Question 1

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Our private bridal studio is located in Crangan Bay, NSW 2259, on the beautiful Central Coast of Australia, conveniently positioned between Sydney and Newcastle.

As we operate as a private, appointment-only studio, the full address is provided once your booking has been confirmed and again in the week leading up to your appointment. This helps us maintain a personalised and exclusive experience for every bride visiting the studio.

If you have any questions about travel times, parking, or planning your visit, please feel free to get in touch - we're always happy to help.

Question 2

When are you open?

Accepted Answer

Our customer care team is available 7 days a week to assist with any questions you may have. For the fastest response, please contact us via email at info@bridesofcentralcoast.com.au or text Charlene on 0497 564 244. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Our bridal studio operates by appointment only, with appointments available on Saturdays and Sundays between 8:00am and 5:00pm.

As a private boutique studio, all appointments are conducted on a one-on-one basis, ensuring every bride receives a personalised and relaxed experience. To help us prepare for your visit, appointments must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

We look forward to welcoming you and helping you find The One.

Question 3

How do I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Booking your bridal appointment is easy and can be done directly through our website.

Simply hover over the "Appointments" tab and select "First Consultation" if this is your first visit to the studio. Scroll down to the booking widget, choose your preferred date and time, and complete the online booking form.

Once your booking has been submitted, you'll receive an automatic confirmation email that your appointment is reserved. We will also contact you in the week leading up to your appointment with additional information and reminders, so please ensure your email address and mobile number are entered correctly when booking.

To ensure we can best assist you with timing, ordering, and alterations, we currently accept appointments for brides whose wedding date falls within 14 months of their consultation date.
We can't wait to welcome you to the studio and help you find The One.

Question 4

How many guests can I bring?

Accepted Answer

To ensure a comfortable and personalised experience, we can accommodate the bride plus a maximum of three adult guests during your appointment.

This limit is set by the local Council under which we operate and forms part of our occupancy and workplace safety requirements. Unfortunately, we are unable to make exceptions, and we greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us comply with these regulations.
Please also note that, due to workplace health and safety considerations, we are unable to accommodate children under 10 years of age in the studio.

Our intimate appointment setting allows you to focus on finding The One while sharing the experience with your closest family and friends.

Question 5

Can I bring children to my fitting appointment?

Accepted Answer

While we absolutely adore little ones, we kindly ask that children under 10 years of age do not attend appointments.

Finding your wedding dress is a special experience that often requires your full attention, allowing you to focus on styles, fit, and important decisions in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. Limiting young children at appointments helps create a calm, stress-free experience for both you and your guests.

In addition, our private studio is not designed to accommodate young children and contains mirrors, pins, gowns, accessories, and fitting equipment that may present workplace health and safety risks. Unfortunately, we also have very limited space and are unable to accommodate prams, strollers, capsules, or other large children's equipment within the studio.

For the safety and comfort of all clients, guests, and staff, we are unable to make exceptions to this policy.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation and look forward to helping you find The One.

Question 6

What is your price range?

Accepted Answer

We believe every bride deserves to find a beautiful wedding dress that fits both her vision and budget.

Our gowns range from approximately AU$400 to AU$2,800, with most of our collection priced under AU$1,500. We are proud to offer one of the Central Coast's largest selections of affordable bridal gowns, featuring a variety of styles, silhouettes, and designers to suit different tastes and budgets.

All dress prices are displayed on our website, allowing you to browse with confidence before your appointment. Whether you're searching for an affordable off-the-rack gown or a custom-ordered dress, we'll help you find the perfect option without compromising on quality, style, or service.

Question 7

What sizes do you stock?

Accepted Answer

Our sample collection includes dresses in a variety of sizes, with the majority of our dresses available in AU10, AU12, and AU18. This allows many brides to try on a range of styles and silhouettes during their appointment.

Please don't be concerned if a sample is not available in your exact size. Bridal consultants are experienced in using clips and fitting techniques to help you visualise how a gown will look when ordered in your correct size.

Most of our designers offer an extensive size range, meaning dresses can typically be ordered in a size that best matches your measurements. During your appointment, we'll take the time to understand your preferences and help you find styles that complement your shape and vision.

If you have specific sizing requirements, we encourage you to contact us before your appointment so we can advise which dresses may be most suitable for you.

Our goal is to ensure every bride feels comfortable, confident, and excited while searching for The One.

Question 8

Do you stock plus-size dresses?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We believe every bride deserves to feel beautiful, confident, and celebrated while shopping for her wedding dress.

We proudly offer a selection of beautiful sample gowns in size AU18, allowing more brides to experience the excitement of trying on a variety of styles during their appointment. In addition, many of our designers offer extended sizing, enabling us to order dresses in a wide range of sizes to suit your measurements and shape. We are continually growing and refining our collection to provide even more options for brides of all sizes, ensuring every bride feels confident, comfortable, and celebrated throughout her bridal journey.

If a particular sample is not available in your size, don't let that discourage you. Our experienced bridal stylist can often use clips and fitting techniques to help you visualise how a gown will look when ordered in your correct size.

Most of our designers also offer an extended size range, allowing gowns to be ordered in a variety of sizes to suit your measurements. During your appointment, we'll guide you through styles that complement your shape, preferences, and vision, helping you find a dress that makes you feel amazing.

If you have any concerns about sizing or would like to know which samples may be most suitable before your appointment, please feel free to contact us. We're always happy to help ensure you have a comfortable, enjoyable, and confidence-boosting bridal experience.
Every bride deserves to find The One, and we're committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all brides.

Question 9

What happens after I find "The One"?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, congratulations! 🎉 Finding The One is such a special moment, and we're honoured to be part of your bridal journey.

Once you've chosen your dress, we'll guide you through the next steps:
We'll confirm your chosen style, size, colour, and any available customisations.
Your measurements will be taken to determine the most appropriate size to order.
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to place your order, with the remaining balance on completion of your order.
We'll provide an estimated production and delivery timeframe based on your chosen designer and dress.
Once your dress arrives, we'll carefully inspect it and contact you to arrange collection.
We recommend booking your alterations specialist shortly after your dress arrives to ensure plenty of time for fittings and any adjustments required.

If you've purchased an off-the-rack dress, you may be able to take your dress home on the day, subject to final payment and appointment timing.

Throughout the process, we're always available to answer questions and provide support. From the moment you say "yes" to the moment you walk down the aisle, we're here to help make your bridal journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Now the countdown to your wedding day begins!

Question 10

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We understand that your wedding dress is an important investment, and we want to make the process as manageable and stress-free as possible.

For new dress orders, we offer a simple payment plan option. To secure your order, a non-refundable 50% deposit is required at the time of purchase. The remaining 50% balance is due within 4 weeks of us notifying you that your dress has arrived and is ready for collection.

Depending on the manufacturer and style selected, this can give you approximately 6 to 20 weeks to pay off the remaining balance, making it easier to spread the cost of your dream dress over time. We will provide you with an estimated production timeframe when your order is placed.

Please note that off-the-rack purchases are not eligible for payment plans and must be paid for in full at the time of purchase.

If you have any questions about payments, ordering timelines, or budgeting for your gown, we're always happy to help.

Question 11

How long will my order take?

Accepted Answer

Processing times vary between designers and manufacturers. Some brands may have your size available and ready to ship, while others operate on a made-to-order basis, which can require additional production time.

If you have a specific dress and size in mind, please get in touch and we'll be happy to check current availability and provide an estimated timeframe. We'll also let you know whether we can meet your wedding date before you place an order.

As a general guide, we recommend ordering your wedding dress 6–8 months before your wedding. This allows sufficient time for production, shipping, and alterations. However, if your wedding is sooner, don't panic - we may still be able to accommodate your timeline depending on the dress and designer.

For weddings taking place in less than 12 weeks, our options are generally limited to off-the-rack gowns, which can be taken home immediately or shipped shortly after purchase.

We're always happy to discuss your timeline and help you explore the best options available for your special day.

Question 12

When should I order my dress?

Accepted Answer

Our biggest recommendation is to order your dress as soon as you know it is "The One." Wedding dress styles and fabrics can be discontinued with little notice, and materials occasionally become unavailable, which may affect future availability of a particular design.

As a general guide, we recommend placing your order at least 6–8 months before your wedding date. This allows sufficient time for production, shipping, and any alterations that may be required to achieve the perfect fit.

If you're ordering from an interstate or international location, it's especially important to allow extra time for delivery and alterations. Ordering early also provides peace of mind and gives you more flexibility throughout your wedding planning journey.

If your wedding date is sooner than this, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be happy to discuss your timeline and explore the options available to help you find your dream dress.

Question 13

What size am I?

Accepted Answer

Wedding dress sizing can be very different from everyday clothing sizes, and there is no universal bridal size chart. Each designer and manufacturer has their own sizing, meaning your dress size will depend on the specific brand, style, fabric, and measurements.

To determine the most suitable size, we require your full bust, natural waist, and full hip measurements. A detailed measuring guide can be found on our website under the "Information" tab. For the most accurate results, we recommend having your measurements taken by a professional seamstress or dressmaker.

Please keep in mind that it is completely normal for your bridal size to be 2–3 sizes larger than your everyday clothing size. Bridal sizing can often surprise brides, so we encourage you not to focus on the number and instead concentrate on achieving the best possible fit.

If your measurements fall between sizes, we strongly recommend ordering the larger size. It is generally much easier and more cost-effective for a seamstress to take a dress in than to let it out.

If you're unsure about your size, feel free to send us your measurements and the dress you're interested in, and we'll be happy to assist you.

Question 14

Will I need alterations?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Our dresses are available in standard manufacturer sizing only, so minor alterations are often required to achieve the perfect fit and desired look.

Every bride's body is unique, and even when a dress is ordered according to your measurements, adjustments such as hemming, taking in the bodice, adding a bustle, or refining the fit are commonly needed. Alterations are a normal part of the bridal journey and help ensure your gown fits beautifully on your wedding day.

While we do not offer in-house alteration services, we are happy to recommend trusted dressmakers and seamstresses on the Central Coast and in Sydney. You are also welcome to use an alterations specialist of your own choosing.

To allow plenty of time for fittings and any adjustments, we recommend factoring alterations into your wedding dress timeline and budget when planning your purchase.

Question 15

How long will alterations take?

Accepted Answer

Alteration timeframes can vary depending on the complexity of the work required and the availability of your chosen seamstress or dressmaker.

As every alterations specialist operates differently, we recommend contacting your preferred alterations provider directly to discuss their current turnaround times, fitting schedule, and pricing.

As a general guide, many bridal alterations are completed over several weeks and may involve multiple fitting appointments. For this reason, we recommend booking your alterations as soon as your dress arrives to ensure plenty of time before your wedding day.

If you require a recommendation, we're happy to refer you to trusted bridal seamstresses and dressmakers on the Central Coast and in Sydney.

Our goal is to ensure you have enough time to achieve the perfect fit and feel confident and beautiful on your special day.

Question 16

What should I bring to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

The most important thing to bring is an open mind! Many brides are surprised by the styles they fall in love with once they start trying dresses on.

To help make the most of your appointment, we recommend bringing:

Your closest supporters (up to 3 guests maximum)
Photos of any dresses or inspiration you've saved
Nude-coloured underwear if possible
A strapless bra or stick-on covers (required, for hygienic purposes)
Full briefs (required, for hygienic purposes)
Any accessories you'd like to try with your gown, such as a veil, jewellery, or shoes
A hair tie if you'd like to experiment with different hairstyles while trying on dresses

Most importantly, come prepared to have fun and enjoy the experience. Finding your wedding dress is a special moment, and we're here to guide you every step of the way in a relaxed, supportive, and pressure-free environment.

We kindly ask that children under 10 years of age do not attend appointments and that guest numbers are limited to a maximum of 3, including children over 10 years, to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone.

Question 17

What is your return policy?

Accepted Answer

As all wedding dress orders are placed specifically for you based on your selected style, size, colour, and order details, we are unfortunately unable to accept returns, exchanges, or offer refunds for change of mind once an order has been placed and confirmed.

Likewise, all off-the-rack purchases are final sale and are not eligible for returns, exchanges, or refunds. We encourage brides to carefully inspect and try on their chosen gown prior to purchase to ensure they are completely happy with their selection.

Our Returns, Refunds and Exchanges Policy is governed by the Australian Consumer Guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law. This means that if a product is found to have a major fault, defect, or does not meet consumer guarantees, you may be entitled to a remedy in accordance with Australian law.

If you have any concerns regarding your order upon receipt, please contact us as soon as possible so we can work with you to achieve the best possible outcome.

A full copy of our Terms and Conditions, including our Returns, Refunds and Exchanges Policy, can be found on our website. By placing an order, you acknowledge that you have read and accepted these terms.

Question 18

Delivery, Delivery Time, Costs and Import Duties & Taxes

Accepted Answer

DELIVERY

We deliver anywhere in Australia and to most international countries.  
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DELIVERY TIME

Approximate time frames are as follows:
* Delivery within Australia: 2-7 working days
* International delivery: 15-25 working days, depending on your location.
* Our estimated delivery time frame may be affected by custom import processes.
* Estimated delivery times are in addition to order processing time. 
 
COSTS

Delivery within Australia is charged at AU$55 and international delivery is charged at AU150.00, which includes tracking, insurance and signature on delivery.  
 
IMPORT DUTIES, TAXES AND CUSTOM CHARGES

Each country determines its own duties, taxes and any other costs associated with importing goods.  These payments are usually due upon collection or delivery of goods.  These additional payments are not included in our prices and are the responsibility of the Client.  Please check these additional charges with your country's customs office prior to placing your order as we cannot be held responsible for any additional charges which you may incur to get your goods delivered.

Brides of Central Coast

BY BRIDES OF AUSTRALIA

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions