Archive for the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ Category
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 Kelly Winter, our mother of the occasion specialist, or 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 Kelly Winter, our mother of the occassion specialist. 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).
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 show that will be offered the entire month of March!
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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