Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you'll find answers to the questions we get asked about purchasing boutique and wedding dresses

Do I need an appointment to try on dresses?

Mousetrap Dress Boutique is an appointment only boutique. Appointments are required for all types of shopping, you can book an appointment by calling us on 02392481425 or by returning to our homepage, and clicking the 'BOOK NOW' button at the very top of the homepage.

Whilst we try our best to accommodate walk-in's, during our busiest periods (weekends/school holidays) it isn't always possible so please always phone ahead or book in advance if you wish to come on a certain date/time.

Why do I need to put my card details in to book an appointment?

Due to the amount of no shows we have been experiencing, we have decided to take card details on file to book Bridal, Prom, Mother of the Bride/Groom and Bridesmaid's appointments. This is a no show/cancellation fee, NO MONEY IS TAKEN AT THE TIME OF BOOKING and your card will not be charged, as long as you attend your appointment.

The only time you will be charged the cancellation/no-show fee, is if you cancel with less than 24 hours notice or do not show to your appointment without prior notice.

When is the best time to start Wedding Dress shopping?

We suggest that you start looking for your dream dress around 18-12 months before the wedding. Some dresses can take up to 8 months to be ordered and made. We like to allow for between 12-8 weeks before the wedding to complete any alterations. Our Bridal designers bring out 2 new collections every year, which arrive in store around January and August.

When is the best time to start Prom Dress shopping?

Our new Prom Collection starts to arrive in store from the end of September, with new styles arriving every week! The whole new collection will be in store by the October Half Term. October half term is usually a great time to come in, as this is when most of the dresses are in store and you will have the most choice!

Prom dresses can take up to 6 months to order and make, so please do not think it is too early to come in! We can order in from UK size UK 0 to size 28 and most Prom dresses usually come in 1 or 2 other colours, and sometimes even up to 5 different colours! Our cut off point for ordering Prom dresses is after the February Half Term, in order for the dress to arrive by the end of May, in time for Prom. You should allow 8 - 6 weeks before the Prom for alterations.

Do I have to pay for the dress in full upfront?

A 50% deposit is required when purchasing or ordering any item from us. Further payment for special orders are not required until the item arrives in store. Balances must be settled and all the items collected within 30 days of the item arriving for Prom and within 90 days for Bridal. If you wish to pay for your dress in full then you can do this, and the same collection time frame applies.

Do I have to take my dress home as soon as it arrives in store?

We ask that all Prom dresses are paid for an collected within 30 days of the dress arriving in store or if it is a stock dress, then 30 days after the deposit is initially paid. Wedding dresses are required to be paid within 90 days of the dress arriving in store or if it is a stock dress, then 90 days after the deposit is initially paid.

Can Mousetrap provide me with an alterations service?

We are happy to give you the details of experienced seamstresses who have worked on our customer's dresses. All alteration pricing/costs are set by each individual seamstress and are charged in addition to the cost of the dress and are not included in the price of the gown. All alterations are completed outside of the boutique and you will need to contact a seamstress yourself to book/arrange fittings. Dresses must be paid in full before any alterations can take place. Our consultants are happy to give you a rough estimation of costings, but all quotes should be obtained from individual seamstresses.

Can I try on Prom Dresses without my own parent or guardian?

All Prom Girls must be accompanied by their OWN Parent or Guardian, to try dresses on. This sadly means that even if you come in with a friend's Parent or Guardian, you wont be able to try on dresses. This is due to the varying price in gowns, so that your own Parent or Guardian can keep an eye on budgets and also we are not insured for under 18's to be in the shop, without parental supervision.

Can me and my friend book Prom appointments at the same time?

We do not recommend booking an appointment at the same time as a friend, as it can make the whole experience less enjoyable for multiple reasons:
You might both fall in love with the same dress, and if you go to the same school then we do not sell the same dress to anyone who goes to the same school!
Everyone's budgets for Prom dresses are very different and this can sometimes be upsetting and uncomfortable to discuss between friends.
We have found in the past that coming at the same time as friends can often end up in tears, and we want everyone to have the best and most enjoyable Prom dress shopping experience possible!

How many guests can I bring to my appointment, to watch me try on dresses?

For Bridal appointments, you are welcome to bring up 4 guests with you. We find that smaller/more intimate Bridal parties are much less overwhelming for the Bride when it comes to opinions! Our changing rooms can comfortably accommodate up to 4 guests.

For Prom appointments, we ask that you only bring a maximum of 2 guests with you. Each changing room has an allocated bench, big enough for 2 guests and sadly there is not enough room in the changing area for any more than this.

We please ask that you respect these guest limits as much possible, due to space and seating in our changing rooms, especially at weekends and during school holidays.
If you would like to bring more guests please ring us to check that we are able to accommodate this before your appointment.

Can I bring young children to my appointment?

We kindly ask that you refrain from bringing children under the age of 12. We want your dress shopping experience to be as relaxing and calm as possible, and all about you and your Wedding or Prom day!

Where can I park when visiting your Boutique?

There is plenty of parking available in Havant Town Centre. The Meridien shopping centre is located directly opposite us, with multi-storey car parking. There is also street level car parking available near the train station and also on Prince George Street, which is free on Sunday's. PLEASE NOTE - Parking along North Street is only free for 30 minutes and the traffic wardens in Havant are very dedicated to their job roles!

Is your boutique wheelchair user/disability friendly?

Yes, absolutely! Mousetrap Dress Boutique is one of very few boutiques in Hampshire that is completely wheelchair friendly. Our boutique is on street level and all on one floor, with no stairs or steps anywhere on the shop floor. We also have a large disability friendly customer toilet.

Are your dresses available to hire?

We do not offer a hiring service, our dresses are only available to purchase.
Our ready to purchase 'Off the Peg' Bridal collection starts from £499. Our Main Bridal collection, which can be ordered in any size starts from £799.
We also have a Sale Prom/Eveningwear collection which starts from £99. Our Main Prom collection, starts from £239.

Do you buy back used/worn dresses?

No, we do not offer a buy back service on second-hand dresses. We suggest Facebook marketplace or eBay for resale.

Wedding and Prom Dress Specialist

Mousetrap Dress Boutique is a one stop shop for all Wedding and Prom needs, boasting the largest selection of dresses on the South Coast!

To book an appointment please call us on 023 92 481425 or use our appointment booking tool below