We recommend you begin dress shopping 10-12 months in advance of your wedding date. In an ideal world you’d purchase your gown approximately 8 months out from your wedding which allows time for your dress to arrive and any alterations to be made. Depending on the label, most gowns take between 4-6 months to be made and arrive in store. Some labels do have a quicker turn around though so if your wedding is less than 4-5 months away don’t panic we can still help you find a dress! All our amazing designers can also accommodate last minute orders, so definitely get in touch even if your wedding is only a few weeks away!
How far in advance should I begin wedding dress shopping?
The short answer is yes! Every bride-to-be is special to us, and to ensure we give you the best possible service we only ever have one bride at a time trying on gowns in the boutique.
Do I need an appointment?
Do you charge for wedding dress appointments?
Yes we charge $50 for all initial bridal consultations. If you require subsequent appointments, then there will be no charge for your return visits (within a three month time period).
Is there a booking cancellation policy?
Due to overwhelming response we do ask you to pay an advance $50 booking fee. However, we get that life happens! So if you need to cancel or reschedule we will happily refund/or transfer your $50 within the following parameters: weekday appointments (cancelled up until the same day of booking) weekend appointments cancelled with 72 hour’s notice of appointment.
Your appointment will last 60 minutes which allows you time to try on approximately 6-7 gowns and retry your favourites at the end. When you arrive we’ll have a chat about your wedding plans & ideas for your dress. You’ll enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles, and you can take your time, relax and enjoy the process.
How long will the appointment last and what does it include?
What days are you open?
The store is open Tuesday – Saturday by appointment only. We are closed Sundays & Mondays apart from special events & trunk show weekends.
Arriving for your appointment
We love our enthusiastic brides who turn up early but unfortunately because we are only a small boutique we don’t have a waiting area for our brides and their guests. So please do not be offended if when you arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment we have to send you away because we are looking after another customer, it will be your turn soon and we can’t wait to meet you!
What size are your sample wedding dresses?
Our sample gowns range from size 10 – 28. Even if you are outside this range then don’t worry, we have creative ways of making sure you can experience the look of your desired dress.
What are the prices of the gowns?
Our gowns range in prices between $3,000 – $9,000 with the majority of our gowns in the $4500-$5,000 range.
Do I have to let you know in advance which gowns I want to try on?
As styles do vary between our 3 boutiques (Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch), we recommend letting us know ahead of your appointment, if there’s a specific gown that you would really love to try on! Please get in touch via hq [at] paperswanbride.co.nz (Welly brides), chch [at] paperswanbride.co.nz (Christchurch brides), or akl [at] paperswanbride.co.nz (Auckland brides) if you have any queries or gown requests. Courier fees may apply if a gown needs to be sent from a different boutique.
WEDDING DRESS APPOINTMENT
Where to find us
Our appointments are 60 minutes long & you’ll have the entire boutique all to yourself. We'll help you ease into things and be here to not only dress you but offer support, styling advice and suggestions depending on your body shape and style.
Wellington Bridal Store
Auckland Bridal Store
Christchurch Bridal Store
94b Upland Road
Kelburn Village, Wellington 6012
Phone: 04 475 5945
G06 / 70 Daldy Street
Auckland CBD 1010
Phone: 09 300 7433
181 High Street
Christchurch 8011
Phone: 03 366 9956