Frequently Asked Questions

Every bride is different and this is very personal to you but we would advise looking for your dress around 12-18 months in advance. This does not however mean that we need this amount of time to order your gown in. We have some of the best designers and we can order all our gowns to arrive within a 6 month period with a further 10-12 weeks for alterations. Allowing 12-18 months takes away the pressure as some brides do find it tricky to find their perfect dress, so allowing this amount of time will ensure you don’t have to panic and you can make the right decision. Don’t worry if you have less than 6 months as we are able to get certain designers and styles in much quicker than this so we are always able to help. But this is something we will work with you on so let us know if you're in a rush!

Yes! As we want you to have an enjoyable and personal experience, we close of the boutique to anyone but yourself and your guests so booking is essential. You can do this easily via our online booking form on our website but if there are no suitable appointments available then please do get in touch at hello@1840bridal.co.uk and we will endeavour to fit you in at another time. We are all local ladies and assuming we have childcare covered, we will be there to help you!

We know you're unlikely to have chosen your underwear or shoes ahead of choosing your dress so you cannot bring them but we do recommend you bring along nude underwear (don't worry about bras as it will usually come off!) and some heels if you're planning to go up on your big day! It will help you get a feel for how the outfits hang. Otherwise you just need to bring yourselves with your chosen party of friends or family to help you select the perfect outfit.

We recommend no more than four people to come along with you. It is great to have input from family and friends but sometimes there are just too many opinions! At the end of the day, it's only your opinion which matters!

At 1840 we are solely focussed on the bride. There is an excellent suit shop in Newport called Visual Impact which will cater for all the groomsmen's needs and we have found a lot of people are now sourcing their bridesmaids outfits and mother of the bride etc. online. We are happy to point you in a few directions if you need.

YES! These are a key part of many bride's outfits and we absolutely cater for this. We are delighted to be a stockist of Linzi Jay veils and Arianna accessories and you can try on a number of pieces in the boutique during your appointment. We can also order specifics in for you to try if we haven't quite got the right combination for you and each item will be made to order.

You can reach 1840 at The Loft, Osborne Stables via public transport, car or on foot. The Stables themselves are found next to Vectis Storage, the turning directly after Osborne House on the left if coming from East Cowes. The Loft is located on the top floor of the old stable block, accessed via the central courtyard and parking is highlighted by branded signs. If arriving via the Red Funnel car ferry on foot you can either walk (approx. 20 mins) or take a Southern Vectis bus from outside Waitrose, five minutes up the hill to the stop adjacent to Osborne House where you'll see the entrance to Vectis Storage and business park. The number 4 and 5 buses stop here. Once through the gates you can ask at reception for further directions to 1840 at The Loft if required! Alternative ferry options include the Red Jet passenger ferry which arrives into West Cowes. You can then get the chain ferry over to East Cowes and follow the bus instructions above. Wight Link also run ferries to the Island with the closest option to us being the Portsmouth to Fishbourne car ferry which is about 8-10 minutes drive away. The number 4 bus also runs from Fishbourne to Osborne House.

Our boutique is housed on the top floor of a Grade II listed building which was originally the old stable block for Prince Albert's horses at Osborne House. Unfortunately, given the age of the building, it is not feasible to put in a lift and the only access is up two flights of stairs. If this is likely to cause an issue for you then please do get in touch with us directly and we are happy to arrange an appointment at a location of your choosing on the Island. We can bring a large selection of our dresses to you so there is no need for you to miss out on anything.

Each designer is slightly different but broadly speaking you're looking at between 16-24 weeks. You can find out more about specific designers/dresses during your appointment. You should also be allowing 8-10 weeks after this for any alterations with our in-house seamstresses. Most of our designers do offer a fast track service for a small fee so this is worth bearing in mind if time is ticking.

Size is just a number! During your appointment at 1840 we take all your measurements and match these to the relevant designers sizing charts. All designers vary on sizing but as a general, we cater from a UK6 up to a UK30.

No! We will always help you find a dream outfit for your big day whether you have the slightly more recommended 6-8 months or something a little less! Most of our dresses in the boutique are made to order however, every now and then we can sell off the peg, meaning if you see something you like in store, you could be taking it home that very same day. Some of our designers also offer a fast track service for this very need so they can bump you to the top of their make list for a small fee. Ask during your appointment for more information on this.

You can try on as many dresses as you like within your two hour appointment. We will start the appointment having pulled out a few dresses we think may be a good starting point based on what you tell us on your booking form but then you are welcome to choose whatever you like. Be open when it comes to trying different styles on, but do go with what you are drawn to and thinking, as you know yourself, what you feel your absolute best in, and it is our job to help you uncover this!!! If you are worried please don’t be, we see lots on girls in dresses every day, and we know what will suit your figure best. The dresses also always look different on hangers. They also look very different on models you see online so be open minded and you will find the most perfect dress for you.

If you find your dream dress at 1840 we will ask for a 60% deposit at the time of placing your order and the remainder upon collection which on average is around 4 months later.

We work with two amazing bridal seamstresses who both have a wealth of experience and knowledge. When you come to collect your dress we will share their details with you so you can arrange a fitting 12 weeks prior to your wedding at a time that suits you. The amount of fitting appointments you require will depend on what you would like doing.

Yes, great question – do your research, make sure we stock dresses you are drawn too, follow us on social media so you can get a feel for how we look after our brides as soon as they step through our doors. Our main aim is for you to find your dress in the most comfortable, yet luxurious environment. We have the best job and you will feel that throughout your entire appointment. Speak to us in advance of your appointment, ask questions, and come feeling ready – we don’t want you to worry about a thing. This is exciting and you know you will love every second!