For The Bride
For the Bride...
We have listed below some of the common questions asked by Lillian Brides. We hope you find these helpful and of course if you have additional questions please call us direct at 765-472-1614.
1. Can I get a catalog of the wedding gowns you carry?
Unfortunately, it's impossible for Lillian's to publish a catalog. Our wedding inventory is constantly changing every week. We do have select designer catalog's available in our store for your viewing.
2. Are all the wedding gowns "in stock" and ready to take home or do I have to order my gown?
We carry both "in stock" gowns as well as special order gowns. It should be noted that these gowns change on a regular basis. Lillian's stocks a nice selection of stock and sample gowns but has a much larger special order division. Special order gowns will take 3-4 months to arrive.
3. What are the prices of your gowns? Our bridal gowns range from $400 to $1200. Our destination gowns range in price from $200 - $600. We do also have a selection of sale gowns starting at $99
4. Should I bring in pictures from the magazines of gowns I like? Absolutely!! But, we strongly advise that you remember two things. First, the models used by the bridal designers average 6' tall and wear a size 4 so unless you are this tall and wear a size 4 the gowns may not look the same on you. THIS IS WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO TRY ON SEVERAL STYLES AND SEE YOURSELF IN THE GOWN BEFORE YOU BUY IT. The second thing you should know is that many designers sell gowns that are not advertised in magazines and are not available online. BRING AN OPEN MIND.
5. Should I make an appointment before I come to look at wedding gowns? Yes. At Lillian's we do not permit self service. Every future bride is assigned a personal consultant that will wait on her alone. We do accomodate walk-ins but appointments are always given preference. Please call 765-472-1614 to schedule. Please limit the number of guest that you bring with you. Remember the more opinions given the harder it will be to choose.
6. What if I find the dress of my dreams and I'm not ready to buy it yet? Can you hold the gown for me?
Sorry, we can't. Lillian's usually has only one of each gown. If we held a gown we may be depriving another bride from buying the same gown that she saw and loved the day before you. The advantage of our style of store is if you don't find a gown on your first visit you can return several weeks later and see many new and different gowns that came in since your last visit. The disadvantage is that if you find your dream dress in one of our "in stock" gowns and don't purchase it then, it probably won't be there when you come back.
7. How is Lillian's different from the Big Bridal Chain Store? There are TWO big differences. First, although both Lillians and the big bridal store stock wedding gowns, the big chain store manufacturers its' own dresses at their factory. (They are made by them not designers) At Lillian's we carry only designer gowns with a wide range of prices. The second BIG difference is that the chain store has "fixed styles for the season". This means that for the most part their dress styles don't change during the year. They can even give you a catalog because they are selling the same gowns over and over. At Lillian's we don't have "fixed styles". Our wedding gown styles and inventory changes frequently (sometimes weekly). The benefit to you, our customer is that if you don't find the gown of your dreams on your first visit, then come back in a few weeks. We pride ourselves in outstanding customer service and personalized care from start to finish.
For your Bridesmaids...
The following are some guidelines to help you the Bride, select just the right bridesmaids gowns. When these steps are followed, the selection, sizing, and delivery will be worry-free!
1. If you have 2 or more bridesmaids, choose a style that will flatter all body types. The A-line style works well for all figure types.
2. It is helpful for you to select a few styles and colors before you bring the bridesmaids in, then let them choose from your selections. This will save hours of decision making and frustations. Consider bringing one bridesmaid or your maid of honor with you to help in your initial selection. Fewer choices make it much easier to come to a decision for the whole party.
3. We will provide you with a bridesmaid's measurement form to be given to each of your attendants. They can be measured anywhere as long as it is done professionally. Simply have them return their cards to you along with a 75%deposit. If they send a check, they need to include their current address, phone and license number. We also accept all major credit cards and they can call us with the number and expiration date. To ensure timeliness of your bridesmaids' order, provide your bridal party with a deadline to return all measurement cards and their deposits to you.
4. You then bring all deposits and measurement cards into the store to place the orders. This will give you the confidence and assurance that all bridesmaids' gowns will be ordered at the exact same time. Gowns are not ordered until ALL deposits have been received for the whole wedding party, so you can be certain all gowns will be cut from the same dye lot.
5. Sizing is always "by the book"...the manufacturer's book! Bridesmaids' gowns are not custom-made, but special ordered according to the manufacturer's size charts. A bridal consultant will go over the measurements and size chart with you before a size is selected. She will offer advice, but leave the final decision to you. If there are any questions about size, the individual bridesmaid will be contacted for final size.
6. If a person is over 5'8" an extra length charge from the manufacturer may be necessary. If the person is size 18 (in some cases size 16) or above, the will be an extra size charge from the manufacturer.
7. The average delivery time for bridesmaids' gown is 10-14 weeks. Some manufacturer's run 4-6 weeks. It will depend on the manufacturer of the gown you pick. So count on at least 14 weeks. Some do offer rush delivery but you will have to pay a "rush fee".
8. Once the gowns have arrived, the Bride will notified by phone or mail. It is your responsibility to keep us informed if you change your phone number, address, etc. You will be responsible to notify all your attendants. All gowns must be paid for in full within 30 days of notification.