Terms and conditions
Anne Blanchard Bridalwear
Bespoke Garments
An initial consultation will be free of charge. During this meeting ideas will be discussed, including inspirations, style, the wedding venue, themes and colours of the day. Inspiration can be taken from a garment but not copied directly, as this is illegal. Images from the internet or magazines are useful, and can be used to select a silhouette, the style and design to create a unique dress.
Two to four fittings will be required during the making process but this would be discussed as we progress.
I also make bridesmaids and special occasion wear and wedding veils.
Consultation
After the consultation I will provide you with a quote to make the dress without fabric costs. I will give you an idea of how much the fabric may cost and an initial timeline. A deposit payment will be required at this stage to cover 100% of the cost of any materials that I have to buy and 30% of the estimated making cost. This is non-refundable.
Measuring for a Bespoke Dress
Before the day of taking body measurements, I will ask you to wear a non-padded bra, (not a sports bra) and fitted clothing, leggings are usually adequate. You do not need to have your shoes at this point but they would be required for the second fitting, this will be discussed during your appointment. The bride would need to let me know at this stage, if your body weight is likely to change in the next few months.
Payments
Payments can be made via online payment or cash; I will invoice at each stage of payment to keep you informed of the balance.
Larger payments can be made in instalments and the final payment must be made before the final collection. A payment plan will be discussed at the first fitting then sent in writing for agreement.
Order cancellations
All garments are made to order; therefore, I do not have a returns policy. If work needs to be cancelled, please advise immediately and then I can stop work and then only charge for the work already completed. If the deposit does not cover the work completed then an invoice will be sent for the balance to be paid.
If the dress in cancelled 12 weeks before the wedding 100% payment (including all materials) will be charged.
Appointments
Please arrive on time for appointments, if you are going to be late, please phone or message me so I know, as I may have a day of fittings. I allow plenty of time for each fitting but may have to rearrange, depending how late you are going to be (possibly at an additional cost). Please email or message me if you need to rearrange a time for a fitting.
Parking is free but can sometimes be difficult, please allow plenty of time to find a spot.
I am happy to visit to attend fittings at home, this will be charged at £60 per hour plus travel costs, if it is not local
Timescale
Ideally, at least three to four months are required to have a bespoke dress made, although a year in advance is better as I need to schedule you into my yearly work plan. Please do not hesitate to contact me if your wedding date is sooner, as I may be able to fit you in depending on how busy I am at the time.
I intend to have your dress ready one month before the wedding date but this can be sooner if required. I cannot store your dress after completion.
More time is sometimes required for bridesmaids, especially if you have a few and they are not local, it can take a while to agree on appointments.
Fabric requirements
I have a large selection of lace and fabric samples in my studio. If we cannot find a suitable fabric, I will collect some samples and this will be added to the invoice. If we need to go into London and look at fabrics this will cost £200 for half a day.
Weight Change and Alterations to a Bespoke Dress
During the fittings small alterations will be made and this is expected. We will start your dress on an agreed date and if you lose or gain more than a dress size after this date, then I will have to charge extra to be able to alter the dress. I cannot guarantee the fit being as perfect as if made to the original measurements. Please let me know if you are intending to change a lot of weight.
Alterations and Restyling a Dress
Consultations are £30, if your dress requires some work, then there will be no consultation fee, just the cost of the alterations. I will provide you a quote after your consultation. You can email me with a photo of your dress and areas that you think may need altering and I can give you an approximate quote but this would only be confirmed once I have seen the dress. A 30% non-refundable deposit will be required to hold your booking.
If your wedding dress is not collected on a specified date and not collected within 6 months of the date agreed (unless an alternative date/arrangement has been made) then I will need to donate the dress. I unfortunately cannot store dresses. All payments due are still required to be paid.