Buying My Wedding Gown
Should I order my wedding gown to fit my largest or smallest feature?
You should order your wedding gown to fit your largest figure. However, some manufacturers will offer a custom cut measure. This means that if your body is very unproportionated, they can offer you that option. You pay an up charge for that, but sometimes it will save you money in the long run when you are doing alterations.
How much is a typical wedding gown deposit?
A typical wedding gown deposit will be at least 50% of the gown. Now, what that means is, that there is no strict rule. However, most stores will ask for at least a 50% deposit, and then the balance of your gown is due when the gown comes into the store, and about the time you usually pay your sales tax also. However, some stores will take about 60% in order to cover the sales tax cost before the gown actually comes into the store.
Is my wedding gown deposit refundable?
Typically, your wedding gown deposit is non refundable. Be very careful when you are ordering your gown that it is actually your gown. Only in very rare circumstances will your deposit be refundable. Typically, if there is some fault by the manufacturer where the bridal store cannot supply the gown of your choice, for instance if the gown becomes discontinued between the time of ordering and the time that the order is placed, then your deposit can be refunded.
Should I use a credit card instead of cash for my wedding gown deposit?
Do some bridal salons have wedding gown contracts?
Most bridal stores have a contract that they will ask you to read through carefully and to sign in the appropriate places. The better the contract is, the better you, as a customer, are protected. You should sign to make sure that the size that you're ordering is the agreed size, that the color is the correct color, the style number is correct, and you will also probably be asked to initial or sign where the contract explains to you how long it takes the gown to be ordered and also, of course, how much it costs.
What should I ask for on my receipt when I order my wedding gown?
When you purchase a wedding gown, you should have a properly detailed receipt. In most stores you'll receive what is called a contract that you sign and that is gone over carefully with you by the bridal consultant so you know exactly what the process is and what to expect of the whole process. This contract will act also as your receipt. When you place the order for your wedding gown, on your receipt, you should make sure that you have a style number, the colour that you've ordered, the size that you've ordered, and any special changes. That may be a neckline change, or pattern modification as it's known, or it could be the addition of a shawl or other accessory to go with the gown and you should also obviously get a receipt for how much money you have deposited for that dress.
What things should I ask about when finalizing my wedding gown sale?
The important thing to ask when you are finalizing your wedding gown sale is what extra costs might you incur, and what extra services does the bridal salon offer. For instance, a good salon should give you an estimated cost of the alterations. They would tell you whether or not they will do the alterations for you or whether you have to seek your own tailor elsewhere. They would also give you an approximate ship date. And bear in mind that this is an approximate ship date. Once your gown has been ordered, then they would be able to give you a better idea exactly when the gown should be on the store. They should also give you an estimate of pressing charges. Typically this is an extra charge because it can take anything up to two hours to press a bridal gown properly. And , it has to be done by a skilled personnel.
How can full-price bridal retailers compete with discounters?
Full-price bridal retailers can compete with discounters, but really only if you are not requiring a full service salon experience. By that, we mean you are paying typically for our expertise, our time, our genteel surroundings, the expertise that we can give to you all the way through the whole process. When you purchase a gown here at Belle Bridal, you are buying us for the whole year.
Do I schedule my first fitting when I purchase my wedding gown?
Occasionally, it is necessary to schedule your first fitting when you order your gown. For instance, if you live out of state and you need to make arrangements for travel, or if your parents live out of state and it is important for them to be there for your first fitting, then it's a good idea to keep in touch with the bridal salon and get an estimated shipping date or an update on that shipping date as time progresses, so that you can book your flights. Typically, you do not schedule your first fitting until the bridal gown comes into the store and you receive a phone call from the consultant asking you to set up your first fitting time.
