1) Do I need an appointment to try on bridal gowns?
No you do not. However, if you would like uninterrupted service, an appointment is required. Monday & Thursday night, along with Saturday are peak selling times, therefore, there may be a short wait for dressing rooms.
2) How far in advance do I need to order my bridal gown?
Wedding gowns usually take 3-6 months for delivery. But, we suggest ordering your gown 7-8 months prior to your wedding date. To allow for shipping/production delays, as well as leaving plenty of time for alterations and valuable peace of mind.
3) How far in advance do I need to order my bridal party dresses?
Please see bridesmaids page and for all bridesmaids faq's.
4) Help, my wedding is in 2 months! Is there enough time to get a dress?
Don't panic!!! There are ways to have a special ordered gown in time for your wedding day, such as a rush cut for a surcharge or hanging stock at manufactures. Another option is to purchase one of our many samples from stock, which will best be restored to its original condition.
5) What is the difference between stock and special order gowns?
Stock gowns- are gowns in which we have in our shop for try-on, but are also available for sale. We usually sell our stock gowns (referred to as samples) to a bride if the gown is needed in a short period of time, or if the gown has been discontinued, and is not available to special order anymore. [ with in the bridal business, gowns become discontinued everyday, that's just the way this industry works. There is nothing wrong with a gown if it has become discontinued, almost every gown becomes discontinued at one point or another. One of the many reasons could be the material or embellishments that the designers previously used, can not be located anymore...... So, if a bride sees the dress of her dreams, and its been discontinued, her only option is to purchase the sample]. Most of our stock gowns have been in our shop as samples for 9 months or less, and when we sell a sample gown, we best restore it to its original condition, and they look virtually brand new!!
Special order- are gowns is which we order for you. We take your measurements and special order the gown in the size closest to your measurements, along with desired color and occasionally custom changes. A special ordered gown usually takes 3-6 months for delivery.
6) If my gown was purchased from stock, do I have to take it with me that day?
You may take it with you, or leave it in our storage room in our shop. There is no extra charge to store it with us. Normal practice is to store your gown at the shop until alterations have been completed and your dress has been steamed and spot cleaned if needed.
7) Do you carry the designer gowns that I see in all the bridal magazines such as "the knot, Martha Stewart weddings, brides, bridal guide..."?
Yes, we definitely do. We carry the major designers from throughout the world. We travel the national bridal markets in the USA and Europe to find the hottest styles out there. We also belong to "NBS" which enables us to virtually attain any wedding gown from any advertised designer.
8) How does the payment schedule of my wedding gown and bridesmaids work?
This pertains to in-store purchasing only! Usually to special order a gown, we require 50% down, but, we understand the costs involved with planning a wedding. So, we do have a layaway plan available. You can put as little as $100 down to reserve your gown, and your order is then entered into our system. When the 50% mark is reached, we then put the special order through to the designer. Once your special gown has arrived from the designer, we notify you and the balance is due within 2 weeks. If purchasing a stock gown, we require as little as $100 down, with weekly payments until the balance is paid. For full layaway details, inquire at the shop.
9) Can we take pictures in your shop?
Yes, we have no problem with you taking pictures in our shop, as we understand sometimes mothers, maid of honors ....live in different cities and you want them to help with the final decision.
10) Do you keep the designer labels/tags in your sample gowns?
Yes, we keep our original labels in our samples, and would not have it any other way. As mentioned, we stock all the major designers, and we feel the bride has the right to know what designer has created the gown she may or may not buy. Our designers are world renowned, and we want our brides to know they are actually trying on designer gowns from all the nationally advertised designers in the magazines. We owe that to our designers, who create so many exquisite gowns as well as to future brides. We are confident with our price, diverse selection, and absolutely genuine service, so we do not remove our labels. To hide something like a designer would only create mistrust from you the customer, the future bride.
11) Before special ordering, I was measured for my bridal gown, shouldn't it fit perfectly?
Your gown is not custom made, your measurements are taken and then we compare them to the applicable manufactures size chart. We then order you the size that your measurements best fit into, with the least amount of alterations involved. Sometimes, we have brides that fit perfectly into a certain size, so when her gown arrives, there is no alterations needed, but the hem. But, it is very rare, and 90% of our brides need alterations. One way to avoid alterations is to order a "lace up back", which does eliminate most alterations, therefore all that is usually needed, is a hem. (Keeping in mind that there has not been a huge weight loss or gain).
Depending on the style of gown (ie. Sheath, mermaid.....) we may have to fit the largest body measurement, as some gowns can not be "let out" or released. Always remember, it is always easier to "take in" then "let out"!! Gowns are not custom made, so please allow time and budget for the possibility of alterations.
12) Can a gown be ordered in any size?
Most of our designer gowns have a wide range of sizes available. Usual size charts range from 4 - 28. Some manufactures offer "petit" and "women's" sizing, but with a surcharge. Usually, manufactures do have additional charges for gowns ordered over size 16. Our customer has the final say in regards to what size is ordered for them. We can only suggest what size we think should be ordered. Stella's bridal galleria specially orders the size that the customer has approved, agreed upon, initialed and requested. The customer ultimately takes the responsibility of the size ordered.
13) Is there a standard length for gowns? Or can a customer order a specified length?
Generally, all the bridal industry gowns come in a standard length of 57 inches. Rule of thumb is if you are 5'7 inches or taller, and will be wearing heels on the event day, you probably should order extra length. Every situation is different (gown style, heel height, hem length) so please inquire and we will discuss what is best. Most manufactures offer extra length, but with a surcharge. Extra lengths come in specified increments such as 3 inches, 5 inches....., most manufactures have different specifications, so inquire at the shop.
Depending on the design of the gown, sometimes a "hollow to hem" measurement is required, as hemming of the gown would be to intricate. "Hollow to hem" is an extra charge. Please see "how to measure" for details.
14) Are alterations extra?
Yes, alterations are always extra. Usually within the bridal industry, every retailer charges extra for alterations, unless the price of their gowns have alteration costs already built into their regular prices. We do not do that, as it would be unfair to customers who do not need alterations, or have very minimal alterations needed. Therefore, in regards to budgeting, before purchasing your gown, always keep in mind that some alterations are usually needed, and do cost extra. Gowns of this nature are very intricate, we offer extremely crafted, European seamstresses for your convenience. You may use our in-house seamstresses or whom ever you wish. Usually alterations for bridal gowns start 2 months in advance, with an average of 3 fitting. For bridesmaids gowns, we usually start 1 month in advance, with an average of 1-2 fittings. Everyone's situation is unique, so the number of alteration fittings that are needed, will depend on work involved.... . We do offer a "premium alteration service" for brides and bridesmaids who are from "out of town" and need their gown altered in 1-2 days. However, for scheduling purposes, we do need sufficient notice of date gown will be needed. Please inquire at shop for details on the "premium alteration service", as everyone has unique situations that we try and accommodate, to make it as stress free as possible!! For every fitting, we require you bring your shoes and under garments with you that will be wearing on the event day. We do not charge extra for storage or steaming when you have your alterations done at stella's. Our alterations charges vary greatly, due to the work that is involved with each indicial garment. Our alteration prices are very standard in comparison to the "national bridal service". Please enquire at our shop if you have any alteration pricing questions or for the "national bridal service" price list. Before alterations can begin, your garment must have a zero balance. As noted before, we offer in-house alterations for your convenience, you may have Stella's alter your gown, or you may take it to whom every you wish. It's your decision!
15) Do you alter gowns that have not been purchased at your shop?
Yes, of course we do. Please call for an appointment, and we will schedule you in. Make sure and bring your shoes and undergarments that you will be wearing on the event day. If needed, we also have crenolins that you may rent or purchase for under your gown.
16) If alterations are not required on my gown, will it be steamed?
Of course!! Please let us know approximately one week in advance of the desired pick up date, so that we may allot the needed time into our schedule.
17) Do you accept returns on wedding gowns?
Yes, we do take returns on wedding gowns, but only on in-stock sample gowns, which have not left our shop. The notice of return must be made within 7 days of purchase, and the credit is only toward another gown from our shop. It is an "in-store credit only". No returns allowed on special order gowns. We reserve the right to charge a re-stocking fee.
18) Do you take returns on all other items?
We do take returns on stock items that have not left our shop, but within 7 days of purchase, and it is an in-store credit only. No returns allowed on any special order items. If you have a special circumstance, please inquire with your consultant, as special exceptions may be made, but must be noted on original bill of sale and initialed by both parties. We reserve the right to charge a re-stocking fee.
19) Can I have a color swatch of my bridal gown and bridesmaids?
We will do our best to supply you with one. Sometimes we only receive one inch swatches for each color from our manufactures, so swatches may be scarce. But, we will do our best!!
We want all of our brides to be happy with their gown, and know they have made the perfect choice!!
Therefore, we try our best in respect to returns, cancellations and changes. Within the bridal industry, usually no returns are allowed, but to make things a little easier for the bride, We accept returns on in-stock bridal gowns, for which you will receive an "in-store" credit only. The in-store credit must be used within one year of return date. Stella's Bridal Galleria reserves the right to charge a re-stocking fee of 15% . For the return to be accepted please scroll down to the applicable return chart below.
Due to the unique nature of the bridal industry, we can not accept returns, cancellations or changes to special ordered bridal gowns, (to see what the difference is between in-stock and special order, pls see the faqs page). If you are asking "why not ??" Well, actually it's quite simple; we can not accept the returns or changes because the manufactures/factories do not accept returns from the retailers. Manufactures of bridal gowns only produce a gown if it has been ordered from the retailers with the instructed specifications such as size, length, and colour..... They do not mass-produce any gown in complete size runs and colours alike regular everyday clothing manufactures that sell their merchandise right off the rack (i.e. pair of jeans). Bridal fabrics are of course extremely special, unique and can be very costly; therefore, there is not the ability of the manufactures/factories to mass-produce bridal gowns.
ITEMS WE ACCEPT RETURNS ON:
ITEMS WE DO NOT ACCEPT RETURNS ON:
TO ACCEPT YOUR RETURN, PLEASE SEE "HOW YOU PURCHASED" FOR DETAILS
All gowns, tiara's, veils, jewelry, shoes, purses & gloves ship by air, via DHL , UPS or Canada Post, depending on point of delivery. The shipments are always insured to the destination. Approximate delivery is 3-7 business days. If an expedited (overnight) delivery is required, we can arrange for that in advance, and the extra charges will be quoted and billed right before shipping. Once your order has been shipped, we notify you with the tracking number.
Please note:
Note: If you order includes a few items such as a bridal gown, tiara and veil, we will send it as requested by you. Either separately (when each item arrives from the manufacture and is ready to ship), or combined. Shipping will be specially quoted when items are combined. If you have any questions pertaining to shipping before or after you order, please contact us anytime at 800.631.0031 or info@stellasbridal.com.
SHIPPING RATES WITHIN CANADA
3-7 business days quotes based on one item per box including insurance
What is a rush cut?
A rush cut is when the manufacture expedites your "special order gown" at the factory. Meaning that, they interrupt their regular processing procedures to produce a special order gown that is needed before the standard delivery dates. All manufactures/designers have different delivery times, Usually, if a rush cut is requested, it arrives anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks from the manufacture to our shop. Most manufactures offer rush cuts for a surcharge of $100. Some even offer a "super rush" for gowns needed in 8 weeks and less; please contact us for details if you require approx delivery dates for a regular rush or a super rush prior to ordering. Remember, standard delivery is anywhere from 12-16 weeks, counting from the dated the gown is ordered right until arrival in our shop. Rush cuts are shipped standard delivery (3-7 business days) and not rush shipped unless you request the order to be shipped overnight or 2nd day delivery. If you require expedited delivery, please contact us 1800 631 0031.
What is a rush shipping?
A rush shipment will be quoted and charged accordingly. If you approve the quoted charge, the extra shipping will be charged to you before the shipment is processed. We accept all forms of payments - credit card, certified cheque or money order. All rush shipping will be via air by DHL or UPS. We do not ship cod.