If you have any other questions that we have not answered here, then do please contact us.

How many guests can you provide costumes for?

In theory, we can cater for any number of guests, though we would usually require 4 weeks notice to prepare all the costumes. At short notice we can usually cater for up to 100 - but it depends what proportion of guests require costumes custom-made or altered.

What other costumes/ages can you supply?

Another Age will shortly be expanding to cover other ages, including Roman and Egyptian. In addition, our fancy-dress shop, MainStation, in Colchester, has a wide range of authentic costumes from the 1960s and 1970s, pirate costumes, and intricate gothic horror apparel. Visit the MainStation website to find out more.

What are your costumes made of, and are they good quality?

We use high-quality materials such as satin, velvet, cotton and silks. For our custom-made costumes and bridal gowns, we can supply swatches for you to choose your materials – or you can supply your own fabrics (subject to suitability). Costumes can be made in whatever colours you want. We tend to use medieval colours such as reds, purples, blues and greens, but for weddings we can instead use traditional wedding colours such as white and cream - or whatever colour you prefer.

What sizes do you cater for?

Off-the-peg costumes are available in a wide range of sizes, typically S/M, L, XL and XXL. Hand-created costumes can be made to fit any size or shape required. Ideally you should visit our shop in Colchester for a fitting, but you can also send us your measurements if you prefer. Some materials, such as velvet, stretch or “give” more than others, so you will need to bear this in mind. If you are getting married and are planning to lose weight before your wedding you will also need to be careful about the measurements.

What is the process for ordering custom-made costumes and bridal gowns?

Initially we will meet up with you to discuss and exchange ideas, and look at various patterns and styles. We will be honest about which colours suit you, and which designs will flatter you, to disguise some aspects of your figure and emphasise your good points!

When you’re happy with the result, we will take a non-returnable deposit of up to 50%, and then begin work on your costume. Normally require 3 to 4 fitting sessions whilst the costume is being made. You will normally require three to four fitting sessions whilst the dress is being made, with a final fitting approximately four weeks before your wedding, for any last-minute alterations. At that point you will pay the balance and can then take the costume with you, along with any accessories such as a bag, wig, belt, or jewellery.

Off-the-peg bridal gowns,  and costumes for grooms and guests, can be purchased and collected at any time.

What if I need a bridal gown or custom-made costume quickly?

We would usually be able to complete a custom-made costume or bridal gown in 2 to 4 weeks, depending on our own workload and your availability for fitting sessions.

Can I reserve a costume?

You can reserve an off-the-peg costume to hire if you know exactly which size you need – but in general we would recommend your coming to our shop for a fitting first.

Do you require a deposit for hiring a costume?

Yes. When you arrange your costume we take a swipe of your credit card as a guarantee. (We can also take the card details over the phone.) No payment will be taken unless you fail to return the costume by the agreed date.

What if a costume is lost or damaged whilst I am hiring it?

We expect our costumes to be treated with respect, and returned in the same condition they left us. If a costume (or part of a costume or accessory) is lost and you do not return it to us, you will be charged the full purchase cost. If a costume or accessory is returned damaged we may or may not charge you, depending on whether we feel the damage was accidental, or is repairable. Cigarette burns are unacceptable, and a fee will be deducted accordingly. Marks and stains will often wash out, so there will usually not be a charge. Please do NOT attempt to wash or iron a costume yourself, as this will be likely to cause further damage.

Shipping

Items in stock are usually shipped within 48 hours. If they have to be ordered in (ie if they are not in stock) they will usually be shipped out to you within 5 working days. We will let you know at the time of ordering if there is likely to be a delay for any reason.

Returns Policy

We want you to be happy with your costume! You can return an off-the-peg costume for a refund at any time, providing it has not been used. If your costume was posted to you, we will give a full refund if it is lost or damaged during postage. We will still give a refund if you return it, unused, for any other reason -  but in that situation we will not reimburse postage costs.