BRIDAL ATTIRE

How far in advance do I need to order my gown?
Delivery time varies greatly based on the designer. Most of our designers require up to 16 weeks, or 4 months. Any custom changes will require more time. Some of the designers will keep certain styles in stock and we can check that list online. We like all of the gowns to arrive at least 3 months before the wedding to allow enough time for alterations. Of course, there are always exceptions. We have done many rushes.

When should I begin shopping for my wedding gown?
It is ideal to start shopping somewhere between six to nine months before your wedding. However, it is not uncommon for our brides to start their shopping experience one year or more before their wedding date. This allows you plenty of time to order the dress of your dreams and have time for accessorizing appointments and fitting appointments. However, do not worry if you have less than six months. We have several options to accommodate rush situations and have had designers ship gowns to us in as little as two weeks! Please discuss your individual time frame needs with your personal bridal consultant.

Why did I have to order such a big size?
This is confusing and not always easy to accept! Unlike men’s clothing, there are no industry standards for size. Each designer or manufacturer establishes their own sizes. Many years ago, (1920- 1940) there were size guidelines that were followed by most designers. But recently, manufacturers have loosened the size range. This is called “fantasy sizing”. They’ve done this to make women feel better about themselves because they are buying a small size and to accommodate the increase in the average woman’s size. We are bigger now than our great-grandmothers. Formal wear uses the old size guidelines from decades ago. Two of our designers are using more modern sizing; 2Be Bridal and Mon Cheri Couture by Sabrina Toy.

How do I know what size to order?
We compare each woman’s measurements to the size chart for the designer of her gown. The size charts may vary slightly between designers. Very few of us will fall into the same size for all of our parts. For example; a woman might be a size 8 in her bust, a 12 in her waist and a tiny 6 in her hips. What size do we order??? First, we consider the cut of the gown. Is there a defined waist? If so, we would order to fit her waist and take in the rest. It is always easier to take in rather than let out. We will always suggest the size closest to her measurements while still considering the style and alterations options. The final choice is always up to the consumer.

What are the “rules” about the style I should wear for a daytime or outdoors wedding?
My first rule is this: you are the bride! If you have always pictured yourself in a ball gown; wear a ball gown. The only practical things to consider are the surface you will stand on (sand, grass, wooden deck, concrete), whether or not there will be wind (beach) and the temperature. These considerations may influence the fabric choice, but not necessarily the style. Bring up your concerns with your consultant; she is well qualified to assist you.

Why are there so many different satins?
Fabrics in bridal vary greatly just like any other fabrics. Not all cotton T-shirts are equal and not all satins are either. A correct description of a fabric always will include 2 words. For example: silk satin or polyester organza. The first word is the fiber. Usually in bridal it is silk, polyester, acetate, or a blend. The second word is the weave. The most common bridal weaves are satin, organza and taffeta. There are also specialty fabrics such as chiffon, micado, crepe, peau de soie and velvet. Some times satins are called names like Duchess or Italian. These names are given by the designer and are usually a polyester or blend. If the fabric is silk it will almost always be part of the name. For example: Italian Silk Satin. This would be silk satin woven in Italy. (All silk fibers come from China but are woven in different countries.) When in doubt, ask your consultant. She should know the answer or at the very least, can find it for you.

Am I allowed to take pictures when I try on gowns?
YES! We welcome cameras during your all of your appointments. Remembering the experience with your photos is a great idea. It is also helpful to send pictures to someone close to you, who is unable to be with you for your appointment. Sometimes photos do not give a good representation of how the dress will look on your wedding day as you are trying on a sample that may or may not fit properly. So, we do not recommend using pictures to make your final decision, rather something to enhance your enjoyment of your experience.

Can I get a swatch of my wedding gown’s fabric and color?
We offer a complimentary swatch for each of our brides, from most designers. Please make your bridal consultant aware when you order your gown as swatch request usually take several weeks to arrive from your designer, and we want to get it to you as fast as possible.”

Can my dress be customized to meet my specific religious requirements for modesty?
We have several designers that offer customization to their gowns. Some styles lend themselves to a religious “build-up” quite easily, and we always have several more modest options available as part of our regular selection. However, if you fall in love with a strapless style, and it simply is not appropriate, we will set up a consultation with you, your bridal consultant, and one of our seamstresses to see what the best option is. We are always happy to help!

Do you carry gowns for petite women?
We do not stock specific petite styles as samples in our salon. However, we have several designers such as Maggie Sottero and Janell Berte that offer petite cuts for special order. Some of the gowns can easily be altered to a petite version, while others cannot. Additionally, a few of our designers offer complete custom measurement, and will customize the gown for you. Your bridal consultant will walk you through your options depending on your style and budget.

Is there another color besides white that I can wear and still look like a bride?
Yes, of course. In fact, we have more brides choose to wear an off white or ivory shade than the traditional bright white. Additionally, many designers offer their gowns in champagne, taupe, blush, even blue or red. We have had brides get married in just about any color you can think of. Wear what makes you feel beautiful!

When do the latest bridal styles arrive to your salon?
We continually receive new sample gowns in our salon. Since brides get married all throughout the year, we do not have different seasons of styles. We constantly carry styles for all seasons year round. However, we usually receive more samples in August and December than any other time of year.

Will my Maggie Sottero gown ever go on sale?
This brings us the difficult question of discounting. We do have sales usually two or three times a year. These sales are approved by our designers and they know the sale price of their gowns that we will be selling. During our sales, we still offer the same level of service as we do when gowns are not on sale. Our sales are not usually announced until one week before the sale. When purchasing a gown from a discounter, either a store bargaining to make a sale, or an internet website, you often are not receiving the same level of service that you would at a full service bridal boutique. There have been several times when we have negotiated for brides with our designers to try to receive their dress when they ordered their gown through a discount service, only to have that service go out of business before the dress was delivered. We will not match discounters price, but we promise that we will take care of you every step of the way.

Do you have on-site alterations?
I believe this is an important question. How can a bridal salon be full service, if they do not offer to alter their merchandise to give you a perfect fit? We have a full service alterations department which consists of an alterations coordinator (your point of contact during the entire fitting process), and four seamstresses who excel in their field. Additionally, after your fittings are complete your gown will be professionally pressed and packaged for you to pick up, everything perfect for your special day!