FAQ

We have a limit of 4 guests per appointment to ensure a comfortable, intimate, and personalized experience. We encourage you to bring the people whose support and opinions matter most as you search for your dream dress. If you’d like to bring a larger group, we also offer a VIP Bridal Appointment for brides who want to celebrate with more of their favourite people and feel confident in their decision making.

How far in advance should I order my gown?

We recommend shopping for your wedding gown about 12 months before your wedding. Most designer gowns have a 6–9 month production timeline, and ordering early ensures your dress arrives with plenty of time for alterations. We suggest scheduling alterations 2–3 months before your wedding to achieve the perfect fit without feeling rushed.Planning ahead gives you the best selection, a stress-free experience, and plenty of time to make your gown uniquely yours.

What is the price range for your gowns?

Our bridal gowns start at $1,500, with the average price point around $2,200. During your appointment, your stylist will be happy to help you find beautiful options that fit both your vision and your budget.

What should I wear to my appointment?

We recommend wearing neutral-coloured undergarments to your appointment. While it's not required, having your hair and makeup done can help you envision your complete bridal look and make the experience feel even more special. A platform is provided for you to stand on while trying on gowns, so shoes are not necessary, although you're welcome to bring a pair if you'd like. To help keep our gowns in beautiful condition for every bride, we kindly ask that you avoid wearing self-tanner to your appointment, as it can easily transfer onto the dresses.

Can I take pictures at my appointment?

Absolutely! We encourage you to take photos and videos throughout your appointment, as seeing yourself from a different perspective can be incredibly helpful when choosing your gown. We also love seeing your experience at 88 & Ivory, so feel free to share your photos and tag us on social media!

Are alterations included?

Once you've said yes to the dress, your stylist will take your measurements and order the recommended size according to the designer's size chart. Alterations will then be needed to achieve your perfect fit. We are happy to recommend trusted seamstresses for your alterations, but the arrangement and cost of alterations are the responsibility of the bride.

Do you have gowns sample gowns available to purchase?

Yes! While we are primarily an order-in boutique, we understand that not every bride has a long timeline. Whether your wedding is approaching quickly or your circumstances have changed, we'll do our best to accommodate you. Depending on availability, we may be able to offer a rush order or purchase one of our sample gowns directly from the boutique. Our ultimate goal is to help you wear the gown you love on your wedding day, and we'll work with you to find the best option for your timeline.

Should I book an appointment for my friend? I'm excited for her to start shopping!

While it's such a thoughtful gesture to help a friend begin her bridal journey, we always recommend that the bride books her own appointment whenever possible.

There are a few reasons for this:

Her information belongs on her bridal profile. We use her email and phone number to send appointment confirmations, helpful information, and a personalized gown gallery that allows her to browse our collection and save her favourite styles before she visits.

Choosing a wedding gown is a special experience, and it's important that the bride feels prepared and excited for her appointment. Booking it herself helps ensure she's ready to make the most of her visit.

She knows her budget and priorities. Every bride has a unique vision, budget, and timeline. Booking her own appointment allows her to choose a boutique that aligns with what she's looking for.

Quality over quantity. We encourage brides to be intentional about where they shop rather than trying to visit as many boutiques as possible. Finding the one isn't about the number of stores you visit—it's about choosing the boutiques where you're most likely to find the gown that feels perfectly you.

Of course, if you'd like to help coordinate the appointment, we're always happy to assist. We simply ask that we receive the bride's contact information so we can communicate directly with her and provide the personalized experience she deserves. 🤍