If you’ve never been to a bridal appointment before, it’s normal to feel a little nervous. Will I know what to try? What if I don’t like anything? What if I cry? (Plenty of brides do, and that’s fine.)
The good news is that you don’t need to know anything before you arrive. Here’s what a first appointment at VBB Gravesend looks like, so you can walk in feeling relaxed.
Finding Us
We’re at Unit 4, Lion Business Park, Dering Way, Gravesend, DA12 2DN, inside The Wedding Showroom. We’re open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, with Sundays by appointment only.
Everything is by appointment, so you’ll need to book online before you visit. We recommend booking 2 to 3 weeks ahead.
The Space Is All Yours
We only hold one appointment at a time. That means you and your guests have our large private bridal space to yourselves, without other bridal parties around you. No queues for the fitting room and no strangers watching while you try things on.
Getting to Know You
Your appointment lasts 90 minutes and you’ll have your own stylist the whole time. We start by chatting about your wedding, what you like, what you’re comfortable wearing and how you want to feel on the day. If you’ve saved photos or a Pinterest board, this is the time to show us.
If you don’t have a clue what you want, that’s completely fine. Most brides don’t, and part of our job is to help you work it out.
Trying On Dresses
Your stylist will pull dresses we think you’ll love, and sometimes one or two you’d never have picked yourself. Those are often the ones that surprise people. We’ll help you understand how different shapes, fabrics and necklines change the way a dress looks and feels, and we’ll give you honest advice along the way.
Our sample sizes typically range from 8 to 28, and some gowns can be ordered up to a size 36. Sample dresses won’t always fit perfectly, so your stylist will help you picture how your dress will look once it’s ordered in your size and altered to you.
Who to Bring
We’d suggest a few of the people closest to you. There’s no strict guest limit, but a smaller group usually makes for a calmer appointment where you can hear your own thoughts. Bring the people whose opinion you trust, and who’ll be honest with you in the nicest way.
A Few Tips Before You Come
Wear seamless, skin tone underwear so you can see the dress clearly, and bring a strapless bra if you have one. If you already know your wedding shoes, or at least the heel height, bring a similar pair. Come with your budget in mind too. Our dresses typically range from £899 to £2,299, and telling your stylist what you’d like to spend helps them show you the right gowns.
Bridal appointments are meant for brides who are ready to start their dress journey and make a decision if they find the one. We suggest starting around 12 to 18 months before the wedding. If you got engaged recently, our post on first steps after getting engaged explains why.
If You Say Yes
If you find your dress, we’ll take your measurements, talk through sizing and go through our terms and conditions with you, along with the timeline for alterations and further appointments. A 50% deposit places your order and the balance is due when the dress arrives in store, usually 6 to 9 months later. Fittings then start around 3 months before your wedding.
If you don’t find it on the day, that’s fine too. It’s a big decision and there’s no pressure.
Before You Leave
Because we’re based inside The Wedding Showroom, you’re surrounded by independent wedding businesses covering suits, jewellery, cakes, hair and makeup, photography and more. It’s worth a wander after your appointment, with no expectation to use anyone.
Take a look at our collection before you come, then book your appointment. We’d love to meet you.
