Yes. We are by appointment so that we can provide each of our clients with our undivided attention. The majority of what we sell is special order, and many items can be customized. Working with a dedicated stylist allows you to be educated on all of your options, as well as all of the unique services that the boutique has to offer. You can review our appointment options here. 

We offer private shopping experiences on Sundays by special appointment, click to learn more about our White Carpet Appointments and Bridesmaid Soirees.

Our bridal appointments are 1.5 hours in length, with the exception of our White Carpet Experience, which is a private shopping experience and is 3 hours. 

We strongly recommend that you make separate appointments. Bridal appointments can be emotional and require making quite a few decisions. If your schedule allows, we recommend that you try to schedule separate appointments so that you can get the most out of each appointment.

We do offer Bridesmaid Soiree appointments where you and your bridal party can have 2 hours of exclusive access to chic by the shore, our bridesmaid atelier. You and your bridesmaids will enjoy cupcakes and mimosas while experiencing a private shopping appointment. For further details, check out the Bridesmaid Soiree page on our website.

If you wear a bra or shoe size that is especially small or large, you may want to bring your own. Otherwise, we have both to offer you during the appointment. You will be working with a dedicated stylist, so feel free to bring any photos of gowns that you admire.  We ask that prior to your bridal appointment that you complete the questionaire that we sent to you and that you select gowns within our Lookbook so that your stylist has a good understanding of your bridal style and can personalize your experience for you! 

Please arrive at the time that your appointment is scheduled for. We often have appointments immediately before your appointment and (especially on a Saturday) will not be able to take you early.

Furthermore, if you are late, this will cut into your appointment time. We also often have an appointment immediately following yours (especially on a Saturday) and therefore, we may not be able to extend your appointment time due to late arrival.

We have a limit of 4 guests for bridal appointments. We understand that there are many special people in your life that want to be a part of this momentous decision; however, too many opinions can actually be detrimental. Try to limit your guests to those who understand your personal style and the overall look and feel of your wedding, so that they can assist you in selecting a gown that compliments both.

If you have more than 4 guests that would like to join you for the appointment, we suggest that you upgrade your appointment to our Palm Suite, where we can accommodate up to 5 guests. 

Or, you can schedule a private White Carpet Appointment, where we can accommodate up to 7 guests. White Carpet Appointments provide you with 3 hours of exclusive access to the boutique. You are treated to champagne and sweet or savory treats during your visit, and a photographer is present to capture all of the wonderful memories as they unfold. You will leave the appointment with a SWAG chock bag full of some of our favorite things! To request a White Carpet Appointment, please contact our special events coordinator at 860.669.4596.

If you feel that you want to make a big reveal of your decision for your bridal party or your extended family, we offer Gown Reveal Appointments on Thursday evenings from 5-8 pm. 

They are allowed, but we ask that you refrain from taking them until the end of the appointment when we have helped you narrow down your choices to 3 gowns. Taking them throughout the appointment can be distracting and may not be the best use of your time.

We also ask that when viewing the photos to remember that our gowns are samples and may not be in the color or condition that your gown will be upon its arrival. Also, the gown has not been professionally fit to your body and therefore may not be lying exactly right.  Photographs should be a tool in making your decision, but should never be THE deciding factor! 

We adore children, but our boutique is filled with delicate, expensive items and it is not an appropriate environment for them.  Children require a lot of care and attention and we also feel that caring for them takes the attention away from the bride, which in our world, is always the star of the show! We kindly request that you leave small children at home.

We accept a $50 reservation fee for first time Classic Bridal Experience. That fee is credited to your gown purchase if you buy a gown from us during your first visit.

If you would like to upgrade your appointment to The Palm Suite Experience, there is a $150 reservation fee.  $50 of that fee will be credited back if you purchase a gown during your Palm Suite Appointment. 

For all other appointments (bridesmaids, accessories and gown reveal appointments) a $25 cancellation fee is applied if you do not show up for your appointment or if you cancel within 48 hours of the scheduled appointment.

The only time we discount is during a special event or trunk show. For further details, check out the Discounting Policy page on our website.

We do offer a 5% discount on bridesmaid purchases from our bridesmaid designer if you purchase your gown with us.  If you are a #thewhitedressbytheshorebride, you will also receive an additional 5% discount off of your maids purchase during a soiree.

A trunk show is when a designer sends in an extended version of their collection. There is frequently a special offer that is provided during the event as an incentive to buy. Very often, the designer or a company representative is present at the trunk show, which allows you to fully experience the nuances and beauty of the collection.

If you love a certain designer, a trunk show is the perfect opportunity to see the full breadth of the collection. 

Following are our recommended lead times for each of our categories:

Bridal Gown - 10-12 months in advance of the wedding

Bridesmaids 6 months in advance of the wedding

Accessories 2-3 months in advance of the wedding

Veil 2-3 months in advance of the wedding

Shoes and Undergarments 1 month in advance of your fittings starting (Your bridal alterations should begin 4 months in advance of your wedding)

Our long time beloved in-house seamstress has retired.  We do have two seamstresses that we consider "our seamstresses", but they offer appointments in their own studios in Old Saybrook and Higganum, CT.  We also have a network of fully vetted, talented seamstresses that we refer to our brides. When you purchase a gown with us, your stylist will hand select a seamstress for you to contact.  This referral will be based on the designer and complexity of your alterations and where you live.  We recommend that you contact your seamstress two weeks after purchasing your gown to check their availability and booking policy for your wedding date. 

We are fortunate that brides travel great distances to visit our boutique. If you wanted to enjoy a meal either before or after your appointment, we highly recommend Chamard Vineyard. It is a delightful vineyard right here in Clinton with delicious wine and french inspired farm to table cuisine.  We are also only a mile from Clinton Marina and there are several beautiful outdoor dining spots right on the water! If shopping with us is just not enough for you, Clinton is also home to The Clinton Crossing Outlets. You can visit some of our faves like Kate Spade, J.Crew, Abercrombie, and Saks 5th Avenue.

We require payment in full when you say yes to your dream wedding gown.  However, we know that these are difficult times and we want to help in any way possible.  We now have the option of a payment plan.  Inquire within for more information. 

If you are purchasing an off-the-rack wedding gown, we require payment in full. 

If you are purchasing accessories, veils, or bridesmaid's dresses we require payment in full.  

When you submit an appointment request for a Classic Experience bridal appointment, you will be charged a $50 reservation fee. This fee is credited back if you purchase a gown from us during your first visit.

A $25 cancellation fee applies for all other types of appointments (accessories, bridesmaids and reveal appointments).  That fee is only charged if you cancel in less than 48 hours.

If you would like to upgrade your appointment to The Palm Suite Experience, there is a $150 reservation fee.  $50 of that fee will be credited back if you purchase a gown during your Palm Suite Appointment.