SECTION VI - PURCHASING YOUR WEDDING GOWN

38) Purchasing Your Wedding Dress

When making your final decision and before purchasing the gown, make certain that you receive exact prices for the gown, all shipping charges, all alteration fees, and all fitting fees. (The first fitting is usually included in the price of the dress, but second and third fittings may require an additional charge.) Add in charges for all accessories that you have selected. Total all costs before you actually make a payment so that you are certain to stay completely within your budget.

You will most certainly be asked to place a deposit on the attire and accessories that you have selected or ordered. Discuss payment arrangements with the person in charge of the gown. Do not hesitate to ask for exact dates for arrival and/or completion, for alterations and for final delivery. You may wish to have your gown stored at the shop until the time of your wedding portrait or the day before the ceremony. Ask what penalties are imposed if you cancel the order before the dress arrives or is completed. Obtain a receipt or contract where all of the above information is clearly stated so that there will be no confusion or misunderstandings. Put all deposits and payments on your credit card, protecting yourself by special consumer protection laws should the details arranged for in the contract not be followed exactly. One to two weeks after you have placed your order, call the bridal shop for a confirmed arrival date of your dress. The shop should receive this information when they place their order. About ten days to two weeks before the dress is to be delivered, call the shop to make certain that there have been no unforeseen delays.

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