Frequently Asked questions

When should I book my fitting and how long does it take?

We recommend booking your fitting 8 weeks before your wedding, or 12 weeks ahead if you have bespoke sleeves or customisations. First fittings usually take 45–60 minutes, while refit appointments typically last 30–45 minutes, sometimes as short as 20 minutes.. This timing helps you plan your appointment, whether it’s a midweek lunch break or an afternoon off.

Do I need my dress to book?

No. You can book before finding your dress. Once you have your dress and shoes, bring them to your first fitting so we can start tailoring your perfect fit.

What should I bring?

Bring your wedding dress, shoes, and any support or body-shaping garments you plan to wear. Veils and accessories are welcome. We cannot pin, adjust, or estimate hems without shoes or support garments. If forgotten, an extra fitting costs £30.

How many fittings will I need?

Most brides need just two: First fitting 8 weeks before the wedding date, and the second fitting 4 weeks before the wedding. We also include a collection appointment in the fitting fee which will be prebooked for you. Extra fittings are available if needed and mostly only required should you require extensive alterations or design work.

What types of alterations do you do?

Pretty much everything!! ... from perfecting the fit, shortening hems and creating a seriously snatched waist, to reshaping bodices, sculpting silhouettes adding bepoke sleeves, skirt splits and completely transforming a dress. We love a tricky transformation, changing designs and creating pretty much whatever you ask for.

Can you make bespoke sleeves?

Yes! Ideally, discuss with your boutique first to source matching fabric or appliqués. If unavailable, we can provide fabric swatches to match, but this takes extra time. If you attend your first fitting with the matching fabric to your dress this makes the process so much easier and make the outcome match your dress perfectly.

What if my size changes before the wedding?

We completely understand this can happen - we can always alter the dress again but this will be charged accordingly.

.We can also offer a quick turnaround if you haven't reached your goal weight/shape. Please ask but again will incur a fee.

Bridal alterations take time, precision and careful scheduling. When a dress is brought to us close to the wedding date, the work needs to be prioritised within a condensed timeframe. Where we’re able to accommodate this, a short-notice/quick turnaround fee applies.

First fitting booked:

• within 7 weeks of the wedding – 10% added to the balance

• within 5 weeks of the wedding – 25% added to the balance

• within 3 weeks of the wedding – 50% added to the balance

• within 2 weeks of the wedding – 100% added to the balance

This adjustment applies to alteration and bespoke work only and does not apply to fitting or appointment fees.

Short-notice/quick turnaround work is accepted only where studio capacity allows - and agreed Management.

How much will my alterations cost?

Costs vary by dress, fabric, and body shape. We can provide an estimate if you send photos and a list of desired alterations to WhatsApp: 07854 716348. Prices may change depending on the final work required. See Price Guide on the website for more detailed breakdown. As a guideling it could cost between £450 and £700.

Do you work with all boutiques?

Yes. We welcome all brides, regardless of where their dress was purchased. Fittings are booked on availability only and must be scheduled in advance. We do not hold or prioritise appointments for any boutique. We are an established studio since 2009 and are trusted by brides and recommended by bridal boutiques in and around Kent and South East of England.

Can you fit bridesmaids?

Yes. Fittings are available October–January. Bookings are online, and early scheduling is recommended.

I’m getting married abroad — do you offer a dress packing service?

Yes. We can pack your dress for travel for £40 fee, this includes acid-free tissue paper. You provide a bridal box, carry-on, or cabin suitcase.

What happens on collection day?

Your dress will be professionally steamed and ready for collection.

This appointment is a short handover, not a fitting. A member of staff will walk you through areas of your dress, how to handle and store it, and how to transport it safely to your venue. Although your dress will be professionally steamed and ready for collection, once it is placed back into its dress bag and transported, creasing can occur.

When the dress is removed from the bag at your venue, a light steam may be needed to refresh it before wearing.

For this reason, we recommend that all brides have a small handheld steamer available on the day, just in case a final steam is required.

How should I care for my dress?

Store in its cover or box in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Hang high to prevent creasing. Avoid placing anything heavy on top when transporting in car. A hand-held steamer is ideal for travel creases, especially for long trains and large ball gown dresses.

Do you offer post-wedding cleaning or boxing?

No, but we can recommend a trusted dry cleaner and advise on preservation boxes.

Are you insured?

Yes. Alexander Sharpe Bridal is fully insured, and our premises are secure for all fittings and alterations.

What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?

Fitting fees are non-refundable. We don’t accept cancellations but can move appointments to another convenient slot free of charge.

Does the fitting fee go towards my alterations?

No. The fitting fee is non-refundable and covers your first and second fittings, storage and a collection appointment.

do we sell accessories or veils ?

At your fitting, you’re welcome to try on any of our accessories to complete your look. You’re free to try veils, hairpieces, and finishing touches during your appointment so you can see your full look come together. We can even book you a styling appointmet with Abi.

Our curated accessory designers:

* Twilight Designs

* Athena Bridal Accessories

* Ivy and Sage (veils)

* Richard designs (veils)

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