Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions

Questions? Let me help you with that.

About Your Dream Visit

What makes visiting Dream unique from other bridal shops?

First and foremost, it is a completely private shopping experience! You have the entire boutique and my full attention 100% dedicated to you and your entourage during your visit. No other brides in the store, plenty of space to be comfortable and my focus only on you, understanding your vision for your wedding day and what will make you feel beautiful! Learn more here.

What is your price range?

Wedding dresses are a luxury rather than an economic necessity but talking about budget is always awkward. It’s a good idea to know your max dress budget before you visit and have the conversation with family if they are helping with the dress purchase is key. Currently for 2018, the price range is between $2000 and $4000. Majority of gowns are between $2500 and $3000. Keep in mind there are additional costs for alterations, accessories and/or customization’s. Please feel free to discuss this frankly with me as I will do my best to give you the best possible advice.

If your max budget is $2000, I will not have much for you to try but will of course do my best. When you visit, I will help you choose gowns in a price range that you’re comfortable with. I never push you to spend more than you want, and I treat every bride with the same pampering service regardless of how much they want to spend within the shop’s offer range.

What should I wear to an appointment?

I will be with you in the dressing room to help you in and out of dresses. So, it may be more comfortable for the both of us to wear a good nude tone panty/spanx and a good fitting bra WITH straps. Strapless bras do nothing! We can always tuck in the straps and most dresses do have great structure but some of the softer dresses may feel better with a little lift. And please no self-tanner, heavy makeup or perfume. This will help keep the gowns looking pretty!

What should I bring with me to my appointment?

Feel free to bring pictures of gowns that inspire you. Source them from magazines, Pinterest, vision boards…anything you’d like! You can also email them to me before your visit. If you don’t already have a vision of what you like, no worries – I will help you figure out what you love! I encourage you to eat before or after your visit with me as I do not allow food and beverages in the shop with the exception of water.

Who should I bring with me to my appointment?

I recommend bringing 1-3 family members or friends whose opinions you value most. Wedding dress shopping is fun, but it can get overwhelming and stressful when a bride is considering the opinions of many people. After all, it’s your wedding dress – and it’s your feelings and preferences that are most important! I believe that every bride wants and deserves a wonderful wedding dress shopping experience.

How long is my appointment?

Appointments are approximately 90 minutes. That is usually the ideal amount of time to try on several gowns, narrow down your selection, and choose your wedding dress without feeling rushed. Of course, if you feel you need more time, I am always happy to schedule a return visit!

What size gowns are available to try?

I don’t believe in “one size fits all.” Most of my dresses are bridal size 8-14 (street size 4 to 12). I strongly believe that every bride should feel comfortable and have beautiful options to try on when she’s shopping for her wedding dress. I will help to pin and clip samples to give you the best idea of how the proper size should fit. Most designers offer sizes 0-20, but many can accommodate plus sizes 16 and up.

When should I arrive for my appointment?

Please arrive at the time that your appointment is scheduled for. I often have appointments immediately before your appointment and (especially on a weekend or holiday) will not be able to take you early. Since the shop is small, there is no waiting area and you may have to wait in your car. If you are late, this will cut into your appointment time. I often have an appointment immediately following yours (especially on a weekend or holiday) and I may not be able to extend your appointment time due to a late arrival.

What about accessories like a sash or veil?

Most people are surprised to learn that the veils and accessories are all made to order. While this means that you know the piece is being made especially for you, it also means that it takes some patience for the piece to arrive in the shop. Standard production time for veils and accessories can be between 2 and 8 weeks depending on the designer. And while I can always accommodate a rush, it may cost a little bit more!

How far in advance of my wedding should I purchase my wedding gown?

When you find “The One” no matter when your wedding date is, it’s the one. But delivery times do vary by designer. Each designer has their own production schedule, but the typical time frame for delivery is between 3 to 6 months. In addition, please plan between 6 and 12 weeks for alterations. Some dresses are made to standard sizes, and some to measure, so tailoring is usually to be expected. Most of our designers can honor a rush order, for a fee. Just ask me for more information if you’re on a deadline. I always try to make it work and help you if timing is really tight, including selling a gown off the rack if necessary.

Are photographs allowed?

I get it, you want to take a picture of every gown to remember or compare or to show others for opinions but to be honest it’s a bad idea. Asking a woman to get virtually naked and be ‘judged’ in a wedding dress by a group of friends and bridal professionals is difficult enough. Bring a camera into the mix and even the most confident woman turns gauche and gawky; even if the dress fits. If it doesn’t fit, you go home with a set of less than flattering photos. Voodoo doll pinning or elastic bands across your back; either is going to undermine your confidence in yourself or the dress. When you look at the photos again you won’t remember the thrill or the emotion, you will turn critic. You will forget that the dress didn’t fit and that there are several intermediate stages of technical fitting to go through. The lighting is bad, you had the wrong shoes on, no makeup, someone shot you from under the chin, from a chair, at a bad angle – the list goes on. We are not professional photographers with the best lighting and setup. We have camera phones and no idea on what angles to take a picture to make sure what you feel in the mirror, the happiness and confidence, is captured on a phone.

But I also understand that in this day and age of camera phones, it’s difficult to make a large financial and emotional (and fashion!) decision without being able to take lots of pics and analyze them. However, as a small business boutique I need some way to protect my shop from people taking advantage of my time, expertise and merchandise by trying on gowns with us, taking photos, and then using those photos to help them purchase elsewhere. For this reason my photo policy is that if you must take photos, I will take them for you of your top 2 favorites and email them to you. This will also make sure we stay on track for your visit and not feel rushed. I will also be happy to give you the details of your favorite gowns and including the designer model images.

I am proud to be a small business that is 100% female owned and operated. Your Dream Bridal is my passion and my livelihood. I take my photo policy seriously and I ask that you and your bridal party do as well.

How will I know if I found my Dream dress?

There is no “one size fits all” answer to this. Some brides get “that feeling”, and some brides don’t, and that’s ok! Here are some telltale signs that you have probably found your gown. Again, you may not experience all of these, just 1 or 2 (but maybe more):

Getting married suddenly feels real- you may get emotional.
You can envision yourself at your ceremony and reception in the dress.
You still feel like yourself, but the most beautiful bridal version of yourself.
You feel beautiful, elegant and confidant in the gown.
You have that indescribable feeling of giddiness while you’re in the gown.
You’re not thinking about any of the other gowns you’ve tried on, or you’re thinking about how you like this dress so much more than any other gown you’ve tried on.
Suddenly no one else’s opinion matters.
On the contrary, everyone else in your party agrees with you that this could be “the one”.
You don’t want to take off the dress- you could stare at it for hours.
You don’t feel the need to continue trying on gowns.
You can’t stop smiling.
You feel no need to sleep on this decision.

Do you offer alterations?

I do not offer alterations, but I have some great recommendations! Alterations are a separate cost and I leave it up to the bride to see any seamstress of their choosing. Together we will select the gown size based on your measurements, but your dress will need alterations to get the best fit. Dream is not responsible for any alterations that are performed.

Do you carry bridesmaid, mother of the bride, or flower girl dresses?

No. I am 100% focused on the bride and do not carry these types of dresses at this time.

About Dream Dress Appointments

Do I need an appointment?

Yes! Since your visit is private, Dream is only open only by appointment in order to be able to provide every bride with an intimate, personalized experience in a comfortable, yet upscale, atmosphere. This means that you get the shop to yourself! No sharing of mirrors and dressing room areas. You can be yourself with your closest family & friends as you find your dream dress.

How do I make an appointment?

Since weekends are the most popular time and spots are limited, I recommended scheduling your visit at least 2 weeks in advance. Appointments can be made directly through my online calendar by clicking here.

Can I cancel my appointment?

No! Just kidding. But there is a strict cancellation policy, as appointments are limited in having a private shopping experience. All rescheduling and cancellations must be made no later than 3 days before your scheduled appointment. “No shows” and clients canceling without 3 day notice will be charged a $50 cancellation fee, which can be applied toward a future purchase. Please see your “Appointment Confirmation” email to cancel your appointment

Why do you need my credit card info to make an appointment?

Appointments are limited especially during weekends and when you make an appointment you will have to provide a credit card hold your spot (much like visiting the spa or hairdresser). As stated above, I charge the $50 cancellation fee ONLY in the event of a cancellation or reschedule within 3 days of your scheduled appointment or if you “no show”. I do not charge your card otherwise.