Frequently Asked Questions

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***PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE TEMPORARILY  MODIFIED OUR SHOPPE POLICIES,INCLUDING GUEST POLICIES, IN DIRECT RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 CRISIS.  PLEASE BE SURE TO REVIEW OUR RE-OPEN PLAN WHICH OUTLINES OUR MODIFICATIONS** 

When should I start my search for the perfect dress?
Since most gowns can take anywhere from 16 - 20 weeks to arrive once they are ordered from the designer, we recommend you begin your search at least 8 - 12 months prior to the big day! You will want to allow extra time once the dress arrives for any alterations your gown might need. This is why it is recommended to give yourself as much time as possible.  But don't worry! If you're in a time crunch, many designers will offer "rush services" for an additional fee, and some sample gowns are available "off the rack". Regardless of your situation, Brenda Babe Bridal will explore all available options to find your dream dress! 

Do I need an appointment?

Our shoppe is open "by appointment only".  Scheduling an appointment ensures that you will have a room and a consultant available for you. This is an exciting time, and we want to ensure that you have a fabulous experience with us. Appointments allow us to focus on YOU!
Bridal appointments are typically scheduled for an hour and a half. If for some reason you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, or need to reschedule,  please notify us as soon as possible.

How many guests should I bring to my appointment?
Shopping for your dream gown is definitely a cause for celebration, and although this decision is up to you, we recommend keeping your group limited to up to 4 guests, as too many opinions can be easily overwhelming! Your guests should be loved ones with opinions you respect. Remember, this day is about YOU, and finding the gown of YOUR dreams :)  If you do plan to bring more than 4 guests, please let us know in advance to ensure we can accommodate everyone comfortably. *PLEASE BE SURE TO REVIEW OUR RE-OPEN PLAN WHICH OUTLINES TEMPORARY  MODIFICATIONS TO OUR GUEST POLICIES. 

Can I bring children to my appointment?
Although we love little ones, our shoppe is not the ideal place for small children. An hour and a half appointment is a long time to expect children not to become bored or restless. With respect to your guests, and the other brides that will also be shopping for their dream dress, we kindly request that small children not attend your initial appointment. However, we do realize special circumstances exist and may be arranged by contacting the shoppe directly. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation! 

What should I wear to my appointment?
To start, we recommend nude undergarments and a strapless bra. Proper undergarments are required when trying on our gowns. To avoid having to reschedule your appointment, please do not arrive "panty-free". You will also want to bring a pair of shoes similar in height to those you will wear on your wedding day. And, to keep our sample dresses looking their absolute best, we do ask that you wear minimal makeup and NO RECENT SPRAY TANS (please and thank you!!).  We do ask any visitors to the shoppe to kindly remove their shoes upon arrival due to the nature of having gowns out and about throughout the showroom.  Feel free to bring slippers or socks or any indoor only footwear for your visit.

There are so many different styles of gowns-how do I even know where to begin?
If you're not quite sure of your bridal gown style preference-don't worry! We're here to help! Before you even try on a single gown, we'll spend some time getting to know you and walk you thru the process. You may find it helpful to browse thru Bridal Magazines, or create a Pinterest board with gowns that catch your eye. This will give us an overall idea and will help us select gowns that most closely match your vision. We do recommend keeping an open mind and to trust your consultant-as you may actually fall in love with a gown that you never would have even considered without their recommendation. Bottom line-we want you to know when you've found "the one" and are here to help you thru to your "Say Yes" moment!

What designers do you carry?
Please visit the "Designers" section for details and images of current designers. Watch for updates as new designers are added to the shoppe!

What if I am planning to lose weight before my wedding?
While we completely understand that every bride wants to look and feel their absolute best on their big day, it is NOT recommended to order a dress in a size smaller than your current size. A gown is always easier to be taken in than let out. Generally, alterations cannot "increase" the size of a gown, however, they can help to make a slightly loose gown fit your shape.

I said "yes" to my dream wedding gown-now what??
Congratulations!!!  First we celebrate-finding "the one" is a pretty big deal! Once you have said "yes" to your dream dress, your measurements will be taken to ensure the proper size is ordered. Any changes that you wish to have made (such as adding cups or straps) will be discussed.  Brenda Babe Bridal works with an independent contractor to offer alterations services. However, you are free to choose an outside alterations specialist if you wish. In order to place the order for your wedding gown, a 60% non-refundable deposit is required at time of purchase, with remaining balances due once the gown arrives at the shoppe for pickup. Social occasion gowns require payment in full at time of order. ALL SALES ARE FINAL.