FAQ'S

About us! We are a small family run business here on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. We have been successfully running the Marion May website for over 5 years now & are continually expanding our designs. All items of clothing are designed & made up right here in the UK in our Norfolk workshop. We are extremely passionate about our work & we feel this really shows in the care an attention we use in making up our costumes. We would not send out any garment that we would not be delighted to receive ourselves, and it is this rule that has kept hundreds of happy customers returning to us. Please join our MAILING LIST to be notified whenever the Marion May website has been updated with new designs.

Frequently asked questions & their answers:

Q: I have a Regency event to go to in 2 weeks time, can you make up a spencer & dress & deliver to me in time?

A: Usually, yes! But please do check by email first to ensure it can be done within your timescales.

Q: I work for the National Trust & would like to order several items of clothing, are you on the National Trust payroll?

A: Yes we are, if you are ordering via the National Trust, please send an invoice with the correct codes. Your invoice will then be sent through the Trowbridge centre. If purchasing privately, please use Paypal, postal order or personal cheque as your payment method.

Q: I have seen a design in your gallery but it is not available for sale on the website, can I still order it?

A: Yes! Just send us an email to let us know which item you are interested in, we can then discuss fabric choice & price.

Q: Do you have a business telephone number I can call you on?

A: Sorry no! Simply because there is not time enough to man a telephone. Please send an email with an queries to Sales@MarionMay.co.uk - your email will always be answered the same/next day.

Q: I have found a lovely fabric for one of your Regency gowns, if I post it to you, can you make up a dress from it for me?

A: Sorry no, we only use fabrics that have been tried and tested to work with the designs on offer. We have a large range of fabrics available & will be happy to mix & match colours, patterns & styles. Please send an email with your suggestions.

Q: Do I need to purchase Regency undergarments with your gowns?

A: All of the gowns are fully lined so it is not necessary to purchase a chemise or petticoat unless you so desire - your gown will not be see-through. The Regency short stays work well, but if you own a good modern day 'push up' bra, that will do just as well to achieve the Regency bust-line.

Q: Do you offer childrens sizes?

A: It is possible to order childrens sizes - girls aged 3-9, boys aged 6-10. Please send an email with your inquiries to Sales@MarionMay.co.uk

Q: I am unsure about which fabrics I should choose for an authentic gentleman's Regency outfit, can you offer any suggestions?

A: We are happy to help! The most popular Regency look for gentlemen is that of Beau Brummel; light trousers in beige with beige striped waistcoat & dark jacket - usually plain black, dark green, navy blue or Dark brown. Evening attire would have been stockings & breeches as opposed to trousers with the breeches matching the jacket (usually single breasted for evening wear).

Q: I have found a dress style I really like, if I email the picture to you can you make it up for me?

A: Sorry but this is not a service we can offer. All items of clothing on the Marion May website have a copyright, we respect other designers & would not wish to copy their work.

Q: I have purchased a spencer jacket from you, but am unsure as to what measurements to give for the bust & under-bust. Should I add on an extra inch or two to ensure it will fit over my dress?

A: When purchasing any item from the Marion May website, please give your actual measurements i.e; if ordering a dress your measurements should be taken over the underwear you intend to wear with the tape measure pulled firmly but not tightly.

The length from under-bust to floor should be exact - we then omit 1inch from your measurement when hemming the gown to ensure it does not drag along the floor when walking.

If ordering a Spencer or Pelisse your measurements should be taken over a dress with the tape measure pulled firmly but not tightly - we then add 1inch of ease to your garment to ensure a comfortable fit.

When measuring sleeve length your arm should be straight not bent. The tape measure is held from shoulder point to wrist.

Q: I see that you are based in Norfolk, we live near to you will it be possible for us to visit so that we can look at your fabrics & get measured?

A: Sorry this it not possible, we are a mail order service & our workshop is not open to the public. We are happy to post out any fabric samples to help you decide on your order.