about our dresses
+ How much do your dresses cost?
We offer bridal collections to suite a wide range of bridal budgets.
Our dresses start from £1500 and go up to £3800.
+ Which designers do you stock?
Renowned for offering our brides something truly unique with a chilled bohemian vibe, boutique owner Russell Blackburn travels Europe and the US to source new and exclusive designers collections – always striving to stay one step ahead of the ever changing trends.
The current collection includes Blackburn Couture, Anna Campbell, Anna Kara,Willowby and Avenue by Josephine Scott
+ How long does it take to order a dress?
Our dresses typically take 6-8 months to be made. On top of this we suggest allowing 6-8 weeks for your fittings process so overall a 12 month window of time is perfect to allow the process to run as smoothly as possible. Please note dresses can be turned around in a faster time but rush fee's may be incurred. You can discuss this in more detail with your seamstress during your appointment.
booking an appointment
+ Do I need an appointment?
Yes, our boutique runs a by appointment only service. Please complete our online booking form here.
If you would prefer to speak directly to one of our stylists please call 0208 297 1188 or email appointments@blackburnbridal.co.uk
+ Do you charge for appointments?
Yes we do charge an appointment fee of £25 for first appointments. This fee is redeemable against your dress purchase. Please note appointment fees are non-refundable. Second appointments are vharged at £10.
+ How long do appointments last?
Our appointments last an hour.
During this time you will meet with one of our bridal stylists. We offer very consultative appointments, initially we sit down and have a brief chat to find out the details of your big day, this helps to give us a picture of the overall look and feel of the day.
We discuss shapes and silhouettes and start the process of helping you to select a number of dresses from our collection to try.
planning your appointment
+ Who should I bring with me?
We aim to make your appointments with us as relaxing and enjoyable but we do ask that you bring no more than 3 guests due to the space and seating available in the boutique. We love children and dogs but sadly we can’t accommodate them at our bridal appointments.
+ What underwear and shoes should I wear?
We recommend wearing appropriate underwear to your appointment to ensure you can visualise the dresses to their full potential.
Nude underwear is best along with a strapless bra. We provide shoes for you to try on during your appointment so unless you have already chosen your wedding shoes please don’t feel you need to bring anything with you.
We appreciate good hygeine and please avoid fake tanning ahead of your appointment and keep make-up to a minimum, this ensures our dresses are kept in pristine condition for our brides.
Buying your dress
+ How do I pay for my dress?
If you have found your dress huge congratulations! The next step is to pay your 50% desposit to start the production of your gown. Once this deposit has been made we make contact with your dress designer and send across your measurements and photos. At this point we will be given an estimated date of arrival for your dress which we will advise you of by email.
Unless you are having a rush order your dress can take approximately 8-10 months to be made. Please note at this time the ETA date is a guide only and not guaranteed.
Once your dress is ready to leave the designer to us we will be in contact with you to take the remaining 50% balance payment and to book in a date for you to come in to try on and collect your dress.
Please note if you live abroad we highly advise you wait until we have physically received your dress in store before booking flights.
+ Do you sell sample dresses?
Yes we have a range of samples in excellent condition that we are looking to sell to make way for upcoming collections.
These dresses are available to purchase off the peg and are sold as seen. Perfect for brides marrying to a shorter timescale or if you are looking to get your hands on a designer dress at a fraction of the full retail price.
If you would like to book an appointment to try on our samples specifically please mention this at your time of booking.
+ I am planning a quick wedding - Can I still buy a dress?
If you are yet to find your dress with just a few months to go we may still be able to accommodate you but please bear in mind your dress order may be subject to a rush fee. This can be discussed during your appointment.
Fittings and alterations
+ Do you offer fittings and alterations?
We pride ourselves on high quality and choose to use only two highly qualified and experienced seamstresses for alterations to our bride’s gowns.
On average alterations can take up to 10 hours whether small or large as the gown will be unpicked, deconstructed, adjusted and re-worked back to a beautiful finish. Your seamstress will discuss what is needed and the charges at your first appointment.
Specialist alterations can be longer, your seamstress will advise this and any extra charges at your first appointment.
To make the most of the hour during your initial fitting appointment and more importantly to ensure the alterations are accurate we ask that you bring your wedding shoes and wedding day underwear with you (bra, cups, bodysuits etc...)
Our seamstresses will make the necessary adjustments with these essentials, without them there could be further alterations required requiring additional appointments and charges.
Lastly, as the hour appointment is so important for your gown’s perfection, we respectfully ask you to be on time and if you are interested in viewing or trying accessories, please inform us prior as we will need to review the allocated time.
Of course you are welcome to carry out fittings with a private seamstress of your own choice (ideal if you have travelled from further afield or internationally.) All of the above can be discussed in much more detail during your appointment.
+ I live abroad - Can I still carry out my fittings with you?
Yes if you live abroad but would like to carry out your alterations with one of our experienced seamstresses this is possible.
Our seamstresses are able to offer a ‘fast turnaround service’ where all of your fittings are carried out over a period of 5-7 days. Please note there would be a rush fee for this service.
We would also need to book this in for you ahead of time as peak seasons can be very busy for our seamstresses.