Questions Answered
Shopping for your Gown
Why do I need to make an appointment to try on wedding gowns?
In order to give you the full attention of our experienced consultants, appointments are necessary.
How long is my appointment?
Bridal gown appointments last 1½ hour on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. 1 ¼ hour on Saturday and Sunday, and 1 hour on our sample sale days.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring pictures of dresses you’ve seen on our website, in magazines, or that you’ve tried on elsewhere. And bring an open mind: don’t be surprised if you find “the dress” on your first visit to Bridal Collections. We have plenty shoes and undergarments for you to use when you try on gowns.
Who should I bring to my appointment?
Bring the closest friend or family member whose opinion you value and who knows you well and with whom you want to share the experience of buying your gown. Bringing more than 3 others can take the focus off of you.
What size gowns are available for me to try on?
Our in store gowns range in size from 8 through to 28, although most of our store samples are sizes 10 to 16.
May I take pictures of the gowns while I try them on?
We do not allow cameras in the fitting rooms while you are shopping. Once you have purchased a dress, you may take as many pictures as you’d like. Wherever possible we will provide you with images to take away with you.
When should I order my veil and/or headpiece?
Special-order designer veils have a 3-4 months lead-time, so making a decision at the time you order your gown is helpful. However there is usually still time to order at the time of your first fitting.
Can I complete my entire look in one appointment?
Absolutely! Not only do many brides find their dress on their first visit to our store, but they also find all their accessories (veils, headpieces, shoes, jewelry etc) on their first visit.
Do I need to make an appointment to look at accessories?
You may walk in at any time to try on shoes, jewellery, veils and headpieces however, appointments are preferred. Click here for store hours .
Which designers can I find only at Bridal Collections?
We have a number of designers who are exclusive to Bridal Collections on the Central Coast including Airs & Graces, Brides Desire, Wendy Makin, Jean Fox, Fiorenza, Designs by Moonlight, Mancini, Ella, Sophia Tolli, Angeline and many more.
Buying
How far in advance do I need to buy my gown?
It's best to allow 6-9 months before your wedding to order a gown.
What is a special-order gown?
Most of the gowns we sell are special-order. A special-order gown is made specifically for you by a designer, based on the measurements we take from you, the designer then uses their pattern that is closest to your measurements to create your gown. We then fit it to perfection for your body.
When should I expect to receive my gown?
Your gown typically arrives 8-10 weeks before your wedding date. The dress is delivered to us directly from the designer and we perform a thorough quality control check on each gown. Once we are satisfied the gown is perfect, we’ll call you to schedule a first fitting, arrange shipping and final payment.
How do I pay for my gown?
We accept Eftpos, MasterCard, and Visa, as well as cash and personal checks. (Personal checks are only accepted for deposit, not final payment)
we require a 50% deposit to order your gown, however if time permits you can start your payment plan with as little as $200. Monthly payments are required to stay within the terms of the payment plan. When the gown arrives at Bridal Collections and passes our quality control check, we’ll contact you to let you know and to schedule a fitting. At that point, we require final payment of any outstanding balance.
If you are buying a sample gown off our rack, we require 100% payment and ask that you take the dress with you that day and bring it back for fittings.
Can I get a swatch of the color of my gown?
We will be happy to arrange a small sample from the designer but please be aware that dye lots do vary, this will still give you the best color to use for matching.
What are the price ranges for your gowns?
Our special-order gowns start at $1000, but are more frequently in the $1800 range or higher. Off-the-rack samples can be much less, discounted up to 70% off.
Fitting
When shall I schedule my first fitting?
We’ll contact you when your dress is in and ready for you to schedule a fitting; generally, that will be about 4-6 weeks before your wedding day.
What should I bring to my first fitting?
You should bring the shoes and undergarments you’ll wear on your wedding day in order to have your gown properly fit through the bodice and hemline. Plan to come to the store at least 30 minutes before your fitting appointment to get them, if you haven’t already.
How many fittings will I need?
Usually, brides require 2-3 fittings to ensure a perfect look. After the final fitting, we will press and pack your gown for you to take home or for shipping.
Other
What is a trunk show?
A trunk show is a special in-store event, lasting one to three days, where you can view and buy from a designer’s latest collection months before they hit the stores. The designer and or their representatives are usually at the store during a trunk show. If you find the dress of your dreams at a trunk show, be prepared to make a decision that day, as the gown will not be in the store once the trunk show is over. Bridal Collections hosts a different trunk show every month. Click here to view our trunk show calendar.
HELP! I’m getting married less than 4 months – is it too late to get a gown from you?
No, it’s not too late, but every second counts! Your options include buying one of our samples off the rack or working with a consultant to determine which designers can meet your time frame for a "special order" gown, which could include an additional rush charge.
What is a rush order?
If your wedding date is sooner than the time we typically need to have a special-order gown made, we’ll need to consult with the designer and place a “rush” order, for an additional fee. In this instance, your gown may arrive 1-3 weeks before your wedding and details will be outlined in your contract.
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