FAQs - Guide to Bridal Shopping

Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Do I need an appointment?
3. When should I start looking for a gown?
4. How far ahead do I need to book an appointment?
5. How long are appointments for?
6. What if I'm running late?
7. Does Linda Gorringe Couture charge for appointments?
8. What happens at the appointment?
9. Am I allowed a second appointment?
10. How many people can/should I bring to the appointment?
11. What should I bring to the appointment?
12. Can I take photos as I'm trying on gowns?
13. I'm planning to lose weight. Is that a problem?
14. What is the difference between the Couture (Made-to-Measure) Collection and the Ready-to-Wear Collection?
15. I'm pretty sure I've decided on my gown. When do I need to order?
16. What happens when I order?
17. Payment Options & Terms
18. How can I be confident that everything will be delivered on time and as ordered?

General Information

9. Amenities
20. Studio opening hours
21. Studio Location & Access
22. Car Parking & Public Transport

1. Introduction

Over 19 years we have gained considerable experience of all things bridal which is why it’s our objective to make finding your dream gown a stress free, enjoyable experience.  We have a wonderful and spacious studio so that your fittings are private, relaxed and enjoyable.  Our courteous, professional staff will assist you with gown selection, taking into account the style of your wedding, personality, figure type and budget, so that you are happy and confident in your choice of gown.

Now that you've enjoyed your engagement celebrations, we trust that your wedding preparations are progressing well and welcome you on the journey to finding your dream wedding gown. A wedding is one of the most significant events any of us will undertake, requiring lots of preparation and organization.  Importantly, though, this occasion involves your closest family and friends adding further to the importance and expectations of the occasion.

We provide the following information as a Guide to Bridal Shopping at Linda Gorringe Couture but you may find much of the information applicable to other bridal couturiers as well.  Please take a little time to read the information as it will make your bridal shopping experience more relaxed and enjoyable.  After all, it’s not every day you’re choosing to spend such a considerable amount on a dress or occasion.

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2. Do I need an appointment?

Yes, an appointment is required to view and/or try-on our bridal collections. We are a designer store and make all our gowns in Melbourne. This gives you lots of flexibility to personalise the gown and its important you take the time to fully understand the full range of design, gown and service options.

In respect of our jewellery and accessories collections you are welcome to browse at your leisure.  For these items we are a "regular" shop.

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3. When should I start looking for a gown?

This is very much a personal preference and depends on circumstances. These days, with so many different options for every element of the occasion, you can be a lot more relaxed about putting together a memorable occasion.

The short answer is "when you're ready" but we recommend between six and twelve months out from your wedding (or departure date). You will retain most flexibility if you're able to make a decision about six months out from the wedding. Inside six months some stores may not be able to receive and deliver your gown. This is one of the considerable advantages of Linda Gorringe Couture. We make all our gowns here which not only allows you more flexibility to personalise the gown but also enables us to deliver a gown at short notice. We regularly assist brides with a gown with only a month or two to the wedding date. So don't worry, we look forward to assisting you soon. Please note and understand that we do not take appointments more than 18 months from the wedding date. 

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4. How far ahead do I need to book an appointment?

For busier times (Saturday, Thursday evening, lunchtime), for your choice of time, please make your appointment approximately a week to two weeks in advance. At other times appointments are more readily available. 

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5. How long are appointments for?

Your appointment is for one hour, usually starting on the hour (10.00am, 11.00am etc).  During our Annual and other sales we may run 45 minute appointments.

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6. What if I'm running late?

If you're running late, don’t get stressed but please call to let us know.  We will do our best to give you as much time as possible but if we are fully booked (especially on Saturdays) we may still need to conclude the consultation at the appointed time.

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7. Does Linda Gorringe Couture charge for appointments?

We do not charge for your first two appointments to try-on gowns.  By that stage we hope for you to be quite confident in your selection of gown.  For the third and each subsequent appointment there is a $120 charge, payable in advance, but fully redeemable on your gown order.  Careful and considerate use of your time and ours enables us to keep the cost of our products and services at a reasonable level.

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8. What happens at the appointment?

On arrival please come to the front counter and you will be greeted by one of our consultants who will assist you with the viewing and selection of gowns. If you are early for your appointment, and we are still with our previous appointment, you may browse our jewellery and accessories collections.  Please note that you will not be able to view wedding gowns without assistance.  If there’s enough time there are lots of great cafés in the Block Arcade and we will call you as soon as one of our consultants is available.

Our consultants are here to help you make the experience of finding a wedding gown relaxing and enjoyable.  We take great personal pride in our range of styles offered.  Linda Gorringe Couture is designed by Linda Gorringe and all our gowns are made here in Melbourne offering unsurpassed quality and individuality for your chosen gown.

We offer expertise on styles and colours to suit your figure and features, and we pride ourselves on listening to our clients to ascertain the kind of wedding gown that is going to make you not only look but feel beautiful.

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9. Am I allowed a second appointment?

Sometimes you'll put on a gown and immediately be so confident in the selection that you're prepared to order it there and then. This is a delightful result for all concerned but somewhat rare. We usually expect you'll want to come back for a second visit to take a closer look at a particular gown, or to have an important person assist with your choice.  We welcome a subsequent visit for this reason, so recommend that booking a second consultation may be more helpful than trying to do too much first time out.  By that stage we hope for you to be quite confident in your selection of gown.

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10. How many people can/should I bring to the appointment?

You are welcome to bring with you any one you choose, but have the following tips to offer:

1. Be selective about who you bring.  There is no doubt that shopping for your wedding gown can be a great day out for you and the girls!  The flip side is that it can be overwhelming for you, the bride, to involve too many people, especially at the beginning.  Involving other people can be more enjoyable once you’re more definite about your own ideas.  It can take some time to get to this point, and is often easier by yourself, or with one other very special person to offer guidance and support.
2. We’re a family business and children and babies are welcome, but there are safety and access issues to consider.  There are lots of stairs and open glass shelves and young children must be monitored very closely.  If you are bringing small children please let us know when making the appointment. 
3. There is comfortable seating available for 3 guests at each consultation.

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11. What should I bring to the appointment?

You do not really need to bring anything to your appointment…

Our private fitting rooms have a selection of sample shoes to try on with the gowns.  Most of our gowns have boning and moulded bra cups, so bridal lingerie is not necessary, however, if you have a large bust or are otherwise self-conscious, you may choose to wear your bra throughout the appointment.  You will not need to wear particular underwear, but wear something you feel comfortable in.  Seamless underwear is preferable for slinky gowns.

Please do not bring food or drinks into our studio.

If you are keeping a file of pictures and ideas, please bring this along as it will help us to get an idea of the sorts of gowns you are attracted to.  All Linda Gorringe Couture gowns are designed by Linda Gorringe and have Linda's signature design style and construction.   We do not copy designs and will not make a design you may have chosen.  We are happy to modify our existing designs where possible but this is at our discretion and usually at additional cost. Ideally, it's helpful if you have ideas about what you like and want, and what shapes and fits you feel work best for you, but retain an open mind to our suggestions. We often hear "I love it, I wouldn't have selected it off the rack". Taking advantage of professional advice to help you achieve your desired wedding day look is strongly recommended. Our advice is always professional, honest and consistent. If the style you are looking for is not consistent with the Linda Gorringe Couture look we will do our best to point you in the direction of other likely designers.

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12. Can I take photos as I'm trying on gowns?

We do not allow photography or sketches of our gowns.  It is unlikely you will be allowed to take photos at any bridal store so please make sure your guests are also aware of this to avoid disappointment or embarrassment.  If available we can let you know where there is a published image of the gown you are interested in.  Once you have placed a deposit on your wedding gown we will be happy to provide images and sketches.

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13. I'm planning to lose weight. Is that a problem?

No, let us know and we can work with you. However, it's certainly easier and more convenient for you if you can achieve your target weight and shape not later than 3 months prior to the wedding. Womens' bodies can change shape enough naturally without pre-wedding diet and exercise programs. Please be aware that if, after completion of the gown, your shape changes further, you will likely incur additional alteration charges.

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14. What is the difference between the Couture (Made-to-Measure) Collection and the Ready-to-Wear Collection?

Made-to-Measure and Ready-to-Wear refer to the different processes involved in making your gown. Made-to-Measure involves making a completely new gown for you through approximately five fittings. As such it is a very time intensive process, for both us and you, and therefore more costly. Gowns in our Couture Collection are more complex in construction and cannot easily be altered when completed and so are not offered as Ready-to-Wear.

Our Ready-to-Wear Collection are gowns made to a standard size (6, 8, 10, 12, 14 etc.) and may require alteration to achieve your desired fit. We offer this process as it assists in keeping the cost of the gowns to a more manageable level through limiting the amount of time required for completion of the gown. If you are close to a standard size or want to keep the process simple then this option may well suit you. You may choose to have one of our Ready-to-Wear designs made-to-measure if you desire that process. Please note that we charge an additional $1,000 (including GST) to do so.

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15. I'm pretty sure I've decided on my gown. When do I need to order?

The short answer is "when you're ready". However, some stores will require your order a minimum of six months prior to the wedding.

At Linda Gorringe Couture we recommend approximately six months for a Made-to-Measure gown and 4 months for a Ready-to-Wear gown. This is simply based on a suggested schedule of one fitting a month. This provides a relaxed, flexible timetable for us all to work with. But don't worry if your wedding is sooner. As indicated above, we regularly assist brides with shorter dated weddings.

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16. What happens when I order?

Once you've decided to order we ask you to provide some information and details about the wedding (the obvious stuff like date, locations etc).

For Made-to-Measure gowns, or Ready-to-Wear gowns where there are significant variations to the standard gown, we provide a detailed description of the gown in a letter that is jointly signed by us both. This serves as an important reference point given the long time periods involved.

We provide a Fittings Schedule for your planning purposes (the timing of these fittings can be flexible if required). We tentatively schedule these appointments in our Calendar and confirm the appointment closer to the date. The Fittings Schedule sets out requirements for each stage of the process.

We have a professional point of sale system with which to manage your account. Of course you receive proper receipts and you may enquire about, or request a copy of, your account at any time.

All paperwork is presented to you in a folder with a selection of vouchers (Alan Pinkus) and other useful information to assist with planning your wedding.

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17. Payment Options & Terms

We accept cash, EFTPOS, cheques, (except where clear funds are required eg. on collection) and Mastercard, Visa, and Amex with no surcharge. We're also happy to receive payments by electronic funds transfer (phone or internet banking). Accounts details will be provided on request.

Lay-by is available on any garment, including Ready-to-Wear wedding gowns, jewellery and accessories with a 50% deposit and 8 week terms. Minimum layby is $100.00.

Orders of new Ready-to-Wear garments, including Ready-to-Wear wedding gowns, require a 50% deposit with full payment to be made on completion. Completion means when the garment is finished in the standard size (refer above for discussion about the Ready-to-Wear versus Made-to-Measure process). If alterations are required we will assess and quote these for you. Before the garment is altered it must be fully paid for and a 50% deposit on the quoted alterations paid.

Made-to-Measure gowns require a 30% deposit and progress payments with each fitting.

Please be aware that most banks have a daily limit (usually $1,000) on EFTPOS transactions (from Savings or Cheque).

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18. How can I be confident that everything will be delivered on time and as ordered?

The reality is there is always some risk associated with a purchase where the product is to be delivered at a future date. Think about having a house built. Indeed this risk applies to all of your wedding arrangements. Will the flowers be delivered, will I like the cake etc etc.? The best way to be confident on these issues is to research the track record of each supplier and the standing of the supplier in the industry. Talk to other brides, search the internet, and evaluate the information as pragmatically as you can.

Linda Gorringe Couture was established by Linda in 1991 and has grown successfully since then based on the outstanding track record and consequent earned reputation. This is a familiy business supported by a fantastic team. We strive every day to enhance the business through better customer service, outstanding designs, and a faultless track record of delivering your gorgeous gown. Our reputation is simply too important to risk! Our very existence depends upon it.

General Information

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19. Amenities

To best enjoy your bridal shopping experience it’s nice to be as relaxed and refreshed as possible.  If possible make time to stop and relax over a coffee and snack as shopping for wedding gowns requires a lot of concentration.  Café Duomo in the Arcade does this really well, and don’t forget Haighs for chocolate, or Koko Black in the Royal Arcade off Lt. Collins Street for a really indulgent chocolate experience!  Laurent Patisserie is also nearby on Little Collins Street.

There are bathrooms available in the Block Arcade accessible via Lift 3 (near Elizabeth St entrance) on Level 3.  Please note these bathrooms cannot be accessed from inside our premises, so please make use of these facilities before your consultation to avoid unnecessary stair climbing!  Access to the lift and Level 3 is restricted on Saturdays and requires a security code from us for the lift.

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20. Studio opening hours:

We are closed Sunday and public holidays.

**During winter after 5.30pm by appointment only.

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21. Studio Location & Access

Linda Gorringe Couture is located at the Elizabeth Street entrance of The Block Arcade (up one flight of stairs from street level) at 100 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.  Our entrance doorway is located just outside the sliding glass doors to the Block Arcade and you will need to come up the one flight of stairs.  Please note that due to the age and nature of the building there is NO LIFT ACCESS to the Studio itself.  If you are likely to have difficulty with the stairs please let us know when making the appointment and we will do our best to assist you.

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22. Car Parking & Public Transport

As always in the city on-street parking is difficult to find and usually limited to 1 hour or less.  On Saturdays we suggest the Galleria car park (Wilson Parking, $11.00 all day as of July 2011), underneath the Galleria complex on Elizabeth Street between Little Collins and Bourke Streets (enter from Elizabeth St). 

During the week the best car park is the City Square car park, next to The Westin Hotel on Flinders Lane between Russell and Swanston Sts (on week days and weekends $2.50 up to 30 minutes, $5 up to 1 hour, $10 for 2 hours, $18 for 3 hours, $28 for 4 hours and $40 for 5 or more hours, as of May 2011) and is only a short walk down Collins Street to The Block Arcade.

The closest train station is Flinders Street and trams operate on all major city streets.  Visit www.MetlinkMelbourne.com.au and use the Journey Planner which provides ‘door to door’ information on catching public transport.