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You've set up an appointment with the bridal shop, found inspiration for your dress, and enlisted your friends to help you shop. Where do we go from here? Here is a handy wedding dress questions checklist to help you prepare for your appointment. Knowing what to ask your consultant beforehand will make you feel less stressed in the dressing room. Using this list of questions as a guide will ensure everyone is on the same page, and you won't forget any important details!
(Prior to your first appointment, we encourage you to read our FAQs that are already answered here!)
What are my wedding date limitations?
Before you step foot in our bridal salon, your wedding date can influence your gown shopping experience! Usually, your gown arrives in four to six months and then needs to be altered in two to three months. The gowns you can try on might only be samples or off-the-rack styles (styles you've tried on before, yet you can take home the same day). Additionally, while rush deliveries are sometimes available for an additional fee, keep in mind that smaller stores and designers may not always be able to meet deadlines. It's always a good idea to know your limits.
How much does it cost to alter a gown on average?
Even if the dress falls on the higher end of your price range, you should consider alterations before committing to it. We offer alterations here at Bridal & Veil, which is very helpful for streamlining the process!
It may cost a few hundred dollars to alter a small part of a wedding dress, but it may cost upwards of $1,000 to change the shape or add beading. It fully depends on what you need! Definitely make sure that your consultant is transparent with you.
Are these dresses samples or special orders?
If it is a special order, you may have to wait six to nine months for the dress to arrive. A sample dress can usually be bought and taken home the same day.
In the event you do not have the gown in stock, can you send me a sample?
It is important to know some background about bridal designers, even though not all of their collections are available in every store. When a designer's new wedding dress collection is released, salon owners select the styles they want to sell. At bridal appointments, they try on sample gowns purchased from the designer at wholesale prices. Once you try on the sample gowns, a brand-new version of your dress is ordered based on your measurements (this is why it may take months to receive).
Is it possible to customize a gown?
Your appointment with us will cover all of this in detail. Since dresses are often able to be altered to suit your tastes, it's a good question to ask. There are many designers who offer complete customization, such as changing the color, altering the bodice, adding sleeves, adding straps, altering the silhouette, etc. A gown's neckline can be matched with another's skirt. These questions can have many answers, so don't be afraid to ask them!
If I decide to buy this dress in the near future, is it still available?
Take some time to think about your decision after you find "the one." It's okay to take some time to think about it-just be sure your dress will still be available in the future. When designers discontinue styles, salons usually have little notice. If you make a first-time purchase at some salons, you may also receive an incentive. It never hurts to ask, and you might realize you don't want to miss out on a particular dress style when you realize it.
Would this dress be suitable for my wedding?
Before you decide on your dress, you should think about a few practical things. Your wedding consultant can tell you how a particular style will affect how you sit, walk, and use the restroom. If your stylist says the gown could be restricting, and you plan to dance all night, you might want to reconsider. When choosing a style, take into account the fabric of your wedding dress, the length of your train, and where you're getting married.
What if I change my mind?
When you order, make sure you know what the return policy is if you don't like it. It's usually not possible to get a refund on a wedding gown because it's a custom order, but you might want to check. It might be possible to recoup the cost or find another way.
What is the best way to store and transport my gown?
Most salons and seamstresses pack and press your dress when you pick it up. It's important to know how to store it and how to transport it. If you're keeping it outside the salon, put it in a protective opaque garment bag to prevent discoloration and sunlight damage. If you're having a destination wedding, you should pack your dress in a garment bag (preferably a carry-on) so you can see it when you get there.
We hope these questions will help you prepare for your first appointment! Don't forget to book yours with Bridal & Veil if you haven't already!