APPOINTMENTS DEFINED

Do I have to do alterations at WE? No, you are not obligated to alter your gown at W.E. Alterations are not included in the price of your gown. If you live more than 30 minutes away we strongly suggest altering your gown closer to home. Keeping your seamstress conveniently close can be a stress-saver! If you’d like we can provide you with a list of recommended seamstresses.

What should I expect at my first fitting?

• Typically a first fitting is scheduled 8 weeks prior to your wedding date; first fittings are scheduled well in advance to ensure we have time to complete your alteration.

• First bridal fittings are an hour long. Follow-ups can be between 30 minutes and 15 minutes.

• From May to Oct. you could experience a wait prior to your appointment. While we are continually improving your workflow occasionally a bride needs a little extra work, misses an appointment, etc… We ask that you be patient with your fellow brides as we will provide everyone with the time and attention they need.

• Our fittings rooms are large enough to accommodate you and your gown and our viewing areas can seat 2 guests comfortably. If you’d like to bring a larger group, maybe consider a Show-&-Tell appointment.

• Your seamstress will pin your gown, discuss the work that needs to be done, in some cases discuss undergarments, shoes, accessories. She will describe the work that’s needed and the cost of your alterations. Your seamstress sets your price, not the Wedding Embassy - please address cost questions directly with your seamstress

• If at any time you have a question or concern, please ask it! It’s best to speak directly to your seamstress while you and the gown are right there with them!

• If you don’t have your shoes your gown will not be hemmed! Please bring your shoes, undergarments, and final payment to your first fitting.

What is a “Show-&-Tell” appointment? Show-&-Tell appointments are scheduled once your gown arrives, prior to your first “fitting” with a seamstress. They are hosted by a WE Embassador and are typically an hour long. Show-&-Tell appointments are your opportunity to try your dress on when she first arrives, show her off to friends and family, tell us what you are looking for from your alteration services, and shop for accessories. They are a great opportunity to complete your look before starting your alterations.

What is a “Seamstress Consultation”? A consultation is a time to meet with a seamstress to discuss questions you might have or specific alterations you might be interested in. WE Embassadors do not quote alteration costs so if you are interested in getting detailed pricing for customizations or other than your cap amount meeting with a seamstress prior to beginning the alteration process is super helpful! These appointments are held during alteration hours and take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. We recommend scheduling this at least 12 weeks before your wedding.

What is the difference between a "Final Fitting" and a "Pick Up" appointment? Your final fitting is the last time you’ll meet with a seamstress and try on your gown before the big day. It’s best to bring along a bustle-buddy to learn how to put up your bustle on your wedding day and to make sure you are satisfied with your alterations. A pick up appointment is scheduled just a few days before the wedding. At your pick up you will not try on your gown. It will have been steamed, pressed, and ready to wear. Please allow for 15 minutes so we can bag your gown and explain how to unwrap and store it, once you arrive at the location where you will get dressed.

What is a “Pick Up and Pack Up” appointment? Traveling with your gown? If you’d like us to pack it up in a suitcase or garment bag for you we are happy to do so! This appointment adds a few minutes to your pick-up appointment, allowing an Embassador time to present your gown to you (it will already be steamed and pressed) and then carefully pack her in the travel bag of your choice. We do recommend hard-case carry-ons but are happy to use whichever bag you prefer. We recommend reaching out ahead of time to a wedding planner, bridal shop, or dry cleaner near your destination for touch-up steaming services once you arrive.

How much do alterations cost? Each of our bridal gowns has its own CAP of either $500, $600, $700, or $800. This CAP is the maximum amount a Wedding Embassy seamstress can charge (and a bride can pay) for regular, standard alterations. Caps do not apply to samples, garments from other stores, custom alterations, style changes, maternity alterations, and excessive beading. Our seamstresses are always happy to set up a consultation to answer any questions or concerns you might have; unfortunately, our Embassadors cannot provide alteration quotes.

How many fittings will I need? Most brides need at least three fittings. Your first fitting is to pin the gown, the second is to check the work that’s been done. Your third and/or final fitting is to check any additional work and learn to bustle! It’s always best to bring a responsible “bustle buddy” to your third or final fitting. Alterations involving style changes or customizations may need between 4 and 6 fittings.

What should I bring to my fitting appointments? It is necessary that you bring your shoes and undergarments to each fitting. We are not responsible for alterations that have been done without consistent shoes and undergarments.

When do I pick up my dress? Most customers prefer to pick up their gowns the week of their event. Your gown (and any accessories) will be steamed and pressed, packed on a bust form, and bagged for pick up. You will not try it on. In most cases, you will leave WE and bring the gown to a safe place where it can remove from its bag. Traveling? NO problem! Bring us your suitcase and we’ll pack her up!

Why does my seamstress take “paper not plastic” for payment? Our seamstresses are private contractors that have agreed to meet with W.E. customers on designated days and adhere to our pricing structure. WE do not pay our seamstresses, you do! Our seamstresses are small businesswomen who spend the season sewing continuously. Paying with cash is preferred, it not only allows your seamstress to be paid as soon as the work is complete, but it also keeps name changes and busy bank accounts from becoming an issue.

SCHEDULING RE-CAP

Trouble with your GPS? Try: The Old Pin Shop 20 Main St. Oakville CT 06779     Lost? Give us a ring: 860-274-1988

We strongly urge you to schedule an appointment to shop for wedding gowns. While you are always welcome to browse our racks, we may not have a fitting room open or Embassador available to answer questions and fit gowns. Scheduling an appointment really allows us to help you have the best experience at W.E.!

Alterations are always by appointment, scheduled Monday through Thursdays and most Saturdays. Due to the nature of this work and the demand on our seamstresses we must keep a strict schedule. Please note, weekend availability is inconsistent and cannot be guaranteed. Schedule is subject to change.

Holiday closings or closings due to inclimate weather are posted on our Instagram. Customers with scheduled appointments will be contacted by text, email, and/or phone. Thank you!