This Modern Love

Relaxed, bohemian bridalwear - handmade in England

Frequently Asked Questions


‘This Modern Love’ is a collection of handmade, relaxed, bohemian style bridal wear, bridal lingerie, bridesmaid dresses and bridal accessories. The garments are all designed and handmade in the UK and are created using premium quality fabrics such as matt duchess satin, crepe de chine, silk, chiffon, corded lace, guipiere lace and tulle. The dresses are designed in a delicate palette of neutrals and soft, muted colours. They are non structured, non fitted styles and are designed to be a relaxed, simple, pull on style. 

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DO YOU HAVE A STUDIO I CAN VISIT?

This Modern Love is an online shop and the dresses are available to buy exclusively through Etsy. Brides can visit my home studio in Worthing (West Sussex) for a design consultation for bespoke and made to measure gowns - please contact me to arrange a viewing appointment.

CAN I TRY ON THE SAMPLE DRESSES?

Yes! More information here on ‘Viewing Appointments’ and ‘Fitting appointments’

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HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I VISIT FOR A VIEWING APPOINTMENT?

At least 6 months before your wedding. Please note that wedding seasons are aways very busy - I only take a limited number of bespoke bridal appointments each year. Please note that I am fully booked for bespoke bridal gowns in 2020 - however ‘ready to wear’ and ‘sample sale’ gowns will be added to the Etsy store throughout the year.

HOW MUCH ARE THE DRESSES?

This Modern Love ‘made to order’ and ‘bespoke’ bridal gowns start at £800.

This includes the cost the design, materials, making and fitting.

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I CAN’T MAKE IT TO WORTHING, CAN I ORDER A MODERN LOVE DRESS?

Yes, there are lots of ‘Ready to Wear’ garments available in the Etsy shop - these can be purchased and tried on at home so you can see the style and fit of the dresses. These are fully refundable - please notify me within 7 days of receipt if you wish to return the item.

Unfortunately I cannot make ‘made to order’ or ‘bespoke’ dresses unless you are able to visit me for a fitting in person.

I HAVEN’T SHOPPED FOR WEDDING DRESSES BEFORE, HOW DO I KNOW WHAT WILL SUIT ME?

It’s a great idea to visit at least one bridal shop if you can, just to get an idea of what’s out there! There is no magic formula to finding ‘the one’… it really is just the dress that makes you smile the most, and the one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. I find that ‘tulle’ (the soft netting fabric found in fairy princess style dresses is a real ‘love it or loathe it’ fabric, why not try on a style like that to see how you feel about it and go from there? If you haven’t started a wedding dress Pinterest board yet then definitely make a start… even if you feel like you don’t know what you like, you’ll be able to spot trends of the type of dress you pick again and again - you’ll probably find you have a clearer idea of what you’re looking for that you realise!

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DO YOU MAKE BESPOKE DRESSES? 

All of my made to order designs can be shaped to your preferences and its possible to blend together the different styles within my collection (e.g. the neckline from one dress, the skirt from a different dress, made in your preferred fabrics and colours) in order to make the dress bespoke to you, however I only make my own designs - I'm afraid I do not take commissions to make other people's designs and I do not offer garment copying. 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE A DRESS?

There is a 12 week average turnaround time from your order being placed to the fitting appointment for your dress.

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WHEN SHOULD I HAVE MY FITTING APPOINTMENT?

It’s up to you, but I recommend no later than 1-2 months before your wedding.

HOW DID YOU START THIS MODERN LOVE?

I used to live in London and I began making cutesy floral print tea dresses which I sold at London markets like Camden Lock and Portobello Road… a friend saw my designs and asked me to make her bridesmaid dresses, and from then on I just fell in love with the world of bridal! I love the exquisite fabrics and the delicate colours. I found my niche of creating simple, uncomplicated, relaxed designs fused with luxurious materials and This Modern Love was born!

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WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE?

I’ve studied ‘Professional Sewing Techniques’ and ‘Womenswear Pattern Cutting’ at the London College of Fashion, and ‘Fashion Design’ and ‘Costume Design’ at Central Saint Martins. I interned with 2 London based fashion labels, at London Fashion Week, and as a costume assistant at Sadler’s Wells, the Tricycle Theatre and The Royal Opera House. 

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR HIGHLIGHT?

I’ve been running This Modern Love for over five years now and I’ve had so many wonderful highlights! When I was starting out I won the Elle Magazine spotlight award and created a dress-paper sculpture installation for The Warehouse flagship store window on Oxford Circus.

An ongoing highlight from my work is seeing my wonderful real brides on their wedding day! It makes me so happy to see gorgeous women from all over the world wearing my designs for the most special occasion with their loved ones. Take a peek at my REAL BRIDES gallery here on my website - I love looking at these!

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YOU’VE WON SOME AWARDS HAVEN’T YOU?

Oh my God, I can’t believe you brought that up. Yes! I won The Wedding Industry Award 2018 and 2019 Best Bridal Designer & Dressmaker in the South East, and I was a finalist at The UK Wedding Awards 2016 for Best Bridesmaid Collection, the ELLE Magazine Spotlight Award and This Modern Love was named ‘The One to Watch’ by Perfect Wedding Magazine.

I’M VEGAN - CAN YOU MAKE MY DRESS VEGAN FRIENDLY?

Yes absolutely - if you want to avoid using silk we can make your dress using a vegan friendly fabric like duchess satin or synthetic crepe de chine.

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WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR FABRICS FROM?

I buy most of my materials from Bridal Fabrics who are based in Lancashire, and I occasionally buy small quantities for one off designs (ready to wear/sample sale pieces) from local shops or when I’m travelling on holiday - I’m a magpie for interesting prints and beautiful lace. I buy my haberdashery from local sewing shops in Worthing - small businesses support other small businesses!

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HOW DO I ORDER A BESPOKE DRESS?

When you have visited my studio to view the collection and chosen your favourite dress style, I’ll take your measurements and you can place your order through Etsy. We’ll book your fitting appointment at a mutually convenient date and that’s where your dress is fitted to you and finished.

More information here… http://www.thismodernlovebridal.com/made-to-order-bridal-how-it-works

THE ETSY SHOP - WHAT AM I LOOKING AT?

The shop comprises of three sections, and you can navigate through these by using the drop down menu…

ready to wear: limited edition, ready made, one off pieces, available to buy online and can be returned for a refund within one week if unsuitable. Also known as ‘sample sale’ pieces.

made to order kimonos: bridal lace kimonos, available to order online and made to order to your measurements in your preferred colours and lace. Made to order garments are non refundable.

made to order and bespoke bridal gowns (via studio appointment): all made to order bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses are custom made and fitted to you in person. Please note that made to order and bespoke garments are non refundable as the dress will be cut to your exact measurements, and the fabrics ordered just for you.

All items are available to purchase via Etsy and the shop is split into sections showing which styles are ready to wear garmentsmade to order kimono - lingerie, and made to order & bespoke dresses.

The latest styles are available to order are here in my ETSY shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/thismodernlovebridal

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WHAT ABOUT SIZING AND LENGTH?

Every made to order dress is made to your measurements which will be taken at your ‘viewing appointment’ - please see the measuring guide available here on the Modern Love website.

HOW WILL THE DRESS FIT ME?

It’s up to you - some brides prefer a slimmer fit, some brides prefer the dress to be a little looser. You will be asked for your design preferences as the dress takes shape at the fitting. Please bear in mind that the style of all Modern Love dresses is a pull on style so the dresses are not skin tight… view the REAL BRIDES gallery for examples of Modern Love bridal gowns on real brides.

I LOVE ONE OF YOUR DESIGNS, CAN I SLIGHTLY CHANGE THE STYLE? 

Yes, all of my made to order dresses can be made bespoke to your preferences e.g. adding cap sleeves, changing the neckline style, adding or removing a puddle train.

If you’re looking to blend two or more designs together to create a bespoke dress, or if you’d like to change the colour or fabric of a dress, we can go through the options for your bespoke design at your design consultation. There may be additional costs incurred in addition to the sample dress style price if more materials or more expensive materials are required to make your dress.

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CAN I CHANGE THE COLOUR AND MATERIAL?

Yes, This Modern Love partners with premium silk and lace suppliers based in the UK and Europe and can offer over 70 shades of matt duchess satin, crepe de chine, silk and chiffon together with over 40 different types of lace including raschel, guipiere, chantilly and corded lace. This Modern Love does not hold fabrics in stock, and therefore cannot send out samples. Please note that due to variations on display monitors/screens fabric shade cards should be used as guidance as opposed to an exact match.  

Please note that if you’d like a different TYPE of fabric or lace than the one listed in the description of the dress (i.e. you’d like ‘crepe de chine silk’ instead of ‘matt duchess satin’, or you’d like the ‘corded lace’ instead of the ‘guipiere lace’ the fabrics are priced differently. Please contact me to check the price prior to ordering as changing the type of material may incur an additional cost.

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HOW DO I ORDER?

Please order your chosen style via the Etsy shop - payment is required in full prior to dresses being made; the price includes the design, materials, making and shipping - there are no additional costs. 

If you’d like to change any detail of the design or materials please notify me prior to placing your order and I can create a custom order for you through Etsy, or I can send a personalised invoice.

ARE THE DRESSES SUITABLE FOR MATERNITY?

Yes, because the dresses are a pull on, relaxed style they are suitable for pregnant brides and bridesmaids. Please let me know and we can discuss current measurements and expected measurements for the date of the wedding - dresses for pregnant women are made with an empire line design (so they cinch in just under the bust rather than at the waist) and extra fabric can be added to the skirt and around the bust to allow for growth.

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I LIKE BACKLESS DESIGNS, WHAT UNDERWEAR SHOULD I WEAR?

 Depending on the style of the dress I recommend either a bodysuit like MAIDENFORM or ULTIMO which have adjustable straps and a low back, or the U-PLUNGE strapless bodysuit… or a stick-on bra, either cups to give shape, or body tape like WONDERLIFT to give support.

Regardless of whether your dress is backless or not, your wedding day underwear should ALWAYS be nude coloured and seam free. Think t-shirt bra and Bridget Jones knickers.

If you like one of the backless designs but feel more comfortable wearing a normal bra, then you can change the design of the dress to have a fully closed back.

CAN I RETURN THE DRESS?

Due to the bespoke nature of the dresses, made to order and bespoke dresses and garments are non returnable & non refundable. Please bear this in mind when ordering. Every dress is made to order and is individually cut for you, therefore the made to order and bespoke garments are non returnable and non refundable. ‘This Modern Love’ accepts no responsibility for the wrong order being placed so please ensure all the details and measurement information are correct prior to placing your order.

Customers are advised to visit the studio to view the sample dresses, or to purchase a refundable ‘Ready to Wear’ dress prior to ordering a bespoke dress if they are unsure about the style, fit and quality of the dresses. Made to order and bespoke dresses will be made to the measurements taken at your ‘viewing appointment’, and fitted to you at your ‘fitting appointment’. Customers are also advised to consider whether the style of dress will suit them and their body shape prior to ordering a bespoke or made to order, bearing in mind that the design of the dresses is a relaxed, informal style which pulls on and cinches in at the waist with elastic. The dresses are not formal, fitted or structured styles - they are designed to be relaxed and comfortable.

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I’M NOT SURE ABOUT BUYING A BESPOKE DRESS… I CAN’T IMAGINE HOW IT WILL LOOK

A bespoke or made to order dress isn’t for everyone! If the thought of having a dress that you can be involved in designing yourself, which is unique and handmade just for you is exciting then you are in the right place! I have a range of sample dresses at my studio which you can try on to see how the style looks on you and whether the dress is right for your special day. However if you are struggling to picture how a bespoke dress would work for you, and its making you feel anxious about your wedding day I would recommend that you don’t choose a bespoke dress… there are lots of wonderful options out there for ready made and off the peg gowns :) I have a range of ‘Ready to Wear’ gowns which you can try on to check the style and the fit.

WHAT IF THE DRESS NEEDS ALTERATIONS? 

Bespoke and made to order dresses are fitted to you in person therefore there is no need for any alterations.

For ‘Ready to Wear’ dresses, it is customary for a standard size wedding dress to require some alterations to get the perfect fit - it will vary from person to person, their body shape and they way they want the dress to fit. You may wish to have your dress altered with a local seamstress, tailor or dressmaker for alterations to improve the fit.

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WHAT IF I LOSE WEIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING?

I recommend having the fitting date for your dress 1-2 months before the wedding. Due to the relaxed style of the dresses and the cinched in waist a small weight fluctuation shouldn’t have any impact on the fit of your dress.

WHAT IF I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY DRESS?

If for any reason theres a problem with the quality of your dress then please get in contact right away to let me know - I hope that you’ll have a wonderful experience choosing a This Modern Love dress so please do let me know if there are issues around the dress being faulty. I will be more than happy to help resolve the problem.

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CAN I RETURN A ‘READY TO WEAR’ DRESS?

As an exception, 'Ready to Wear' garments are refundable. Customers must notify thismodernlovebridal@gmail.com within 7 days of receipt of the 'Ready to Wear' dress to request a refund. 

On receipt of the garment back at my studio (the garment must be unworn and in satisfactory condition) the Customer will be issued a refund in full via their method of payment. Please note that postage costs are not refundable. 

Ready to Wear garments do not include a fitting or alteration - the garments are ready made and sold as seen. Customers may choose to have the dress altered with their local seamstress or dressmaker if necessary. Please note that any changes or alterations to the garment will render it non returnable.

I REALLY LIKE THIS MODERN LOVE DRESSES - WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

Here on the website you’ll find images of REAL BRIDES, STYLED SHOOTS and COLLECTIONS where you can see the designs I’ve created and the style of dress that I make… you can also take a peek at This Modern Love on social media (Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) as well as my Wordpress blog.

Follow me on Instagram for the latest designs, real brides and styling tips: @this_modern_love_bridal

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