FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
What types of designs are offered at By Brooke?
Bespoke designs are primarily shaped by the customer's vision, and numerous ideas can certainly come to life! Through a consultation and some initial sketches, Brooke can turn concepts into reality.
Specialties include:
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- Bridal gowns
- Tailoring / soft suiting
- Veils
- Bridesmaid dresses (for children)
- Waistcoats (for children)
- Accessories
How much does a bespoke dress cost?
The price varies based on the design, starting at £900. This amount may increase with complexity, and additional charges will apply for fabrics. Please click here to learn more on the bridal page.
What happens in a consultation?
Brooke will listen to all your design ideas or fit worries, offering honest and caring advice. Taking away any worrying thoughts and giving you exciting options and complimentary adjustments to your bespoke design or alterations.
From advice on colours, textures, as well as proportions and shapes that balance well on your figure, Brookes main aim is to show your confidence and elegance through your bridal gown.
Do I have to pay for my appointment?
The first consultation is free however, if you require a second consultation this will be charged at £35.00
Your appointment is a one to one conversation so all questions and concerns can be voiced during your initial consultation knowing that moving forward we will be covering all points taken.
Can I bring children?
Brooke truly adores little ones, but please try not to bring them with you as the studio is very limited for space and is a working environment with equipment.
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During your appointment you will need to stay focused so you understand what the next steps are moving forward, and we know how distracting those little smiling faces can be!
Your fittings are still part of your wedding day so you should be able to soak up every moment for your memories and enjoy the process.
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If you are unable to attend without a babysitter, please bring someone with you who can look after them during your fitting and keep them entertained.
Can I take pictures?
Of course you can take pictures! But please remember to not focus on your own phone images for validation after each fitting.
As a bride you must always remember how your outfit feels and looks in person which your professional photographer will capture perfectly on your special day.
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Every part of the studio has been designed for a working environment from lighting to flooring, not for photography, therefore sometimes your outfit may not feel perfect looking back at them in photos from your phone.
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Do you sell any other dresses or brands?
Every garment is made bespoke for each bride therefore no other brands are supplied at the studio.
Accessories are available to view and purchase but will be made to order for each bride.
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Veil designs by Molly Eliza are requested to view by appointment only
When should I start my bridal dress journey?
Bridal gowns are anything but ordinary. Unlike most fashion you buy from the high street, each garment is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, hand-cut and hand-finished at a couture level.
Given the personalised nature of the service and the exclusive craftsmanship involved, the advice is to start your journey 9 – 12 months in advance of your wedding date.
You can most certainly have a bridal outfit in a smaller time frame, but it can limit your choices.
Who should I bring to my appointment?
The space in the studio is limited therefore advise you just bring one or two special people such as your mum or bridesmaid as a second pair of eyes, preferably it should be the person dressing you on the day.
Your support should be your worst critic but best cheerleader offering you honest advice but make you feel happy and excited through your bridal journey.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR FITTINGS
QUESTIONS AND TIPS
Before your fitting, here's a bit of advice: Take a deep breath and relax! Don’t expect your bridal gown to fit perfectly right away; that’s why you’re on this bridal journey—to have it tailored beautifully just for you. You’ll be working with a skilled and experienced bridal fitter, tailoress, and couture seamstress who will ensure your garment fits wonderfully.
Brooke will work closely with you throughout this process, advising you on the fit of you gown including underwear advice and even styling.
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Brooke will always be here to advise you – please don’t worry or hesitate to get in touch at any time throughout the process. She completely understands the occasional anxieties associated with wedding planning and dress worries, so is here to provide professional support and a friendly helping hand every step of the way. She guarantees by the end of the process, you will feel nothing but beautiful, confident and empowered.
What do I need to bring?
UNDERWEAR and SHOES are essential for all fittings and without them Brooke can not start the alterations. She will discuss with you about underwear at your appointment if you have any questions or concerns.
Shape wear and underwear
Most of you will be wearing lingerie on the big day, although I know a few will happily go commando because of the shaping of your dress!
The No.1 rule when buying your lingerie is that they are as close to your skin colour as possible.
Ivory and white unfortunately will show through even with lots of layers!
When you are shopping for your dress, have the underwear on that you feel gives you the control, fit and/or comfort you like. If you are unsure this is something that can be tried at your first fitting to see what works best.
For those wearing shapewear or pants and don’t know where to begin, please read on.
Looking for a little extra curve? Recommended on bridal websites is Totally Curvy
Low back pants with control are difficult to find, I personally recommend
Ender Legard they have got the low back option spot on.
They are specifically designed for bridal, and their customer service is exceptional.
For tummy control or simply a smoother line Skims.com is highly recommended. From a range of skin colours for the perfect match, to different levels of hold this brand is perfect for comfort as well as hiding those areas you might be conscious of. From personal experience I go a size down for the extra cinch, and for a more comfortable but still seamless hold go for my regular size as recommended on the site. Also available via
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Dresses with the sides cut out try a style with a clear strap. Or stick on thong… yes you read that right!
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They should last all day with no issues!
For your bust
Most dresses have enough structure with a fit that will hold your bust in place not requiring extra support. However there are some styles out there which don’t use boning or corsetry therefore feel they don't give you the shaping and lift you may desire.
Often questioned is 'can you just add cups?’. An option available in some styles however they don’t always work and can be a bit ‘marmite’ for brides!
Another option is for boning to be added or a softer wadding. (these options are possible if the dress isn’t illusion or made with fine fabrics)
The options can be discussed at your first fitting or consultation.
For dresses that can’t use boning or padding there are plenty of stick on solutions now which aren’t just for the smaller cupped girls!
Boomba is a popular brand mentioned on social bridal pages and are highly recommended
Perky Pear are amazing and recommended by a lot of bridal stores, especially for low V cut gowns as you can cut them to compliment your dress neckline.
Rabbit ear stick on’s are another popular brand that has been used in the bridal world for a long time!
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If none of these work you may find the classic bit of boob tape is your best option! (best found in boots stores, beauty stores and on Amazon)
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Please use a skin tone that best suit you.
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Different options may need to be tried at your first fitting to see what works best, but please try to have a go with the different options before you attend as we will need time for correcting the fit!
How many fittings will I have?
For alterations with up to resizing (as mentioned on the bridal page), usually require a maximum of 3 fitting.
For anything customised, or bespoke you will require more fittings, and this is just on an individual basis.
Timings
Please kindly note, it’s important that you arrive on time for your fittings. Unfortunately, Brooke cannot keep other client’s waiting as fittings are conducted on specific days of the week, so if you are late, your appointment will need to be shorter or rescheduled. Rescheduling within 24 hours of the appointment will result in a small fee of £20.00
Thank you so much for your understanding.
When should I book for my alterations?
Once your dress is purchased, she advises you to get in touch as soon as possible to guarantee your diary space. Your fittings will begin approximately 8 - 10 weeks before your wedding date, however this does depend on the complexity of your alterations required and can be discussed at a consultation.
For bespoke dresses the process will run for at least 6 months (minimum) with fittings and appointments spaced throughout this time period to allow for fabric deliveries and creating the garment itself etc.
Please note you may need to book time out of your diary for fitting appointments.
Creating a corset back
Whether you are pregnant or your dress is just that little bit snug, dresses with a zip or buttoned back can possibly be altered for a corset back to be inserted. This will give you more flexibility with body changes.
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The fabrics must be a perfect match otherwise it will look like it has been added in therefore may need to come off the hem or train.
For bridesmaid dresses they can be a problem with colour matching as brands often have fabrics specially dyed for them and reluctant to hand over spare fabric! For a perfect match you could purchase a spare bridesmaids dress and we can use the fabric from that.
What happens if I get pregnant?
Brooke will need to adjust the dress as close to your wedding date as possible.
Unfortunately, you cannot guess how a dress will fit when a bride is at various stages of pregnancy, which may mean compromising the design of the dress.
However, there are options which may be possible to make your gown comfortable yet still be elegant on your wedding day. These fixes also apply to bridesmaid’s dresses.
Please note this can all be discussed at a consultation. Before booking you MUST contact Brooke so she can book you in for an initial appointment closer to your wedding date so you know how your dress can be altered.
Please let her know how many weeks pregnant you will be on the wedding date.
Together you can then decide on a timeline for alterations. As she will be doing the fittings as close to the wedding date as possible, you will need to be flexible with appointments.
Cost will depend on the complexity of the alteration and the lead time.
Resizing to allow for your bump
Brooke can only let out if the designer has left enough in the seam allowances. However sometimes panels can be added to the dress without compromising on the style. To achieve this guarantee, the fabrics must be an exact match. Alternatively a corset back can possibly be added.
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For waist seamed dresses which have enough allowance over the hip, Brooke can separate the skirt from the bodice and positioning the skirt above your growing bump. Some dresses may require having the skirt linings replaced if they are too narrow.
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This method can only works if there is enough length in the skirt, and for figure hugging dresses allowance for your hip and bum. Otherwise you may not have a dress kissing the floor which is classed as the perfect length.
Tall brides or high heel lovers this may mean a lower heel or flat shoe to allow the drop on the dress.
(At least with a lower shoe you will be comfortable for the day!)