Purchasing a Wedding Gown

There are many options available when it comes to purchasing your wedding gown. The following answers to some FAQ's are here to guide you while sorting through all of those daunting choices!

Q: I tried on a gown at a boutique that I fell in love with. When I got home, I searched the internet and found the same dress online at a discounted price. Is it safe to buy it?

A: Bridal designers only sell their gowns through reputable full-service boutiques and bridal salons. Chances are, if you are seeing a gown posted online for sale, it is not from a legitimate dealer. Please visit the website of the designer to find a list of all authorized retailers in your area.

Q: If I do decide to purchase my dress online, what are some of the risks?

A: A dress that you order online could arrive in the incorrect style, size, or color. It could be defective, or it could have been already worn. Your gown may not even arrive in time for your wedding day! You will also be responsible for potentially expensive and "unforeseen" shipping and pressing fees which boutiques often include at no additional charge.

Here is a note from designer Maggie Sottero on this subject that is true for all designers: "Ever heard the saying, "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is"? Don't be fooled by imitation Maggie Sottero gowns! If you buy from an unauthorized retail location or website, you're taking risks! You might be tempted by a lower price, but it's not worth it! The products could be imitations that are certain to be of inferior quality. Only genuine Maggie Sottero products offer the fit, quality and true value for which Maggie Sottero is known."

Q: But the online company promises that I will save money on a particular designer's dress. What does that mean?

A: The dress may cost less than the designer gown you saw in the boutique, but since designers do not sell to online companies, there is no guarantee that the dress you are purchasing is genuine. It very well could be a counterfeit dress, or you could be dealing with an unauthorized seller. They can offer no guarantees on size, color, style, or timely delivery.

Q: I live in Dyersville. There is a boutique in another city that sells the same dress for a cheaper price. Why shouldn't I purchase it there if I am going to be saving money?

A: In the long run, you really won't be saving money! Keep in mind that in addition to the price of the dress you will also have the added expense of precious time and gasoline for travel back and forth.

Q: Will Always and Forever match a lower price on a gown I saw elsewhere?

A: If you feel that you have found a better price elsewhere, please call Always and Forever and ask for Sarah or Micky!

A Bridal Affaire

Please visit the Always and Forever Bridal Boutique booth
at A Bridal Affaire
on Sunday, September 11, 2011
from noon to 3:00 pm
at the Grand River Center Ballroom
350 Bell Street, Dubuque, Iowa