FAQs - Brides Frequently Asked Questions

Bride to Be

Q: Where do I start ?
A: After the initial excitement of being engaged simmers, think about how you've always pictured yourself as a bride. Also, think about your personality and which dress will make a “WOW” statement. Think about the different silhouettes, are you looking for sexy and sheath, big ball gown or fit and flare. After you have decided what you desire start doing your research.
We suggest that you should do some homework before coming into the boutique. It is helpful to purchase a few bridal magazines and tear out any pictures that you like. Next, look at bridal websites such as, www.theknot.com or Designers' websites, to get a better understanding of what you like. Save or print out gown styles that you are considering and compare them to your magazine tear outs. This will help give our consultants a clear idea as to what your style, silhouette, and personality is.

Bridal Shop

Q: Where to Shop?
A: When considering where to shop, you should ask yourself am I looking for a high energy atmosphere where I will be interacting with many people and exposed to multiple designers.  Or do I prefer a smaller, more intimate setting perhaps local boutique, where I feel more comfortable, and at home?
Both types provide memorable wedding gown shopping experiences; it just depends what’s important to you. If you are looking for quantity in selection, a larger bridal house may be your choice, but make sure you have the time. Most large bridal houses can take months to get in the door and are harder to schedule convenient follow up and fitting appointments.
Boutiques offer more personalized service in a more intimate setting where you can actually see, touch and feel the gowns. They focus on a few select designers and have close established relationships with them. Many choose one close to home to make everything more convenient and pleasurable. Consultants at both are trained to select gowns most flattering to your body type. Perhaps you will choose to experience both.  
Some brides prefer to research the salons by the designer(s) that they carry. As a bride, look through various bridal magazines and bring pictures of the styles you prefer when you go to your appointment whether you choose an intimate boutique setting or a more elaborate affair.

Wedding Dress

Don’t be surprised if you find THE DRESS on your very first try and/or visit. Consultants are trained to guide you to the silhouette and style that will best suit your body type and create a perfectly proportioned wedding look.
Q: How many different styles of gowns are there ?
A: There are many styles of wedding gown silhouettes and some are combinations of more than one.  The most basic silhouettes that we carry are:
A-line:  Our A-line gowns are extremely flattering to many body types creating a classic silhouette. A-line flares from the top creating a full or slim line.  Classic, Timeless. Great for all body types.
Ball Gown: Our Ball gowns are fitted at the top accentuating the bust and waistline, and offer full skirts. Traditional, Magical, Romantic, Princess Bride .
Work great on brides that are not perfectly proportioned by enhancing their upper body and concealing their lower. Especially great for pear shape, tall and thin. Very Petite brides may get lost in the fullness. Great for creating an hour glass figure.
Empire Waist:  Our Empire waist gowns have a waist line that begins just beneath the bust line and flows to the floor creating length. Elegant, Romantic.
Great for most body types.
Natural Waist – Our Natural waist gowns hit at the waist line accentuating your waist or creating one. A sash is often added to further enhance. Great for most body types especially if you do not have a defines waist. This will help create one.
Dropped Waist – A dropped waist hits the body much lower than the natural waist elongating the torso. Very popular with ruching and embellishments. Greta for several body types especially if you are short - waisted. Modern, Fashion Forward, Elegant
Fit to Flare: Our Fit to Flare gowns are much fitted throughout the bodice, and flare out beginning mid-thigh. Modern, Fashion-Forward. Very flattering on tall, slender and most heights that are equally proportioned. Also good on Petites as they create curves.
Mermaid: Our Mermaid gowns are slim fitted throughout, flaring out at the lower body near the knees. Very Modern, Sexy, Sophisticated, Dramatic, Glamorous. Great for equally proportioned brides, show off curves and are very glamorous.
Sheath:   Our Sheath gowns are slim silhouettes fitted to the body without a defined waistline.  Many of ours are in gorgeous French lace or silk. Perfect to adorn with a belt or stunning on its own.  Classic, Timeless, Traditional. Perfect for petites, average, tall and thin and full figured.

Our wedding gowns also offer special features that enhance your figure such as sweetheart necklines, low backs, ruching, corsets, etc. These features compliment and enhance specific body parts.

Sizing & Ordering

Q: Do I need to be measured if I know my size ?
A: Yes. Sizing for bridal attire tends to run much different than street clothes. Most women need to go up at least a size or two to accommodate the smaller sizing. We will take your measurements here in the boutique and determine the perfect size according to our particular size chart provided by our designer. Alterations can be made if necessary to ensure your dress fits perfectly. Please keep in mind that dresses can always be taken in, but not always let out. So it is important to trust our recommendations, as we are aware of how our collection varies.

Alterations

Alterations are a very important part of the wedding gown process, a dress is ordered as close to your size as possible but must be altered to obtain a perfect fit to your body and to be bustled if there is a train.
Q: What do I need to know about Bridal Gown Alterations ?
A: We provide on-site expert Bridal Gown alterations from a team of experienced and highly qualified seamstresses who are committed to making each and every Bridal Gown a perfect fit. We provide this in-house service at an additional charge to be determined by the extent of work required for your specific alterations.

All Other Fun Stuff

Congratulations! You’ve found your gown, now let the fun begin with accessories!
Q: How do I choose the right accessories ?
A: It depends on the look that you are striving for. If your dress is simple, you may want to dress it up with drop earrings and a bracelet or keep it very timeless with traditional pearls and studs. If you want to be more glamorous, you can add a neckpiece and earrings, even a hairclip or tiara which work lovely with our veils. You can also show your personality by choosing accessories that reflect your own taste and flair. Together, you and your consultant will accessorize your gown with a coordinating veil and accessories to complete your “Wow” look!

Additional Questions?

If you have a personalized question, please email us at: info@lfay.com

We look forward to seeing you at L’Fay Bridal, make your appointment on-line or call one of our locations. New gowns are arriving!