Archive for the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ Category
Bridal Undergarments: “The perfect fit starts with the perfect foundation”
It’s nearly mid May, and at The White Dress by the shore that means we are beginning to enter the height of our alterations season. The most important item that you can have at your fitting is the proper undergarment for your gown.
Image by Alissa Dineen
The key to a perfect garment fit is the proper foundation. As we always say, “they call it a foundation for a reason”, as a well fitting bra and undergarments are essential to creating a perfect fit. If your gown is strapless, backless, heavy or very light weight ,your undergarment will need to make up for the elements your gown may lack. Your wedding gown and your choice of undergarments “support” each other (pun intended)!
Selecting your undergarments is as important as selecting the perfect gown. It is essential to take the time to be fitted for your undergarments prior to your first fitting. If you do not have the proper undergarment at your fitting, we may not be able to proceed with your alterations, as the undergarment has a drastic effect on the fit of your gown.
In order to ensure that you have the proper fit for your body and the gown that you have chosen, speak to us at the The White Dress by the shore or we reccomend that you visit Josie and Heidi at Beneath the Gown in downtown Branford. Beneath the gown was once located within our boutique, but has since moved to a larger location. BTG offers an exceptional selection of lingerie and foundations. Josie, a seamstress herself, is an expert in garment fit and construction. She is able to asses your needs and find the bra that will work best for you and your gown. She also customizes her pieces to ensure the perfect fit! Ring her at 860.304.7399 to book an appointment.
If you are comfortable, you may pick up your gown from us and bring it to Josie to try on with undergarments in her space. If that is not possible, just bring her a picture- she’ll know what to do!
Below are some examples of bra silhouettes that our clients choose (all styles carried at Beneath the Gown). Our first choice for under your gown or your mother of the occasion dress, if the style allows, is a long line bustier. We find that this silhouette provides brides and moms with the proper support that they need and creates a smooth line under the gown. If you are not a ‘bra person’ and have an A or B cup, then we can either sew cups into your gown or you may select a self adhesive bra, like the one pictured below.
For further information about the alterations process, take a peek at this Frequently Asked Questions Post or ring us at the boutique- 860.669.4596.
xoxo, TWD
Frequently Asked Questions: Veils
We could spend this whole blog post diving into the different lengths, widths, shapes and trims of veils but to be truthful, veils are not a science- its about the feeling not the fabrication. So with this in mind, we choose to answer one very common question we are asked when discussing veil length- the rest of the things you are wondering are best answered by the way you feel when trying on different options with one of our talented stylists. Join us for an appointment tomorrow evening, April 11th from 5-8, where we can choose the veil perfect veil for you at a 15% discount. Even if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, we have a range of custom options so that you can wear anything you dream up.
Q: My gown has a long train and I want to wear a long veil- where should the veil fall in regards to the train?
A: The general rule here is that the veil must be longer than the train length, never shorter- 6″ longer, a foot longer, four feet longer- it doesn’t matter as long as it extends beyond the gown’s train.
We hope to see you tomorrow for our Veil Event and the kick off of the Modern Trousseau Runway Preview Trunk Show! Ring us at 860.669.4596 to book an appointment.
xoxo, TWD
Frequently Asked Questions: Mother of the Occasion
As a mother, choosing your own ensemble for the wedding can be intimidating. You might find yourself dropping to the very end of your “to do” list. Luckily, The White Dress by the shore only needs an hour and a half to make you look and feel as beautiful as you deserve.
To make the process simple for you, here is what we reccomend~
You’ll set your appointment, so that we may give you our undivided attention in the comfort of our private mother of the occasion studio.
You’ll meet one of our highly trained stylists, who will be your personal expert in fit and construction.
You’ll explore multiple collections, hand-picked by owner Beth Chapman, at varying price points, so we can accommodate your taste and your budget.
And then, with your figure flattered in a celebration of your personal style…you’ll dazzle.
All of our dresses are made to order, so we’ll need a minimum of five months for proper delivery and alterations.
images by Abbey Scott
Below are some frequently asked questions and responses from one of our mother of the occassion specialists. We hope that this information will help you to navigate through the process~
Do I need to schedule an appointment? Yes! The White Dress by the shore is a by appointment only boutique, so that we may provide you with exceptional, personalized service. Each appointment is 1 1/2 hours in length, where you will work one on one with a stylist.
What if I just wanted to come in and browse? As our goal is to provide you with the exceptional, personalized service you deserve, we strongly encourage an appointment. Although browsing may seem more relaxing to you, it does not allow us to give you our undivided attention…and we wholeheartedly believe you deserve that. The majority of our collection is customizable. Simply viewing the collection without an associate will not allow you the opportunity to discover the myriad of style and color options availalbe.
Are there dresses that will coincide with my budget? It is helpful to come to your appointment with a budget in mind. This will help your dedicated stylist to guide you to the dresses that are applicable. Although mother of the occasion dresses range in price (dictated by a number of variables), we certainly have a diverse selection, accommodating various budgets. Our mother of the occasion collection ranges in price from $500 – $2800.
Do I have to wear the same length dress as the bridesmaids? The quick answer is that length is dictated by “personal preference.” However, sometimes other variables come into play, which can be discussed during your appointment. These may include, but are not necessarily limited to, bride’s preference, venue, setting/location, tone/feel of the day, what the bridesmaids and/or other mom is wearing.
Do you have anything that won’t make me look like a “typical” mom? We certainly have a variety of silhouettes and designs to choose from. Some moms choose a “mother of the occasion” dress from our selection, while others choose a less formal dress from our ”bridesmaid” collection. In our consultation we will determine what option is best for you based on your budget and style needs.
What can I do if I don’t want my arms to show? Some moms have a concern about their arms, although you all look terrific! Our collection offers many options. We can customize many of our dresses to add a sleeve or we can compliment your ensemble with a coordinating jacket, bolero or a stole.
I do not want strapless. Are there other options? Absolutely! Generally speaking, any dress is customizable, whether through the designer or during our alterations process. We can provide you with a “visual” during your appointment, allowing you to see your options.
images by Abbey Scott
Are the colors on the rack the only available options? The sky is the limit, or close. Color options vary by designer and fabric, whereby the selection is quite extensive.
Are the dresses available in other fabrics? Fabrics, like colors, vary by designer’s choice. Once the silhouette is chosen, we can advise what other fabric option may be available.
Can you accommodate large sizes? Of course! Although size charts and special sizing vary by designer, we do our best to make the dress happen for you.
What if I am having difficulties “seeing” the dress/outfit, considering my size? We (and you) are so fortunate to have one of our designers right “in our backyard.” Should you choose a silhouette from Modern Trousseau, you have the option to order a muslin, which includes all of your fittings. The muslin process affords you the opportunity to work directly with the designer and her pattern-maker. Your dress is initially constructed in a cotton material (muslin), that is made from your specific measurements and is then appropriately fitted to your body. The muslin then becomes the pattern for the final product- your gorgeous ensemble- while allowing you to “see” the dress before it is finished. Amazing experience plus supporting your local businesses, equals a formula for success!
What is required to order a mother of the occasion ensemble (gown/outfit)? Once we have determined your selection, three things need to happen to place your order with the designer- 1. we take your measurements, in order to determine the appropriate size according to the specific designer’s size chart; 2. you sign a policy form, which not only confirms your size but provides additional information regarding your order; 3. payment, which is required in full.
How much do alterations cost, and/or are they included in the price of the dress? Alterations vary upon need, and at The White Dress by the shore, are priced a la carte. Thus, they are not included in the price of the dress, as each client is accommodated according to the work that needs to be done. Furthermore, at your first fitting you will receive an explanation as to what alterations are needed, along with the total cost. Generally speaking, mother of the occasion alterations range from $175-$300, with an average of $250. If this range is out of your budget or if our specific alteration days and times do not align with your schedule, we have a network of outside seamstresses that we my refer you to.
What does a fitting entail and how many do I need? Although there are exceptions to every rule, moms usually have a total of 3 fittings. A dedicated fit specialist is assigned to you to attend all of your fittings with you. Each fitting is 1 hour in length, with the final pick up allotted at 2 hours (you may not need the full 2 hours, but we reserve this time in case additional work needs to be done). Additionally, in alliance with the cost of alterations, the number of necessary fittings will be determined at your first fit appointment.
How far in advance do I have to order? Although the lead time for a mother of the occasion dress is not necessarily as long as a bridal gown, you still need to plan ahead! Your dress should be ordered 5-6 months prior to the wedding, in order to accommodate alterations. With that said, dresses can be ordered with a lesser lead time, however, please be prepared to pay a rush fee (this varies by designer).
I don’t have enough time to order a dress, what are my options? Not to worry! We have an incredible selection of sample gowns that we sell off the rack- meaning gowns that were once our floor models are now being sold ‘as is’ at a great, discounted price! Click here to link to our selection- keep in mind, we usually only sample our Mother of the Occasion styles in one size and color so this option can be more limiting. The size of these gowns usually ranges between 8 and 18. Additional alterations and repairs may be required when purchasing a sample.
Image by Abbey Scott
Ring us at 860.669.4596 today to work with your personal stylist to find your mother of the occasion ensemble. Stay tuned to the blog for amazing mother of the occasion trunk shows!
xoxo, TWD
Frequently Asked Questions: Modern Trousseau Muslin Process
We are so fortunate to have one of our favorite designers, Modern Trousseau, based right here in Connecticut. Their gowns are designed and manufactured in Woodbridge. Having the designer so close, allows us the benefit of having our clients be able to work directly with the designer to create a custom gown to accommodate both their body type and personal style.
Recently, one of our brides ,Mandy, worked with Modern Trousseau to customize her gown for her Costa Rican wedding. Mandy’s muslin fitting process was captured on film by in WHITE member, Vintage Cinema.
To get the full picture of Mandy’s bridal experience, you can watch a video of her selecting her gown during one of our White Carpet Appointments here. Also, look out for Mandy’s wedding pictures in this fall’s issue of Inside Weddings Magazine!
As part of our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ series, here is a bit more information about the muslin garment and fitting process that our brides and mother of the occasion go through when doing a custom Modern Trousseau gown.
What is a muslin?
A ‘muslin’ is a wearable fabric pattern made to your measurements that is constructed of a simple cotton fabric called, muslin. It is custom fit to the bride or mother or the occassion and then it is taken apart and used by the patternmaker as the pattern to create the actual garment in the real fabric of the gown.
Why would you need a muslin?
Muslins are created for either clients whose measurements don’t fit perfectly into the designers size chart or if a custom change is being made to a gown (i.e. a change in the neckline, sleeve or skirt shape ). The beauty of the muslin is that it allows the client to see the silhouette of the gown in process. That way, design and fit changes can be made prior to the garment being produced. The muslin allows a custom, couture fit.
What is involved in the process of fitting the muslin?
We recommend that muslin fittings be done at Modern Trousseau’s design studio in Woodbrige, so that each client can experience working with designer, Callie Tein and her skilled pattern makers. At the first fitting, the garment will be in muslin form. The pattern maker will pin the muslin and write notes on the fabric as per the client’s personal designations, which will assist her as she is creating the gown. After this fitting, the muslin is taken apart and used as the pattern to cut the fabric for the gown.
At the next fitting, the garment will be made, but the zipper will not yet be sewn in. The garment will then be pinned to fit the client.
At the final fitting, the zipper will be sewn in and any final tweaks are made to the gown.
How much does a muslin process costs?
A muslin for a bride is $650, a mother of the bride muslin is $350. Alterations (including your hem and bustle ties) are included in the cost of the muslin fee.
Partaking in the muslin process is not only beneficial to allow for a perfect fit ,but enables the client to be able to feel like a part of the creation of their gown. It is a special and unique service that we are proud to offer at The White Dress by the shore. Please feel free to give us a ring at 860.669.4596 for further information.
xoxo, TWD
Frequently Asked Questions: Part 2
At The White Dress by the shore we aim to make the experience of shopping for your gown as memorable as the day you wear it. With that said, we understand that bridal gown shopping may be a brand new venture full of questions. The bridal industry works a little differently from the rest of the fashion world and the intention of this ‘Frequently Asked Questions Series’ is to help make your experience all the more clear, relaxing and joyful. Feel free to email us at info@thewhitedressbytheshore.com or ring us at the shop 860.669.4596 with any further questions, we are happy to help!
1. What do I need at my first fitting?
- Bring the shoes you plan on wearing the day of your wedding. The hem is often pinned in the initial fitting so it is vital that your shoes are available. Don’t forget, we have a great shoe selection in our shop.
- Bring all undergarments you plan on wearing the day of your wedding. Beneath the Gown can provide you with the ideal undergarments to suit you and your wedding dress- and you need look no further than under the same roof, Beneath the Gown is can be found in the same location at The White Dress by the shore- 104 E. Main St. Clinton, CT . Owner, Josie Jolon can be reached for a consultation at 860-304-7399.
2. What is the average cost of alterations at your boutique and what goes into the price?
- Our in house alterations services are à la carte, therefore we only charge for the work that needs to be done to the garment.
- Because of the superior level of service that we provide during our fittings and the amount of time that is spent with each gown, both during the fittings and in the sewing process, our alterations fees average as follows (note: these are only estimates, as we only charge for those alterations that need to be done to the gown):
- Bridal gowns $550-$800
- Bridal alternatives $300- $500
- Bridesmaids $125 average
- Mother of the occasion $150-$200
- Our alterations take place during store hours on Thursdays (12 pm-8 pm) and Fridays (10 am- 5 pm)
- The fee for your all of your alterations is charged during your first fitting, before any work is done to the gown.
- If our cost estimates are outside of your budget or your schedule does not correspond with our days for fittings, we have developed a network of reputable seamstresses to whom we can refer you, that may be better able to accommodate your schedule and budget.
- We are happy to have one of our in-house seamstresses provide you with a complimentary estimate for alterations once your gown arrives. **please note that this would take place separately from your 1st fitting.
- For more information as to what goes into each fitting please reference our ‘What’s Next’ form.
3. What is a bustle and how is it secured?
- A bustle is the way your gown’s train is lifted off the ground for ease of movement during your reception.
- There are a few options when it comes to selecting the style of your bustle. The following video acts as a clear demonstration on how to secure our most popular style, the french bustle.
4. What should I do with wedding gown after the wedding?
- We realize that your gown is an investment and we wish to help you protect that investment.
- We offer an exceptional service that will clean and preserve your gown after your wedding.
- There is a savings of $75 if this service is purchased before the wedding occurs.
- For more information please reference our Gown Cleaning and Preservation Page.
xoxo, TWD
Frequently Asked Questions: Part 1
At The White Dress by the shore we aim to make the experience of shopping for your gown as memorable as the day you wear it. With that said, we understand that bridal gown shopping may be a brand new venture full of questions. The bridal industry works a little differently from the rest of the fashion world and the intention of this ‘Frequently Asked Questions Series’ is to help make your experience all the more clear, relaxing and joyful. Feel free to email us at info@thewhitedressbytheshore.com or ring us at the shop 860.669.4596 with any further questions, we are happy to help!
photo credit Scandavian Photography
1. What is the time frame for purchasing a bridal gown, a mother of the occasion gown, a brides maids dress, accessories?
- The ideal time to purchase your bridal gown is 9 months before the date of your wedding to allow time for production and alterations.
- Rush orders can most likely be accommodated at an additional fee.
- If you’re short on time you can always purchase a sample gown to avoid the ordering process all together- Check our sample sale page!
- A Mother of the Occasion gown should be purchased a minimum of 5 months before the wedding date to allow time for production and alterations.
photo credit Abbey Scott
- Bridesmaids dresses should be purchased at least 6 months before the wedding date to allow time for production and alterations. For more details on ordering dresses for a bridal party, take a look at our attendants ordering page.
photo credit Steve Depino
- Accessories (shoes, veil, jewels, etc.) should be ordered at least a month before the date of the wedding.
2. What is a trunk show?
- During a trunk show one designer lends us samples from their collection to allow our brides to see the full breadth of their collection.
- The designer or a company representative is usually on hand to aid you in the selection of the perfect look for you.
- As an incentive to purchase at the trunk show, brides are offered a discount off of the original price of the gown or accessory.
- Be sure to check The Blushing Blog frequently for news about upcoming trunk shows and other great events!
3. Whats’ to expect at a sample sale?
- The White Dress by the shore organizes two sample sales per year although samples are available year round. Check our sample sale page!
- During a sample sale all the gowns are available for purchase “off the rack”.
- The advantage of purchasing during a sample sale is that you save 10% off the already discounted prices.
- Please read our Sample Sale Guidlines which further explain what to expect during one of these events.
4. Can I purchase a gown from you if you don’t carry the designer?
- Gowns and accessories can only be purchased from the collections we currently carry. For a full list of these collections please visit the collections portion of our website.
5. How does bridal sizing differ from my normal dress size?
- Your ‘bridal’ size may differ 1-2 sizes up from your normal dress size. While this may not seem to make much sense, dont worry, it is just industry standard.
- For example, if you normally wear a size 6 you may wear a bridal size 8 or 10.
- When purchasing your gown the size ordered will be reflective of your largest measurement- this is to ensure that we have a great fit in that area; your gown will be sculpted to fit your body during your alterations.
6. How do I purchase a gown if I don’t fit into the sample in the store?
- We usually sample our gowns in bridal size 8-12.
- With that said, we do have a variety of gorgeous gowns in sizes 16-20 as well as some smaller sizes.
- Keep in mind that when trying on these gowns you are mostly likely not trying on the size you will order- this requires a bit of vision but believe us, we have a few tricks of the trade.
photo credit Alissa Dineen
xoxo, TWD
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