Questions and Answers
 
    Question: How long does it take to special order gowns?
       Answer: Contrary to whatever you have heard or read,  or seen on internet sites, the amount of time it could take for a bridal gown is 6 months.   For mothers and bridesmaids, it could take 14 weeks.  Same for flowergirls.  HOWEVER, in some cases, there will be stock at the companies for immediate ship, but never count on that.  And always remember to tack on more time for alterations.  On this special day, you must plan ahead.  More time is better than not enough.
    Question: Why can't you order my bridesmaids gowns as each girl comes in?  And why should all of my girls pay rushes just because one girl held up my order.
       Answer: The orders must be placed all together to prevent
dye-lot differences, something quite noticable in pictures.  So when you have selected your maids gowns, give your girls a deadline.  We also feel it isn't entirely fair that one girl could hold up an order, resulting in rushes for everyone, but this is a cost the bridal salons must also incur.  The companies don't care if one maid held it up.  But if you must, we will be more than happy to order thebridesmaids dresses to prevent a rush, and order the stragglers
later, but keep in mind there most likely will be dye lot issues.

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    Question: When I look for a bridal and bridesmaids gowns, should I come alone or with my friends and family.  I don't want anyone to feel left out.
       Answer: There isn't a right or wrong way of doing this, however, the more people you have with you, the more confused you may get.  They will all take it upon themselves to pick out what they think you would look good in.  This shopping experience is already overwhelming, and to add more stress to this could result in a very bad shopping experience.  Bring maybe one or two
people along when you are narrowing down selection.  After the selection has been made, bring whomever you wish.
 
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    Question:  How many gowns is normal to try on when I am trying to find a bridal gown?
    Answer:    Some try on as few as one gown, and some try on many at many salons.  Some brides are waiting for that WOW
moment,  some don't ever get that.  But when you do
make your final selection, STOP LOOKING!!!!!! 

 

 
 
    Question:  Why do I need to get a bigger size at your salon than
I am at the stores in the mall?  I have stood up in many weddings and the stores always INSIST on ordering me a larger size than I want.  A couple of times the floor sample fit me and I still was urged to go larger.
    Answer:  Bridals and bridesmaids gowns are cut from a junior
pattern.  Typically you could go 1-2 sizes larger than at a store in the mall.  Our salon shows you the size chart for the particular company of the dress that has been selected.  That is all we have to go by.  We will guide you into a size that would most likely fit, but you may select any size you wish.  We will NEVER insist on any size, we only know you for a moment when we measure you. We have no idea of your size history, diet, medicines potential pregnancy, augmentations etc.  This is your job to let us know .  Most likely you will fit into more than one size on the chart and we try to help you select the size that would require the least amount of alterations.  In very rare instances does a dress require no alterations. And to the comment about the floor sample fitting you, remember that a floor sample has been tried on, repeatedly, by different sized girls. The floor sample has a tendancy to stretch with continued use.  After a couple of times it no longer is an accurate size as listed on the tag. Always go by the measurements. 
 
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    Question:  I have stood up in a couple of weddings in the past
couple of years, and the dresses don't fit me the way I would like
them to.  Why do we have measurements taken if the gown isn't
going to fit right?  The cost of the gown in addition to any alteration cost could be too much.  I want to be able to fit it perfectly.
    Answer:  You are measured for a particular gown so we can see
the approximate size you fall into.  These bridesmaids gowns are
not custom made, so they most likely will not fit perfectly.  Lucky
are the bridesmaids that can walk right into their dress and leave with no alterations required.  Most bridesmaids measurements
fall into a couple different sizes.  We can only guide you into the
best size for you.  When the gowns come in, there may be a bit of
a difference, and you can be sure if it looks like it isn't the proper
size, we will remeasure you to see if your measurements changed.
In more cases than not, they have.  You see, taking measurements is the easiest thing we do here, so if a gown is extremely small
or large there probably is an underlying reason.  Documentation
is taken at the time of measurements.  You may not remember
what you tell us, but we do.  We document all conversation and  we always have you initial a size after decisions are made between you and your consultant.  It seems that everyone is going to be smaller at the time of the wedding.
 
    Question:   I have requested swatches of my gowns, both bridal and bridesmaids, and it is taking a long time.  I need to get these swatches to the floriest, the tuxedo shop, and the cake lady.  When should I expect them?
    Answer:  Please remember, swatches are a courtasy and not an item you have paid for, in most cases.  The companies are wonderful in sending swatches during slow times, but are not that prompt during peak months.  It is a challange to stay on top of the many orders that a bridal salon takes care of, so it isn't quite a priority to follow up on swatches.  Remember, always plan ahead, when ordering gowns, and if swatch requests become delayed, you will always have enough time to reorder, if necessary.