FAQs & Tips

Helpful Tips for Your Bridal Appointment

Bring inspiration photos
We love seeing what inspires you. Bring Pinterest boards, screenshots, and even photos of dresses you’ve tried on at other boutiques. Seeing what you’ve liked or disliked helps us understand your style and fit preferences so we can pull gowns that truly make sense for you.

Be descriptive
Every dress tells us something. Whether you love it or hate it, your feedback helps us guide the appointment and choose what to try next. You won’t hurt our feelings if a dress is not the one. The more details you share, the more helpful we can be.
Stay open-minded

It’s very common for brides to fall in love with something completely different from what they imagined. You may come in thinking you want long sleeve lace and leave loving a sleek satin gown. Once you see a dress on your body instead of in a photo, everything can change.

Do not focus on the size
Bridal sizing runs smaller than regular clothing, and sizing can vary by designer, fabric, and gown structure. The number on the tag is not what matters. The goal is to find the dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident.

Choose a dress that feels like you
Your gown should reflect your personality and make you feel amazing. While it is helpful to consider the comfort and practicality of your venue, we always encourage brides to choose the dress they truly love.

Know your budget
Two of the most important things we ask about during your appointment are your wedding date and your budget. Knowing both helps us guide you honestly and thoughtfully. We never want you to fall in love with a gown that is outside of your comfort zone if it takes away from the experience.

Customizing your gown
Many gowns can be customized through tailoring. Whether you want to add sleeves, adjust a neckline, close the back, or create a more custom look, many changes are possible. Designers often offer matching lace or fabric, and customization costs typically include both materials and tailoring labor.

Frequently Asked Questions
How many people should I bring?

We recommend bringing a small group of trusted guests whose opinions matter most to you. This is a special decision, and it is usually best enjoyed with the people you truly want by your side when you say yes.
Is tailoring included?
No, tailoring is not included in the cost of the gown. Most brides need alterations such as hemming, bustling, and fit adjustments. Pricing varies depending on what needs to be done, but alterations are often around $500 and up. We recommend including this in your overall bridal budget.

When should I order my dress?
We recommend shopping 6 to 8 months before your wedding whenever possible. Most gowns take several months to arrive, and you will also need time for alterations. If your wedding is sooner, we may have rush options available through certain designers, or you may be able to purchase an off-the-rack gown.

What undergarments should I wear?
Most wedding gowns are designed with built-in structure and support, so a bra is usually not necessary. If extra support is needed, bra cups can often be sewn in during alterations. We do ask that all brides wear underwear to their appointment. Neutral, seamless underwear is best. We do not recommend wearing shapewear to the appointment, especially if measurements may be taken, but you are welcome to keep it with you.

Should I bring shoes?
You do not need to bring your wedding shoes to your bridal appointment. We have platforms in the boutique to help mimic height. Most gowns will still need to be hemmed during alterations.

Can I return my dress if I change my mind?
Because bridal gowns are ordered through designers, all sales are final. Designers do not accept returns from bridal boutiques, so we are unable to offer returns or refunds on ordered gowns or off-the-rack purchases.

Tailoring FAQs
When should I book my alterations appointment?
We recommend booking your tailoring appointment about 6 weeks before the wedding. Emergency alterations may be available at 4 weeks or less, but a $50 late fee will apply.

What should I bring to my tailoring appointment?
Please bring the undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day, along with your wedding shoes or shoes with a similar heel height.

Who should I bring to my tailoring appointment?
We recommend keeping your group small for alterations appointments. The tailor has limited space, and a smaller group helps keep the appointment focused and comfortable.

When do I pay for tailoring?
Tailoring fees are due on the day of your tailoring appointment.

What if I want to meet the tailor for a quote first?
We can schedule a consultation with the tailor for you. There is a $50 consultation fee, which can be applied toward the work if you decide to move forward.

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