How to prepare for your appointment at Love & Lace Bridal Boutique in Sleaford
Before your appointment, a little preparation helps us make the most of your time at Love & Lace Bridal Boutique. Bring inspiration images, a rough budget and the undergarments or heels you plan to wear so our consultants can recommend styles quickly. If you have a particular dress shape, veil or fabric in mind — note whether you favour lace, satin or chiffon — tell us in advance. Clear preparation means a focused, enjoyable appointment tailored to you.
Bring your inspiration
Save images on your phone, make a Pinterest board or bring printouts of gowns, veils and details you love. Highlight elements that matter most to you — silhouette, neckline, sleeve style, fabric and embellishment — so our consultants at Love & Lace can quickly select gowns that match your vision.
If you have family heirloom you wish to incorporate or fabric samples, bring photos or swatches to help us advise on preservation or integration.
Know your budget
A rough budget helps us tailor suggestions and avoid disappointment. Include an expectation for the dress itself and a separate figure for alterations, veil and accessories. Our team in Sleaford will explain likely alteration costs and lead times so you can make an informed choice on styles and fabrics that fit both your look and your spending plan.
REMEMBER- Please be honest with us, as we can only truly help you if you are!
Wear the right items
Come in nude or seamless underwear if possible. You might not need to wear one on the day of your wedding, but for the appointment feel free to bring a strapless, convertible or no bra at all!
Bring a pair of heels similar in height to those you’ll wear at the wedding so the consultant can assess hem length for when you find your perfect dress.
If you already own a veil or special jewellery, bring them along to see how they sit with your chosen gown.
Practical details for your visit
Arrive a few minutes early to check in and allow time to settle. We suggest bringing only a small group of guests so you can focus on choices — our consultants will guide the fitting and offer honest, experienced advice. There is convenient parking in the area near the boutique and private fitting rooms for your comfort. If you have questions before your appointment, contact Love & Lace Bridal Boutique and our team will be pleased to help.
Real Bride Q&A
Styling FAQs
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring any dress photos or ideas you love, but don’t worry if you’re not sure what you want. We’ll help you explore different styles and find what feels right for you.
Do I need to know what style suits me before I come?
Not at all! We’ll chat about what you like and what you feel comfortable in. Sometimes the dress you least expect is the one that makes you feel amazing.
How many guests can I bring?
Your appointment is private, and we recomend you bring up to four guests. A smaller group can make it easier to hear your own thoughts and enjoy the moment. Every guest you invite will bring another opinion leading to possible overwhelming feelings of confusion.
Can I make changes to my dress?
Some changes may be possible, depending on the dress and its design. Bring us your ideas and we’ll talk through what might work.
Budget FAQs
How much are your wedding dresses?
Our main collection gowns are generally £1,000–£2,000. We also have sale and Ready-to-Wed dresses priced up to £1,000. Tell us your budget when you book and we’ll help you choose dresses in your price range.
How much are your appointments?
Our Classic V.I.B. Consultation is free. Our Luxe V.I.B. Experience is £47 and includes extra refreshments and treats.
Are alterations included in the price of my dress?
Alterations are arranged separately with one of our independent bridal seamstresses, so they aren’t included in the gown price. The cost depends on the dress and the work needed.
What other costs should I allow for?
You may want to budget for alterations, a veil, shoes, a petticoat or other accessories. We’ll help you explore the options, and there’s no need to choose everything on the day.
Timeframe FAQs
When should I start looking for my dress?
We recommend starting around 12-18 months before your wedding, so you have time to find your dress and plan for its arrival and alterations.
What if my wedding is sooner than that?
Still get in touch! We’ll talk through the time you have and let you know what options may suit your wedding date.
When should I arrange my alterations?
We usually recommend contacting your seamstress around 8-10 weeks before your wedding. They’ll plan your fittings with you.
When will my final fitting be?
Your seamstress will advise you, but the final fitting is often around 2 weeks before the wedding.
What if I’m hoping to lose weight before the wedding?
You don’t need to change your body to deserve a dress you love. We’ll help you choose a gown that feels lovely on you as you are. If your body does change, your seamstress can advise on what adjustments may be possible and when to have your fittings. We recommend choosing your dress size based on your measurements at the time of ordering, rather than ordering a smaller size in the hope of losing weight.
Can you store my dress until I take it to the seamstress?
Yes, we can store your dress at the boutique from when it arrives until you’re ready to take it to your seamstress. There’s a storage charge to cover the insurance, and we’ll let you know the cost when your dress arrives. You’re also welcome to take your dress home instead.
Alteration FAQS
Will my alterations be ready in time?
We’ll help you plan ahead and put you in touch with one of our trusted independent bridal seamstresses. We usually recommend arranging your first fitting around 8-10 weeks before your wedding, with your final fitting around 2 weeks before the big day. Your seamstress will guide you through the fittings and timing.
Can I change the style of my dress?
Often, yes — but it depends on the dress and what you have in mind. Things like adjusting the hem, adding sleeves or changing the neckline may be possible. Many changes need to be made before the dress is ordered. Bring us your ideas and we’ll talk them through with you.
How much should I budget for extras?
It varies from dress to dress. Alterations, veils, petticoats and any extra details can all affect your budget. Your seamstress can explain alteration costs before work begins, and we’re happy to help you think through the accessories and options that suit your dress and budget.
What if I’m worried or unsure?
Just ask us. We’ll give you honest advice, help you understand the next steps and make sure you know who to contact. We want you to feel supported from finding your dress right through to your final fitting.
Clear guidance for busy brides
At Love & Lace Bridal Boutique we know your time is precious. This page explains how our stock works, what to expect when ordering a gown, typical lead times, payment and deposit arrangements, and what happens if a designer delivery is delayed. Read on for practical, trustworthy advice so you can plan with confidence.
Sample stock versus made-to-order gowns
We keep a curated selection of sample gowns in the boutique that are available to buy off the peg or to try for size and style.
Sample dresses are a great option if you need a gown quickly or want to avoid lead times.
Made-to-order gowns are ordered from designers to your chosen size and sometimes your preferred colour or minor custom details.
Many designers require factory production time and will ship the gown to us for final fittings. When you visit the boutique we will confirm whether a dress is available as a sample, can be ordered as a standard production piece, or must be placed as a custom order.
Typical lead times and how to plan
For brides ordering made-to-order gowns, plan for a lead time of around five to six months for most designers we stock at Love & Lace.
Some designers offer faster production of two to three months and some couture houses can take up to twelve months, so we always check current schedules when you place an order.
If you are buying a sample or an off-the-peg dress we can usually discount it.This does not include any alterations required.
We recommend ordering your gown as early as possible — ideally nine to twelve months before your wedding — and booking your first alteration fitting 6-8 weeks before the wedding date.
Deposit and payment options
To secure a made-to-order gown from a designer we ask for a deposit at the time of order.
Our usual practice at Love & Lace is to take a deposit of fifty percent of the order price; this secures your order with the designer and is deducted from the final balance. The remaining balance is payable upon collection.
We accept debit and credit cards, bank transfer and cash. If you would like a staged payment plan, please speak to us and we will explain flexible options that work with the designer’s payment schedule.
Any sample gown must be paid in full at time of purchase.
Delays, sizes, modifications and changing or cancelling an order
If a designer item is delayed we will contact you straight away with clear options.
If your wedding date changes and is brought forward it may be posible to move your order to the next production run, offer an alternative gown, or arrange a refund if the designer cannot meet your new wedding date.
For sizing and modifications: gowns are sold to the nearest standard production size and most brides will need alterations. We don't provide in-house fittings but we can recommend trusted local seamstresses in Sleaford and the surounding areas. Expect two to three fittings for significant changes; the final fitting is usually scheduled two weeks before the wedding.
Cancelling or changing an order is NOT possible due to the designer’s terms and our boutique policy. Deposits on made-to-order gowns are non-refundable because they secure production with the designer. If you must change sizes or specifications we will liaise with the designer as soon as possible — some changes can be made but others cannot once production has started. We always explain the cost implications up front so there are no surprises.
Booking Your Bridal Appointment at Love & Lace
Simple, private and tailored consultations in Sleaford
Booking your appointment
Booking is easy. Just use our online booking form or get in touch with us and we’ll help you find a time that works.
Appointments are private, relaxed and all about you. You’ll have 90 minutes with us in your own bridal suite, with space for you and up to four guests. We’ll help you try different styles, offer honest advice and give you time to enjoy the experience — with no pressure.
When you book, tell us your wedding date, dress size and the sort of styles or budget you have in mind. It helps us get ready for your visit, but don’t worry if you’re not sure what you want yet. That’s what we’re here for!
If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please let us know as soon as you can. And if you have any access needs or questions before you visit, just get in touch. We’ll be happy to help.