For most brides finding your dream wedding dress is the most important step in the early stages of wedding planning. If you’re about to start looking for a wedding dress then the right information and preparation will save you precious time and money. We’ve dressed many happy brides over the years, and in that time we’ve learnt a few tips that will help you streamline the process. With a little bit of preparation, these wedding dress FAQ’s will help you choose the right dress and make the process of selecting your wedding dress as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Here’s our selection of wedding dress FAQ’s every bride to be needs to know before going wedding dress hunting:
1. When should I start looking for my wedding dress
Often it’s the idea of running short of time or having to make changes at the last minute that is most stressful for brides. Be prepared ahead of time and get started on looking for your wedding dress as soon as you get engaged.
2. Do I need to make an appointment? Is there an appointment fee?
Yes, absolutely most bridal stores will require you to book ahead of time including our own store, Modes Bridal. Currently, we recommend booking at least 12 months in advance to secure your choice of appointment. Our appointment fee is $70 for a one-hour consultation which will allow a bride to try on a maximum of six-eight dresses. This fee is refunded in full when you purchase your wedding gown.
3. What is involved in a fitting? Do you have a workroom to do the adjustments?
Our personalised one-on-one appointments allow you to get the best advice and try on your choice of gowns to see what works best for you. Our spacious store has lovely natural light and high ceilings and is set in a quiet ambient private courtyard – the perfect environment to fully enjoy your full bridal experience.
As a full-service bridal boutique, we have our own in-house workroom so we can make all alterations needed to the dress to get the perfect fit. Our workroom also offers co-ordinates such as jackets, coats, and wraps to go with the wedding dress as appropriate.
4. How many fittings will I need?
Generally, we find that most brides only need one fitting, occasionally two just to tweak the item.
5. If my weight tends to fluctuate when should I shop for my wedding dress?
This is a tricky one, but the general rule is that it is easier to take a dress in than run the risk of not having enough fabric to let it out. Again, it is advisable to shop well in advance of your wedding as gowns take 3-5 months to arrive. However, dresses can sometimes be purchased from stock, but it is better to be safe and try to keep your weight steady rather than expect to lose a lot of weight and run the risk of having to make alterations at the last minute.
6. What should I bring to my bridal appointment?
If you have been curating a Pinterest board or keeping cuttings from magazines then bring these to help us guide your selection of gowns to try.
What you wear under the dress is also important for your fitting appointment. A strapless bra and neutral-colored underwear is a good idea as it allows you to focus on the dress without straps, lining, or other colors showing. It’s also a good idea to bring the heels or shoes you plan to wear with the dress. The shoes you wear will affect how you will look and the measurements and adjustments the tailor needs to make. The inches the shoes add to your height will affect your walk, the length of the dress and your posture.
Lastly, bring a friend or family member who you trust to give you helpful advice.
7. Are alterations included in the price?
We order dresses as close to size as possible but if alterations are needed we do charge for these as they are carried out by our in-house tailors.
8. How long will it take for my dress to be made if I order it in my size?
It will take 3-5 months for your dress to be ready as it will need to be shipped to us and any alterations made. Occasionally this will be sooner if the gown is already in stock.
9. Is there a payment plan?
We offer an account system where the bride can pay off her purchases over 12 weeks.
10. What happens if I change my mind after I have ordered my dress?
With so many choices of wedding dress styles, the process can take some time, but you should really try and avoid changing your mind by ensuring that when you order your dress you feel totally confident about your choice. In some cases if a bride can’t decide or feels uncertain about her choice of wedding dress it means she hasn’t found ‘the one’ yet.
Make sure you understand the terms of sale before you pay your deposit. In special circumstances we may swap an item if a bride changes her mind but we don’t offer refunds.
11. What about Veils and accessories?
We have veils and hairpieces that are made to order in-house to co-ordinate perfectly with your selection of gown. Modes also has an extensive selection of Swarovski crystal earrings and hairpieces and even belts to adorn the gown for that perfect magic final touch.
For current samples of Modes bridal collections, browse our website for a selection of luxury wedding dresses from designers around the world.
If you’re planning a 2020 wedding, we recommend you book a fitting at least 12 months in advance.
;)
