Wedding Dresses, Bridal Shop FAQ, Designer Bridal Gowns, Mother of the Bride Dresses, West Bloomfield, MI

Home  >  FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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1. How long does it take to order a bridal gown?
2. How long does it take to order a bridesmaid's gown?
3. How long does it take to order a flower girl dress?
4. How long does it take to order a Mother of the Bride gown?
5. How much of a deposit is needed to order a gown?
6. What forms of payment do we accept?
7. How long do alterations take?
8. Do I need an appointment for alterations?
9. What do I need at the alteration fitting?
10. How much are alterations?
11. What is included in the alterations on wedding gowns?
12. How do I know what size to choose when ordering?
13. What can I do if Maria's Bridal does not carry the dress I want?
14. Can I request a sample of a dress without being required to
    purchase it?
15. Are alterations available on gowns not purchased at Maria's Bridal?

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1.  How long does it take to order a bridal gown?

The average for bridal gowns is six months.  Some may take less, but it is always best to plan for the worst case scenario.  As a bride, you need three fittings to make the dress perfect, so it is best to leave at least two months for alterations.  For these two reasons, it is best to order your dress no later than eight months before your wedding.  Sooner is always better.

2.  How long does it take to order a bridesmaid's gown?

The bridesmaids' dresses generally take between three to four months to order. Some designers allow rush fees to be paid if the dress is needed in a short period of time.  It is best to leave at least one month for alterations on your bridesmaids' gowns.  For these reasons, it is best to order the bridesmaids' dresses at least five months before the wedding.

3.  How long does it take to order a flower girl dress?

A flower girl's dress takes around three to four months to order.  It is best to leave at least one month for alterations on this dress. For these reasons, It is best to order the flower girl dress at least five months before the wedding.

4.  How long does it take to order a Mother of the Bride gown?

Normally it takes three to four months to order a mother of the bride/groom gown.  However, if the designer has the item in stock, in the color and size needed,  it can arrive within a week or so.  Also, some designers will allow for rush fee's to be applied to ensure a dress arrives if needed in a short period of time. It is also best to leave at least one month for all alterations to be done. For these reasons, it is best to order the dress at least five months prior to the date needed.

5.  How much of a deposit is needed to order a gown?

At least 50% of the total purchase price is due to place an order for a gown.  If a discount was given at the time of purchase, 50% of the regular price is due to order.  As soon as the dress comes in, the remaining balance is due. 

6.  What forms of payment do we accept?

We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards excluding American Express.

7.  How long do alterations take?

For wedding gowns, it is best to come in for the first fitting two-six weeks prior to the wedding.  For bridesmaids, flower girls, and mother of the bride/groom, it is best to come in at least one month prior to the wedding for the first fitting.

8.  Do I need an appointment for alterations?

Yes, an appointment is required for all alterations. 

9. What do I need at the alteration fitting?

You will need any undergarment being worn on the wedding day including the bra, slip, spanx, and shoes.  If the items are not present at the fitting, the alteration of the dress either cannot be done, or the altertions will be incorrect.  For these reasons, we carry bras, slips, and spanx in the store for purchase.

10.  How much are alterations?

If any dress is purchased at full price, the alterations are always included.  If a gown is purchased at a discount, the alterations are extra.

11.  What is included in the alterations on wedding gowns?

The hem and side seams are always included.  The bustle and any change to the gown, adding straps for example, are always extra. 

12.  How do I know what size to choose when ordering?

When ordering a gown, one of our bridal consultants will measure your bust, waist, and hips to determine the best size.  If another size is requested by the customer, we will order that size.  However, if the customer orders a size other than what we recommend, we absolve ourselves of any responsibility in the event that it does not fit correctly.

13.  What can I do if Maria's Bridal does not carry the dress I want?

If the dress is made by a designer that we are authorized to carry, we can order any dress you want.  If we do not carry that particular line, we cannot order the dress.  

14.  Can I request a sample of a dress without being required to purchase it?

Maria's Bridal Couture will order a sample of a gown you are interested in for you to try on. The cost to order the sample is $150.00, which would ultimately be applied to the gown if you decide to purchase it.  However, you are not required to purchase the gown and the $150.00 deposit can be applied to anything else in the store.  For example, it can be transferred to the purchase of a bra, slip, and/or shoes.

15.  Are alterations available on gowns not purchased at Maria's Bridal?

Maria's Bridal will alter any gown purchased anywhere else for a fee.