SHOULD I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
Yes, if you wish to try dresses with us. We have a wonderful, highly trained team of Bridal Stylists (affectionately known as the a/team) that will work with you on a one to one basis in one of our three private bridal suites offering friendly, relaxed advice whilst assisting you, ensuring you receive the highest level of service. We will always try to accommodate walk-ins, but should we be fully booked you may not be able to try or fully browse all our collections, which are displayed over two large floors.
From the moment you are welcomed through our doors, expect to be indulged and feel like one of our Avorio family. In our luxurious boutique we have access and exclusivity to leading designers and can work closely with them to tailor your dress to perfection! Like other luxury boutiques we do charge a small non-refundable consultation fee of £25 when booking your appointment with us. This is in place due to the high volume of appointment requests and to ensure every bride receives the amazing Avorio Experience that our excellent reputation has been built on. We know our brides are worth it and we think we are too, our personal approach and passion for our brides is second to none.
WHEN SHOULD I START LOOKING FOR MY DRESS?
Twelve months before your wedding is usually a good time to start looking for your dress, but as all brides are unique there is no definitive answer... That said, we advise our brides to allow at least six months to order their dress then a further eight weeks for alterations and your dress should ideally be complete two weeks before your wedding. Don’t have this timescale? Don’t worry, there are still so many options available to you at Avorio, we can sell off the peg, arrange a rush cut option or source from our designers. Remember your dress will set the tone for your wedding day, be it romantic, vintage, glamour, city chic, whatever your theme, so many other important details will depend on finding your dream dress...
HOW LONG IS MY APPOINTMENT
All our bridal appointments are an hour and a half long to ensure your experience is relaxed and enjoyable.
Accessories, Bridesmaids, Flowergirls, Dress Reveal appointments are all 60 minutes. You are welcome to bring up to 4 star guests with you at the forementioned, larger parties can be catered for but must be agreed in advance. 'Try Own Dress' appointments are bride plus 2 Star Guests and are limited availabilty at weekends.
ACCESSORY APPOINTMENT
These are also extended to non-Avorio brides. we are continually told how beautiful and extensive our ranges are, so if you have your dream dress and would like to find the ultimate accessories to complete your look, you will be welcome to bring your dress and we will find the perfect accessories to finish your bridal look. These appointments are bride plus 2 star guests maximum.
WHO SHOULD I BRING WITH ME
Ideally a couple of trusted opinions are best, we promise that your shopping experience will be that much more enjoyable! It can be hard to hear your own voice when you’re focused on pleasing too many others. That said, we can comfortably seat up to four of your nearest and dearest at each of our bridal suites (see above).
DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING WITH ME?
Light underwear will work best under the dresses, a strapless bra can be handy, many of our dresses have in-built support so they aren’t always needed. As long as you are comfortable, we’re happy! Perhaps consider your hairstyle, it can be harder to visualise if you want your hair up and don’t have it styled that way. Please bring your preferred height of heels, regardless of their style they are needed to determine the length of your dress.. All our changing rooms have a full range of petticoats, a sample veil and headpiece to help create the overall look.
You are never fully dressed without a smile
WHAT TO EXPECT
Nervous, feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry, we are here to guide you through this amazing time and we come armed with refreshments for you and your guests. Each appointment will last 90 minutes so we’ll have ample time to discuss your ideas and help bring them to life, an open mind is great too, even if you have your dream dress visualised.
An Avorio stylist is dedicated to you and your guests from the moment you walk through our doors and they come with a friendly smile and warm welcome, whilst offering their professional knowledge and guidance to you. You will be shown to one of our three spacious bridal suites which also have comfortable seating for your guests. Then the fun really begins, our collections are housed over two floors and it’s time to explore and get lost in our world, believe us, it’s a fabulous place to be, amongst designer bridal gowns, bridesmaids, flowergirls and decadent accessories...
WHAT SIZE ARE YOUR SAMPLE GOWNS?
With over 150 bridal dresses instore, we have a wonderful selection for you to try. Our samples start at UK8 and we always carry at least 25 dresses that are UK18-UK26 for our curvier brides. We can however order dresses from a UK2 to UK36 upwards. Don’t worry if your dream dress isn’t your size, we have little tricks so you can see how they will look when fitted properly. All our dresses offer bespoke options, so something special can be added or changed to ensure you have your perfect dress.
OTP - Off the Peg
Close date? Second dress? Spend Less? We have an extensive selection of beautiful dresses that are available to 'take away on the day'. These are ex-samples in excellent condition and they are priced competitively, you could have the designer dress for less... please ask if you would like more information.
HOW CAN I PAY FOR MY GOWN?
When the tears of joy have dried and the bubbly has been drunk, it's time to do the paperwork and Avorio then require a non-refundable deposit which is 50% of your dress. The balance is then payable in full when your dress arrives with us within 14 days. At this exciting time we will then ask you to schedule a visit to try your dress, these appointments are 60 minutes in length and available weekdays and one Saturday per month. We are also happy to work with brides on personalised payment plans. Avorio will store your dress until your Big Day and present it to you fully steamed and in a bespoke Avorio gown bag at no cost to yourself. (Please also see our aftercare options).
GIFT VOUCHERS
We have beautiful Gift Vouchers available at Avorio, these are available for any amount and we are happy to post these out, if required. They can be the perfect gift for a bride who may have fallen in love with a beautiful veil or perhaps a lovely jewellery set, or she may be is saving for her dress or her maids outfits and would appreciate the extra help... whatever the reason, they are a lovely present to receive for a special occasion, Birthday or Christmas!
MISSED ANYTHING...
Photography is not permitted during our appointments, but is welcomed once your order is placed. We do ask you to place mobiles on silent during appointments as we love the relaxed ambience at Avorio. Facetime is welcomed if a loved one cannot join you, so you can share these magical moments. We do offer wifi and love you to check-in or visit our social media pages. Anything else you want to know, please get in touch, we love to talk...
Be present in the moment.
