Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment?

Yep! We want to give you the one-on-one attention you deserve to help you find your perfect wedding gown, so we do require appointments. You can book an appointment online up to a month in advance. If you need a date farther out, just give us a call!

What should I bring with me?

We recommend that you wear nude underwear. Note that your bridal consultant will be getting up close and personal to help you in and out of the gowns, so bear that in mind when you are considering going commando. We also encourage you to keep your make-up light for the sake of our gowns. If you have a veil from your mom, sister, or aunt – or special jewelry that must be a part of your big day – bring that along too!

Who should I bring with me?

We strongly suggest you bring no more than four guests in addition to the bride – for a total of five. We encourage you to bring the people closest to you that know your style!

What size are your sample gowns?

Our wedding gown samples are a range of sizes, including a generous collection of samples in sizes 18 – 22. Never fear – if the gown you love is not your exact size, we have tips and tricks to pin you in the samples to give you a vision of what the gown will look when it fits you properly. If you have a specific concern about gown sizing, give us a call!

What is the price range of your gowns?

Our bridal gowns range from $2000 – 6000. The majority of our gowns are between $2400 – 4000. We recommend a budget of at least $3000 to have a good number of options to try on.

What is the process to buy a gown at Gilded Bridal?

When you find the one that makes your heart sing, we take your measurements and order your gown according to the size closest to those measurements. In 4-7 months – depending on the designer – your gown will arrive and you can come back for a follow-up appointment to pick up your dress as well as try on veils and accessories.

How far in advance do I need to buy my gown?

Most of our designers take 4-5 months to create your made-to-order gown – however, some can take up to 7 months. Factor in time for alterations, and we’re looking at 8-12 months before your big day. Don’t have that much time? That’s okay – a select number of our designers have options that ship quicker at no extra charge, and other designers offer rush orders for a fee. We also have a lovely collection of sample gowns available to purchase off the rack at a discount to take home with you the day of your appointment.

Will I need alterations?

Yep! While your gown is made to order, it is based on a standard size chart. Most gowns will need at least minimal alterations to make it fit you perfectly. We do not provide in-house alterations, but we are happy to recommend an excellent seamstress in the Raleigh area.

What is a trunk show?

Trunk shows are an opportunity for brides to see more of a designer’s wedding dress collection than what is already available at Gilded Bridal – often the entire current collection is available to try on and purchase! Trunk shows are only in the store for one or two weekends, and they book up quickly – so if you see one coming you don’t want to miss, snag your appointment!

Do you sell bridesmaids or mother of the bride dresses?

Nope! We focus solely on brides, so we can bring the best of the best of indy bridal designs to Raleigh without distraction.

Do you offer refunds or exchanges on purchases?

All gowns, veils, sashes, and headpieces are final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged. Therefore, we take the time to ensure you are satisfied with your gown and accessories before you leave the boutique with them – we want happy brides!

Still have questions? Drop us a note at info@gildedbridal.com