Cicily Bridal COVID-19 Policy
As restrictions gradually lift from our 3 months of lockdown, we are beginning to enter and inhabit a ‘new’ world.
We are preparing to welcome brides-to-be back to the studio from Wednesday, 17th June, and we want to ensure you that the health and safety of our team and guests is paramount.
Following government guidelines, we have carried out a risk assessment and implemented our COVID-19 Policy (this is a live document and has been written as per the guidelines currently available but will be updated as and when necessary):
Booking Your Appointment
When you book your appointment with us, we will ask for your contact details including your email address if you have contacted us via another method.
Prior to your appointment we will email you a link to this Cicily Bridal COVID-19 Policy and ask that you read it fully. We will ask you to confirm that you have read and understood our COVID-19 Policy. It is compulsory to reply to this email to confirm that you agree and are still happy to attend your appointment. Failure to reply will unfortunately mean we will not be able to host your appointment.
Your Appointment
In order to maintain the correct health and safety measures during your appointment we have implemented the following:
Arrival
Although our studio is a large space, we have decided to limit your appointment to yourself and TWO GUESTS only. There are no exceptions to this measure so please do not bring more than two guests as they will not be allowed to enter the studio. Bring your virtual guests with you by connecting to Zoom, Scype call, House Party, Facetime etc as our WIFI password will be available for you to use.
We’ve always welcomed children into the studio but unfortunately, at this time we have to sadly say that children won’t be allowed in appointments.
We have also decided that there will be only one appointment carried out at any one time to minimise unnecessary contact. In order to achieve this, we have reduced the number of appointments per day to allow plenty of time between appointments for cleaning the studio and common touch points (eg. handles, hangers, card machine) as well as steaming the dresses that have been tried on.
It is important that you arrive on time for your appointment so there is no opportunity for cross-over with another appointment. If you arrive early then you will be asked to wait in your car or outside the studio (there is a court yard with benches just outside).
To ensure you arrive on time for your appointment please use the following directions:
When you arrive on Thorpe Lane follow the signs for Thorpe Estate Main Entrance. Use the main entrance and carry on down the gravel drive. At the end of the gravel drive carry on straight ahead to Stablethorpe (sign posted) and you will see a large car park with plenty of spaces. You will see the Cicily Bridal studio entrance.
As appointment time slots need to be more strictly regulated, we want to ensure you get the most out of your time with us and enjoy finding your wedding dress. Please do your research before attending your appointment to familiarise yourself with our designers and styles. It really helps us to guide and advise you more effectively and minimises time in dresses that aren’t your style. Your appointment with us will be booked for 1.5 hours and we cannot over run this time.
When you arrive at the studio, we will greet you maintaining the appropriate distance. It will still be a warm welcome, just a little bit further away!
Hand sanitiser will be available in the studio to use when you arrive and throughout your appointment.
Consultation Time
While you browse the dresses, we will keep the appropriate distance away from you and your guest while advising you and answering any questions. We ask that you carefully select the number of dresses, with our guidance, to avoid too many dresses being tried on and handled.
Throughout your time with us we will maintain the correct distance away from you when practicable.
Underneath all of this very serious and necessary safety precautions we haven’t lost sight or forgotten what a special and exciting moment this is for every bride. You will still receive the Cicily Bridal experience – professional advice, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, plenty of smiles and above all fun.
Dressing You
It is in the changing room that we normally get to know you very well. It is a space where trust is paramount. How often do you undress in front of a stranger?! This is where social distancing is most difficult to maintain. Therefore, we will wear a face screen while dressing you and will avoid being face-to-face with you as much as possible. If you prefer, your guest will be able to dress you in our place.
Our try-on shoes will not be available to use at this time so please bring a pair with you if you’d like to wear heels when trying on the dresses.
PPE
As of 24th July 2021 it is law to wear a face cover in all shops and supermarkets, therefore we request that you and your guests bring face covers with you and take them away at the end of your time with us. Don’t worry if you forget to bring one as we have spare face masks at the studio for you to use.
We will wear a face cover throughout your appointment with us.
Cicily Bridal COVID-19 Face Cover Guidelines (Government Source)
it is important to use face coverings correctly:
- wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser before putting a face covering on, and after removing it
- when wearing a face covering, avoid touching your face or face covering, as you could contaminate them with germs from your hands
- if you touch your mouth or nose area while wearing your face mask you will need to wash your hands immediately with hand wash or hand sanitizer
- change your face covering if it becomes damp or if you’ve touched it
We will expect you to adhere to the above face cover guidelines and take any used items away with you.
Choosing Your Dress
When you find your wedding dress with us it will still be a wonderful moment and one to celebrate. Our standard order policy and T&Cs still apply to every order and you will still receive the full Cicily Bridal aftercare.
(Touch points involved when ordering your dress (pen, card machine etc) will be sanitised between every appointment.)
This new way of shopping for your wedding dress is a new reality for all of us and one where we all need to adjust how we work, shop and live our lives. What hasn’t changed however, is Cicily Bridal’s approach to helping you find your dress. Your appointment will always be with one of the owners who chose each and every dress, accessory and veil that hang on the rails. We have 10 years of experience guiding and styling brides so trust us when we say we know bridal! We are never pushy or over powering, just calm and welcoming. We are fantastic listeners so we will listen to you and talk with you about your wedding dress ideas. Above all we want you to have fun and enjoy every moment of finding your wedding dress with us.