Questions?
We have answers!
Answers To Frequently asked questions!
HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN I HAVE FOUND THE DRESS?
This may sound cheesy but it is our honest opinion… you will feel it on the inside and many times it has nothing to do with what was on the checklist! Every bride’s journey to finding her dress is unique. Therefore when it happens it will sometimes even surprise a stylist who experiences this everyday…and it is amazing every single time whether there are tears, dancing or just that knowing smile!
HOW MANY APPOINTMENTS WILL I NEED?
We always tell brides to come ready to fall in love! The only thing similar to it is finding the right person, you never know when it will happen! Most brides find the perfect dress on their first appointment, but we are here to support you in whatever process you need!
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I BRING?
That’s up to you but we recommend that you choose your bride tribe wisely. Big groups can be fun but you may have many opinions and that makes it hard for the bride.
You want to go it alone or just bring one other person? Fantastic! Those appointments are great because you are guaranteed to pick a dress that is your personal style and genuinely represents you.
WHEN SHOULD I START SHOPPING?
We recommend at least a year in advance. Right now it takes up to 6 months for the dress to arrive and 3 months for alterations. With the possibility of shipping delays it just makes sense to be ahead of the game with this!
SHOULD I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
Please do! When you book an appointment, we reserve the boutique just for you and your entourage. If you are a walk-in you may not be able to try on dresses, we will always accommodate a bride without an appointment whenever we are available though!WHAT IS THE BEST DAY TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
While a Saturday slot may be a no brainer, we would warn against it if you want the most laid back experience. Saturdays can get busy and the energy is a little crazy with back to back appointments. A weekday offers extra time for a bride in a relaxed atmosphere.
WHAT IS YOUR PRICE RANGE AND HOW DOES PAYMENT WORK?Our special order dresses range from $1200 – $2200. Most brides spend around $1500 – $1800.
We accept cash, checks or credit cards.
WHAT IS THE BUSTLE ALL ABOUT?
Let’s talk all things bustle! Today, bustles are primarily used to shorten the train of a gown through a series of buttons and loops, ties, or hook and eyes, to allow for more mobility and keep the gown from being stepped on.Modern bustles can be eye-catching or understated depending on the look you are going for.
Gowns do not come with bustles installed, this is mainly because gowns are made to a standard length and will need to be hemmed and bustled to just touch the floor when the bride is wearing it. Because each bride can be a different height and her shoe choice can add even more variation, bustles and hems are both performed when you have your alterations done.Your seamstress will walk you through the options and together you will decide what look you like best with your chosen dress.
CAN A BRIDE CELEBRATE WITH CHAMPAGNE?
The city of West Bend prohibits us from serving alcoholic beverages. The good news is that we have provided every bride that purchases a wedding dress from us a bottle of champagne waiting for them down the road at The Antidote! Yay! This bottle cannot leave the premises, but trust us you won’t want to leave this trendy establishment!
WHAT IS YOUR BUYING POLICY?
As is consistent throughout the industry all sales are final, no returns or exchanges are accepted. A binding contract is signed for all purchases. No worries though, we are confident that you will love your purchase!
DO YOU OFFER ALTERATIONS?
In most cases, on-site alterations tend to be more expensive than finding your own seamstress. The shop must think about paying the seamstress and make a profit for themselves. Because of this, we do not do on-site alterations but we do have a list of highly creative and experienced seamstresses for you to choose from. We are in constant contact with them and can help relay your vision to them if necessary.
HELPFUL TIPS!
WHY NOT JUST BUY A DRESS ON-LINE?
You don’t want to miss the tradition of the dress buying moment where you can touch the fabric and see the intricate detailing firsthand, not in a photo. There is no greater feeling then trying on a wedding gown and seeing yourself as a bride for the first time surrounded by friends and loved ones.
This is a busy time for brides but do yourself a favor, make time for yourself and clear your schedule for a couple of hours. Embrace the moment, laugh loud, spill happy tears, CELEBRATE YOU while choosing your perfect wedding dress. You will not regret it!
BE OPEN TO DIFFERENT GOWNS!
It is beneficial to know what you like, but don’t be afraid to try on that wildcard! In fact, we would suggest that you always try on one wild card even if it’s just for fun. You may end up surprising yourself and bringing your dress game to new heights that you wouldn’t have been able to accomplish otherwise.
FOR BRIDES WHO SAY “I want to look good but… it’s just a dress that I will only wear once. “
So true! But keep in mind, not all moments in life hold the same value. The moment that you wear this dress is not the same as the moment that you are waiting in the doctor’s office or stuck in traffic. Value this moment and appreciate how significant it is in life. Everyone is excited to see the dress, making it central to this day!
You DO only wear this dress one day so …. do it once, do it fabulous!
SIZE DOESN’T MATTER!
Don’t freak out about the wedding dress sizing. Wedding dress sizes are vastly different from street sizes. If you are a size ten in the ready to wear world, for example, you can be anywhere from a twelve to a sixteen on planet bridal. Sounds horrible not to fit into your regular size doesn’t it? I promise you, NO ONE cares or will see what the number is, they will only care about the beautiful bride inside the dress.
WHAT TO WEAR ON APPOINTMENT DAY
Nude is definitely the best choice for undergarments. All of our designers have built-in bra cups so you will never have to wear a bra on your wedding day! A strapless nude bra is your best choice for trying on dresses although with the structure built in, the bra is optional .
DO I TAKE THE DRESS HOME RIGHT AWAY?
If you choose to purchase right off the rack and pay in full, heck yeah, that beauty is ALL YOURS! Keep in mind the off the rack dresses are limited in availability so shop early if possible so that you have the entire collection to choose from. Most brides like to order their own dress in their chosen color and proper size. It will take 4-7 months for their dress to arrive.
I AM NOT A DRESS PERSON
Not all brides believe the dress the most important aspect of the wedding, and we get it!
To those brides who are on a dress buying mission and haven’t always dreamed of dress shopping day and are actually a little overwhelmed or underwhelmed at the thought….
We’ve got this for you! You may end up really enjoying this experience, we will do our best to make that happen. Relax, trust us and let’s make a memory for you to cherish. Many times, these are the brides that get unexpectedly emotional when they see themselves in what will be their wedding dress and think about what the meaning behind the purchase is. Who knew a dress could do that?
BREAK THE RULES
Rules were made to be broken! Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette from 1945 isn’t cutting it anymore for today’s bride. Modern brides are shaking up stuffy old traditions like never before! Modern takes, like color, on classic silhouettes work so well for today’s bride. Express your personality in a bold dress if that is what you love. Always trust your first instinct, whatever makes your heart sing is what you should be wearing! Don’t get hung up on what you believe you can and can’t wear based on your venue and what your family thinks. That cathedral veil you adore but think is only for church weddings not your beach wedding? That veil will float beautifully in an ocean breeze making you look breathtaking. Always, always go with what you love not what you think you should love, and never look back. … Just be you and the rest will fall into place. This advice applies to much more than dress shopping day.