THE BRIDE'S SHOP Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Gowns
BOOKING & BRIDAL APPOINTMENTS
We do require an appointment so that we can guarantee you have a dedicated stylist to help you. We only want to serve our brides the best experience and give you the undivided attention you deserve. Occasionally, we can accommodate same-day appointments. Feel free to call us for same-day availability and we will do our best to fit you in!
We set aside 75 minutes for each bride to browse our collection of gowns and try them on. There will be 15 minutes at the end for measurements and for you to take all the "I said yes" pictures you want!
Due to the intimate size of our shop and limited seating, we can only accommodate 2-3 guests along with you. We also ask that you leave children at home in an effort to be respectful of other bridal parties. We recommend bringing your closest family or friends who will cheer you on and help you pick your dream dress. We've found that these smaller groups help all of the brides in the shop feel more comfortable and able to choose the dress they want rather than the one that others want for them. For groups larger than 3, we do offer private, before/after-hours appointments on select Monday's, Tuesday's, or Thursday's. Please reach out to us if you are interested in a private appointment. The Bride's Shop team is here to help make this a memorable experience for you!
We're open Monday through Friday from 12pm to 6pm, and Saturday from 10am to 5pm. We're closed on Wednesday and Sunday.
Free parking is available in the parking lot east of our salon (east of Backer's Bakery). We're conveniently located four blocks east of city center in downtown Salt Lake City.
TIMELINE & WEDDING DRESS ARRIVAL
We recommend shopping as soon as you are ready to say yes! That can mean right after you get engaged, after you pick your wedding date, or when you can gather your closest people to come shopping with you. Because many of our gowns are made-to-order for you, they can take 3-4 months to arrive in store. You also need to consider that you will most likely need 4-6 weeks for alterations after the dress arrives. Depending on availability, we can order you in a dress sooner than standard production times, but all availability is subject to change. This is why it is best to begin shopping when you are ready to find your perfect dress. While we encourage you to start shopping as early as possible, keep in mind that dress availability changes daily!
Yes! We've helped many brides with quick timelines. We have off-the-rack options available for immediate purchase, and our in-house alterations team is known for their quick turnaround times. We've even helped brides just weeks before their wedding. Contact us to discuss your timeline and we'll work with you to find the perfect solution.
PRICING & PAYMENT
Here at The Bride's Shop, we believe you can find the dress you've always dreamt of without the large price tag. Our special-order gowns start at $898 and can go up to about $7920. Most gowns have an average price of about $1800-$2000. If you want a designer gown for less, we are constantly adding to our off-the-rack selection, and those gowns start at about $398. Trust us when we say we have a little bit of everything for any bride!
Absolutely! Our consultants will ask about your price point at the beginning of your appointment and will only show you dresses within your price range. We believe in transparent pricing and want you to feel comfortable throughout your shopping experience.
No, alterations are not included in the price of your dress. However, our in-house alteration services are competitively priced and known for exceptional quality. Many brides find our alteration prices more affordable than other bridal shops in the area.
WEDDING DRESS SELECTION & AVAILABILITY
We do carry some of our own exclusive designs in our backstock that are available for you to take home that same day! We have an excellent sale selection, as well as the possibility of purchasing some of our gowns off the rack. These three options are perfect for those brides that have quick timelines.
We specialize in exquisite gowns from internationally renowned designers. Our collection includes trendsetting, contemporary styles as well as modest options. Visit our showroom or contact us to learn about our current designer collection.
Yes we do offer some custom wedding gowns. We would need to schedule an appointment and discuss your desired style to see if we could offer the custom wedding dress of your dreams.
Yes! We're known throughout Salt Lake City for our beautiful modest wedding dress collection. Additionally,we can modify many gowns to make it temple-worthy, whether that means adding sleeves, raising the neckline, or other customizations.
We carry a diverse range of styles including modest, boho, contemporary, classic, and fashion-forward gowns. From traditional ball gowns to sleek modern silhouettes, we offer something for every bride's unique vision.
Absolutely! It's completely possible to find your dream dress in just one appointment. While some brides think they need to try on many dresses, we've found that the more you try, the more overwhelming it can get. Often, the dress you fall in love with is the one you find early on, before "dress fatigue" sets in. If you've found the perfect dress, trust that you've made a fantastic choice and skip the extra trying on—it'll make the process that much more enjoyable! We're excited for you, and we're here to help you celebrate your decision whenever you're ready!
SIZING & BRIDAL GOWN FITTING
Like most bridal shops, we usually carry one sample of each dress. Our samples and backstock range from sizes 0-24 with ordering possibilities of sizes 0-32. Our backstock pieces may already fit you quite well and are available for you to take them home that day. Your measurements will be taken for special order gowns. Bridal sizing is smaller than your average street size. A bridal size 12 is about a street size 8. If the sample is too big for you, we will clip it to fit your body so that you can have a better idea of how it will look. If the sample is too small, we add an insert to clip them to fit. Our trained stylists are experts in giving you the best idea of how your gown will look on your big day, so don't worry! We are here to help and will assist you through the whole process.
Bridal sizing typically runs 1-2 sizes smaller than regular clothing. For example, a bridal size 12 is approximately equivalent to a street size 8. During your appointment, our consultants will help you understand how each gown fits and we'll take your measurements for ordering.
WEDDING GOWN ALTERATIONS & CUSTOMIZATION
Almost every bride needs some type of alteration to their dress, even if it is just a hem or fit. We are known for our alterations, and have the most skilled contracted seamstresses in Utah. Their work is of exceptionally high quality while their prices are very affordable. Alterations are not included in the price of your dress; however, they are more affordable than the alterations you'll find through most bridal shops because they are independent seamstresses.
Yes! We have contracted seamstresses and designers who can help create the gown of your dreams. They are known for working miracles and customizing your gown to suit your requirements—whether it's completely changing the bodice, adding long sleeves, raising the neckline, modifying the back, or making a dress temple-worthy. Our customization services are one of our specialties!
Absolutely! We're highly experienced in modifying dresses for temple weddings. We can add sleeves, raise necklines, add backs to low-back gowns, and make any other modifications needed to create a temple-appropriate dress while maintaining its beauty.
Our alteration turnaround time is typically 4-6 weeks. However, we're known for accommodating rush timelines when necessary. Our in-house team allows for faster turnaround than many other bridal shops in the area.
Whether or not you purchased your gown at The Bride's Shop, we're proud to provide expert alterations and customizations. We attend to each bride during every step of the alteration process.
BRIDAL APPOINTMENT PREPARATION
Wearing nude underwear is always recommended! Most of our gowns have built-in bra cups so bringing a bra is not necessary. If you do decide to bring one, nude colored is always best. Feel free to bring shapewear if you are planning on wearing some on your wedding day. Heels are not necessary as the shop has pedestals for you to stand on, although you are welcome to bring your wedding shoes if you have them picked out already!
Bring an open mind and be ready to have fun! If you have inspiration photos or ideas about what you're looking for, feel free to bring those. Also bring any undergarments or shapewear you plan to wear on your wedding day. Most importantly, bring your closest family or friends who will support your decision
Yes! We love capturing the special moment when you say yes to your dress. We'll even help you take photos with a cute sign and Polaroid camera to commemorate the occasion.
BRIDAL ACCESSORIES
Yes! We offer chic bridal accessories to complete your wedding day look, including veils, jewelry, and other accessories. Our consultants can help you find the perfect finishing touches for your gown.
ABOUT THE BRIDE'S SHOP
The Bride's Shop was established in 1965, making us one of Utah's most historic bridal salons. For nearly 60 years, we've been helping brides from Salt Lake City and around the world find their perfect wedding gown.
We're Salt Lake City's premier historic bridal salon, known for our intimate boutique atmosphere, internationally renowned designer collection, and exceptional in-house customization services. We specialize in creating trendsetting gowns, modest options, and custom designs that reflect each bride's unique vision.
Yes! We've helped brides from all over the world, including the UK, Brazil, and Hong Kong. We're conveniently located in downtown Salt Lake City with easy access and free parking.
We offer a catered, intimate experience in our small boutique. Our highly trained consultants provide personalized attention, expert fashion advice, and exceptional customer service. We create a relaxed, pressure-free environment where you can enjoy finding your dream dress with your closest loved ones.