FAQ’s

Shopping

Why do I need to make an appointment to try on wedding gowns?

At Dressense Bridal we like to give you our full attention, so we do prefer for you to make an appointment.

How long is my appointment?

For new clients appointments during the week, your time is unlimited, however due to high demand for Saturdays and Sundays appointments we allow 1½ hours.  We do encourage you to come in 20 minutes prior to your appointment so you can take your time to look around our showroom in privacy. If you require a second appointment we allow about 1 hour for Saturday and Sundays again weekdays are unlimited.

What should I bring to my appointment?

It can be quiet overwhelming when you first walk into a bridal boutique, don’t panic we will help you. Some of our brides may have pictures from our website or bridal magazines and others really don’t know what they are looking for. The first thing we do is sit down with you and discuss your ideas and requirements. Once we have an understanding of what you are thinking we will together select gowns for you to try on.

Who should I bring to my appointment?

People who’s opinion you greatly value, a dear friend or family member who will be honest and will enjoy the experience as much as you. Sometimes if you have more than 3 people it can get a little overwhelming. And always remember it’s your day.

What size gowns are available for me to try on?

Our samples gowns range in size and colour. We carry a large selection of designer plus-size samples as well. At Dressense Bridal we know beautiful people come all shapes and sizes.

May I take pictures of the gowns while I try them on?

Due to strict copy right laws we do not allow photos to be taken.  We do ask that all cameras and mobile phones stay in bags while trying on gowns. Once you have purchased your gown, you may take as many pictures as you’d like.

When should I order my veil and/or headpiece?

Depending on which veil or headpiece you decide to purchase may vary. For something a little different it may take 1-3 months lead-time, however most of our veils and headpieces can be ordered at time of purchase of gown or when you come back for your try-on appointment.

Can I complete my entire look in one appointment?

Yes you can or you may choose accessories at a later date.

Do I need to make an appointment to look at accessories?

You may walk in at any time to try jewellery; however if you would like to try-on accessories with your gown then appointments are required.

Buying

How far in advance do I need to order my gown?

Most designers will take up to 6 months to order in your gown, however we have sold gowns up to a week before wedding.

When should I expect to receive my gown?

Your gown typically arrives 5 to 6 months from time you purchased. The dress is delivered to us directly from the designer and we perform a thorough quality control check on each gown. Once we are satisfied the gown is perfect, we’ll call you to schedule an appointment to try-on your gown. This is a good time for you to choose your accessories if you have not done so. This is when you will organize a time to meet with the Dressmakers for your first fitting and make your final payment.

How do I pay for my gown?

We accept visa or MasterCard as well as cash and personal cheques. (Personal cheques are only accepted for deposit and lay-by payments, not for final payments or pickups)

When ordering your gown a 1/3 deposit is required, with a 6 month lay by. However this is not always suitable for all our clients, other arrangements can be discussed.    If you are purchasing a sample or sale gowns we do require full payment and ask that you take the dress with you that day and bring it back for fittings, however we are more than happy to discuss special situations.

If you’ve requested that we ship your gown out of state, your balance must be paid for in full before it can be shipped.

Can I get a swatch of the color of my gown?

We would be happy to supply you with small colour sample of your gown, as dye lots vary widely, this will give you the best color to use for matching.

What are the price ranges for your gowns?

Our gowns start at around $350.00 and finish at $8,000.00. We have a large selection of gowns priced between $1500.00 to $3500.00. We do have a good range of  samples or discontinued gowns that are in good conditions and discounted up to 70%.

Fittings or Try ons

Please note that we do not do try-on or fittings appointments on Sundays or between 9.30am to 2pm on Saturdays.

When shall I schedule my first fitting?

We’ll organize your first fitting at your try-on appointment. This is usually about 4-10 weeks before your wedding day.

What should I bring to my first fitting?

You should bring the shoes and undergarments you’ll be wearing on your wedding day in order to have your gown properly fit through the bodice and hemline.

How many fittings will I need?

Usually, our  brides require 2-3 fittings to ensure that perfect look.

Shipping

Will you ship my gown out of state for me?

Not a problem. We can ship a dress anywhere you’d like. Shipping fees apply.

Other

What is a trunk show or designer day?

A trunk show or designer day is a special in-store event lasting one to three days.  You are able to view and buy from a designer’s latest collection months before they hit the boutiques. The designer and/or their representatives are usually in attendance and help answer any quires you may have. If you find the dress of your dreams at a trunk show, be prepared to make a decision that day, as the gown will not be in the store once the trunk show is over.

HELP! I’m getting married in less than 5 months – is it too late to get a gown from you?

No, it’s never too late, we will do our best to help you with choosing your perfect gown. Your options include buying one of our samples gowns or working with a consultant to determine which designers can meet your time frame. Depending on the designer there may be an additional rush charge.

What is a rush order?

If your wedding date is sooner than the time we typically need to order your gown.

What if I’m not happy with the lady that is helping me?

That’s not acceptable: we want your experience at Dressense Bridal  to be as memorable and exciting as your wedding day.  If you find that you are not connecting with your Dressense consultant,  please do not hestiate – ask to speak to either Lisa Michel, Frances Michel or Larissa  Bonnitcha as your request will be handled with discretion.  We’ll make arrangements for you to work with another consultant,  making sure you have an enjoyable experience