WHAT IS THE PRICE RANGE OF YOUR DRESSES?

We find brides with a starting budget of $1500 and up have the most luck finding their dress with us at this time. Currently our gowns in Nashville and Seattle range from $1000 to $7000. However, the selection we have under $1500 and above $5000 is smaller. The majority of our gowns are between $2200 to $4200. We do not have traditional "sales" on our dresses at any time. We have trunk show incentives for a specific designer once or twice a year. We also have sample sales a few times a year, but the only gowns discounted are our actual sample dresses that have been tried on before that we are now selling off the rack.

WHO SHOULD I BRING ALONG TO SHOP WITH?

Sometimes less is more! Usually we don't agree with that, but when it comes to your wedding dress shopping we do! We often see brides having the best and easiest time with smaller parties. Of course everyone is unique and different, but having more than five people with you is often more stressful and less fun than one would think. We're just trying to help a sister out! Smaller groups allow you to actually be able to listen to yourself, your opinions, and how you feel. And that is the most important and indispensable opinion. You will hear a lot of opinions, but your opinion is the most valuable. You've got to trust your gut! We've seen a few too many brides in tears when friends and family forget who the appointment and shopping is for. You are the one who has to wear the dress and look at your photos in your dress forever! You should love it! On top of that, our boutiques are quaint and cozy. If you choose to bring more than five people, your friends and family may feel cramped. Our boutiques (especially Seattle) accommodate groups of 4-6 most comfortably.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY DRESS TO ARRIVE / WHEN SHOULD I START SHOPPING?

We recommend shopping for your wedding dress seven to twelve months before your wedding date. If you are interested in gowns that are particularly detailed or beaded, we recommend starting at least seven months in advance as we do carry a few gowns that take six months for production and cannot be rushed. If you have less than six months before your wedding, there are still many options in our boutiques that can be ordered and ready in time for your big day. For very short timelines (anything under four months), we have limited options that can be ordered or we may have a limited selection of gowns that can be sold off the rack. The availability of gowns that can be sold off the rack is limited and always changing. Please check with us before booking! If you are ordering less than seven months before your wedding date, there may be rush fees that vary depending on the designer. It's best to start early! However, we usually don't recommend starting before you have a wedding date and venue for many brides. 

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR UNDER MY WEDDING DRESS ON MY WEDDING DAY?

Your wedding dress "foundations" depend on your specific wedding dress, body type, and goals. We are happy to give you as much advice as possible once you have chosen your gown! We also put together a post on "Under the Dress" essentials and shared all our expert tips and tricks, you can read our advice here and shop our favorite foundation pieces. 

WILL I NEED ALTERATIONS?

Yes! And you will be so happy you finally got something fitted perfectly for you. Alterations are an essential finishing touch to any gown. We take your measurements to order you your standard size. However, alterations are needed to fine tune. Whether that means taking in a dress to make it smaller for your hips, bust, or waist (or maybe everywhere), add cups, shorten straps, hem the length, and take care of the bustle for your train. Alterations are just part of the whole process, and you will be so happy with the magic a talented, reputable seamstress can do. 

DO YOU OFFER/INCLUDE ALTERATIONS?

We recommend a handful of seamstresses our brides have used in the past. We do not have an "in-house" seamstress. We are not affiliated with our seamstresses or in business with them, nor do we receive any payment from them for you business. We offer our recommendations just an extra resource and to help out our brides. You do not have to use a seamstress on the list. If you have a trusted family tailor or you loved the seamstress who altered your sister's gown, you are welcome to use any seamstress you feel most comfortable using. As we are not associated with a seamstress, the price of alterations is not included in the gown. 

WHAT SIZE GOWNS ARE THE SAMPLE DRESSES? WHAT IF THEY DON'T FIT ME?

We carry one sample of each dress in either a bridal size 8, 10, or 12. Bridal sizing runs differently than street sizing and varies with each designer. On average, a bridal 12 is similar to a street size 8. If the gowns are too big for you, we will use our handy dandy bridal clips to clip the dress tighter to give you a better idea. If the gown is too small we will clip the gown up to your undergarments. Unfortunately, the sample gowns will never be a perfect fit. But you have our promise that we will do all that we can to give you the best possible idea of how it will look!

I WANT THE DRESS THEORY TO CARRY MY PRODUCTS/DESIGNS, HOW CAN THAT HAPPEN?

We have cool, beautiful things no one else has, and we are proud of that! If you think your brand matches our aesthetic or know someone's designs that would be perfect for our boutiques please send an email to hello@thedresstheory.com. We'll be in touch as soon as we can.