Appointments & Joyce Young Experience
What can I expect at my first appointment?
We will listen to what you need, help you explore flattering shapes, fabrics and colours, and give you honest advice without pressure. Our aim is to help you choose a design that feels completely right for you.
For our Brides
What types of wedding dress do you offer?
Our collections include couture and bespoke wedding dresses, Studio Brides designs and distinctive tartan wedding dresses. We create designs for church, civil, castle and overseas weddings, always with the bride, setting and personal style in mind.
Can you adapt a bridal design for me?
Yes. Our couture and bespoke service allows the shape, fabric, colour and details to be considered around you. Studio Brides dresses can also be altered by our experienced in-house team.
Can you include tartan in my wedding design?
Yes. Tartan can be used in bridal gowns, coats, occasion wear and coordinating family pieces. You do not need Scottish ancestry to wear tartan, and a specially designed family or wedding tartan may also be possible when enough time is allowed for design and weaving.
How should I prepare for a wedding dress appointment?
Research the styles you are drawn to, but stay open to our team's suggestions. Wear supportive underwear and arrive feeling comfortable and confident. Bring one or two trusted people rather than a large group, and avoid fitting too many appointments into one day.
How do I choose a dress for my venue?
Think about how the dress will work with the setting, season and photographs as well as how it looks on you. A dramatic train may suit a cathedral or castle, while a softer, lighter design can work beautifully for a beach or overseas wedding.
Our Mother's of the Bride or Groom
When should I start looking for my outfit?
We recommend coming early, even if you plan to lose weight. This lets you choose the design and fabric and allows us to reserve production time. Your measurement date can be arranged nearer the wedding.
Do I need to match the wedding colours?
It is helpful to understand the wedding colour scheme, but your outfit should first suit your skin tone, figure and personality. A harmonious colour choice photographs beautifully, but you should not choose a shade simply because it matches the bridesmaids.
Who chooses first, the mother of the bride or groom?
Traditionally, the mother of the bride chooses her colour and style first, then shares her choice with the mother of the groom. In practice, good communication matters more than strict rules.
Can you help if I am unsure what suits me?
Absolutely. Our expert team are experienced in dressing women of different ages, proportions and personal styles. We offer honest, thoughtful advice in a calm setting and will never persuade you to choose an outfit unless it feels right.
Made to Measure
What does made to measure mean?
Your outfit is created to your individual measurements and proportions rather than altered from a standard size. This allows the pattern, balance and fit to be shaped around your body from the beginning.
How many fittings will I need?
Couture occasion wear usually involves around three appointments. We take detailed measurements, create and fit a cotton toile, then fit the design in your chosen fabric before completing the finishing work. Bridal timings can vary depending on the design.
Do you cater for petite and plus sizes?
Yes. Because the design is created for your proportions, standard dress sizes are not a barrier. Our aim is a flattering, comfortable fit for every client, from petite to plus size.
Which tartan fabric is best for a dress?
The right choice depends on the design and the drape required. Silk tartan offers a beautiful lustre for bridal and evening designs, while lighter 8 oz or 11 oz wool tartans are better suited to women's clothing than traditional heavier kilt cloth. Availability varies between tartans and fabrics.
How much tartan should I include?
That is entirely personal. Tartan can be a subtle inset or small detail, or the main feature of the dress. We will help you try different shapes and proportions so the tartan flatters you and supports the overall design without feeling overwhelming.
Scotland & Overseas
Are Joyce Young designs Made in Scotland?
Our made-to-measure designs are produced in-house by our experienced Glasgow team of pattern cutters, cutters, fitters and machinists. Keeping production in-house gives us close control over quality and flexibility throughout the fitting process.
Can I order if I live overseas?
Yes. We work directly with international clients. After your deposit, we provide measurement guidance and ask for recent front, back and side photographs. A cotton toile can be sent for a fitting with a local dressmaker, or the outfit can be made from the supplied measurements and sent by courier.
Can I combine a UK visit with an overseas order?
Yes. Many international clients arrange a first fitting while visiting Glasgow or London, then have the finished outfit sent to them. Please contact us as early as possible so we can discuss the most suitable timetable.