Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment?
How long should I expect my visit to last?
Most brides, on their first visit, spend from 1 to 1½ hours trying on gowns, unless they have zeroed in on the specific style they want and do not want to continue to “try” other styles. Subsequent visits are usually less than an hour. Visiting longer than 1½ hours can result in confusion from trying on too many styles. Trying on too many dresses makes it hard to remember which looked best.
Who shall I bring with me when I shop at Bridal Plus Boutique?
Most brides find that 1 or 2 people who will give them honest advise are the best. Babies and young children are not advised as they need a lot of attention and are not usually into shopping. for bridal gowns. Mom, or whoever is paying, is an important person to have along. Our shop is intimate and too many people with one person can cause confusion for the bride and other shoppers.
Bridal Gown Q & A:
Q: How long does it typically take to order and receive a bridal gown?
A: It usually takes 4-6 months to special order a bridal gown if the manufacturer does not have your size in stock. The actual length of time it takes depends on the designer. If they have your size in stock, the manufacturer usually ships the dress within 2-3 weeks. If there is a special request involved, such as changes to a couture gown, this process could take up to 6 months. All customers are welcome to purchase gowns off the rack.
Q: Can you buy gowns off the rack or special order bridal gowns?
A: Yes, this decision is completely up to the bride. Most of our customers special order their gown because our stock consists of sample dresses. However, you can buy any of the dresses off the rack if you do not wish to special order.
Q: What is the price of the bridal gowns?
A: We have bridal gowns that suit every bride budget. We have prices as low as $199 and up. Depending on your needs, you are sure to find the gown of your dreams at a price you can afford.
Q: Do you have to pay for the gown before you order?
A: We require a 50% deposit on all special orders. Once the deposit is made and the gown is ordered, it is yours. No cancellations No refunds.
Q: Do you have layaway?
A: Yes. Our layaway plan enables you to pay a small down payment and we can hold your dress up-to 60 days with 25% down.
Q: Can you customize changes to a bridal gown?
A: Customization depends on the manufacturer. Some designers will make your gown just the way you envision it by allowing certain changes such as special measurements, shortening/lengthening train, changing neckline, etc. for an extra charge.
Q: How do I know what size to order?
A: Upon ordering your bridal gown, we will take your measurements and order the size CLOSEST to your measurements based on the size chart provided by the manufacturer. Since bridal gowns tend to run small in general, taking your measurements is the most accurate way to ensure the best possible fit. In most cases, alterations will be necessary. There are extra charges which may apply for gowns made based on your actual measurements, customized and some plus size gowns based on manufacturer.
Q: Can you order any gown from the designers that Bridal Plus Boutique carries?
A: Yes, we can special order a gown from a line we carry even if we do not have the particular gown as a sample in our store.
Q: Can bridal gowns be rushed if you have a close wedding date?
A: Depending on the manufacturer, rush cuts for bridal gowns are sometimes available. There are extra costs involved and the rush dates which differ among designers. Certain designers keep stock on bridal gowns and may have one available for immediate delivery.
Q: Do I need an appointment to come try on wedding dresses?
A: We gladly accept appointments; however, they are not required unless you wish to come in on Saturday or outside normal business hours.
Q: How long does it take to special order a veil?
A: If the veil is ordered without any changes it usually takes 1-2 months. For changes to a veil, it could possibly take longer. However, it is still possible (with certain vendors) to get a veil in within two weeks.
Q: Do you have to special order a veil or can you buy one in the store?
A: The veils we keep in the store are samples, just like the bridal gowns. We do have minimum stock on certain styles which you are welcome to purchase. You are also welcome to either purchase a veil off the rack or special order one.
Q: What kind of changes can you make to a veil?
A: You can change the length, how many tiers (layers), the edging, the decoration on the veil, or whether or not you want it detachable (Velcro). Not all veils can be changed please ask the sales associate for details.
Bridesmaid Q & A:
Q: How long does it take to order and receive bridesmaid dresses?
A: It usually takes between 3-4 months for bridesmaids dresses to come in once the order has been placed. Rush cuts can take 4-6 weeks however there is an additional charge for rush cuts.
Q: What all is involved in the ordering process of bridesmaids dresses?
A: First, we must have the designer, style number, and the color of the dresses you would like to order. Then, we need every bridesmaid’s measurements and payment (either a 50% deposit or in full) before we can order. We order the dresses as a set because they should come off the same dye lot from the manufacturer. This is necessary to ensure all dresses are the same shade of color.
Q: How do I know which sizes to order?
A: It is highly suggested that bridesmaids get measured and get a size closest to their measurements based on the manufacturer’s size chart and the style of the dress. Bridesmaid dresses, like bridal gowns, tend to run small.
Q: Can I get a color swatch of my bridesmaid dresses?
A: Yes, most vendors provide color swatches we can share.
Q: Can you order a certain style bridesmaid dress from a designer you carry even if the dress is not in your store?
A: Yes. If we carry the line, we can order any style that is available from that particular manufacturer.
Q: Are rush cuts available for bridesmaid dresses?
A: Some manufacturers do have rush cuts for certain styles and colors. The rush dates and the extra cost vary depending on the designer.
Q: Are the dresses in the store samples or do you have a range of sizes?
A: Since we special order the bridesmaid dresses, we carry samples from size 0-28 in the store. However because they are samples we do not carry every dress in every size.
Flowergirl Q & A:
Q: Are the flower girl dresses sample dresses?
A: Yes, we have sample flower girl dresses. However, you can purchase a flower girl dress in our store or you can simply order one.
Q: Does the flower girl need to be measured or can we just order a size?
A: We prefer to measure the flower girl and get the closest size based on her measurements from the manufacturers size chart.
Q: Can you order any flower girl dress from the vendors you carry?
A: We most certainly can order any style that is available from the designers in our store.
Bridal Shoes Q & A:
Q: Do you keep a range of sizes for all the shoes in your store?
A: For most of the shoes, we do have a range of sizes. Some shoes will have to be special ordered if we do not have that particular style, size, and color in stock.
Q: How long does it take to special order a pair of shoes?
A: It usually takes 2-3 weeks to get shoes in if they are ordered.
Q: Can the width be changed on the shoes?
A: Some manufacturers will carry different widths for certain styles.
Q: Can you dye any of the shoes? Can they be dyed at your store?
A: We have a variety of shoes that can either be dyed or ordered in the color you want; however, we do not dye shoes at Bridal Plus Boutique.
Q: Can we order any pair of shoes from a line you carry even if it is not in the store?
A: Yes. We can place an order for any shoes available from that particular vendor.
Special Occasion Q & A:
Q: When should I start shopping for my Mother of the Bride/Groom dress?
A: Out of sheer devotion most moms wait until the last minute to shop for themselves. We suggest that you focus on your purchase three or four months before the wedding. Most of the styles that complement the season of your event are in stores two to four months earlier.
Q: What colors should I wear?
A: You should always wear colors in which you feel beautiful, keeping in mind to complement the wedding party. Most industry experts would tell you to steer away from wearing black unless it is a black and white wedding and/or you have the bride’s graces to wear black. Most moms won’t wear the exact color of the bridesmaid dresses but one that complements or is a slightly different shade.
Q: Can I Special Order a dress if I need a different size or color than what you have in your store?
A: We constantly special order Mother of the Bride/Groom dresses. It usually takes around 3-4 months to special order a style if they do not have your size or color in stock. If they have your size and color in stock, the manufacturer usually ships the dress within the week. Most of our customers purchase gowns off the rack.
Q: Can you order any gown from the designers that Bridal Plus Boutique carries?
A: Yes, if the certain style you are looking for is available to order. We can special order a suit or dress from any line we carry even if we do not have that particular style in our store.
Q: Do you have to pay for special orders before you order?
A: Special orders are 50% paid and then ordered. Once the item is ordered, it is yours.
Q: If I buy something in the store or over the phone and it doesn’t work, can I return it?
A: Due to the nature of our merchandise we cannot accept any returns or exchanges for merchandise purchased in the store or over the phone.
Q: Do you have a catalogue you can send me?
A: We do not have catalogues that we mail out. However, we have some extra catalogues from some of our designers in the store that you may take with you. The best suggestion would be to look on the designer website to see what dresses they have and what colors are available.
Q: Do you have any other locations?
A: Currently, this is the only location.
Q: Do you carry petite sizing?
A: A few of our designers offer petites. Many bridal gowns can be special ordered with a Hollow-to-Hem measurement for an additional charge.
Q: Do you carry plus sizes?
A: Yes we carry up to size 32 in the store; We can special order the dress in the size you need; as long as the company makes it available.
Q: How do I know what colors a dress comes in?
A: We have catalogues that tell what colors are available for wedding gowns. Color swatches of the bridesmaid dresses are available. As for our formal attire, if we don’t have a catalogue, we will make a call to the vendor.
Q: Can special occasion dresses be ordered?
A: Yes, we have catalogues you are welcome to browse if you cannot find the dress of your dreams in-stock.
How can I order a dress?
A: Orders can be placed over the phone as long as the designer, color, style number, and size is known. You may come into the store and one of our associates can help you through the ordering process.
Q: How do you ship special orders?
A: Most special orders are picked up at our location. We will ship anywhere in Canada as needed. We ship ground or expedited shipping is available, if you wish.
Q: Do you offer alterations?
A: Alterations vary depending on what needs to be done, the fabric, etc.
Q: How much do alterations cost?
A: Alterations vary depending on what needs to be done, the fabric, etc.
Q: What methods of payment do you accept?
A: We accept Cash, Debit Cards, Visa and MasterCard.
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
A: Bridal Plus Boutique does offer a Payment plan. To place something on payment plan you must put 25% of the total down (price of the merchandise + tax) and make monthly payments. This deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE. The merchandise will not be ordered until the total deposit has reached 50% of total purchase price. Your monthly payments can continue even after the dress is ordered. Keep in mind dresses take up to 6 months to arrive.