Viv's News

Saturday 26th April 2008: Due to popular demand and a 6 week wait for a Saturday appointment, Ribbons and Pearls has expanded and we can now see two brides at once without losing any of the one-to-one service that you need when choosing your special dress. Yesterday we opened an additional family room where you and your family or friends can choose your dress in privacy and comfort. The new changing area has a sofa, curtains to ensure complete privacy, and plenty of mirrors.

When visiting Ribbons and Pearls you will get two hours with your own changing area and space for family or friends, so it will be a fun experience and you won't feel as if you're being "hurried into a dress while everyone watches and then waiting for a turn in front of the mirror", as one of my recent girls described a bad experience she'd had! Buying your dress should be a wonderful day and we aim to make it so.

Now that we have twice as much appointment space, if you are keen for a trying-on session but are having to wait a while, give us a call and we may be able to fit you in sooner than you think.

More new dresses are arriving every day and will be uploaded as soon as we can do so. We have added 3 new dresses so far this month.

Choosing your Bridal Gown

On the Wedding Dress Catalogue pages you will find detailed photographs, descriptions and prices for dozens of wedding dresses.  Our new collections of Made-to-Order dresses have a lead time of 16 weeks for Phil Collins, Orchid Bridalwear, and Pure Bridal by Romantica.

Everything you see in our off-the-peg selection is for sale, unless it has been sold today, and will be at least 50% less than the recommended retail price. On the off-the-peg section there is a separate page for each size so once you have selected the page for your size via the page selector at the top, you can browse down the list and see what takes your fancy.  We have provided pages for size 8 and less, size 10, size 12, size 14, size 16, size 18 and size 20+. When you see a wedding dress that looks interesting, click on the picture or the dress code to get a much more detailed page for that dress, with up to eight photographs.  As you move your mouse over each thumbnail picture, the picture will be displayed large so that you can see both full views and close ups.

Lingerie and Petticoats

On our Lingerie pages you will find all the structure you need to make your dress look perfect. A Strapless Bra will go perfectly with that strapless dress. A long-line bra or Bustier will give you perfect uplift and smooth your midriff when seated. A longer Torselette will give a flatter tummy and smooth the hips. All come with matching briefs in various different styles. Wedding underwear provides the support you need but is still very sexy - check out our selection and remember to closely review our size charts as fittings may vary from your usual bra size. If found to be too tight, a full back extension insert will match the hooks and eyes and give up to an extra 3 inches across the back. Just call Viv at the shop on 01628 530120 if you have any concerns. We can exchange sizes but we do not offer refunds unless the product is faulty.

A petticoat can add fullness to your dress and lift the folds of the skirt away from your feet, making it easier to walk. It will lift your skirt length depending on the fullness of the net, often reducing the need to have the dress shortened. We have a petticoat to suit every dress from fishtail to fairy princess. Check out our full selection.

Fascinators

Fascinators are beautiful arrangements of feathers, flowers and jewels that add a delightful feature to your hair for you, your bridesmaids and the mother of the bride.  Have a look in our Fascinator Catalogue.  Each fascinator made by Ribbons and Pearls is handmade and unique, so you can be certain that you'll be original.

Tiaras

We have a large range of tiaras in stock by Ella Wallis, and you can see a small sample of our range in our Tiara Catalogue.  We have tiaras in gold or silver, decorated with pearls, crystals, beads, feathers, roses - tell us what you want, and Ella will make it. Ella is especially good at making the trendy Birdcage headdress as seen on the catwalks with a mix of flowers, feathers, and Spot Veiling.

Bridal Veils

When you have found your wedding dress, it's time to think about the other things you need, and you might as well get them all at once at Ribbons and Pearls. We have a large variety of different veils, by Richard Designs: plain, scattered with pearls or crystals,1,2 or 3 tier long or short and a whole variety of edging. They are also in different weights from standard veiling to soft silk.

Freshwater Pearls

These are a delightful addition to your wedding ensemble, and look attractive on your bridesmaids too.  They provide a coordinating note throughout the wedding party, and they are perfectly natural.  What is surprising is that they are not as expensive as you think, as you will see from our freshwater pearls catalogue.  Pearls are timeless - they remain beautiful and add a touch of elegance.  They are a wise investment because you can wear them on other occasions.

Biolustre Hair Repair System

Biolustre is a hair repair system which rebuilds your hair's missing keratin coating to replace body, smoothness and shine. This beauty product is now available from Ribbons and Pearls as a kit for home use. It is very popular. Here is a recent email from someone who just tried it:

"Just to let you know I had the Biolustre treatment done today and I am thrilled to bits. Couldn't believe how soft, shiny and full of body my hair looks. Would definitely recommend it."