Frequently asked questions
The Questions That Matter
We’ve covered everything!
About the Boutique
MMXXVI · Lincoln
Before your Appointment
WHEN SHOULD I START LOOKING FOR MY DRESS?
12–18 months is ideal. Designer dresses take up to 6 months to arrive, and your seamstress will need 8–12 weeks for alterations. If your date is sooner, do not panic — we have a Ready to Wear collection with dresses available to take home the same day.
DO I NEED TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
We recommend it. We are a boutique, which means appointments allow us to prepare for you properly — your stylist will select gowns in advance based on your style, so you are not browsing rails on arrival.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Nude underwear is ideal. Most of our gowns have built-in bust cups, but a nude strapless bra works if you prefer. Comfortable shoes you can step in and out of easily. Come ready to enjoy yourself.
HOW MANY GUESTS CAN I BRING?
We recommend up to three. Enough for the people who matter most, not so many that every opinion pulls in a different direction. Our bridal suite is reserved exclusively for you during your appointment.
The Appointment
HOW LONG DOES AN APPOINTMENT LAST?
A standard first appointment is 90 minutes. A VIP appointment is two hours. Retry appointments (if you have visited before and want a second look) are an hour. Try-on appointments for your own dress are also an hour.
WHAT IS A VIP APPOINTMENT?
Two hours of exclusive boutique time for you and your guests — something sparkling on arrival, a dedicated stylist, a personal gown edit prepared before you arrive, and a gift bag when you say yes. Find out more about the VIP experience.
WHY DO YOU CHARGE FOR APPOINTMENTS?
Because we prepare for every bride individually. Your stylist researches your vision and selects gowns before you arrive — your time in the boutique is focused, not spent browsing. The fee covers the suite, the stylist, and the preparation.
DO YOU CATER FOR PLUS SIZES?
We cater for every body. Our collection runs from UK 6 to UK 32, and our plus-size gowns are chosen with the same care as everything else in the boutique — not as an afterthought.
After You Say Yes
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I HAVE FOUND MY DRESS?
We celebrate — photos, a signed card from the team, and your gift bag if you are a VIP bride. Then we order your dress (allow up to 6 months for delivery) and connect you with our seamstress for alterations. She works from the studio above the boutique on Guildhall Street, so everything stays in one place.
DO YOU HAVE A SEAMSTRESS?
Our seamstress works from the studio directly above the boutique on Guildhall Street — fittings are a short walk from where you found your dress. We recommend booking her early as she fills up quickly.
WHAT ARE ALTERATION COSTS?
Alterations are priced individually depending on what is needed. Your seamstress will advise at your first fitting. We can give you a rough guide when you order your dress.
Practicalities
WHERE ARE YOU AND WHERE SHOULD I PARK?
We are at 8–10 Guildhall Street, Lincoln, LN1 1TT — just off the high street. The nearest car park is NCP High Street.
WHAT ARE YOUR OPENING HOURS?
Tuesday–Friday 10am–4pm. Saturday 9:30am–4pm. Sunday by appointment. Closed Wednesday and Monday.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
We ask for 48 hours’ notice to reschedule or cancel. Cancellations inside 48 hours or no-shows will lose the appointment fee, as your suite and stylist are reserved for you.
The VIP Experience
The appointment you'll never forget.
A glass of something sparkling. Your closest people. A stylist who has been pulling silhouettes for brides since before you were engaged.
This is not a fitting. It is the beginning of your wedding day.
- Sole use of the boutique, by appointment only
- A dedicated stylist & two hours of your time
- Bollinger on arrival — for you and up to six guests
- A handwritten card from the team afterwards
