Richard Designs Limited - ELY

Maria M.

Not only do I work in an office behind Richards, but, given we live in Witchford and have to drive past the studio almost every day as I crane my neck to lust after the dresses in the window, this was really the only place to go for the bridesmaid and flower girl dresses! The selection is huge with so many different styles, there really is something for everyone.

I knew I wanted black dresses (rather controversial and unusual for bridesmaids dresses) so going somewhere that can have them made up to your requirements was also really helpful, you don’t normally see black flower girl dresses, do you?

Myself and my older bridesmaids went to choose their dresses originally, I didn’t mind what style they had and I was very relaxed about the whole thing, so it made sense that, as they were the mothers of my flower girls (and my long suffering best friends), they were involved in the choice. We tried on more bridesmaids dresses than I did bridal gowns I think! But one style was settled on, Richards did a matching teen dress which was perfect (exactly why going to them is advisable) and a flower girl dress that matched perfectly. We could then also customise them all with matching gem details which was perfect to give a cohesive look.

Thankfully one of my bridesmaids had the foresight to suggest everyone get measured closer to the event date…. Because Covid struck!

Coming out of the pandemic we had moved the wedding back a year, but, this meant that we were only just going to make the full easing of restrictions by the skin of our teeth! This meant we all had to visit Richards in small groups to get all the bridesmaids and flower girls measured to decide on dress sizing.

Connie was super helpful, supportive and patient throughout this process and we cannot thank her enough, she answered our questions and gave us confidence in the process given it was all quite stressful organising everything in the last weeks leading up to the wedding.

A few weeks later I got the call to pick up the dresses and they were beautiful! A perfect fit for the flower girls and almost for the teen bridesmaid (adult dresses will always require more of course). I am very thankful to Richards for the beautiful dresses and their help and support in getting them to us in time. I will be back for any special occasion outfits required in the future!

yvres 1.

Excellent service from start to finish. Struggled to find the perfect outfit for mother of the bride, was hesitant as read a few bad reviews, but I truly shouldn't have worried. Connie was lovely, very patient, not a pushy sales person at all and talked me through the process. My dress was made to measure, paid extra to have fast turn around, was ready in the week we agrees. It is stunning, not seen anything else like it, and a very reasonable cost too, will be returning again for more ocasions
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Sharon G.

Spacious, modern showroom with friendly and professional staff. Attended an open day arranged for viewing their beautiful collections which didn't disapoint.
Enjoyed 3 catwalk shows throughout the day, the quality and tailoring of their wedding, bridesmaids & special occasion dresses was outstanding. I'm extremely proud to be a stockist of Richard's Designs and Emma Bridals 🥰 I highly recommend 👌

Mark M.

I would just like say a big thankyou to the team at Richards Designs. My daughter went there today looking for her prom dress. She had been to a couple of other places but was looked after so much better here. Nothing was too much hassle, she tried on loads of dresses in different designs and colours. She was under no pressure to decide. There was plenty of space to look at the dresses properly with nice big mirrors and better lighting. She is very much looking forward to see her finished dress in a few weeks.

Chanice P.

Really happy with my experience at Richards designs Ely, the staff were incredibly lovely and not pushy, it was my first wedding dress experience and I absolutely loved it. I even tired on one dress twice and they weren't annoyed or frustrated if anything they encouraged me to listen to my family and try one on again I liked but wasn't sure. Highly recommend this company. Also the staff member Sarah was lovely.

Nicky O.

Avoid like the plague!!!!

Staff extremely rude. Didn't ask the bride about her wedding or budget. Didn't ask the bride about what type of dress she wanted.

No personalisation or consultation before to find out about bride and the big day.
"Changing area" is simply some ill ftting curtains on a pole which does not cover much in the middle of the shop floor so if you show anyone you are showing the entire shop.

Quality of dresses were horrendous the majority of the dresses were ripped and very scratchy material.

Staff were clearly just there for a pay check and did not care about the customer service they provided. Bride was made to hang up the dresses she tried on as consultation made some very snarky and rude comments.

Staff were rude towards friends and family of the bride.

I am very surprised how the company is still running absolutely no professionalism and a extremely horrible experience which no bride should ever feel.

If I could give 0 stars I would!!!!

Helen B.

Gosh what a disappointing experience. Again, similar poor experience to the other reviews. A huge showroom that was empty. Just wanted to look at the bridesmaid dresses to see fabric and quality but got such an unhelpful response from the lady at the front desk that it was clear we were not wanted. Just kept repeating that I should have made an appointment but no offer in assisting me to make one. Customer experience is key in today’s market. I’m sure even in Ely businesses should be aware of this!

LLAP S.

Seemed a nice place to visit, however on entering we was informed we would only be seen if we had made an appointment. We felt it was unnecessary to turn us away. We went on a Wednesday afternoon and from what we could see they was not busy at all ! We explained we was not looking for a full consultation, but this fell on deaf ears. I am sure they could have spared a consultant for half an hour and so encouraging us to return for a fully booked appointment! Who wants to spend 3 hours in a place they have never been in and do not know if they like!
As they operate a by appointment only premises it would also have been helpful if a 'by appointment only ' sign had been placed outside - not difficult.
I doubt we will return as there are many, many more bridal outlets that are much more accommodating and are happy to show you around before formal appointments are made.