*We would then write out an invoice for your order, and ask for a 50% deposit which can be paid by cash, credit/debit card or cheque (or we can arrange for you to pay by installments if there is enough time before your wedding for you to do so).
*Your dress is then ordered from our suppliers and takes approximately 8-10 weeks for most bridesmaids/prom/evening dresses, and 12-16 weeks for most bridal dresses to come into stock. If your order is more urgent, a rush order can usually be arranged for which suppliers charge a rush fee of approximately £25-£75, depending on the supplier and type of dress.
*Once your dress arrives, we will check it over thoroughly and then contact you to arrange payment of the balance and dates for fittings, unless these have already been arranged at the time of order.
*Balances are due within two weeks of the dress arriving in to us. Alternatively the balance can be paid at the first fitting if this is within two weeks of the date the dress arrives.
*If your balance is due but it is too soon for alterations, you are welcome to come in to look at, or try on your gown before paying the balance. If trying on, please note that even though you are not having your dress pinned that day, this is still a fitting, and you would need an appointment to ensure the changing room is free for you. We can offer you a 'trying on only' fitting Monday to Friday by appointment.

PLEASE NOTE,  WE DO NOT OFFER FITTING APPOINTMENTS ON SATURDAYS. This is very important to note as we wish to avoid any disappointment at a later date. 

*Fittings for alterations can be arranged for Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays, which are the days the dressmaker currently works. These can be booked well in advance, at the time you place your order if necessary, so that you have plenty of time to make arrangements, to fit in with work or holidays.
*As a guide, we recommend that you allow at least 8 weeks before the wedding/occasion date for your first fitting. This then leaves plenty of time for the dressmaker to do the work, and for you to come in for second and possibly third fittings.
*Generally a bride will come for a first fitting, and then a second time to try on the dress after it has been altered, with a view to collecting it that day. Sometimes a bride will need to come a third time, if there is a lot of work needed, so it is important that you are able to plan ahead for these dates.

BUYING FROM STOCK GUIDE
Most prom/evening customers, and some brides, will buy their dress from stock. If this is the case, you are welcome to have the your dress pinned at the time of buying, to save you having to come back for a separate alterations appointment. If you are planning to buy from stock, please bring your shoes and underwear with you so that we can save you time by fitting you on the day of purchase. Alternatively you are welcome to book a fitting appointment on another day. Please still allow 8 weeks before the event for your first fitting.  If your event is sooner we will offer you a rush alteration service if available. (Please note that in the busiest months we may not be able to offer a rush alteration service, but can recommend local dressmakers to you.)

We hope you find the above notes useful when planning your purchase, but if there is anything you wish to ask about you are very welcome to phone us on 01245 357471. We will always do our best to accommodate you with any special arrangements, and will try to help make the process of ordering your gown as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Best wishes from the Divine Gowns team.