Appointments

Help & Advice from our Bridal Experts

The bride-to-be who visits Barnardos Bridal Rooms is treated to an individual consultation with one of our bridal experts who can offer help and advice. This bridal service is by appointment only to ensure that we can offer an exclusive bridal consultation service.  You will have our undivided attention and free reign to try on whatever you choose.

Wedding Dress Shopping Tips

Barnardos Bridal Rooms Manager Bernadette Harrington has the following tips for brides to be shopping for their perfect dress:.

1. It’s best to bring one person with you for the first outing.  Too many people means too many opinions and this can result in a more stressful experience. Sometimes it’s a good idea to visit a store first on your own to figure out what you want and then come back with your mother or your maid of honour to get another opinion.
2. Weekdays are quietest, and a great time to book your appointment.
3. For the appointment, brides should wear the style of underwear they would choose to wear for their wedding day. Pay special attention to ensuring smooth lines: maybe wear a body shaper or a Basque. If you have a strapless gown in mind a Basque is ideal or a good quality strapless bra. Consider the heel height you plan to wear on the day and bring shoes of a similar height when dress shopping.  It is useful too if the bride can have her hair up or down depending on what she has in mind for the day. No fake tan please as it ruins the gowns!
4. Do not buy a gown that is too small in the hope of slimming down! Also do not buy a gown that is too big and try to alter it, it won’t work.
5. Remember when buying a bridal gown you invariably need to go up at least one size: this is because they are very fitted, not because you have ballooned overnight!