Top 5 Questions Brides Should Ask at Bridal Shops

Your wedding day is a big day, and it’s normal to be nervous and to want everything to be ‘just so.’  Whether you’re buying or renting your wedding dress, you’ll need to think about exactly what you want before you reach the store.  The following are the top 5 questions that most brides are going to ask when they are in the shop.

Question 1 – How Long Does it Take to Order a Gown?

Some bridal stores (depending on how posh they are) may order their gowns in from another city, or even another country.  Be sure to ask how long it will take before your dress arrives in the shop. 

It helps to tell the shop your exact wedding day.  If they can’t get the dress in a minimum of two weeks before your wedding, shop elsewhere.  The two weeks will be needed for alterations, changes…. and your own peace of mind.

Question 2 – How Long Do Alterations Take at Bridal Shops?

Alterations can be a pain if the dress doesn’t arrive in plenty of time to make sure that everything looks and feels just right.  Ask whether the shop does their own alterations, or sends the gown out.

Question 3 – How Much of a Deposit is Needed?

Money is often tight with an upcoming wedding, and you should know how much your are going to have to put down as a deposit as well as when the rest is due.  Some shops offer payment plans, where you can pay in installments; others need 100% of the cash upfront.

Question 4 – Can They Alter Gowns Bought at Different Bridal Shops?

If the bridesmaid dress, or even the bridal gown is from another shop, the bride might want everything altered at the same place, simply to keep things together and make life easier.

Question 5 – What Payments Are Accepted?

Be sure to ask this before you place the final order.  Some shops will take any form of payment, while others ask for credit or debit cards only and will not take checks.