Bridal FAQ
Do I want to wear White or Ivory?
Traditions have changed. White is not the requirement it was years ago. Off white, ivory, muted white or diamond white dresses are becoming very popular and accepted. To see what looks best on you, have our consultant hold the ivory up to you in front of a well-lit mirror. Then close your eyes and have her switch to the white. Open your eyes – let the first impression of your face and the difference that each color makes in your skin tone be the decider! Most of the time your will find that some shade of ivory will work the best.
I want to include my children in my dress shopping, should I?
Remember your bridal visit is all about you! If you have small children, you will want to get a baby sitter for the day, so that your attention may be focused on your objective: “Your Perfect Gown” for your day!
I am having a theme wedding, will I be able to find a wedding dress to match my theme?
Yes. From a simple country-style wedding to a more exotic medival style, you should be able to find a dress that matches your body style, venue and theme. Your bridal consultant should be able to look at your preference style of dresses, your likes/dislikes of each gown tried and listen to your description of your venue to help you find a dress that will fulfill your vision.
Do I have to have a veil?
You are just someone in a white or ivory gown without a veil. The veil completes the bridal look. Later you can take your veil and top the bassinet for your first born child. What an extra special way to relive your day and dreams!
How long does it really take to get a wedding dress in?
A special order wedding gown can take up to six months to arrive. That is planning early will make your wedding planning so much less stressful. You would rather have your gown hanging in the closet, than to be wringing your hands waiting for it to arrive.
Can I purchase a wedding dress off the rack?
Yes, this can be done. As a reputable vendor, we make sure prior to you leaving with your dress that it is cleaned and repaired. The review process of each dress sold off the rack is as follows: the dress is cleaned; the dress is checked for loose strings, loose beadwork, checked for all snaps/hook and eyes, etc.; and finally the dress is steamed. Please allow, if possible, 1 month for the dress to properly review. Please note that if the dress is wrinkled by your seamstress, it is the seamstress' responsibility to remove any wrinkles that they have put in the gown.
Are alterations including in my price of my wedding dress?
No. If you are purchasing a dress that includes the price of alteration, please remember that you may be paying more for alterations than necessary.
How long does it take to get Mother-of-the-bride dress in?
Mother-of-the bride dresses are in a different category. Many of these dresses are sold off the rack. However, the delivery time if they need to be ordered, is between 12-16 weeks. Even mothers should start getting an idea a minimum of four months before the wedding. Moms, this is as much your day as hers. You are the hostess. Everyone at the party will be wearing a dress they love. You should too.
How long does it take to get Flower Girl dresses in?
Flower girl gowns can take up to 10 weeks to arrive. Due to the fact that little girls grow so quickly, make sure you order a size that will fir her by the date of your wedding. Remember a dress can always be taken in to fit, but we are out of luck if it is too small.
How long does it take to get Bridesmaids dresses in?
Bridesmaids' dresses take a little less time than a wedding gown, but you should plan on a minimum of 16 weeks to place your order. There are some manufacturers who require less/more time. The real issue in timing with bridesmaids is getting all of the bridesmaids into the store. This is not an easy task because of people's schedules and distances.
Can I really find “My” dress on the first visit?
Yes it is possible. Every bride has heard “you'll just know it's The One when you try it on” from a well-meaning family member or friend. As much as that phrase is indeed true for most brides.
Will I be able to cover my tattoo?
You can purchase a tattoo rescue kit that will cover your tattoo for your wedding.
What are the price ranges for wedding dresses?
Basic wedding gown price ranges are as follows:
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Lower price dresses are considered by bridal vendors as dresses in the $350-$500 range. This means additional undergarments will be required, such as a boustier, crinoline, spanx, etc.
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A better brand collection would go from $800-$2000. The additional undergarments that would be required in the lower priced dresses are not necessary.
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The designer bride is in the $2000-$5000. The additional undergarments that would be required in the lower priced dresses are not necessary.
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The average budget tends to fall between the $800-$1400 price range.
Is a scheduled bridal or bridesmaids visit necessary?
Yes, it is preferred as we have 3 private viewing suites available. The typical visit allows for 1 ½ hours of one-on-one time with your bridal/bridesmaid consultant. Once a scheduled visit is set, as a courtesy, please let us know if you are unable to keep your time.
I am a larger bride, will you have dresses to fit me?
Yes, we have dresses available from size 2 to 30.
Things to remember:
Bring only 1 or 2 people who are important to your decision making process. Too many opinions will only confuse you and not add value.
Don't be afraid to purchase your wedding gown at first bridal appointment. Be confident in yourself and know what you love.
Purchase your wedding gown at least 6-9 months before your wedding – better if it is 9-12 months.
Listen to the advice of your bridal consultant. Remember they do this every day.
When purchasing your wedding dress consider, not only, the dress but the store you are purchasing from. You will be working with them for 6-12 months or more.
Selecting the right gown is only half of the battle. The integrity of the shop means something.
Do not stress about bridesmaids dresses. Remember, as much as you want to find a dress they will wear again, few of them ever will. They knew when they agreed to be in your wedding.
If you find a gown you want to be married in, just buy it! Don't feel you need to look at every gown in town. The dress you want is right in front of you.
Mom, this is as much your day as hers. You are the hostess. Everyone at the party will be wearing a dress they love. You should too.
When thinking of your budget, remember you will look at pictures of yourself in your gown for the rest of your life. Will you ever see a picture of the food?
If you're thinking of ordering online, remember that you can always go back to a full service bridal salon. A dress from a website will come stuffed in a box and very wrinkled. And if there is something wrong with it, who will fix it?