FAQs

Dress Shopping Appointments

  • Yes. Stella’s operates on an appointment only basis to ensure you have the full attention of your own consultant. “Finding the one” requires the expertise of an experienced consultant to guide you through the selection process. Whenever possible, walk-in appointments will be accepted.

  • Click on the “Appointments” then “Individual” from the menu. There are various appointments from which to choose: bridal - 90 minutes, bridesmaid - 90 minutes, grad - 45 minutes, event - 45 minutes, accessories - 45 minutes. You may also book an appointment via email or phone.

  • Yes. Stella’s does not charge for shopping appointments during regular business hours. However, after hours shopping parties are $100 plus taxes.

  • A Private Shopping Party allows a customer to host a special private shopping event, with up to ten guests. The entire store is yours to explore with an experienced consultant to lead you through the process of “finding the one.” You are permitted to bring snacks and beverages for your guests, along with cutlery, plates, glassware, et cetera. A Private Shopping Party may be scheduled on any regular business day, for the first two hours after closing. Private Shopping Parties must be booked via phone, a minimum of two weeks in advance, and is subject to availability. A Private Shopping Party is $100 plus taxes.

  • Yes. Stella’s has posted images of every gown in the store on our Pinterest page. You do not have to have a Pinterest account, simply click on the Pinterest link at the bottom of our homepage. Then click on “saved” to view images of our dresses, which are organized on various boards.

  • Stella’s wedding gowns range from $900 to $3,500. Evening gowns for grads, special events, and mothers range from $400 to $800. Bridesmaid dresses range from $200 to $500.

  • Yes. Stella’s has hundreds of wedding, grad and bridesmaid gowns that are available for purchase off the rack in a variety of sizes, styles, and prices. Off-the-rack gowns are usually samples that have been used as try-on gowns. These dresses are sold in “as is” condition and are discounted accordingly. Any repairs or alterations required are an additional charge.

  • Yes. Many of our designers have in-stock options which can be delivered within a couple of weeks at no additional charge. Rush orders are usually possible for an additional charge. Stella’s also has hundreds of wedding gowns available to be purchased off the rack in a variety of sizes, styles, and prices.

  • It is a special event which provides you an opportunity to see more dresses from a particular designer, that are not part of Stella’s collection. Designers send Stella’s a selection of their newest gowns, which are in store for a limited time. Follow Stella’s social media for announcements of upcoming events.

  • Yes. If you are searching for a perfect complement to your dress, Stella’s has a large selection of jewelry and accessories available including: veils, headpieces, tiaras, hair vines, combs, belts, and jewelry.

  • Stella’s wedding dress samples range in size from 4 to 28, with a third of these samples being size 18 and over. Some gowns are available in up to size 34. Stella’s grad samples range from size 00 to 24, while mothers and bridesmaid samples range from size 6 to 24. Stella’s has curated a beautiful collection of gowns in a wide range of styles, sizes, and price points, so no matter your size, we will help you find the one.

  • Special order wedding gowns take four to six months from order to delivery, and require six to ten weeks for alterations. It is best to start shopping a minimum of eight months prior to your wedding date. Grad gowns and mother dresses take three to twenty weeks from order to delivery and require four to six weeks for alterations. Bridesmaid dresses take twelve to fourteen weeks from order to delivery and require four to six weeks for alterations.

  • If you special order a gown, your consultant will take your measurements, consult the size chart with you, and make a size recommendation. Ultimately, it’s your dress and your choice. We will provide all the necessary information to enable you to make the best decision. If you are purchasing a gown “off the rack” you should purchase a gown that is as close as possible to your size, in order to simplify alterations. You may wish to discuss the alterations process with a Stella’s alterations specialist before committing to the dress. A dress that is one or two sizes larger is reasonable. Purchasing a gown which is smaller will only work if there is enough seam allowance to make the dress fit.

  • Nude underwear is best. Most dresses will not accommodate a bra, but if you are more comfortable wearing one, a nude and strapless bra is best. Stella’s has pedestals for you to stand on so you can see the full length of your gown. Due to the delicate nature of our gowns, please plan to try on dresses without shoes.

  • Yes. Due to the delicate nature of Stella’s gowns, we ask that all visitors remove their shoes upon entry. We recommend bringing socks or slippers. Alternatively, you may choose to wear our pink booties.

  • Bring only your three most enthusiastic supporters, as too many opinions may cause friction and confusion. Ultimately, the most important opinion is your own. Space in the fitting room is limited, so if you must have a larger group, please schedule a weekday appointment or an after hours Private Shopping Party.

  • Yes. You may connect to Stella’s private WiFi and use our special gimbal tripod.

  • Yes. Stellas’s encourages photos to enable you to review the gowns you’ve tried on and help you “find the one.”

  • Once you have “found the one” at Stella’s you have a few payment options. If you special order your gown you may pay in full, or make a minimum payment of 60%. The remaining balance is due within ten days of the arrival of your gown. If you purchase “off the rack” you must pay in full. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Debit, and E-Transfer.

  • All sales are final. Returns or exchanges are not permitted regardless of any and all circumstances.

  • When Stella’s receives your gown it will be thoroughly inspected. Once we are completely satisfied your gown is perfect, we will call to inform you of its arrival and collect any outstanding balance. We recommend you book an appointment to try on your dress as soon as possible to check the fit and discuss alterations. You may pick up your gown when it arrives or, for a nominal fee, you may store your dress at Stella’s for up to one year.

Alterations Appointments

  • Yes. Stella’s has a team of expert seamstresses who will ensure your gown has a perfect fit for you. The use of our alterations department is not mandatory. We cannot guarantee the availability of our alterations services, as alterations are booked on a first come first served basis. If you purchased a gown elsewhere and wish to use our alterations services, we’re happy to do so during the off-season from October to February.

  • Yes, it likely will. All of Stella’s gowns are made to order, not made to measure. Our designers do not make gowns specific to your measurements, so we order the size that most closely matches you. Once your gown arrives, you will try it on and we will provide you with alteration recommendations and a quote.

  • Alterations appointments may only be booked by phone and should begin six to ten weeks prior to your event date. To ensure Stella’s is able to complete all alterations commitments on time, we will not book an alterations appointment more than thirty days in advance. For example, if your wedding is July 15, then your first appointment would ideally be approximately May 15. So, you may book your May 15 alterations appointment no earlier than April 15.

  • The number of appointments required will be determined by the extent of your alterations. Most dresses require two or three appointments. The most alterations appointments ever required was seven when a dress was completely customized.

  • For your alterations appointment, you should bring all undergarments, shoes, and jewelry you intend to wear with your gown. If you are searching for a perfect complement to your dress, Stella’s has a large selection of jewelry and accessories available.

  • No. Alterations are not included in the price of your gown.

  • The cost of alterations is determined by the extent of the work completed. Prior to beginning any alterations, you will be given a quote to ensure there are no surprises. The cost of most wedding gown alterations range from $300 to $800. Grad, bridesmaid, and mother dress alterations typically range from $30 to $300.

  • Yes. Stella’s provides one free steaming for every gown purchased. Most clients choose to have their dress steamed close to their event date.

Additional Information

  • No. Stella’s does do not have customer parking. Parking options include street parking and a number of parking lots south of the store, including an Indigo lot directly across St. Mary Avenue. If you choose to park on the street, be aware of time restrictions and boundaries to avoid ticketing and towing.

  • Yes. Other than a slight bump at the threshold of the front door, it is smooth sailing throughout Stella’s. We have fitting rooms which are roomy enough for both a wheelchair and helper, and our restroom is wheelchair accessible as well.