Questions & Answers

What’s different about Abigail’s Collection?
Every customer is made to feel like our only customer. Our focus is fabulous affordable products and a unique customer experience. We are not just a walk in shop and are proud to be different offering a unique and completely private service.

What are Abigail’s Collection opening days and hours?
We see clients from Tuesday to Saturday. Our one to one appointment only system ensures that every customer gets the time, privacy and attention required. Please contact us to discuss your individual requirements and available time slots.

Why do I need an appointment?
As we do not operate like a shop we do not want your journey to be wasted or for consultations to be interrupted.

Who should I bring along with me?
It is tempting to bring along a large group of friends or family to help chose outfits and although everyone is made to feel welcome, we suggest it’s avoided, the more people there is the more usually varied opinions you will receive. It is heart breaking to see a bride fall in love with a dress only be to be told by a tactless friend or family member that they preferred a different style or don’t like it at all, sadly this can happen. So, to get the most of your appointment enlist the help of a trusted friend or relative who won’t get bored and whoever you do bring along don’t forget it’s all about your day and you will need to make the final decision.

When should I start looking for bridalwear, bridesmaid dresses or menswear?
Most brides start looking about a year before their big day which allows time for choosing, ordering and alterations. For your own peace of mind we recommend that brides have made their final decision and ordered at least 6 months before the big day as dresses take 12-16 weeks to arrive and alterations may take another 6 weeks. If you are a Bride that has less time do not despair we have Suppliers that can turn dresses around quickly known as ‘rush cuts’ but these will incur a surcharge and your choice may be restricted.

The same timescales and rush cut fees apply to bridesmaid dresses.

Menswear outfits are usually chosen after the bridesmaid dresses have been decided that way appropriate colours and styles can be selected according to your wedding day theme. Measurements for the groom and his attendants can be taken as late as a few weeks before the wedding day but from an organisational point of view we would advise that these are decided and ordered sooner rather than later, it saves unnecessary last minute stress.

What size samples does Abigail’s Collection have in stock for me to try?
We hold a variety of sizes up to size 26.

How do I know when I have found ‘the one’?
Finding ‘the one’ is very much an individual experience, sometimes it’s the first dress sometimes the tenth. Either way you will know when you’ve found ‘the one’ because it will be the dress that makes you feel special, you won’t want to take it off and will think about it when you leave Abigail’s Collection. ‘The one’ is the wedding dress that you will adore and feel really excited about wearing. We believe it’s a personal journey and only you will know when you’ve found it, it’s all about how you feel a wedding dress and therefore only you can decide upon it.

How many different colours of bridesmaids dresses are there to choose from?
We stock a fabulous selection of Hilary Morgan and Alfred Angelo bridesmaid dresses. In our opinion these are two of the best bridesmaid dress designers available.

The Alfred Angelo range of bridesmaid dresses are available in 48 different satin, chiffon and organza colours and the Hilary Morgan dresses are available in 60 satin, chiffon and organza options and 15 taffeta colours.

What kind of bridesmaid’s styles are available?
We stock a beautiful selection of bridesmaid dresses and have approximately 30 different styles to choose from including long and traditional or shorter modern t-lengths. Our wide selection has something for everyone including flattering styles for the fuller figure. You may have a strong idea about the style that you want but if you need some guidance then we aim to help you chose a style that compliments all of your bridesmaids figures, skin tones and age groups.

What sizes of bridesmaids dresses are there available to try?
We hold a variety of sample sizes up to size 26.

When do the bridesmaids need to get measured and the dresses ordered?
Bridesmaid dresses take 12–16 weeks to arrive but ‘rush cuts’ are available at a surcharge. Please note that alterations have to be carried out and these may require another 6 weeks.

How much is it to hire?
It depends on what you want to hire, a two piece suit is available from £39. Or for more of a traditional look budget approximately £85 per outfit which includes tails, trousers, waistcoat, shirt and cravat and handkerchief.

Can I buy as well as hire suits from The Grooms Room at Abigail’s Collection?
Yes, in addition to our hire service and by popular demand we are pleased to be able to offer a made to measure suit service.  A three piece bespoke suit design starts at just £225.  This service is also by appointment only to ensure a professional and private consultation.

Can I hire formalwear from The Groom’s Room at Abigail’s Collection for other occasions?
Yes as well as wedding outfits we provide menswear for corporate celebrations, balls and graduations, all by appointment only.

How many waistcoat and cravat colour options are there?
Our fabulous ranges by Etiquette and Peter Posh includes 60 different waistcoat designs, colours and fabrics to chose from and with 78 colour variations of ruches, ties and cravats we are certain we have something to suit every taste.

When do the men need to get measured and outfits ordered?
This is usually the last group of outfits to be decided and they are selected to match the wedding day theme and often chosen to compliment the bridesmaid dresses. These items can be ordered a few months before the wedding day and the men in the wedding party measured up to a few weeks before the big day itself.

When do we collect the suits and when do they have to be returned?
Hire suits are collected in the two weeks preceding the wedding and returned to Abigail’s Collection on the first open day after the wedding day.