Check your dress shop’s contract before you pay the deposit.
What should you check in a wedding dress shop contract?
Before you pay a bridal shop's deposit, check the order names the exact dress, colour and size, when it's due to arrive, whether alterations are included and how many fittings, when you collect it, what happens if it's late or the shop closes, and whether the deposit is refundable if you change your mind.
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What to find in the contract
5 things to look for, what each one means, and what to ask the dress shop before you sign.
- 1
Does the order describe the exact dress?
Many dresses are made to order in your size, so the order should name the designer, style, colour and size, and any changes such as added sleeves. Check what you've agreed against the sample you tried.
What to ask before you sign
- Can you write the style, colour and size on the order?
- Are any changes to the design listed?
- 2
When will the dress arrive?
Made-to-order dresses can take months. Check the expected delivery date, leaving time for alterations before the wedding, and what the shop will do if the dress is late.
What to ask before you sign
- When will the dress arrive?
- What happens if it's late?
- 3
Are alterations included?
Alterations are often priced separately and can add a lot. Check whether they're included, done in the shop or sent out, how many fittings you'll have, and when the final fitting is.
What to ask before you sign
- Are alterations included, or quoted separately?
- How many fittings, and when is the last one?
- 4
When do you collect it, and can they store it?
Check when you can collect the dress, whether the shop will steam and store it until the wedding, and whether it comes with a bag or box.
What to ask before you sign
- When can we collect the dress?
- Can you keep it until the week of the wedding?
- 5
Is the deposit refundable?
Because made-to-order dresses are ordered in your size, deposits are often not refundable if you change your mind. Check the terms before you pay, and what happens if the shop can't supply the dress.
Paying part of the cost by credit card can give extra protection if the business fails. Check how this applies with your card provider.
What to ask before you sign
- Is the deposit refundable, and in what circumstances?
- If you can't supply the dress, do we get our money back?
This page is general information, not legal advice. Every dress shop’s contract is different, and none of the above replaces reading yours. If a contract matters to you, take proper legal advice on it.
Questions
- What should you check in a wedding dress shop contract?
- Before you pay a bridal shop's deposit, check the order names the exact dress, colour and size, when it's due to arrive, whether alterations are included and how many fittings, when you collect it, what happens if it's late or the shop closes, and whether the deposit is refundable if you change your mind.
- Can I get a refund on a wedding dress deposit?
- Often not if you change your mind, because the dress is made to order. Read the shop's terms before paying, and check what happens if the shop can't deliver.
- Are wedding dress alterations included?
- Sometimes, but often they're quoted separately. Ask for the alteration price and number of fittings before you order.
- Is PlanHitch's contract review legal advice?
- No. The review reads a document and reports what it appears to say. It is not a legal review, it is not carried out by a solicitor, and it may not spot every fee, penalty or cancellation term. Use it to know what to ask, and if a contract matters to you, take proper legal advice on it.
- How much does the contract review cost?
- Every wedding gets one contract review free, on every plan, with no card needed. Premium, at £15 a month or £149 once, includes unlimited reviews.
Other contracts to check
Read your dress shop's contract before you pay
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