Make an appointment instead of walking in. When you make an appointment, you will be the store staff’s priority and will receive better service.

The bridesmaids must respect the bride’s choice because after all, it is her wedding day. At the same time, the bride must be aware of the different sizes and ethnicity/race/nationality and personality of her wedding party. A selfish bride won’t care about the things mentioned above, but as a caring bride and as a true friend, she won’t put them in an outrageous colors, atrocious silhouettes and sleazy styles.

Do the bridesmaids pay or does the bride?
Depending on the culture and budget, the bride or the bridesmaids can pay for their dress.

Can the bride ask them to purchase a specific dress and color?
Most definitely!

Can a bride expect alterations to be included in the price of the gown?
In general, no. This service is always separate from purchase as each bride requires different alteration job orders due to their body shape or form as well as the style of wedding gown they have chosen. A simple analogy is when you buy a pair of jeans. Hemming is always an additional expense. Any alterations on clothing, whether simple or complicated, are an extra charge. Unless a store has a special offer for this service, expect to pay.

Do you have any tips tips for tuxes?
Yes! If they live in a town that doesn’t have a suit/tuxedo/bridal shop and they absolutely must take the measurements themselves, they need to follow the instructions carefully on how to take measurements for better-fitting outfits. Measuring for tuxes is complicated. Otherwise, we highly recommend you get professionally fitted and, once measured, at least try the coat on to reconfirm that the size assigned will fit properly.

Can you rent pants or jackets only if necessary?
Yes. This is what we call an “a-la-carte” order. But it’s typically priced slightly higher than a complete rental set.

If you’re renting a gown can you have it altered to fit better?
Absolutely not. A shortened dress will not fit the same for the next person who might be taller than the last. Any rental garments are not permitted to have a permanent alteration done. Temporary hemming is the most allowed alteration done on any rental garments. Other than this, if a customer insists on a custom fit, they must purchase the outfit.

Generally, it is part of the rental fee, unless a special arrangement is made between the renter and the company. If an ordinary dry cleaning does not remove any staining or soiling, the rental is deemed damaged and the renter will be responsible for additional expense to replace the damaged garments.

Can you rent shoes?
Yes. Depending on the company’s program, a pair of basic black shoes is included in a complete rental set or is paid separately at a lower rate than if rented by itself. If the shoes are being special ordered, make sure that the wearer’s wider or longer foot–if one foot is larger, as is often the case–is traced on paper. Depending on the manufacturer, shoes may run smaller or bigger than what you normally wear. This especially applies to out-of-town renters who are not able to do a physical or personal fitting in the store.

How far in advance should brides start looking for a gown?
Seven months is good timing. This is to give time for a bride who might need to special-order her gown. Depending on the gown manufacturer, her special-order gown will take three to six months to arrive. Then she’ll need time to do alterations if needed. She will also save on those extra charges on last-minute orders.