FAQs
Do you specialise in plus size wedding dresses?
Yes! The Bridal Suite is a specialist plus size bridal shop dedicated to curvy brides. Our wedding dress samples are available in sizes 18–36+, and our Bellucci Bride collection is designed specifically for fuller figures.
Our dresses are not simply standard wedding dresses made bigger. They are designed and cut with a curvier body shape in mind, with structure, support and flattering proportions considered from the beginning.
We understand that finding a wedding dress when you're plus size can sometimes feel daunting, which is why our entire boutique is dedicated to making the experience enjoyable, comfortable and confidence-building.
What sizes are your wedding dress samples?
Our wedding dress samples are available in sizes 18–36+.
We have a wide selection of plus size wedding dresses for you to try on in the boutique, and larger sizes can be made to measure or ordered where required.
Because we specialise in plus size bridalwear, you can come to your appointment knowing that you will be trying on wedding dresses designed with a fuller figure in mind.
Where is The Bridal Suite?
The Bridal Suite is based in Park Gate, Hampshire, just off the M27 between Southampton and Portsmouth.
Our address is:
31A Station Road
Park Gate
Southampton
Hampshire
SO31 7GJ
Although we are based in Hampshire, brides travel from all over the UK to visit us because of our specialist collection of plus size wedding dresses and exclusive Bellucci Bride designs.
Do I need to book an appointment?
Yes. The Bridal Suite is strictly appointment only.
This allows us to give you our full attention and create a relaxed, private and personal bridal experience.
We recommend booking your appointment as early as possible, particularly if you have a specific wedding date or are looking for a particular style such as a plus size wedding dress with sleeves, a higher back or extra support.
How many people can I bring to my bridal appointment?
You are welcome to bring a maximum of two guests with you.
Appointments are for adults only.
No children or babies please.
We keep the number of guests small because our boutique is a personal and private space, and we want you to be able to concentrate on how you feel in each dress rather than feeling overwhelmed by too many opinions.
Choosing your wedding dress should be about finding something that makes YOU feel amazing.
Can I bring children or a baby to my appointment?
Unfortunately, we do not allow children or babies at bridal appointments.
We appreciate that this may not always be convenient, but our bridal appointments usually last around two hours, which can be a long time for a child. Our wedding dresses are also delicate so unfortunately our boutique is not a child-proofed space.
Most importantly, we want you to have a relaxed, private and uninterrupted experience focused entirely on YOU and as much as we love children they do tend to steal the show and not always in the best way. Thank you for understanding and respect for our no children or babies policy.
We want you to enjoy your time trying on dresses without distractions and to have the opportunity to make your wedding dress shopping experience a special memory.
How far in advance should I order my wedding dress?
We recommend ordering your wedding dress around 9–12 months before your wedding whenever possible.
Our standard production time is approximately four months, although some of our own Bellucci Bride designs can be produced more quickly when required. We may be able to accommodate a shorter timeframe, depending on the dress and your wedding date.
Remember that you will also need time for alterations once your dress arrives, so it is always better to allow plenty of time as most weddings are between April and September.
If your wedding is less than a year away, don't panic. Contact us and we can discuss the options available for your wedding date.
What happens if I am planning to lose weight before my wedding?
We know that many brides plan to lose weight before their wedding, but we recommend ordering your wedding dress based on your measurements at the time you place the order.
It is much easier for a seamstress to take a wedding dress in than to let it out, particularly if there is not enough fabric or the design does not allow for further alteration.
Your dress will be made to your measurements and then professionally altered closer to your wedding to achieve the best possible fit.
The most important thing is not to leave ordering your dress too late because you are waiting to reach a particular weight.
Can you alter or customise your wedding dresses?
Yes. This is one of the things that makes our Bellucci Bride collection different.
Because we design our own wedding dresses, we can often make changes to suit your preferences. Depending on the design, this can include adding sleeves, changing the neckline, creating a higher or more covered back, adding lace or changing other details.
We can also combine elements from different Bellucci Bride gowns to create something completely new.
Our designs have often been inspired by brides who have asked for something specific, so you don't always have to choose your dress exactly as you see it.
Do you have plus size wedding dresses with sleeves?
Yes. We have a wide selection of plus size wedding dresses with sleeves, including short sleeves, long sleeves, flutter sleeves, cape sleeves and other styles of arm coverage.
Sleeves are one of the most common requests we hear from our curvy brides, so they are an important part of our collection.
If you would like to cover the tops of your arms, have more coverage or simply love the look of sleeves, we can help you find a style that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful.
Do your wedding dresses have good support for a fuller bust and curves?
Yes. Support is an important part of how we design our Bellucci Bride wedding dresses.
Our dresses are designed specifically with fuller figures in mind, taking into consideration areas such as a fuller bust, waist, hips and back.
Different gowns offer different levels and types of support, so during your appointment we can help you find the structure and silhouette that feels best for your body.
Can I try on wedding dresses if I don't know what style suits me?
Absolutely.
You don't need to arrive knowing exactly what style of wedding dress you want.
We can help you explore different silhouettes, necklines, fabrics, sleeves and levels of structure to discover what you feel most comfortable and confident in.
Many brides arrive thinking they know exactly what they want and end up choosing something completely different. The most important thing is how you feel when you put the dress on.
How much are your plus size wedding dresses?
Our wedding dresses are currently priced approximately between £1,300 and £1,700, with many of our gowns around £1,600.
Prices vary depending on the design, fabric, lace, structure and details of the individual wedding dress.
Because our dresses are specifically designed for fuller figures, you do not pay more simply because you need a plus size wedding dress.
Are alterations included in the price of the wedding dress?
No. Alterations are not included in the price of the wedding dress.
Every bride has different fitting requirements, so alterations vary from one person to another.
We recommend arranging your seamstress as soon as you have ordered your dress because availability can become limited during the busy wedding season.
Alterations are usually carried out around 6–8 weeks before your wedding, although your seamstress will advise you based on your individual circumstances.
How much is the deposit for my wedding dress?
The initial deposit is normally 50% of the price of your wedding dress.
The remaining balance is due when your dress arrives.
As wedding dresses are made to order, please make sure you are able to pay the remaining balance when your dress arrives unless another arrangement has been agreed with Beverley.
Can I pay for my wedding dress in instalments?
Yes.
After paying your initial deposit, you can arrange monthly instalments towards the remaining balance before your wedding dress arrives.
The minimum monthly payment is £100.
Please speak to Beverley when placing your order if you would like to discuss an instalment arrangement.
Can I cancel my wedding dress after I have ordered it?
Wedding dresses are made to order specifically for each bride, so an order cannot normally be cancelled once it has been placed.
This also applies if your wedding is cancelled or your circumstances change after the dress has been ordered.
Before placing your order, we will make sure you understand the terms and conditions and payment arrangements.
How long does it take for my wedding dress to arrive?
Our standard production time is approximately four months.
Some dresses may arrive sooner, and in certain circumstances we can arrange a faster production time. If you have a shorter timeframe, please contact us before ordering so that we can discuss what is possible.
Once your dress arrives, you will also need to allow time for alterations before your wedding day.
Can I order a Bellucci Bride wedding dress if I don't live in Hampshire?
Yes.
Although The Bridal Suite is based in Hampshire, brides travel from all over the UK to visit us specifically for our plus size wedding dresses and Bellucci Bride collection.
We have brides travelling from areas including London, Surrey, Dorset, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, West Sussex and Berkshire, as well as many other parts of the UK.
Our specialist collection is one of the reasons brides are prepared to travel further to find a bridal shop where they can try on wedding dresses designed specifically for fuller figures.
Is Bellucci Bride available at other bridal shops?
The Bridal Suite is currently the exclusive UK stockist of Bellucci Bride.
Bellucci Bride is our own exclusive collection of plus size wedding dresses, designed by Beverley specifically for curvy brides.
Because the collection is designed by us, we can offer design variations and personalisation that you may not find with a standard wholesale collection.
Can I order a Bellucci Bride wedding dress from outside the UK?
We can discuss international orders depending on the dress and your location.
For international orders, we take a half deposit, your measurements and complete the order paperwork before the dress is made.
Once your gown arrives, we can provide photographs before arranging fully insured delivery.
Please contact us to discuss your requirements, delivery costs and the process for your country before placing an order.
What happens if my wedding dress doesn't fit perfectly when it arrives?
Wedding dresses are ordered according to your measurements, but they are not expected to fit perfectly straight from the box.
Professional bridal alterations are a normal and important part of the wedding dress process.
Once your dress arrives, your chosen seamstress will make the necessary adjustments to create the best possible fit for your body and your wedding day.
What makes The Bridal Suite different from other bridal shops?
The Bridal Suite is dedicated specifically to plus size brides.
Our Bellucci Bride wedding dresses are designed and cut for fuller figures rather than simply taking standard wedding dresses and making them bigger.
We listen to what our brides want and use their feedback to develop our designs. That means our collection includes features that curvy brides often ask for, such as sleeves, higher backs, supportive structures, flattering necklines and different options for coverage.
Most importantly, we want you to enjoy wedding dress shopping and leave your appointment feeling confident, beautiful and excited about being a bride.
Still have a question?
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please get in touch with us. Call/text Bev 07709050641.
We are always happy to answer questions about our plus size wedding dresses, appointments, sizing, customisation or ordering.