In order to get the best fit possible it is essential for you to bring your shoes and any shapewear with you that you plan to wear on the big day. Failure to do so could result in needing to book an extra fitting. You will also need to bring with you a hanger and dress bag for safe storage between fittings.

You are welcome to bring a select few friends and/or family members but it is important to remember that this is about getting your perfect fit so try to choose people you feel would help the experience feel calm, positive and focused.

There is also no problem with coming by yourself if you prefer! Hope will simply help you pass on necessary details to your friends regarding the bustle and skirt.

You can expect to need about 45 minutes for the first fitting, as Hope will make the main assessments during this appointment. The following fittings will most likely be shorter, as the dress will only need minor adjustments. If, however, you require more complex alterations please expect to need up to an hour per fitting. You can then anticipate the final fitting to be no longer than 30 minutes.

The fit of your gown is incredibly important, as every body shape is unique. Almost all brides require a hem adjustment and bustle points to be added, allowing for ease of movement and comfort after the ceremony. Many brides also need refinements to areas such as the waist, hips, bust, and shoulders to achieve the perfect fit. For standard alterations of this nature, you should allow a budget of approximately £300–£450.

If your gown requires more complex work, such as significant size changes or design modifications, you should plan to budget £600 or more, depending on the level of alteration needed.

Hope’s workspace and studio contents are fully insured so you have no need to worry while your dress is in her possession. Your gown will be safe and well cared for.

Hope’s studio space is situated in the center of Wimborne, to the left as you enter Kings Court, near Salamanders and Goadsbys. Please note that there are immediate steps as you enter the 1st floor studio space.

4 Kings Court Wimborne BH21 1HS

There are many carparks nearby to the studio in Wimborne including Allenview and Hanham. Waitrose carpark is also 5 minutes walk and is free for 2 hours.

It is important that all clients are able to be assisted in their alterations. Therefore, although my regular fitting suite is not currently wheelchair accessible, I do have access to an alternative fitting location that is fully accessible. If this is something you require, please be in touch and we can easily arrange this for you!

The usual timeline for bridal alterations is as follows:

8-10 weeks before: First fitting and major adjustments

5-6 weeks to go: Second fitting and minor adjustments

2 weeks to go: Final fitting, the finished look and collection!

Hope recommends that you aim to be at your desired weight for your first fitting where possible. If your measurements change after this appointment and further alterations are required, additional adjustments may incur charges in line with Hope’s standard labour rate of £30 per hour.

Please ensure you bring your shoes to your first appointment. If shoes are not available at this fitting, an additional appointment will need to be scheduled, which will incur a £30 fee.

Your hem will be finalised at the second fitting. Should you decide to change your shoe choice after the first appointment, please ensure your final selection is confirmed no later than the second fitting to avoid the hem being set to an incorrect length.