CONGRATULATIONS!
First, congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time for you and we are thrilled to be a part of the experience. Dress shopping can be a fun event that is quickly taken over by stress if you're not sure what to expect. We're here to make sure that your appointment is stress free and fun.
This page will guide you on the ins and outs of purchasing your dream bridal gown with Ivory and Beau. You'll find an ideal purchasing timeline that helps you get an idea of when to start shopping, planning alterations and doing final touch ups. We will also showcase what a typical appointment looks like and what to expect after you purchase. Click through to the final pages and we will answer some of our frequently asked questions. Everything you need to know is just a few clicks away!
TIMELINE:
9-12 Months Before - We love to see brides shopping at this point. Book your appointment no later than 9 months out for your wedding. *Shipping can take anywhere from 6 to 7 months.
4-8 Months Before - So exciting! Your gown is being created with your selected designer. We get as close to your measurements as possible so your gown will be as close to perfect as we can get without alterations.
2-3 Months Before - Your first alterations appointment should be no later than 2 months out from your wedding. It is IMPORTANT to book ahead of time.
1 Week Before - Pressing or Steaming the gown. Each gown requires different care. Be sure to ask your stylist before what they would recommend.
Night Before - Hang Gown high so that the train can fall overnight. Recommend to hit spots with a hand steamer if necessary.
The Big Day - Have Fun! Enjoy your wedding day! This is exactly what you have been waiting for.
1-4 Weeks After - Time to clean that dirty Gown! Contact us about preservation kits. They will clean your gown and box it for future generations to look at and even wear.
BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT:
Booking - give us as much detail about what you are looking for as possible. You can even tell us what your wedding style/vibe is so that we can help match your gown to that.
What to Bring - If you plan on wearing shapewear on your wedding day, bring it with you if you have it. UNDERWEAR! You do not need to bring a bra but please have underwear on :) Up to 5 or 6 of your favorite people to help make this big decision easier and to help you feel supported throughout the process. Lastly, if you feel obliged, a nice bottle of champagne is always welcome. We have complimentary Ivory and Beau flutes to sip from.
Confirmation text/email - Check your email and text messages as we will be in touch with lots of information,including links to instagram and Pinterest. Be sure to communicate your favorite dresses/ designers with us. You can even screenshot replies to our texts with photos.
DURING THE APPOINTMENT:
Our appointments are an hour and half long. We start with 5-7 gowns to try on and then move forward from there. Once you narrow the decision down to two gowns, we like to spice things up and add veils to help you get a full idea of what the gown could look like on your wedding day. We pride ourselves on being different from other boutiques.
We like to keep it casual and have fun. Most importantly, you and your party are the focus of this experience. We welcome everyone to look in the showroom, provide feedback and take as many photos as you want. It is our goal that you have a positive experience and walk away with no regrets about your purchase.
AFTER THE APPOINTMENT:
Give us a review! Share your experience with others. Google reviews are how many brides find us and we would love to continue this with your help.
Check your text messages! We will be communicating with you often about estimated shipping dates, vendors and store information.
Book your alterations appointment! Once you have received your estimated shipping date, reach out to Stitch Savannah and book your appointment with the best in our area.
Lastly, get excited! It's one more thing you have crossed off your list and we have got it from here. We will be communicating directly with your selected designer, checking over the gown and making sure that it is perfect for pick up.
FAQs
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, please! Appointments are strongly encouraged.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Click here, e-mail shop@ivoryandbeau.com or call us at (912) 200-4794.
How long is my appointment and how many people can I bring?
Appointments are 1.5 hours (You can bring up to 5 guests with you, and if you would like to bring your own champagne please call in advance).
Why do I have to have a credit card on file to make an appointment?
Due to high requests for Bridal Gown Appointments, these appointments now require a credit card to hold the reservation. We do not charge the card unless you fail to show up, cancel within 24 hours, or are more than 15 minutes late without prior notice. A fee of $40 dollars will be charged for any of these scenarios.
How far in advance should you buy your wedding dress?
We recommend purchasing/ordering no less than 9 months out from your event date. This is because some of our designers have estimated ship dates 5-6 months after your order. Alterations also can take 2-3 months.
Do different designers have different estimated shipping dates for their gowns?
Yes, Our more local designers can typically ship more quickly than our out of country designers. However, the estimated shipping time depends more on the gown itself and the time of year you are ordering.
What is your size range?
We have sample size gowns ranging from size 8 to 18. To order your gown we take your measurements and will order based on designer size charts. It can be expected that all gowns will need alterations to get the perfect fit for your body as dresses are a standard size.
What are the main dress silhouettes?
We carry four different silhouettes at Ivory and Beau. They are: fit and flare, mermaid (trumpet), a line, and ball gown. Check out our Pinterest to take a closer look!
What options do I have for bridal accessories?
We have accessories galore. Ivory and Beau carries a wide variety of sashes, belts, head pieces, veils, overskirts, hair clips and detable sleeves/bows.
Are veils still something brides purchase for their wedding?
Yes, it is a personal preference however. From blushers to cathedral length, we have veils for all types of brides.
How many gowns can I try in my initial appointment?
We like to start with 5-7 gowns so that brides and their parties do not get overwhelmed.
Do the dresses only come in the sample colors?
No, for most of our gowns you can purchase/order them in a wide range of colors. Simply ask your stylist in the appointment if they can show you the other color options from the designer.
What do I need to wear (and what should I NOT wear)?
WHAT TO WEAR: Proper undergarments are a MUST!
BRA: Most people do not wear a bra while trying on gowns because the gowns have built in support which act as your bra. However, it is your decision! If you decide you are going to wear a bra while trying on gowns, please wear a nude strapless bra. This will help you best visualize how the gown will fit and look on your wedding day.
PANTIES: Required. We can not allow you to try on gowns without them. Full coverage, nude-colored are ideal.
SPANX: Our best friend!
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: Please avoid doing the following as these will certainly damage the gowns:
SELF-TANNER or BODY MAKEUP: As tempting as it may be, avoid using self-tanner (even the ‘clear’ kind) the day of your appointment as well as the day before. This is the fastest way to discolor the gowns and believe us…your tan/body makeup WILL transfer.
HEAVY PERFUMES or PERFUMED LOTIONS: While you may smell fabulous, these gowns are likely to hold your scent (which others may not appreciate!). Also, some perfumes can cause discoloration of the fabric.
JEWELRY THAT CAN SNAG FABRICS: Rings, bracelets, and watches are most likely to snag the delicate fabric in gowns. If possible, it’s best to go without!
What should I expect in the fitting room?
When it's time to try on your selected gowns, your stylist will be there every step of the way to instruct you and adjust the gown so that it best fits you.
Am I allowed to bring kids to my appointment?
We LOVE kids! We absolutely allow kids in the shop, however, we do ask that they remain in your specific fitting room area (no roaming around the shop unattended). We want to take all precautions to ensure the safety of your children in case of injury. If any of our furniture, decor etc, or inventory including bridal gowns are damaged, your credit card on file will be charged. We want to ensure that you have the most relaxed experience, however, we also want to make it a safe environment as well.
Do I need to get my dress altered?
We recommend most brides meet with our seamstress to get her professional opinion on alterations. Most brides however, will need a hem.
Do you offer in-store alterations?
YES we do! We are so thrilled to have Adrienne of Stitch Savannah for in-house alterations. To make your alterations appointment, check out her website for more info. We also have other alteration sources for reference, just ask!
How will I know what size dress to order?
Once you find your dress, our stylist takes your measurements to ensure that we order the perfect size per your designer's size chart. Keep in mind that bridal sizes typically run differently than your street clothes. Each size chart runs by the measurements taken and our stylists recommend the size they think would be the best for you!
If my wedding is less than 6 months away is it too late to get a dress?
NO! We have in-stock options and rush shipping options on a large quantity of our sample gowns. We also have a wide array of Off the Floor gowns for purchase. Keep in mind that the Off the floor gowns cannot be ordered as they are discontinued. This means you would purchase a dress closest to your size and if needed could get it altered. We recommend that you do not size up more than two dress sizes as this could change the look of the dress in alterations.
How much is the average wedding dress?
Our prices range from $1,200 to $3,500 with the average being around $2,000.
How do I pay for my wedding dress?
When purchasing your gown, we ask for 60% down to order the dress. (Paying in full is always welcome!) You would then pay the remaining balance upon pick up.
Accepted Payment Methods:
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, cash (if the exact amount), check and money order. To your order dress we require a 60% deposit with the remaining 40% deposit due within 14 days of the gown arriving.
What if I live out of state?
No problem! We can ship your gown to you within the USA (35-45% of our brides are from out of state!).
What is your return policy?
All sales are final and deposits are non-refundable.
Do you provide steaming services?
We can help with steaming, depending on the fabric of the gown. Email shop@ivoryandbeau.com for more information.
I'm also interested in wedding planning and flowers, can we do that during my appointment too?
Our favorite thing ever is when our brides get her dress, flowers, and wedding planning from I&B! During your appointment request make sure to mention your interest so that someone from our design team can join in!
