WHAT IS THE PRICE RANGE OF YOUR DRESSES?

Currently our gowns range from $2000 to $10,000. The majority of our gowns are between $3000 to $5500. 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, which usually offer 10% off during the trunk show weekend only. We occasionally have sample sales once 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.

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. Alterations will make the gown truly yours. When purchasing a dress, 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 add the bustle for your train. Alterations are just a standard part of the whole process, and nothing to stress over! You will be so happy with the magic a talented, reputable seamstress can do. We currently offer a list of seamstresses you can consider working with, but our brides do not have to use these fit specialists. We leave the final choice of who will alter your gown up to you! We also recommend budgeting $500 to $800 for alterations with most seamstresses. The pricing can change dramatically depending on where you live. Some cities are more or less expensive than others as we all know! 

DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE ALTERATIONS?

No, the prices our gowns are listed at do not include alterations or any other charges like tax, special sizes or cup sizes, special/custom length, shipping, or rush charges.

SHOULD I DO MY ALTERATIONS WITH YOUR SEAMSTRESS?

Talk with our stylists when you gown arrives to discuss the best plan of your time, schedule, budget, or other needs. If you do not live near our boutiques, we highly, highly recommend doing alterations where you live or somewhere near where you live instead. Why? Brides need multiple fittings (brides should plan on 2-4 fittings with a seamstress and the number of fittings cannot be guaranteed before) and the constant back and forth travel before the wedding can end up being a huge stress and expense. We would love to provide guidance on how to find a talented seamstress near you or we may even have recommendations already depending on where you live!

WHO SHOULD I BRING ALONG TO SHOP WITH?

Sometimes less is more! We don't always 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 your is often more stressful and less fun than one would've 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 a 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 you wedding dress 7 to 12 months before your wedding date. If you are interested in gowns that are particularly detailed or beaded, we recommend started 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 you 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 three to 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 six 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, if you're not feeling ready to buy a wedding dress don't overwhelm yourself with shopping!

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. 

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

In-line with industry boutique standards, we carry one sample of each dress, usually either a bridal size 8 or 10. 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 if we believe it's a good fit for our brand right now.