

2019
Pre-Appointment Guide
JGD
1 Who
Your closest and most trusted.
2 What
To bring, wear and do before your visit.
3 Where
My Studio location, directions, parking and amenities.
 
4 When
Arriving to your appointment.
5
While you Wait Things to think about before we meet.
6
Bits and Pieces It’s all in the details.
1 Who
“
True Friends say good things behind
”
your back and bad things to your face.
Decisions are often made harder with too many opinions. I highly recommend you limit the number of guests you bring to your first consultation to one or two.
Especially if you are heading to more than one bridal
store/studio on the same day. You don’t want to spend all day trying to organise everyone else to be on time, in the right location… and then try to choose a wedding gown! This is made even more difficult as too many opinions are often confusing and emotionally draining, so ideally invite one or two family members or friends. After all you can always book a follow up consultation to show them your top picks. That way you already have your shortlist and the girls feel special to be included when you make your final decision. Winning!
2
What
Don’t forget to pack some water and
“
”
healthy snacks like dried fruit, nuts or a banana to keep your energy levels up.
Please consider what you will wear on the day knowing you will be in and out of several different gowns at each appointment. I recommend wearing a wrap or shift dress or something quick and easy to get in and out of. You may also have someone *{Like Me} in the fitting room with you, to help you in and out of the gowns. With this in mind I always recommend wearing some good nude coloured full briefs and a nude bra. Your Bra does not need to be strapless but try to avoid any excess padding so we get a clear idea of how things fit.
You are also welcome to take your bra off for certain styles if you would like to. You wont need to bring heels as I have a small box you can stand on.
*I always help Brides in and out of gowns as these gowns are Samples and may not fit you perfectly. To make sure you are getting as clear a picture as possible I will pin you into the dresses if needed. Please Note: My sample sizes are 8-12AU. I have one of each Design available to try on. I do not have multiple sizes of each design.
 
3
Where The JGD Studio is located under the front portion of my home on the corner of Cornwall and Baron Streets in Greenslopes.
Easy to find and accessible from the M3 at the Cornwall/Juliette street exit 5, ideal for people coming from all parts of South East Queensland.
PLEASE
NOTE:
See Map Here
Cornwall and Juliette streets are both ONE WAY. The
best idea is to stay in the right lane regardless of the street you are on (Juliette or Cornwall). Turn right into Baron Street and head to the Cornwall street end to find a park.
Parking during weekdays can be challenging as we have a lot of PA Hospital employees and commuters who park on Baron St. I have a single off street park available in my back driveway on Baron street for Friday appointments. Once you have found a park please use the side gate on Baron street and ring the bell on the Pink Door. I will be looking forward to meeting you!
AMENITIES: Please be aware that you are entering my family home and I like to think we are pretty normal. We have one bathroom/toilet upstairs off our main living room which you are welcome to use if needed.
4
When
Needless to say we all like to be on time for an appointment. I think I have been so good at making this point with my eldest daughter, Neve, that she now arrives at least 30 minutes prior to anything she considers of great importance. {Please don’t do that} It is also a good thing to consider that if you arrive early, especially on a Saturday, I may still be with another Bride finishing up her appointment. I have a bench seat directly outside the studio where you are welcome to wait. If you are running late or can’t make your appointment for any reason, please call or text me to let me know. My contact details are in the front of this booklet.
PLEASE NOTE:
In Summer it can get
very hot just outside my studio so if you are early please wait in your “airconditioned” car until a couple of minutes before your appointment. If it is raining I would do the same. Text me once you arrive so I know you are here and I can let you know if I am running a little late or early.
5
While You Wait…
Here are a few important things to consider. BE CLEAR ON YOUR BUDGET
This is extremely important and great to know before we start. It will make it easier for me to show you options that are within your budget. I don’t think it is fair to go through an entire appointment for you to fall in love with a gown that is completely beyond what you can afford. Just remember to be realistic though, take a look at my Services Page for my budget guides.
PLEASE NOTE:
It pays to think about everything you will need for your
wedding day. Including accessories, underwear and shoes. You may also want to include your hair and makeup and any planned beauty treatments in your wedding attire budget too.
Lastly think about the top 5 things that matter most to you about your gown and write them down. FOR EXAMPLE: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Must have sleeves. Budget friendly. Definitely not white, maybe blush? Must be comfortable, not tight. Non traditional lace, modern yet romantic.
Most importantly remember to enjoy this time, with your loved ones, without putting pressure on yourself. Finding your gown should be a wonderful experience!
6
Timing is everything
As of the 30th June 2019 the Maximum “Made to Measure” orders per month will be TWO.
This is why I recommend ordering your gown about SIX TO NINE months. prior to your wedding. Peak Wedding Seasons can fill up very fast, these months are March, April, May and September, October, November. Please Note: I can not reserve a space without payment, so your booking is not secure and no fabrics are ordered until your deposit is paid.
Money Matters
~ Made to Measure - A 40% Non-refundable deposit is require to secure this service. Your final balance is due 30 days prior to your wedding day. I recommend setting up a monthly scheduled transfer to pay the balance. ~ Standard Sizes 6-14AU - Payment in full is require when booking this service. Production time is between 16 and 20 weeks. ~ Samples & Sale Items - Payment is required in full before collection. Gowns are sold “AS IS” No refunds are offered on sale items. **Payment Options - credit card (Full invoice amount only) OR Direct Bank Deposit.
Your Feedback I love to receive feedback from my visiting Brides, even if you find your gown elsewhere. It’s a great way for me to stay in touch with what my client is really looking for and how I can help them the best. You will receive a follow up email from me at some point after your first consultation, please take the time to share your experience with me so I can help future Brides.
Contact 207 Cornwall Street, Greenslopes, Brisbane QLD jennifergifforddesigns.com hello@jennifergifforddesigns.com. +61 422 697 238
I consider creating a Wedding Gown for a Bride a partnership of sorts. We will potentially be spending time together working on the most important garment you will ever wear. Trust is essential and the best method for gaining trust is effective communication. Planning a wedding can be an exciting, stressful and confusing time that no one can really prepare for. So I want you to know, I care deeply about your wedding planning experience and I am here to help in any way I can. Including helping choose bridesmaids dresses, colours for suits and being an impartial sounding board/shoulder to cry on, if & when you need one. It gives me such joy to be able to help my Brides feel like the most beautiful version of themselves on their Big Day.
Having your
gown handmade should be more than just choosing your design and turning up when it’s done. This is a wonderful and exciting time to share with family and friends in preparation for the day you marry the one you love most.
Jen XO