I've had better experiences in bridal boutiques…read more I'd noticed this shop a few times and as a bride to be I was keen to go in for a look around at the shoes and hair accessories. I parked up outside and was able to dander in. The door wasn't locked so there was no reason for me not to go in. Upon entering I noticed a few people at the cash desk to whom I said hello and made my way to the cabinets displaying all the bridal bits and bobs. The shop assistant excused herself from her clients and came over to me and asked if I was OK, I explained that I was just having a look at the shoes and that to which she replied that I should make an appointment as she was busy. I WAS JUST LOOKING! She then handed me a business card and told me I could make an appointment over the phone. Basically, I got the feeling that I was being asked to leave. I don't understand, I was just looking and the doors were open to the public. I get it that most bridal houses make you have an appointment but if they don't want folk walking in to look at their display cabinets they should lock the bloomin' doors. Nice hair pieces and jewellery but not a very welcoming environment. Like I always say though, maybe it was just bad timing on my part or maybe they were having a bad day or maybe the service is so personal that a stranger is not even allowed within earshot of each bride to be - I dunno. I'll get my accessories from somewhere else.

I visited this boutique with my friend who is getting married and have to say it was a very…read morepleasant place to be in. The staff were very helpful and they looked after not only my friend but me aswell. The range of gowns was plentyful and the quality of them was excellent. Their prices seemed to be not out of reach for the ordinary girl and the boutique it'self was very clean and tidy. I looked at both previous reviews and couldn't understand the negative review, as Bliss have a notice on their door saying BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, which is also recommended on their website. When I'm ready for the big day I shall be paying a visist to Bliss to look for my gown as I had such a nice experience there.

Absolutely appalling service from this woman. She tried to impose her idea of what my dress should…read morebe for my special day and after months of me trying to get her to make my vision a reality I was sorely disappointed with the end result that was ill fitting and not the style I wanted and ultimately I could not wear. I was also charged for extras that I had not asked to be made and for a Basque undergarment that did not fit and was returned. The "helpful and friendly" facade disappeared pretty quick when I voiced my disappointment.

I am a fan of Joanne Ferguson's window display in Newtownards. I have only one problem with this…read moreshop and that is that each time I call I can't seem to get in - this hasn't put me off looking in the window or checking out her wonderful website. As it turns out it costs £25 to have a consultation with Joanne and she has a great reputation in the town for a very special bespoke one to one service. I wasn't willing to pay £25 as I just wanted a nosy at her shoes and jewellery. As I have already mentioned she is an absolute professional and this can be seen in the way the shop is kept as well as her informative website. She has over twenty years experience with embroidery and design because of this she is able to create themes for the bride which can be carried over onto the bridesmaids and grooms outfits. I think she may be the only bridal shop in the area with an extensive menswear department upstairs. I'll get in for a nosy yet but based on other brides and first impressions of the shop and the site I feel I can recommend it.

Deborah Rose Bridal opened its doors in January 2006 offering Brides the latest in Bridal Fashion…read more With a fabulous collection of contemporary designer dresses; stylish, comfortable surroundings and a relaxed atmosphere; together with friendly, professional service. The lady who runs the store came into the shop I used to work in all the time and was a lovely woman, so I am sure that she endeavours to help each bride's dream of finding that perfect gown. I have never used the services here but know of friends who have had good experiences here. With bridal gowns from leading designers, including plus size brides, together with bridesmaids from award winning designers you will be sure to find that perfect gown. Deborah Rose also stocks a wide variety of accessories including veils, jewellery, tiaras, hair accessories, shoes and petticoats. Now all you ladies out there is get a man to want to marry you to justify coming here, or else you could be that stereotypical crazy lady who likes to drink on her own and go around the house in their future wedding dress!

Helen's sewing alterations is one of those blink and you will miss it shops as it is situated above…read moreNV in Conway Square and not at normal eye level. I had not heard of this alteration shop before and it was only when I bought my wedding dress in a near by bridal shop that they advised me to take it to Helen for alterations. She offers a very personal service and does seem to mostly specialize in Brides and bridesmaids dresses - there are a lot of those big white bridal dresses hanging on the rail. The service I received was professional, efficient and friendly and it is no wonder she has so many bridal clients as she really knows what she is talking about. I will recommend her to future brides and everyone just for her normal sewing and mending skills.

Helens has moved ... Now at 58 Frances Street and is very easy to find due to the name being in BIG…read moreletters over the shop. Lovely welcome and well laid out over three floors.

Esprit is a real gem in the relatively commercial world of Ards Shopping Centre. With its rustic…read moredécor, this shop is absolutely packed full of pretty little trinkets and is the ideal spot when searching for a unique gift. This is reinforced by the vast selection of wedding and newborn baby gifts found throughout the store. The staff members are polite and carefully wrap each gift in your preferred choice of tissue paper. Esprit also stocks a wide selection of both Yankee and Castle Hill candles, which are more than reasonably priced. This shop is one of my favourites as you're always sure to find a bargain (my most recent being several boxes of incense-with a holder for £1.50) that will leave you grinning like the Cheshire Cat for the rest of the day. Occasionally furniture can be found, although the vast majority of this is usually displayed in the window. The shop also stocks a range of beautiful Tiffany lamps, as well as elegant gift boxes at great prices. Situated at the shopping centre's entrance, this should be one of your first stops.

Good range of dresses, plenty of room to try dresses on. Owner i think needs a holidayread more

Cramped space to try dresses on. Phone didn't stop ringing the 30 mins i was there. Picked 6…read moredresses of their website didn't get to see any of them. Didn't see one dress i liked. Each to their own i suppose