Posts Tagged ‘wedding shops’

Accessory Shopping Made Easy!

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

We are pleased to say that this January already looks very busy with our stockists seeing an influx of new-season brides coming in to take a look at their beautiful gowns and accessories. 2012 is a wonderful year to get married, with the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on the horizon, the country is looking to celebrate!

Stockists, we are ready to take your orders; we have 3 fantastic customer service assistants who are all experts with our products and thousands of items in stock ready to send to you. As always, bespoke ordering is available at no extra charge. You can order by telephone, email, fax or post; however you order you will be sent a delivery confirmation by email with an estimated dispatch date and another email when your order is shipped. It couldn’t be easier!

These are just a few other ways in which we can help you this year:

Stockists: We make sure that brides come to you. Our policy of not selling online or to online retailers will stand fast throughout 2012 and beyond. Bridal wear is special, and we understand that the service and experience received from one of our stockists is second-to-none.

Trying on Bridalwear Richard Designs

We receive hundreds of direct enquiries from brides each year, and we direct them to you. We will send you a veil, tiara or piece of jewellery on a sale or return basis if a bride local to you has seen a particular style and wants to try it on. If the bride decides to purchase the item then you will be invoiced for it at its normal price. Of course it is your sale and you keep 100% of the sale price (we don’t have RRPs and we don’t advertise any products with them either!) If the bride changes her mind, then we will arrange for it to be collected from your premises on a day of your choice. Free of charge of course!

Our three company reps are available year round to visit you in your shop with our collections. For an no-obligation appointment just email Jennifer on jennifer@richarddesigns.co.uk or call 01353 661600.

Just call, email, fax or post your orders to us and we will process it straight away for delivery when you choose. See how to contact us here.

Natalie wearing Richard DesignsBrides: This website is designed to help you to plan your perfect wedding. Choosing your accessories is both fun and rewarding as you transform into a bride! With 26 years of experience in bridal wear, we can help you with any queries you may have – no matter how big or small. Just contact us via email at info@richarddesigns.co.uk or call 01353 661600 and we will be pleased to help you. Whether you want to know which shape petticoat will best go with your dress, or you want to know where you can buy our accessories, we are here to help you!

Don’t forget to like our Facebook page to keep up to date with latest trends, news and pictures, as well as regular competitions. Inspire others by sharing your photos with us and other brides on our wall!

Next Steps: For expert advice on choosing your veils, tiaras, jewellery and other accessories, see our Advice Centre.
To see more pictures of our products, see our galleries.
Click here to see how to buy our accessories.

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Confetti & Lace Grand Opening in Lakeside, Thurrock

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

We were so honoured to be invited to the Grand Opening Party of Confetti & Lace’s flagship store in Lakeside, Thurrock last week. Thank you to all of the staff and to Christine the owner for allowing us to take part in your special celebrations.

Confetti & Lace

Having been greeted with champagne and canapés, we were allowed to have a good look around the beautiful shop and see the hard work that had been put in to make it look so perfect.

Once we were seated on the gorgeous black chairs, we watched as Camilla Newman of Brides magazine cut the ribbon and declared the shop open!

Confetti & Lace Ribbon Opening

We were then treated to a fashion show of the 2012 collection gowns, which included some of our tiaras and jewellery!

Confetti & Lace Catwalk couple Confetti & Lace P118 Necklace
Confetti & Lace Catwalk Tiara Confetti & Lace Catwalk

So what is it about this store that deserves such a stunning opening party?

Gorgeous gowns, sparkling shoes and twinkling tiaras, veils and jewellery – what more could you ask for from a bridal shop? The new flagship Confetti & Lace store in Lakeside, Thurrock has all this and more. From the moment you walk through the door you feel like a pampered princess. The bright lights, polished black marble floors and twinkling glass ooze sophistication and class.

Confetti & Lace Exterior

The welcoming chaise lounge and striking glass tables invite you to delve deeper into the shop, while the tall ceilings make the space feel open and light.

Confetti & Lace Glass table Confetti & Lace Chaise Lounge
Confetti & Lace Chairs Confetti & Lace Centre

Christine at Confetti & Lace has put so much thought and planning into the shop and it shows. The four sections at the front of the shop allow brides-to-be to browse the extensive collection of dresses (which, by the way, do not pool on the floor but are raised to keep them looking fresh – just one of the small details that elevates this store to a higher level).

Once they have seen enough and are dying to try some on, brides are escorted to their personal changing room with viewing area attached. This means that each bride and her mother and friends can have privacy and feel comfortable. The changing rooms are of an ample size, with fun black curtains lined with shocking pink fabric.

Confetti & Lace Changing Area

The adjoined viewing areas are luxurious with plush black carpets, extra large mirrors and comfortable chairs, and each is accessorised with tiaras, veils and jewellery for the bride to complete her look.

While the bride is trying on her gown and accessories, the bridesmaids can enjoy the internet room, where they can look at the latest collections of bridesmaid dresses and accessories before picking some out to try on.

Confetti & Lace Internet room

The dresses are not the only things that stand out as you enter the shop. The tiaras and jewellery are given pride of place in a large glass cabinet in front of you as you walk through the door. Christine and her team have worked hard to display the tiaras carefully to show them off at their best. Displayed with mirrored jewellery boxes, pretty butterflies and stunning clutch bags, the tiaras are given the space and light they deserve.

Confetti & Lace TiaraConfetti & Lace Tiara DisplayConfetti & Lace Tiara & Bag

For shoe lovers there is a section of the shop devoted just to shoes. Yes, that’s right, just shoes! With a beautiful display and ample space to try them on, you can even look in the low-down mirrors to see how they look on.

Confetti & Lace Shoe Display

Both Christine and her assistants are so kind and have a wealth of knowledge of bridal wear and the gowns and accessories they offer. Any bride would leave the shop having found her dream gown and feeling pampered and special.

Confetti & Lace Richard Designs

This shop could not be faulted. Absolutely exquisite attention to detail, beautiful gowns and accessories and kind, helpful staff all result in an unforgettable buying experience for brides and bridesmaids.

Thanks once again to all at Confetti & Lace for welcoming us into your shop.

For details of your local Richard Designs stockist, just call us on 01353 661600 or email info@richarddesigns.co.uk
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Guest Blog from Our Company Representative Ben Allen

Friday, May 20th, 2011

Today we have a special treat for you as our company representative Ben Allen explains why he loves working in the bridal business and introduces himself to those of you that have not yet met him. Ben will be writing a guest blog for us on a regular basis, so you can keep up to date with the best advice on trends, buying, and running your shop. Enjoy!

Ben Allen at the BBEH

Ben Allen at the BBEH

Hello Everyone,

I thought it would be nice to join the ranks as a guest blogger on our website so over the next few months I will be regularly appearing on the website to discuss trends, observations and the importance of bridal shops. Today I just wanted to introduce myself to you if you have only briefly had a chance to see me at MODA or BBEH, rather than having time for a chat at either of the shows or a visit from me in your shop.

In years gone by while I was working in my previous job (I worked in Chemistry of all things!) I would sit round the dinner table with my family and at certain times of the year I would hear about this place in Yorkshire called Harrogate and I would wonder what it was all about, some sort of exhibition I believed. As time went by I became more and more intrigued by this place, until one year I said to Elaine, Founder of Richard Designs and my stepmother, ‘can I come to Harrogate this year?’.  Well that was in 2005 and since then I have become hooked on the business, helping out at every Harrogate since, learning about everything from veiling lengths and styles to petticoats, from tiaras to hats! I had such a good time, everyone who would come on the stand was friendly and happy to speak with a chap who was enthusiastic about the product.

Busy BBEH

A busy time at the BBEH

When an opportunity arose to follow in the footsteps of my dad and my step brothers and sister in joining the family business I spoke with Elaine about the possibility of taking a permanent role as company rep and the rest as they say is history!

Since I joined the family business I have had such a brilliant time, I can’t believe it has gone so quickly! Obviously when I started I had the advantage over most new starters of knowing the product well, but it was both exciting and scary going into shops for the first time.  It has been lovely to come and meet so many of you in your shops, you are all so friendly and welcoming and it’s so nice to be able to talk about so many different things and to show you some lovely products at the same time.

Just recently I have been able to come and meet many more of you in the North of the UK. I know I haven’t been to see everybody yet, but I hope to meet even more of you and I am always happy to meet you at the exhibitions, please just come over and say hi!

Ben at Moda

Ben helping customers at Moda

In my role as a company rep I am always trying to learn new things about the business of weddings and occasion-wear, so that I can provide you with the best advice.  It’s my belief that I am here to help and advise you, never to try and sell you something you don’t want. I am always happy to discuss general trends and best-sellers, which I know can be invaluable information if you are new to the business, but I will never know your area or your brides as well as you will – that’s why I am here to support you in any way that you need.

I look forward to my next few blogs, in which I will be discussing the current trends I am noticing on the road, asking how quickly will the recent royal wedding start influencing brides’ choices and which is best; traditional tiara or side-spray headpiece?

Thanks for reading & hopefully I’ll see you soon!

Ben Allen
Senior Sales Executive

Thanks Ben, we’re looking forward to your blogs too! You can find out more about Ben here.

To find out more about stocking Richard Designs in your shop, see here.

To make a no-obligation appointment with Ben please call Charlotte on 01353 661600. There is no minimum order on any of our lines, and no obligation to buy if you make an appointment.

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How we support bridal shops & retailers

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

When starting a bridal wear shop or retail outlet it can be difficult to choose your suppliers and make sure you are getting all the support you deserve. With 25 years experience in the bridal industry, we understand the need for this support and so we have several procedures in place to help bridal shops and their customers.

Direct marketing to brides

www.richard-designs.com provides us with a portal where we can communicate with brides which enables us to, together with your feedback, always have a finger on the pulse of the bridal industry and make sure our products are heading in the right direction in terms of design, customer service and marketing.

Many brides come to us requesting details of their local stockist and we always direct them to you. We do not sell online, to online retailers or advertise prices online. So you can be sure that you are our number one priority and we will support you as much as we can.

Fantastic customer service

We are dedicated to providing you with fantastic customer service. Our superb customer service team are on hand to help you with any queries, advice or last-minute requests. As we make everything to order in the UK, we are able to meet your needs quickly and completely. We also offer a comprehensive colour-matching service for those unusual outfits or requests. As all our items are made to order and so customisation is available on all products. We love a challenge, so give us a try, you might be surprised by what we can do!

Shade cards and brochures

We have an extensive range of shade cards for tulle, crystal and pearls which we can provide free of charge. We also have complimentary brochures for each of our collections and these, along with the shade cards, are invaluable tools to have in your shop. Brides love to see our wide range of colours and designs and will know they are getting something truly unique and tailored to their needs. All brochures and shade cards are available as PDFs – great for printing your own or even emailing a bride their own copy!

We also provide promotional material for any events or fairs you may be holding. Click here to see the Brides Leaflet 2011. We can also send you some pre-printed one-page leaflets for your brides. Please contact us to take advantage of this complementary service.

The needs of our customers always come first

We strive to give not just the service you expect, but to exceed your expectations. Styles, fabric qualities, colours and delivery are all driven by the feedback you give us. In a competitive industry, we understand that you need to offer your customer the very best products and that your response to customers’ requests is vital.

We have a unique computerised order processing and management system that allows your orders to be delivered at the time most convenient for you. Your own unique reference or bride’s name can be added for your easy identification. This year we have enhanced the service we offer so that you will receive an email confirmation of your order including information on price, colour, style and estimated delivery time. Customers who order over the telephone, email, fax or even post will all receive this notification direct to their in-boxes. If an order is sent via courier, you will receive notification of the time of delivery in an email the following day.

We take care of you, so that you can take care of your clients. Because we want you to be the best, we will do our best for you.

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See other blogs written to help retail outlets:

How to dress your shop window

Tips for refreshing your shop for the new season

How to display your fascinators

Our innovative new customer service system

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Come and visit us in 2011

Saturday, January 22nd, 2011

Many of you will have seen us before at exhibitions such as the British Bridal Exhibition in Harrogate. This year we will be attending four different exhibitions so that you have the opportunity to see every one of our collections. Exhibitions are the only opportunity to see all of the new collection as well as best selling items in one place. We love to meet all of our customers old and new at these events and to catch up and see how things are going for you. We are known for putting on fantastic displays and after over 50 shows, this year we will have the biggest and best yet.

Where we will be in 2011:

February 20-22 Moda UK at the NEC Birmingham, showing The Boutique Collection.

Moda fascinator

Come and see us in Moda on stand G14 in Hall 19 if you are a stockist of the Boutique Collectionor are interested in seeing our hats and fascinators. We welcome all of you onto our stand as we reveal our brand new styles. Over the coming weeks we will have sneak peaks of the new hats, fascinators and colours on offer this season. You can read about our inspirations for the new collection by following this link.

March 13-15 British Bridal Exhibitionin Harrogate, showing the Richard Designs collection, The Classics, The Boutique Collection, Blue Ribbon Petticoats and NIEVE Designer Couture.

BBEH Nieve

The March show is a good time to top up your stock for the new season. You will have received your gowns by March so can clearly see what accessories you need to add to complete your collection. We will continue to celebrate our 25th Anniversaryat this show, with fantastic veil displays, beautiful tiaras and jewellery on stand M33, Blue Ribbon Petticoats (we have a new, sleeker net for our petticoats – more on that nearer the time!) on stand M29,  Nieve Couture and the Reflections range on stand M28 and the Boutique Collection (perfect for mother of the bride) on stand M30. Not only this but we are finalists in the Bridal Buyer Awards, with winners due to be announced at the show and we are featuring our accessories in the Fashion Shows. Phew! All in all it will be a packed and exciting show for us and we hope you will join us in Harrogate.

August 14-16 Moda UK showing the Boutique Collection.

Moda August 2010

Our second Moda show of the year and a chance for you to see the brand new collection of hats and fascinators.

September 11-13 BBEH showing all collections.

RD BBEH 2010

Plans are already under way for the second British Bridal Exhibition of the year, and we are sure that this will be our biggest show of the year as September tends to be a larger affair than March. September is a good time to re-stock for the new year and coming to the show allows you to see everything in one place and make the best decisions.

Although the shows are the only place to see everything we do in one place, our company representative Ben carries a huge selection of our best-selling veils, tiaras, jewellery and petticoats on the road all-year-round. This can be useful if you like to see the items in your shop and try them with your range of bridal gowns. If you would like an appointment please call Vicki on 01353 661600 or email vicki@richarddesigns.co.uk. We also carry product brochures for all of our labels, just contact us for a copy.

If you are a bride then unfortunately you will not be able to attend these events as they are for trade only. But do call or email usfor details of your nearest stockist, many of whom show our tiaras, veils, jewellery, hats, fascinators and petticoats at their own or local wedding fairs and shows.

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