, dedicated specifically to all things accessories. Only need accessories from us? Why not book your 1 hour private appointment charged at £15, fully redeemable against your purchase.
Is there customer parking available?
Customer parking is available right outside our boutique, along with free on street parking on the Burgage. Alternatively, King Street Car Park is a 2 minute walk away, here you’ll get your first 2 hours free.
Where’s nice to eat and drink nearby?
Situated in the picturesque market town of Southwell, we are so lucky to have plenty of gorgeous eateries and places to have a debrief with your girls over a refreshment or two! We highly recommend, The Old Theatre Deli, La Parisienne, The Wine Bank, Little Brunette Bakery and The Refectory, a short walk from the boutique. If you’re looking for a special celebratory dinner The Old Vol is a 15 minute drive away. We recommend booking all these places in advance, they are super popular and gorgeous!
How many dresses can I try on?
We don’t like to limit how many dresses you can try during your appointment time. Browse our collections at your own pace and once you’ve selected, we will assist you in trying them on. Feel like you need to try on more, we will happily book you a follow up appointment to continue your search for the perfect gown.
What is your price range?
Prices range from £2000 to £4500 plus. We do have a small selection of ready to wear samples available to take away on the day, starting from £750. All alterations are separately charged.
Do you offer a dry-cleaning service?
We do not offer an in-house dry cleaning service but we are more than happy to recommend ‘Terrington Burchett’ - a local family run dry cleaners. The sooner your gown is cleaned the more chance you have of avoiding any permanent discolouration or staining.
What if I can’t make my appointment?
If you no longer require your appointment or would like to reschedule, we ask for 72 hours notice. Please contact us directly via phone or email so we can arrange your appointment refund if applicable.
I have a dream dress in my head, can you make it?
We always love to offer our bespoke services. We work closely with all our designers to create your dream gown so any ideas you have, we will be sure to give them a go using elements from our collections!