Planning Ahead
4/6/24
The biggest Suggestion is to PLAN! I Honestly can’t STRESS this ENOUGH FOR EVERY TYPE OF ALTERATION!
Brides, it is best to find and order your dress 12 months in advance to allow for delays and the alteration process. For Prom, it is best to shop over Christmas break but no later than the end of January.
Whether Bridal or Prom, make your appointment as soon as you know what your dress is. NO, YOUR DRESS DOES NOT HAVE TO BE IN TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT! It only has to be in for the appointment.
Sharing Is Caring! Remember, these tips cover all formal attire!
If you typically have a hard time finding what you like, it is best to start shopping early. The further you get into the Season, your selection may be limited to style, size and colour based on what is in stock or what can be ordered to arrive in time for alterations.
Prom: Some stores, as a courtesy, will not sell the same dress to another student going to the same Prom, thus having a classmate get to your dress first. Remember they do this, so you aren’t embarrassed with another classmate wearing the same dress. This brings me to the next thing, have your class president set up a Prom page on Facebook or other social media for your school that a staff member, like the guidance counselor or Prom chair-mom can monitor. Be sure to note the restrictions clearly, so there are no misunderstandings. “YES… You are more than welcome to share my posts on that page!”
Suggestion: “That you only post once you have bought the dress and that anyone posting the dress afterwards will have to make another choice.” Several schools already do this, and it has been helpful.
BRIDAL: Once you find your dress keep in touch with the bridal shop on its arrival. I recommend checking in with them monthly, then every 2 weeks in the last 6 weeks of its delivery date. Should there be any delays expected when you are 2 weeks or sooner out from your appointment you need to contact ASAP for a backup plan.
KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW FOR ALL GARMENT TYPES: In the past, I have had girls order a dress and find out that the company/supplier underestimated the demand, thus not getting their dream dress and having to shop for something else last minute. Put company/suppliers sometimes struggle to have dresses made to fulfil orders not only for Prom but for other formal events going on at that time. This can also be the case for bridesmaid dresses and even Wedding dresses. Sometimes it can be weather-related delays or delivery issues outside the company/suppliers’ control. This can result in added stress wondering whether you will get your dress in time and if you will get it in time to get it altered if needed. Planning helps increase your chances of getting the first pick over everything… your dress, appointments, photographer, flowers, limousine, and more, making your Prom or Wedding a memorable one. As added peace of mind anyone who reserves with me, I will not cancel on them if they have a reservation for alterations and their dress is delayed. I do, however, require a rush fee should it come in with less than recommended turnaround time and this fee chart is on my website.
Remember, scheduling is ALL On-Line and available 24/7, so please schedule your appointment sooner rather than later. ALL APPOINTMENTS ARE RESERVATION AND RESERVATION FEE GOES TOWARDS ALTERATIONS.
On Scheduler, you will select Category for your needed service -“ALTERATIONS-BRIDAL PARTY/OTHER FORMAL” has different scheduling options for single garment, or x2 for two people coming together with a single garment or 1 person with 2 garments or x3 for three people coming together with a single garment or 1 person with 3 garments. Please be sure to select the one that best meets your needs.
For Bridal, Select Category – “WEDDING GOWN ALTERATIONS” then – “ALTERATIONS – INITIAL BRIDAL CONSULTATION”. Then select for the year you are getting married. This is a 90-minute appointment, and fittings will be 45 minutes. The form will walk you through everything.
If you wait too late and there isn’t an available appointment, “Put yourself on WAITLIST ASAP.” The Wait List Saves Your Place In Line, and it is “First Come/Submit, First Serve”. (see the Wait List Icon under the Scheduling/Reservations page of the website for additional information)
Please be sure that you have “LIKED” are “FOLLOWING” my Facebook page and “SHARE” this information with everyone you know so that you may all breathe a little easier. Sharing Is Caring!
Scheduling Guides for all services BRIDAL, FORMAL, PROM, everyday/EMBROIDERY, and CUSTOM WORK are on my website’s Scheduling page to assist with planning.
#1TipPlanAhead #2TipFollowMeOnSocialMedia
Thank you for allowing me to serve you better.