Bridal FAQ'S
What dresses do you have available?
At Sophie Grace Bridal, our award-winning bridal boutique in Wokingham, Berkshire, we work with some of the most respected bridal designers in the industry. Our collections include Maggie Sottero, Sottero and Midgley, Rebecca Ingram, Paul Zeni, Studio Ellis, Diane Legrand and Sincerity Bridal, alongside our carefully curated Plus Size Collection and Bridal Minis. From these designers, we hand-select only the most beautiful and flattering gowns for our brides to try during their bridal appointment, ensuring a stunning selection of luxury wedding dresses for brides across Berkshire and the surrounding areas.
When should I start looking for my dress?
Recent years have shown that it is never too early to start looking for your wedding dress. Ideally, we recommend beginning your search around 12–18 months before your wedding day to allow plenty of time for ordering and alterations. However, we understand that timelines don’t always go to plan. That’s why at Sophie Grace Bridal, our bridal boutique in Wokingham, Berkshire, we offer a beautiful selection of Off-the-Peg sample sale wedding dresses in a wide range of sizes. These gowns are available to purchase and take home the very same day from our Bridal Outlet, perfect for brides planning a shorter engagement or looking for a designer dress at a reduced price.
What prices are the dresses?
At Sophie Grace Bridal, our award-winning bridal boutique in Wokingham, Berkshire, our made-to-order designer wedding dresses typically range from £1,300 to around £3,000. Our carefully curated collections feature beautiful gowns from leading international bridal designers, offering a wide variety of styles to suit different tastes and wedding visions.
We also offer a stunning selection of sample sale wedding dresses in our Bridal Outlet. These gowns are the same high-quality designer brands but are ex-sample dresses from the boutique floor. Our off-the-peg wedding dresses are all priced under £1,000, with some available at up to 65% off the original retail price. This makes them a perfect option for brides looking for a luxury designer wedding dress at a reduced price.
Before your bridal appointment in Wokingham, we always recommend thinking about your ideal price range. It can be heartbreaking to fall in love with a dress that is far beyond your planned budget. That said, all of our gowns have clear pricing displayed, and the decision of which dresses you would like to try is always completely yours. Our experienced bridal stylists are here to guide you and help you find a gown that feels perfect for both your style and your budget.
Do I need to book an appointment?
Yes, we run on an appointment only basis to ensure you have the undivided attention of your Stylist. We offer appointments 6 days a week, but our evenings and weekends do get booked up so do get in touch if you have a particular date in mind. Book your appointment here or message us on WhatsApp if you are on mobile - don’t forget to include your name and wedding date!
Do you charge for your appointments?
As with all luxury Bridal Boutiques we charge a consultation fee. Weekend appointments are £25 and weekday appointments are £20. All charges are refundable against your dress purchase. Remember this includes the exclusive attention of one of our award winning and experienced Bridal Stylists.
Is your shop accessible?
Yes - it is very important to us to be inclusive. We have lots of private parking to the front of the shop, and a ramp entrance for ease of access. The showroom is wide and open, and our fitting rooms are also spacious for accessibility. We are also able to offer dressmaking on the ground floor if required. If you are at all concerned please do let us know.
Who decides what I try?
At Sophie Grace we have experienced Stylists on hand to guide you through our gowns. Your appointment is a collaborative experience balanced between our stylists knowledge of the dresses in the shop, and whatever catches your eye throughout. Never be afraid to try anything on!
What size are the samples?
At Sophie Grace Bridal, our inclusive bridal boutique in Wokingham, Berkshire, we believe every bride deserves to feel confident and beautiful when trying on wedding dresses. Our gowns are available in sample sizes from UK8 through to UK28, and some styles are even available in multiple sizes to ensure more brides can try them comfortably.
Even if a dress isn’t available in your exact size, our experienced bridal stylists use a few industry tricks and expert styling techniques so you can still see how a gown will look and feel when fitted correctly.
If you would like to explore our beautiful range of plus size wedding dresses, we invite you to view our Curvy Bride Collection, which features stunning designer gowns available in sizes UK18–UK28 for brides across Wokingham, Reading, Berkshire and surrounding areas.
Who should I bring with me?
Our experience is that small groups of trusted family and friends are best when it comes to your dress search. At this time we are able to welcome two guests along with you - and we would encourage you to choose the most trusted and supportive from your circle. But the Bride Tribe need not be left out - speak to us in advance of your appointment about how we can virtually include more people.
Do you have a selection of veils and accessories?
We know that your bridal look is not just about the dress, and so we have a lovely selection of veils, headpieces, tiaras, hairvines, hair clips and belts for you to try with your dress.
How do you decide what size to order?
Every Designer works to a different size guide. At your appointment we will take your measurements and use these against the size guide to order the best sizing for you. Remember - dresses are made to order not made to fit so do allow for alterations. We are happy to talk with you about sizing if you wish. If you are planning to lose weight then if timing allows we do offer a re-measuring service 6 months before your wedding date.
How do I pay for the dress?
With a sample gown, we require payment in full. You can then choose to take your gown with us, or talk to us about our storage options. With a dress that we are ordering in for you, we require a 50% non-refundable deposit to order it, and then when it comes into store, your remaining 50% will be due. If you are using our alterations service we will store your gown free of charge for up to 18 months before your first fitting.
What happens with my fittings?
We offer an experienced and in-house alterations service to make your gown fit to perfection, and can offer a storage for your dress alongside this service. Our dedicated dressmaking department situated above our showroom offers appointments 6 days a week including evenings and Saturdays - perfect for the busy Bride.
If you wish to have your fittings with us your first fitting will normally be 8-10 weeks before your wedding, although we will arrange this when your dress arrives with us. If your wedding is imminent then please don’t worry - we will begin your fittings as soon as possible.
You will generally only need two fittings alongside a check fit, and the cost of your alterations will be discussed with you at your appointment and are invoiced before your check fit. Please don’t forget to bring your shoes and any relevant underwear with you to all of your fittings.
When do I collect my dress?
If you have had your alterations completed by our dressmaking department then we will also prepare and press your dress alongside any accessories, all ready for collection up to 7 days before your wedding date. If you are travelling abroad you may wish to ask us about our travel box and packing service.
Cleaning your dress and how to store:
We offer an in-house cleaning service, and you can choose to have your dress boxed in a stylish storage box, or alternatively hung in a gown bag - perfect if you are considering selling your gown on.
If you are planning on wearing your gown again, perhaps to a delayed reception, then we can clean your gown and make any repairs required.
