Congratulations on your engagement!
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You'll probably have a bunch of questions since this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. At September, we're here to help you with your wedding gown journey in the most intentional, streamlined and toughtful way.
APPOINTMENT TYPES
First Fitting
Second Fitting
Dress Pick Up
TIMELINES
The right timeline
Late orders
SIZING
Taking measurements
Gown types
Alterations
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OUR ADVICE
How to make the most
from this experience
APPOINTMENT TYPES
We offer our dedicated brides 3 different appointment types: first, second and pick up.
Since you just had your FIRST FITTING APPOINTMENT you have probably tried on a focused edit of 5 to 7 pieces in 90 minutes, which was enough to explore, never enough to overwhelm. Because we followed your energy and vibe, we refined as we went, so you started to see your taste take shape pretty quickly. You kept an open mind with sharp focus. Now, keep holding it. Most brides leave this appointment already knowing which gown is theirs, and I think you do, too...
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Our SECOND FITTING APPOINTMENT is a 50 minute appointment and has one purpose, with two directions.
If you want another moment with your favourites, we’ll select 1 to 3 gowns to try again with fresh clarity. Here, we guide you towards trusting your instinct. You can decide right now, or leave it until our next appointment to say yes.
If you’re ready to say yes, we prepare everything to order your gown. We take your measurements and a few photos of you in the dress, review all details and possible customisations, and complete your order together. A 50% deposit and your signature officially begin the making of your gown.
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Your DRESS PICK UP APPOINTMENT is the celebratory end of your dress journey with September! We'll have 50 minutes together. Once you booked your appointment online, we will await you in store where your gown is ready for you to try her on one more time before you take her with you. We have checked all details, steamed, and prepared her for you. Because she's not completely wedding-ready yet, this is the moment you will receive guidance on alterations, transport and storage, and how to keep your dress from looking anything less than pristine until your big day.
TIMELINES
A September gown is made slowly and intentionally. If we can, we don't like to rush a process that's never meant to be rushed. To give your designer the time they need, and to keep your fittings calm and stress-free, we work within a clear timeline.
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12–10 MONTHS
This is the perfect moment to start exploring and find your bridal vibe. Many September brides already discover The One here.
Beginning your dress journey about 12-10 months before the big day gives you the full freedom of choice across all designers and customisations.
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10–8 MONTHS
This is when most September brides confirm their dress with us. Only started looking now? Try to refine your choice by focussing on what makes your heart beat faster.
Your designer starts working on your dress when the order comes in. Everything is made specifically for you, in your size or according to your specific measturements. Book your alterations now, so our freelance independent alterations specialist has time to make perfection happen. Yes, 100% of brides need alterations.
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8-6 MONTHS
A large group of September brides can still confidently choose within this timeframe. Our designers accommodate this timeframe, so if you're only deciding now, you're still on time! Best to act quick, which is easy to do with our expert guidance along the way.
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6-3 MONTHS
One of the many downsides of the arrival and acceptance of fast fashion, and all its facets, is the standard it created which is now also applied to handmade garnments like bridal wear. During this time, timelines become very delicate; if you haven't found your dress yet, there are only a few feasable options left. Made-to-order and made-to-measure gowns might not be possible anymore, or will come with a rush fee for 10-20% of the price of your dress.
For the bride with a very short time frame, we also have a curated selection of sample gowns available. Already created, they only need dry cleaning and alterations so they can become even more beautifully unique.
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10–8 WEEKS
Your dress arrives in store but isn't a 100% wedding-ready yet! Alterations are where the magic happens.
We work with a professional independent seamstress who can refine your gown so it fits your body with intention and precision.
Most brides require 1 to 2 fittings, and the price will be about 5-15% of the cost of your gown. Bring your wedding underwear, wedding shoes and other items that might alter the fit of your dress.
This is also the last moment for you to decide on any accessories with us, like veils, jewellery and more.
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4–1 WEEKS
In the previous weeks, your independent seamstress altered the dress for you so it's not too long anymore, and fits your unique body shape perfectly. Time to pick the dress up again and bring her home. It's official now: this is it. Your very own wedding dress.
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SHORTER TIMELINE?
We will guide you honestly and explore what’s possible, including sample gowns or rush options where available. You are never without direction when you decide to work with September and her designers.
SIZING
At September, our designers create your dress for you when you order. No dress is ever pulled from stock. There are 3 ways of working when it comes to sizing, and each designer has their own way. When we measure you, 5 to 10 points will be taken into account, depending on what the designer requires. Flat against your body, but never tight, gives us the most accurate information.
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MADE TO ORDER
Most of our designers work like this. Your gown is created based on the closest match with the designers size chart.
When we take measurements, we compare them to the designers sizing and choose the size that offer the best foundation to work with. Because no one really fits a size chart perfectly, we will make sure your biggest measurement fits the best. Later, we can alter the dress down where needed.
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SPLIT SIZE
Sometimes proportions aren't 100% proportional. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes; loads of September brides have measurements that span over more than 2 dress sizes on a size chart. An elegant way to solve this is by ordering the top and bottom of your dress in 2 different sizes. This comes with a cost but greatly reduces the difficulty of alterations. It will also provide a more accurate starting point for your final fittings with us and your seamstress.
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MADE TO MEASURE
With this way of working, your chosen designer drafts the gown closer to your shape before it ever reaches alterations. This is a more detailed, labour-intensive process and is often reflected in the pricing. Even with made to measure, alterations are still required! There's only so much they can do with measurements and a few photos if you're not physically present in the atelier of the designer. Alterations will become more about perfecting than adjusting which is overall easier and lighter work.
OUR ADVICE
As true purveyors of the arts, we guide you through a journey that has seen so many changes but is left exactly the same: dress making. When everything has become instant, automated, QR-coded, stripped of depth, meaning, and connection, we invite you to slow down and let this part of your life be different. Your wedding day, and dress deserves presence, intention, craftsmanship and connection. We know that true luxury isn't the cost or the logo; it's someone who you can trust, who understands, guides and uplifts you, accompaning you from first idea to final fitting.
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START AT THE RIGHT TIME
Enjoying the dress journey becomes even easier when you're not rushing around. By starting at least 10 months before your big day, you'll allow enough time for intention and thoughtful choices.
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SEE THE VISION
The gown in store may not be the perfect size in the fitting room. We always joke about it , but it's true: no on truly fits the sample. By recognising the silhouette, the movement, the emotion it brings, you're one step closer to The One. The vibes never lie and vision comes first. And the size? That's the easy part. We just order the right one for you.
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CHOOSE YOUR CROWD CAREFULLY
Being invited to this intimate moment is a privilege, not a right. Choosing the right or the wrong crowd colours and shapes your experience.
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SEPERATE TREND FROM HEART
As a newly engaged bride-to-be, you're being bombarded by the latest wedding trends. While this can be fun and inspiring, your wedding day deserves something deeper than what’s circulating online, what you see on your friend's friends. Let your dress not be a social currency; you are a cool bride, with whatever you choose to wear! True coolness is personality.
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STEP BY STEP, BETTER AND BETTER
Finding The One is a journey that only gets better. While our boutique sample dress gives you a good view, nothing beats seeing your actual gown when it arrives in store. Because we ordered the right size for you, proportions will sit even better. By wearing nude seamless underwear, or shape wear and/or boob tape, you'll be even more sculpted and supported.
Alterations add to perfection by hemming it to the right length and fixing all the details so it fits you flawlessly. Plus professional hair and make up, the right jewellery and a veil... It's clear to see: with each stage your gown becomes more and more yours.
