SHOPPING WITH W.E.
Do you rent gowns? Just as each bride is different, every body is different. Because we want to provide our brides with their best fit, we do not offer gown rentals. If you are looking for a more affordable option, consider buying “off the rack”. We regularly sell our sample gowns at a discount and host sample sales throughout the year.
How much do your gowns cost? Our bridal gowns range in price from $1000 - $4000 with the majority of the gowns between $1500 and $2500. If you are curious about a specific designer you can visit our designer page or give us a ring at 860-274-1988.
Do you discount gowns? You can always purchase a sample gown “off the rack” at a discount. Samples are discounted between 10% and 40% depending on the age of the sample and its condition. Discontinued gowns are sold “as-is” at significantly discounted prices; most are priced at $200, $400, and $600. Drycleaning and repair services are not complimentary for these gowns.
Do gowns really take months to arrive? Yes! Most of our bridal gowns are designed in the U.S. but constructed overseas. Because of the intricacy of the gown construction, shipping, and customs, dresses really can take up to 8 months to be manufactured and shipped. Good news though! Delivery time for the majority of WE designers is 5 months plus, lots of our designers keep their most desirable gowns in stock and pre-cut in a variety of sizes and colors. More and more gowns can be shipped quickly to accommodate short engagements! Ideally, we’d like to receive your gown at least 8 weeks prior to your event.
When should I start shopping? We recommend starting your search about 12 months before your wedding and buying your gown at least 9 months prior to your wedding date. This will allow your gown a 4 - 6 month production period and leave about 8 weeks for alterations.
Do I need an appointment? Yes, please! Booking an appointment allows us to truly help you! It ensures you’ll have a fitting room and the help of a WE Embassador! Your Embassador will introduce you to our gowns, and provide you with information about working with W.E. We’ll also clip you into the gowns and help with any questions or concerns you might have! Our Embassadors are always honest, super entertaining, very creative, and ready to help you find “the one”!
When are you busiest? Our showroom is busiest on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturdays. If you’d like to shop during a quieter time, consider a weekday before 5:00 p.m. or, if you have a large group or an out-of-state entourage, consider a Champagne Sunday or a semi-private Champagne Toast!
How long are your appointments? Our standard Bridal shopping appointments are an hour and a half long. We take our last appointment two hours before we close and stay with you until your appointment is complete.
What sizes are your samples? What size can you order?! Currently, our samples range from a bridal size 6 size through a size 24W, though the majority of our inventory is between sizes 10 and 16. Throughout the year these ranges fluctuate slightly. During Trunk Shows one size group (smaller or larger) can increase depending on the designer we are featuring.
We can order a new gown from the entire size run offered by any of our designers, and in some cases, we can order custom sizes! Most designers offer gowns between a size 0 and 32W, though each size chart is different. Please ask your salesperson or give us a ring for more information!
What should I bring with me? Inspiration is awesome! Pinterest boards, screenshots, links… if there’s an image you’ve fallen in love with, bring it with you! And… WE Embassadors always appreciate full-bottomed panties! You should bring any undergarments you’d like to wear with your gown or that you find comfortable...strapless bras, corsets, and spanx are all great if you’d like them! Shoes are a plus but not necessary; you’ll be on a pedestal most of your visit!
“Shopping day is a great day to play dress up! Hair and makeup can really complete the look; try out an updo or a shade of lipstick you are hoping to wear... little details help bring the look together! ”
Who should I bring along? Our viewing areas can accommodate up to 5 guests comfortably (we suggest larger groups consider a Champagne Sunday or Toast)! It can be so tempting to bring the whole bridal party, moms, family, friends… etc… but it can also make your decision a lot harder! We suggest keeping your guest list small for the initial visit and asking those with opinions you value most. Once you find “the one” you can always visit again and introduce your gown to the whole crew!
What about bringing kids? Kids can be an adorable addition to the wedding day, but may not be the most attentive shopping companion. While an hour and a half can fly by for our brides it can feel like an eternity for kids! Busy days can be overwhelming and distracting for children and their moms, we suggest making it an adult-only day!
Where is the shop? Our 200-year-old reclaimed factory building can be a little tricky to find! We are located in The Old Pin Shop in Oakville, sandwiched between Watertown and Waterbury. Our building is large and has several addresses associated with it. We are located at street level under the awning numbered 1900.
Where do I park? Before 5:00 p.m. you may park on the street in front of the building. You can also park in the lot behind the building but you’ll have to walk around to the front of the building to enter the shop. After 6:00 p.m. you may also park in the small lot directly across the street from our entrance.
Alterations with W.e.
Do you provide Alterations? Yes, we do! While you are not obligated to alter your gown at WE, we do have several talented seamstresses available to fit your gown! Seamstresses are available by appointment, each on a designated day of the week. Seamstresses are selected based on availability, gown style/construction, and anticipated alterations.
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 our workflow occasionally a bride needs a little extra work, misses an appointment, etc… We ask that you are patient with your fellow brides; 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, and 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.
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.
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.
Why is my first fitting so early? As wedding season gets busier, our alteration schedule books up really quickly! Booking early allows us to schedule at least three fittings before your wedding day. Your seamstress will determine the schedule for any follow-up fittings. Your last fitting is typically booked within the three weeks leading up to your wedding.
“Rescheduling alterations appointments can take up to two weeks between May 1st and October 15th. If your timetable does not allow a two week delay, please try to keep your original appointment date. ”
When is the latest I can schedule my fitting? Ideally, no closer than six weeks prior to your wedding date! Our seamstresses require at least two weeks between fittings, often we cannot accept fittings booked within four weeks of the wedding date. In certain cases, a quick turnaround can be accommodated, though a rush fee may apply.
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.
What is the difference between a "final fitting" and a "pick up" appointment? Your final fitting is the last time you’ll 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.
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 pickup. You will not try it on. In most cases, you will leave WE and bring the gown to a safe place where it can be removed 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-business women 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 a wedding gown. 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 Thursday and some Saturdays. Due to the nature of this work and the demand our seamstresses, we must keep a strict schedule. Please note, weekend availability is inconsistent and cannot be guaranteed. The schedule is subject to change.
Holiday closings or closings due to weather are posted on our home page and Instagram account. Customers with scheduled appointments will be contacted by text, email, and/or phone. Thank you!