FAQ

Do I need an appointment?

Yes, we are by appointment only so we can give every bride that personalized one and only experience that she deserves! Making an appointment also guarantees that a consultant is available to assist you.  We are also by appointment only for bridesmaids and tuxedo parties.  If we are completely booked for that day, we can place you on a waiting list and contact you if an appointment comes available.  

What should I expect when I arrive for my appointment?

We want you to have a memorable and wonderful experience with us. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by one of our professional bridal consultants, who will treat you as our personal guest. You will then be escorted to your personal viewing area where your consultant will spend some time getting to know you and the people in your party before your appointment begins!

Do I need to bring anything to the appointment?

Since a consultant will be in and out of the dressing room helping you in each gown, we do want you to feel comfortable. We have robes in each dressing room for your comfort. We suggest light colored undergarments.  If you have chosen the pair of shoes that you plan to wear, please bring them with you. Also, if you have something sentimental that you plan to wear, for example a piece of jewelry or a veil, please bring those items as well.

Can I bring food and drink?

We ask that you do not bring outside food or drink into the boutique. We do serve complimentary water for every party. We also host certain appointments that are served with snacks, champagne and sparkling grape juice. You can read about all of our appointments on our Request for an Appointment page.

When do I arrive?

Please arrive on time for your appointment. In most cases, we have appointments immediately prior to and immediately following your appointment. If you are more than 15 minutes late to your appointment, we will need to reschedule.

Do you have wedding dresses within my price point?

Our special order wedding dresses start at $1200 and go up to $3500. We do have a sample sale section that are priced $1000 and under, these dresses are priced 50% - 75% off. You can view most of our sample sale gowns on our online store dedicated to our sale items {www.shopbridalcottage.com}.

Do have dresses in my size?

We have a selection of gowns for you to try on ranging in sizes 8 – 30. We can special order gowns sizes 2 – 34.

Do you carry plus size dresses?

Absolutely! We offer a beautiful collection of plus size gowns from the EveryBody EveryBride line by designer Essense of Australia and Stella York.

How many guests can I have in my party?

All our appointments you may bring up to 5 guests. Our Pinnacle Appointment is held in a private viewing area so this appointment can accommodate up to 10 guests. Our VIB Appointment (Very Important Bride) is also held in a private viewing area and can accommodate up to 7 guests. Our advice to you to to bring your important people who will encourage and uplift you!  Remember this day is about YOU!  Invite the people you trust to make this time a positive experience for you!

Do you allow children?

Yes.  We are a family-friendly store, but because of the nature of this environment, we ask that if you bring children, that you hold their hand and accompany them at all times.

How far in advance do I need to start shopping for a gown?

Ideally you should start shopping for your wedding gown 8-12 months in advance. Most designers take 4-6 months to make a wedding dress and you want to be sure that you have enough time for alterations and bridal portraits. But if you don’t have that much time, we do have options. The majority of our designers offer rush delivery and they also keep some of their dresses in stock. We also have a selection of Sample Sale dresses. These dresses can be purchased and taken home that day. For more information on our Sample Sale dresses, please visit our online sample store at www.shopbridalcottage.com. 

I’ve found my dream dress! What now?

• Special Orders: If we are ordering your dress, we will take your measurements and based on that designer’s size chart we will determine the size that will fit you best. A 60% deposit is required before we can order your dress. When it arrives, we will look over the dress and steam it for you. Then, we will contact you and make you a Try on and Pick Up Appointment where you and your party will celebrate with a complimentary glass of champagne.

• Sample Sale dresses: If you choose a sample gown that we are selling you off the floor, you can either pay in full that day and take it home with you, or you can participate in our layaway plan. Layaway is a 25% deposit with 3 equal payments over 3 months.

How do I pay for my dress?

We accept cash, debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Checks are not accepted. All sales are final. No refunds, exchanges or returns.

Do you offer alterations?

We do not offer alterations on-site, but we have seamstresses in central Arkansas that we highly recommend.

Do you have bridesmaids dresses?

Yes! We carry one line of bridesmaids dresses, Sorella Vita. We are the exclusive boutique in Central Arkansas for this designer!  Our dresses start at $199 and go up to $375. If you purchase your wedding dress from us, you receive 15% off your bridesmaids dresses.

We have sample dresses in stock for try on’s and color swatches. Please understand the designer sends us sample dresses in one size and one color, all pre-determined by that designer. We will work with each bridesmaid to determine what the best size is to order, per the designers size chart. Bridesmaids dresses typically take between 12-14 weeks to come in. Bridesmaids dresses can be rush shipped for an additional charge.

A deposit of 60% down is required on each dress before any dresses are ordered. We order all dresses in the same wedding at the same time because we want these dresses cut from the same fabric and dyed from the same dye lot to ensure the same quality and color.

Do you carry any other formal wear?

We are a Paul Morrell retailer and offer tuxedos and suits for rental and for purchase. We do not carry prom, mothers or flower girl dresses.

Tell me about your tuxedos and suits.

Being a Paul Morrell retailer, we can rent or sell you a tuxedo or suit. We recommend at least 6 weeks before the wedding to place the order. For all other occasions, we recommend 14 days, but can order up to 2 days before the event.

Tuxedos and suit rentals can range from $150 to $310 and includes coat, pant, shirt, tie, vest and shoes. For purchase, the price range can be between $300 and $700, depending on what pieces you choose to buy.

A deposit of 60% is required on each tux or suit to place the order. Rentals will arrive the Wednesday or Thursday before the event. Items purchased will arrive earlier based on ordering date to ensure you have enough time for tailoring.

Tuxedo and Suit Rental drop off's dates are specified for you when you are picking up your rental. Those drop off dates are normally the following Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am - 1pm.  (On Google, it will say that we are closed on Tuesdays. We are open on Tuesdays from 10am - 1pm for drop off's off tuxedo and suit rentals only.)

Is there parking?

Yes, we have ample parking in the front, side and back of the boutique.

Do you carry accessories?

We specialize in creating your complete bridal look. We have everything to accessorize your special gown from belts, jewelry and veils.

What else should I know about my wedding dress shopping experience?

You might find your gown sooner than expected, so don't be afraid to go for it!  Finding your wedding dress is like finding your person. It happens in unexpected ways, at unexpected times and you can't always plan for it.  Everyone's journey is unique and that's what makes it so beautiful! Keep an open mind, and an open heart and know that your dress may find you sooner than you anticipate!  We are so excited to on this journey with you!