Yes, our wedding gowns are shown by appointment. This gives you an opportunity to establish a rapport with your consultant. She will discuss your style, vision, budget, location and formality of your wedding so she can pinpoint the perfect dress for you. We feel that gowns need to be tried on rather than seen through plastic garment bags. Spending one-on-one time with your consultant will enhance your shopping experience and provide you with someone to answer all your questions.
Our bridesmaid dresses are displayed in the front of the store and do not require an appointment. We carry a large selection of designers’ styles that is sure to please the most discriminating bride and/or bridesmaid. We look forward to see you soon.
Wedding Gown special orders take an average of 6 months to arrive. You should allow about two months for wedding gown alterations which means it is recommended you purchase your gown eight months before your wedding. Rush orders are accommodated by certain designers, at an additional fee.
No, measurements are taken based on the designer’s size chart. Designer sizes often run one to two sizes smaller than ready-to-wear attire you purchase from a department store. Bust, waist and hip measurements are taken at the time of purchase and compared to the manufacturer’s size charts. Based on your approval, gowns are then ordered to the closest matching designer size or the largest portion measured. The gown will then need to be custom fitted. (see question 10)
Once your gown is ordered, we will receive approximate shipping confirmation within a week or two. Everything possible is done to ensure prompt deliveries. Because manufacturers deal with imported fabrics, lace and beadwork, a projected delivery date can be delayed. We do our best to estimate the delivery times, but note that expected delivery dates may vary. Our buyers work closely with each manufacturer to expedite any delays.
Our designers ship new gowns for the season in designer size 10. Be aware designer sizes often run about 1 to 2 sizes smaller than ready-to-wear. We are making a conscious effort to accommodate various body shapes and have currently purchased additional samples in larger sizes.
With the nature of silk and natural fabrics, especially silk satin, silk shantung, dupioni, and silk charmeuse, occasional nubbing, gentle shadings and slight imperfections are characteristic of fine yarns used and should not be regarded as flaws in the fabric. They are what give the fabric its beauty and natural luster and no discounts, adjustments or refunds will be given. It’s also important to minimize the number of times you try on your gown or handle it before the wedding.
All of our wedding gowns and bridesmaids are special order. For brides on a budget or with short engagement dates, we have a continuous inventory of sample and discontinued gowns (sample gowns are typically a size 10) All stock purchases are sold “As-is”. Cleaning, alterations and pressing may be available at an additional charge.
Bridesmaids or special occasion dresses require a minimum of 4 months to arrive. You should allow one month for off premise alterations allowing yourself five months lead time. Rush orders are accommodated by certain designers, at an additional fee.
If you have multiple bridesmaids, in the same color and/or style of dress, we will hold all orders until the entire wedding party has placed their orders. This will notify the manufacturer to cut the dresses at the same time, so the dye lots match, and to ship the dresses at the same time. Please note: If any one bridesmaid delays in ordering her dress, the entire shipment will be delayed and rush/shipping fees will be incurred on each dress in your wedding party.
It is our recommendation that all bridesmaids order their dresses from one location. This reduces the risk of tracking shipments, fabric and dye variations and ensures you piece of mind. We will provide you with worksheets and sizing information that your bridesmaids can forward to us. Measurements are matched with the designer's size chart which sometimes run about 1 to 2 sizes smaller than ready-to-wear dresses. If your measurements don't match closely to one particular size, we recommend that you order a size to accommodate the largest portion and have the dress taken in to fit your shape. This may appear that your dress was ordered larger than necessary but manufacturers don't leave enough seam allowance to take out and therefore we must accommodate your largest measurment so the dress can fit you properly. Note, it does not cost more to take in 1" or 4" inches. We will show you the manufacturer's size chart and then it's up to you to approve the size ordered.
After the last attendant has provided her measurements and payment, we will then submit the entire order to the manufacturer for processing. Note if the last attendant delays in placing her order, the ENTIRE order will incur rush fees.(please see questions 3, 8 & 10)
Most likely; gowns are "special ordered" not "custom made" to your measurements. The measurements taken at the time of ordering are simply to help determine the size to order from the manufacturer. However, since body types differ and styles fit differently, most dresses should be altered to your body’s structure for the best possible fit. As an added convenience, wedding gown alterations may be completed in-house at an additional charge. A service fee will be incurred for all gowns pinned and fitted (see question 11 & 12).
You will need to have the exact shoes and any undergarments you are planning on wearing with your wedding gown. We also recommend that you are at your optimum weigh and conscientious about what stage you are in your monthly cycle prior to setting your appointment. This will assist us in getting you the proper fit and cut down on additional alteration costs. We also advise that no make-up (face or body), tanning solutions/ lotions and stain-free deodorant are used prior to any “try-on” or “fitting” appointments. All jewelry and shoes should be removed prior to trying on your dress. We highly suggest hands are washed prior to handling your dress.
Alterations are available for an additional charge and require a daytime fitting appointment. NO Friday or Saturday fittings are available. If this is inconvenient, we are more than happy to recommend seamstresses in the surrounding area that may be able to accommodate your schedule.
Alterations vary greatly based on the complexity of the gown. Note it does not cost more to take in a seam or hem 1" or 4" inches. Wedding gown alterations typically range from $150 to $600+. This is reasonable since most off-site locations charge $50 to $75 per HOUR. If alteration hours or days are not convenient or once you've removed the gown off premises, we will provide you with a list of seamstresses in the area to assist you with your alterations. If you change your mind about having alterations done at our location once we have pinned and fitted the gown, a service fee will be incurred. We do not offer alterations on bridesmaid dresses or special occasion dresses.
Once your gown arrives, we will contact you via phone and/or mail announcing the arrival of your gown. We invite you to set an appt (Saturday’s Excluded) to come in and try your gown and accessorize the look for your wedding. (Please be advised to wear no make-up (face or body), tanning solutions/lotions and stain-free deodorant prior to trying on your new gown. All jewelry and shoes should also be removed prior to trying on your dress. We highly suggest hands are washed prior to handling your dress.
At this time, your balance is due and we will schedule your first gown fitting which should be no sooner than 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding. At your first fitting appointment, you will need proper undergarments worn on the wedding day including bra/cups, slip, Spanx and shoes. (see question 10)
All dresses are pressed once alterations are done and not before. We try to handle the gown as little as possible so that it remains in pristine condition before the wedding. If the alterations are completed at our store, we will stuff and press each gown as a courtesy ($75 - $150 value). If your dress is altered through an outside source, pressing & packaging charges will be incurred.
Yes, we carry a large assortment of shoes, undergarments and accessories to complete your attire. It is recommended that once you have ordered your dress, you set up a follow-up appointment to complete and accessories your look.
A 50% deposit plus tax of the total order must be made at the time of purchase. No order, once accepted by a manufacturer, can be cancelled. Payment in full is required at the time of sale for all accessories, bridesmaids and special occasion dresses or discounted wedding gowns sold off-the-rack. Once the orders are placed, no credits, refunds or exchanges may be made. Once your gown has arrived, payment in full is required before we can begin alterations. No exceptions can be made. If you choose to pick-up your gown prior to alterations, we recommend you try your gown and inspect it with us. We will then provide you with a list of OFF-SITE seamstresses. The dress in your possession is your responsibility.
As an added convenience, we will hold your gown until the original wedding date provided at the time of purchase for no additional charge. Should your wedding be postponed or canceled, you will have 30 days to pay the balance in full and pick-up your gown. The store cannot be held liable for gowns or merchandise left longer than 30 days from the original wedding date. Any merchandise not picked up by the original proposed date will be considered abandoned and become property of the Unique Bride and no compensation will be provided.
We do our best to update our website with the latest fashions and accessories; unfortunately, not all dresses or items seen may be available at the time of your appointment. Designers ship new gowns and discontinue styles daily. We cannot guarantee the gown or item you’ve seen on our site will be available for viewing or purchase. Please call or visit us for up-to-date listing.