What to Expect After You Purchase Your Wedding Gown.
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and the selection of your bridal gown! What happens next? Naturally, you have questions on what to expect now that your gown has been purchased. We address our most frequently asked questions below so you will feel confident and comfortable with your alterations experience at Castle Couture.
When will my gown arrive?
Within 2-3 weeks after the gown is ordered, you will be contacted by our special orders coordinator via email. We expect the gowns to arrive, generally, between 6-9 months from the date it was ordered. Once we receive your gown, we will contact you via email to set up an appointment to try on the gown. Please schedule your appointment within 2 weeks of receiving our email (and please check your junk email folder regularly).
What is a T.O.G.?
A TOG stands for "Try On Gown." This appointment is to ensure the correct style, size, and length of your gown has been received correctly and to make sure all is well with the gown. Any open balances would be due in FULL at this time. All dresses and accessories MUST go home with you after your TOG unless you would like to store the dresses at Castle Couture (a monthly fee of $50 applies) or if you are having your alterations done here. Please advise our staff when checking out if you would like to have your dress(es) stored or if you will be having your alterations done here. Should you choose to have your alterations done at Castle Couture, we will set up your first alterations appointment before you finish checking out from your TOG.
Why doesn't my gown fit me like a glove? (MUST READ-VERY IMPORTANT!)
We all come in different shapes and sizes and, therefore, you cannot expect your gown to fit you perfectly when it arrives. The manufacturers DO NOT DO SPLIT SIZING. We take measurements of your bust, waist, and hips and recommend ordering your gown in the largest size that corresponds to your measurements at the time of purchase and the excess material in the smaller areas would be pinned and worked on during the alterations process.
How do alterations fittings work? How many fittings will I have?
Starting from your first alterations fitting, your gown remains with us throughout the alterations process. The alterations consultant/seamstress working with you will help you in to and out of your gown. Please make sure to bring with you the shoes and any under garments you may wear during the wedding. We do have corsets and cups in stock that are available for purchase. At this time, your seamstress will determine how many fittings are required and will give you a price quote determined by the anticipated work to be done. Alterations are a process; therefore, it is typical to have 5+ appointments.
All Seamstresses are independent contractors and, therefore, Castle Couture cannot determine pricing; we offer the service as a convenience to our brides. You have the right to ask for a price quote prior to pinning. Alteration fees are due IN FULL at the time of the first fitting.
*** CASTLE COUTURE HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ALTERATIONS TO ANY GOWN ***
What happens if I lose weight?
Sometimes, by the time the gown has arrived, the bride's body has changed, whether from weight loss, weight gain, building muscle, or other body modification. We determined the size of your gown by the largest measurement at the time of sale and your consultant reviewed your order with you and had you sign off (initial) on your size for confirmation. Castle Couture is not responsible for a gown not fitting as a result of weight loss, weight gain, muscle gain, weight loss surgery, or other body modification. In the event of a significant fluctuation - a change of 4 or more dress sizes - our alterations department is not liable to remake your gown and has the right to refuse to do alterations on it.
How many people may accompany me to my appointments?
We recommend that you have no more than 2 guests at your TOG and fittings appointments.