For wedding-planning brides in the Raleigh, North Carolina area, the quest for the ideal wedding dress might seem overwhelming, yet it can be an enjoyable journey when you know what to look out for. Savvi Formalwear & Bridal is here to help! Our team of wedding fashion experts has put together a list of the top five questions brides ask when shopping for wedding dresses.

1. Do I Have to Make an Appointment?

Yes!!! This will be an awesome time. After all, bridal shopping is much more than choosing the perfect dress for the special day, which is why we believe wedding dress shopping should be celebrated! At Savvi, brides are our number one priority. Making an appointment with us grants you the full attention and experience that you deserve. It's not like popping into Target to grab a sundress — bridal gowns come in a variety of colors, styles and fabric options that can be customized to reflect your vision, and it takes a professional stylist to help you navigate all of the details. And atSavvi Formalwear & Bridal, you've got it! Our experts will give you the bridal shopping experience of your dreams and make sure you feel special throughout the process.

2. When Should I Order my Bridal Gown?

One of the most important details to remember when shopping for wedding dresses is when to expect your dream dress will arrive. Most ordered bridal gowns take five to six months to arrive — although it isn't unheard of for them to come in early or with a slight delay. We also feature our ready to wed collection of wedding gowns if you would rather take yours home the same day. Also, keep in mind that you may need 1 month if alterations are required. To make sure you’re all set for your wedding day and have a gown that fits perfectly, it's best to start dress shopping as early as possible! Make sure to schedule your bridal appointment at your earliest convenience to ensure a wonderful wedding day!

3. Who and What Should I Bring to my Bridal Appointment?

When you come to your bridal appointment, it's crucial to bring the people that will make you feel the most supported and loved. Your “I do crew” should be a valuable source of positivity during this special process. After all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you will want to bask in their love, excitement and attention to you.

Be prepared to change with your stylist in our spacious fitting rooms and go braless. Bras aren't necessary, as all wedding dress styles are made with such great structure. Shoes will come in handy — bring a pair of heels if you want to get a sense of how long your gown's length will be.

4. Once I Have Found my Dream Wedding Dress, What are the Next Steps?

Once you find your dream dress and you can't wait to make it yours, the next step is payment. Our gowns are affordable and many brides simply make one payment that very day. If you would like to discuss our various payment options, including Afterpay, layaway or a payment plan; it is easy to make payments over time. So no worries about fitting it into your budget!

Once your dress is paid in full, the ordering process begins. We will take measurements and discuss your desired dress size. These include: your bust, waist, hip, and length measurements to make sure we order the best size to fit your beautiful frame. We'll walk you through the sizing process step-by-step, so you can rest assured there's no chance of any miscommunication or confusion.

5. Do you Offer Alterations In-House?

Alterations are something we lovingly refer out to a few experienced and trusted tailors in the Raleigh and surrounding area. At Savvi, we understand that a well-fitting gown is absolutely essential for your dream bridal look; therefore, we do our best to get as accurate sizing as possible when ordering from our designers.

Some of our designers offer length options when there is a lot of detailing on the bottom of the dress — this helps us save you time (and money!) on alterations.

Brides — these are the top 5 questions we get at Savvi Formalwear & Bridal. We strive to ensure you have the best wedding dress shopping experience from start to finish. Don't be afraid to ask us questions! We’re here to ensure your wedding day is special and stress-free.

Ready to start bridal shopping? Schedule an appointment today, and let’s find a dream gown that fits both your wedding vision and budget! We can’t wait for you to walk through the doors and start creating wedding magic. Happy wedding dress shopping!