We start with a quick chat through your wedding plans and dress ideas, before trying on a selection of different styles, usually time for between 5-10 different options.

The studio is snug and all yours for the duration of your appointment. It is a one-on-one with Alice taking you through the collection and design options.

It's a relaxed and open environment here, you don't have to try on anything you don't want to and you won't be pressured into signing up for anything on the day.

Most styles are here in a size 8ish and 12ish, with a growing number of size 14/16's.

If there is a particular style you are hoping to try please advise this in the notes when you book in.

Yes of course! The studio is snug but there is space for you + 4 guests

You can also come alone if that is your preference!

It pays to wear nude underwear and a strapless or stick on bra (or similar to what you plan to wear on your wedding day)

Light makeup is welcome but please do not freshly apply fake tan or any body products that will come into contact with the gowns.

Feel free to bring along any references of styles or details you like if this might be helpful to explain your vision for your dress.

Absolutely!

It can be heplful to take some photos and videos of you in the gowns so you can look back over them while considering options.

Yes, your own ideas are always welcome!

Sometimes a very minor adjustment to an existing collection style can make all the difference in customising the dress to be perfect for you. Often these smaller changes are at no extra cost, but you will be quoted if any design changes will add to the price.

Making major changes to existing designs will fall under the bespoke design process, see below on this.

Not at all!

There are no payment facilities at the studio so you can't be signed up for anything on the spot.

It's an important decision! Take some time after your appointment to go away think about it and look over your photos before confirming your dress.

If you want to pop back in a second time to try on a couple of favourite styles you are welcome to do so at no extra cost.

Exciting!

If you have chosen a style from the Hayes Bridal collection (or a slightly customised version) your dress will be made up and either sent out to you for your alterations to be done locally, or you'll be booked in for your first fitting here at the studio.

For collection styles usually a first fitting is booked around 4-5 months out from your wedding.

For bespoke designs this can be as early as 8 months out, see below on this process, as there can be a few extra steps.

Typically around 3-4 fittings are needed for collection styles. These are booked in as we go, allowing for roughly one per month in the lead up to your wedding.

See below on bespoke designs.

Your wedding shoes (as soon as you have them) and any planned undergarments.

Please do not freshly apply tanning products, body oils or products that will wear onto your gown.

I strongly recommend no foundation or skin makeup products. Strictly no body tanning products or heavy moisturisers/body oils.

If we need to dryclean your dress pre-wedding it can be time-costly, and is at your expense and risk, so the safest option is to come sans makeup.

Yes, you are welcome to bring guests with you.

However please keep in mind your dress is now confirmed so these appointments are not the time for adding feedback on the design.

While it is completely up to you, a gentle suggestion is that you don't bring too many different guests with you along the way.

Usually around 2-4 weeks out from your wedding, though this is flexible by request.

Yes!

Please email hello@hayesbridal with details of what you would like to order and we can chat through details and arrange an invoice for payment.

If you'd like to see the fabric in person before ordering, fabric swatches can be sent out to you.

Please aim to place your order at least 7 months from your wedding date, this allows for approximately 4-5 months for production, and allows 2-3 months for shipping and for you to arrange your alterations on arrival.

Rush orders can be arranged! Please email to discuss your time frame and what is possible.

Almost certainly!

Your dress will be made to reflect your measurements, however alterations are almost always neccesary to ensure the fit and length of your piece are absolutely perfect.

Please choose your local alterations specialist carefully as this is a separate cost and separate part of the process and Hayes Bridal is not responsible for any outcome.

Dresses are carefully packaged in acid free tissue, gently boxed up and sent via tracked courier.

A cotton garment bag is included in your package to hang your dress in.

Usually sent with Poste Haste for New Zealand brides and FedEx for international.

Any applicable duties/import taxes are the responsibility of the reciever.

Please contact your local customs office for any information on duties or taxes you may be charged, as this is out of Hayes Bridal’s control.

If you have a clear idea of what you are looking for but haven't been able to find exactly that in an existing design, you might want to explore the idea of having something designed just for you.

Perhaps you have seen previous Hayes Bridal bespoke brides, or you connect with the brand and want to find out what is possible to bring your own vision to life.

Maybe you have a moodboard with a pretty cohesive idea but you're just wanting to figure out how to bring many different design elements into the one dress.

Bring some references along to your consultation, or email hello@hayesbridal with a bit of an explanation of what you are hoping to achieve and we can start there!

It is a different process for everyone. There is always a bit of visualising required!

I'm here to guide you and gently offer suggestions, but the goal is to find what you feel best in and most excited about, so I actively try to leave a lot of my opinion out of it.

Often a design naturally comes into fruition while you are here trying on pieces from the collection and chatting through ideas and details that you are drawn to, pulling elements from different styles to create something unique to you.

Sometimes a bride might come in with a mood board of some ideas and we can chat through how to put this all together into one cohesive design.

Or perhaps you know exactly what you are looking for and just want to find someone you connect with who you feel comfortable to trust with your vision.

It's important that we are both excited about the design, as that's where the magic happens - when I love making it as much as you love wearing it ♥

This process differs for every bride depending on the design.

But typically, once we have the design planned we start with a toile fitting.

This is your pattern made up - often in calico or similar fabric, to try on for a first fitting.

At this point we check the design, pattern and fit before cutting into the actual silk for your final garment.

Sometimes more than one mock up is needed to finalise exact details.

Once the design is finalised, any special fabric or trims are ordered, your dress is made up and we start fittings for the actual garment.

[heavily dependent on design] We need between 4-8 fittings of the actual garment to get it all perfect.

Price for bespoke pieces start from $5000NZD and are quoted at consultation

If you have a clear idea of what you are wanting made and/or a firm budget in mind, you can email hello@hayesbridal and often can be given a rough estimate.

Though please note that exact design details and fabric choice can greatly affect this, so price is quoted after in-person consultation.

Any references that you feel might help you to explain your vision.