Bridal Appointments In an effort to ensure all of our brides receive the most personal attention we recommend appointments. Appointments last for an hour and a half, during which time you will work with a consultant and have a fitting room. Please try to be on time to make the most of your appointment! If you find you will need more time to consider your favorites we are happy to accommodate you if our schedule permits, or we will schedule a follow-up appointment for you. We do allow walk-ins on weekdays, but may not be able to guarantee you a fitting room or consultant. If you’d like to pop in to browse our selection before making and appointment please do so on Tuesdays through Fridays.
Here are some things you should consider before your bridal appointment:
Budget All of our gowns are tagged with prices in view. Take some time to consider your gown budget before you begin shopping. This ballpark figure should include costs associated with the gown itself as well as accessories and alterations. If you have a price range you are considering staying within it will help you considerably. Consider whether or not you would be comfortable if a dress you try-on and love is several hundred dollars higher than your target budget, or even upwards of $500 over. If this concerns you, be sure to articulate this to your consultant so she won’t let you fall for a gown that cannot be the one!
Company Our cozy boutique does not allow for large parties on Saturdays, so we ask that you limit your party to no more than 2 of your friends or family members whose opinions you truly trust. We have found that is is easy to lose focus on the task at hand when the bride is accompanied by too many well-meaning friends. As a favor to yourself, don’t bring anyone along to whom you cannot say no. Once you’ve dipped your toe into the water and have an idea of what you are looking for, or have found a few favorites you’d like to show your friends and family, we are more than happy to accommodate a larger party during the week. If you have a special circumstance, please do call and we will be happy to do the best that we can to help.
Sample Sizes Our gowns are sampled in sizes 10-12. While they may be too large or small for you, don’t fret! Your consultant will help you get a sense for each gown, by pinning back in areas that are too large or extending areas that are too small.
Timing Most of the gowns we offer require a production time of 12-16 weeks. While rush orders may be available for an additional fee, it is always best to order your gown with 7-8 months before your portrait or wedding date. This ensures you will have enough time for fittings and to select your accessories.
Fittings Your bridal gown will require alterations to ensure the perfect fit. We work with a highly-skilled bridal seamstress and are happy to coordinate fittings for you here in the store on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We are unable to accommodate fittings on Saturdays. While alterations are quite a process, this is where the gown truly becomes your gown and your bridal vision begins to take shape. You will need approximately 3 fittings to achieve the desired fit, and proper undergarments and the shoes you will wear for your wedding must be brought to these appointments.
Steaming & Storage We are happy to steam your gown for you before your portrait and again before your wedding! Just let us know when you’d like us to have it ready. We are also happy to store your gown here in the shop if you like, away from nosy fiances and curious cats.
You’ve found the one. Now what?
Once you’ve decided on your gown we will take a very specific set of measurements. Based on those measurements we will select your size together. We require a 50% deposit to place the order; the balance is due when the gown arrives. We will give you a ring as soon as we know it is on its way to set up an appointment for you to meet your wedding gown!
Bridesmaid Appointments Once you’ve selected your bridal gown it is time to shift the focus to your best pals! We do recommend an appointment to look at bridesmaid dresses in order to secure a fitting room and a consultant to help guide you through the various colors, fabrics, and nuances of the bridal party attire. Once again, limit your opinions to only one or two that you truly desire. Once you’ve made your selection we would love to host your entire party to pop the prosecco and toast you as we take measurements and select sizes. If your bridesmaids are not local and this is not an option we will gladly contact each of them personally with the order information. Working directly with each girl allows us to offer advice on size selection, troubleshoot difficult scenarios such as maternity and post-baby, and generally reduce the chance of bridesmaid dress-related wedding disasters. We’d also like to take on the job of harassing your best friends for you so you do not have to! Send them a link to our bridesmaid order form and policy .
Accessories Appointments We’d love to help you select your accessories, so book an appointment so we can take the time to put you in your gown and try-on all of your options. Didn’t purchase your gown from Wedding Belles? Not a problem! We would be more than happy for you to try our accessories with your gown, so make and appointment to bring it in. Your consultant will guide you through various veils and jewelry, so pay special attention to your hairstyle for your appointment.
