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Frequently Asked Questions

Please find below a list of commonly asked questions,
 if you do not see your question 
listed please email us.

Are you an online store only?
 
Yes, we offer discounted high quality designer inspired gowns.  Buying direct from the manufacturer and low overheads allows us to pass the savings directly onto you.  

Do you have a store?
After retailing gowns from our
Sydney store we found that our overheads just kept skyrocketing, this meant that the prices of the gowns
 kept going up.
 
It became clear that in order to make our gowns more affordable big changes had to be made! This meant that the store had to go!!! Now that we are exclusively an online store we are proud to bring our customers the same
 high quality gowns at the prices that you can afford.  We pride ourselves on first class customer service where help from a human is just a phone call away.
We support you from the purchase, production and delivery of you gown.  We are more than happy to discuss styles with you and can also send you colour samples to help you choose the right colour for your very special day.
We are an Australian business based in Sydney.

Why would I buy a gown online when I can purchase one from a store?
 We understand that buying online is not for everyone, and some do prefer the whole bridal boutique experience, however you can be rest assured that our gowns are very high quality and some are quite unique which you may not be able to find in other stores. 
 We also find that our customers refuse to pay full retail for a dress that they can purchase online at a fraction of the cost.  We offer customers the ability to choose from a great selection of gowns, where they can choose their own style and colour.

As your prices are discounted, does this mean that the quality of the gowns will be less?
Definately not!!! As a test we recently had a range of our gowns in a very expensive boutique in Sydney, to see if the customers could tell the difference between a designer gown and our designer inspired line, and the outcome was that they could not! 
 These gowns were selling at full retail in this boutique.  
So you can be rest assured that these gowns are of high quality.

I have seen gowns similar to yours on ebay that are only $100, so why would I buy from you?
We have seen these as well, and as a test we brought some gowns in to see what the quality would be like and to be honest it wasn't good! The gowns looked nothing like the pictures, the colours were wrong and the quality wasn't very good.  We are not saying that all manufacturers are bad, however we have received many complaints from customers who have purchased a gown from ebay overseas.  We also found that the customer service was terrible and no-one would get back to us or refund our money.   Also prior to our online store we ran a boutique which specialised in bridal and evening wear so this has helped us recognise the best fabrics, beading and quality required for a high quality gown.  We also offer you excellent customer service, we want you to be extremely happy with your gown, as we know that your wedding, formal or special event is very important to you.  

I am still really nervous about purchasing online as I have had a bad experience with another on-line store.  Do you have a returns policy on your gowns?
We understand that you would be anxious purchasing online.  We offer a full refund on any gown that is faulty or has been damaged from the manufacturer.  All gowns are delivered to our premises first so that we are able to make sure that the gowns are in perfect condition and exactly as you ordered.  Once the gown has passed our inspection we will then send it on to you.  Some companies choose to have the gown sent directly to you, however we feel it necessary to check the gown/s first before we send it onto you. 

Are your gowns in stock?
No, all of our gowns are made to order, with over 1000 designs it is impossible for us to have every colour and size in stock.  Your gown is made from scratch! We offer standard sizing and custom sizing. 
 Custom sizing does incur an additional charge of $50 for bridal gowns and $25 for formal/evening wear.

Are your prices in Australian Dollars?

Yes, all gowns are in Australian Dollars.  

What type of payments do you accept?
We accept payment via credit card (visa and mastercard only), Paypal, Direct Deposit or Money Order. 

What guarantees do you offer?
We guarantee that you will receive the gown that you ordered, in the size and colour that your ordered.  If for any reason you do receive the wrong size or colour your payment will be refunded.
For custom sizing we guarantee to make the gown exactly to the measurements that you provide us, if for any reason the dress has not been made to your specifications your dress will be remade or a full refund will apply
(this does not apply if you have taken your measurements incorrectly and the gown does not fit you, that is why we recommend that you have your measurements taken by a professional).
You will not receive a gown with any manufacturing fault as all gowns are strictly checked. 



I cannot afford to pay for my gown all at once, do you offer a payment plan?
Yes we do, instead of purchasing online just email or call us and we can organise that for you.  
This only applies to gowns that are over $499.  Special consideration does apply to high school students for their formal dresses.
You will be required to pay a 50% non refundable deposit and then the balance will then be due when your dress arrives at our premises which will be around 4-10 weeks depending on which gown you choose.
Please note that no gown leaves our premises without being paid in full.

When will I receive my gown?
Most Bridal Gowns take approximately 8-10 weeks to be made and delivered, however Bridesmaids and some Evening Dresses are usually quicker than this which is around 4-6 weeks.

When should I order my gown?
We highly recommend that your order your gown as soon as possible, it is always best to allow time for alterations.  
Delivery takes approximately 8-10 weeks for bridal gowns, however you are best to order your gown earlier to allow for any
alterations to be made and to be able to match accessories etc.

I am in desperate need of a gown, is there anyway an urgent order can be rushed through?
Please check with us first before you order, a rush fee will apply.

How do I work out my size?
We now use a standard Australian Size Chart.  Please note that although these are standard sizes it may differ from your regular clothes size as our gown manufacturer uses a slightly different sizing method.
  Measure your bust, waist and hips then compare them to the AUS size chart.  If you are in between two sizes we highly recommend that you choose the larger size, as it is 
easier to take a gown in rather than let it out.  You must choose very carefully as if you pick the wrong size and it does not fit your your dress is non refundable.
If you are still having trouble please email us at dressofyourdreams@bigpond.com and we will help select a size for you.
Another option is that you choose a gown with a corset back, this will give you 4-6 inches to play with by pulling the ties in or out.  Most dresses can be made with a corset back.
Gowns are also available in custom made to measure, we highly recommend that you have your measurements taken by a professional such as a seamstress or dressmaker as you gown will be made exactly to the measurements that
you provide us.  If you would like a custom form please email or call us.


I still can't decide on a colour, are you able to send me some colour samples?
Yes we certainly can, please email us at dressofyourdreams@bigpond.com to request your required colours.

How do I place an order online?
Simply select the style, colour and whether you would like a standard or custom size.  
Made to measure custom sizing will incur an additional $50 fee, after you have placed your order we will
contact you to confirm all of your details.
Shipping will not be included as you will be invoiced for this once your order is placed.

After placing an order online, when is my payment due?
Your payment will be due within 5 working days, obviously your order will not be placed until we receive full payment.  If payment has not been made within 5 days your order will be automatically cancelled.

How do I place an order online for more than one gown?
If it is a multiple order for the same gown such as Bridesmaids dresses simply add the gowns one at a time, choose the size and colour then add to cart, then continue shopping and add another gown until you have the number that your require.  To receive the 50% off the 4th bridesmaids dress simply purchase 3 dresses and we will invoice you for the 4th dress with the discount. 
If you would prefer you can also email you order to us.
 

I have placed an order online so what happens next?
After we receive your order we will email you to confirm your correct style, colour, measurements etc.
  You can expect to receive your gown within 8-10 weeks (bridesmaids gowns and some evening dresses and usually quicker than this,
 4-6 weeks).

I would like to place an order but would rather you invoice me first with my total which
includes my gown, shipping and custom measurements?
Simply email us with your order requirements and we will invoice you.

 Can I order a gown over the phone?
You certainly can, just contact us on 0409406675 during business hours.

 Where are you based?
We are an online store based in Sydney, Australia. Our ABN is 22 842 809 028

 Do you accept returns?
Yes we do under certain conditions, please read our Return Policy for further details.
We do not accept returns if you do not like the style of your gown, only if there is a manufacturing fault or a wrong size made by the manufacturer.  Please choose your style very carefully to make sure that this is the design that you really want.

 Are your gowns a designer label?
No, our gowns are made to order, high quality and designer inspired.  

Why are some of your photos on mannequins and others on Models?
The photos of the gowns on the mannequins are our photos and are pictures of the exact gowns, we have over 1000 gowns on our portfolio so some pictures such as those on the models are reference pictures that have been supplied to us from our manufacturer.
By looking at the photos of the gowns on the mannequins you can clearly see the high quality that you will receive.  

I have a gown in mind that I cannot find on your site, can a custom design be made for me?
Our portfolio contains over 1000 gowns so we suggest that customers send us a picture of a gown that they have in mind and we will then try and match it for you.
We are also able to make a custom gown for you however this does incur additional charges as a new pattern needs to be created. 
 Please note that we will make every effort to make the gown as close to your photos as possible,
 however bear in mind that due to copyright restrictions there may be slight variations which are usually undetectable.  


 Do you offer custom made to measure sizes?
Yes you can choose to have a standard size or custom size.  Custom sizes are an additional $50 for bridal gowns or $25 for bridesmaids/formal gowns.  
If you would like to add this service to your order, simply purchase this service by selecting the custom sizing option in the navigation bar, this will allow you to add this service to your shopping cart.
It is up to you which one you would prefer, if your measurements are closer to a standard size then that is fine, however if your measurements are quite different, e.g a pear shape then a custom size may be better suited to you. 
Please note that a custom sized gown will be made to your exact measurements.  You will be responsible for the measurements that you provide us, these will be used to manufacture your gown.  Please note that as we are not present to take your measurements we cannot be responsible for errors made in the measurements that you provide us.
We highly recommend that you have a professional such as a seamstress take the measurements for you.  If you do not have access to a seamstress then we suggest a family member or friend, DO NOT TAKE YOUR OWN MEASUREMENTS BY YOURSELF!!
Tips: Use a vinyl tape measure - not fabric as these stretch over time.

What measurements are required for custom sizes?
There are quite a few measurements required for a custom made gown, please visit our made to measure link for more details. We can make any size in custom made.

What sizes do the gowns come in for the standard size?
AUS 2-26

If you require another size we suggest using the custom made service.

Why is it that when I measure myself that I seem to be a size bigger than my normal
clothes size?
Don't despair! Gown sizes are sometimes different to you normal clothes size.

 What are your shipping charges?
Shipping charges are calculated by weight and destination.
Please find a guide below.
Large Bridal Gowns - $30-$50
Medium Gowns - $20-$30
Bridesmaids Gowns - $15.00-$20
 (multiple gowns receive a combined postage rate)
Flower Girls - $15.00
 All parcels are sent via registered post and are insured.
The shipping charge will not show in your shopping cart, we will invoice you for the shipping.
For international rates please email us at dressofyourdreams@bigpond.com

 What is better a corset style back or a zipper?
A corset style back is excellent for those who's weight may fluctuate as you can pull the ties in
 or out to accommodate, a zipper is fine if this is not a problem for you.

If a gown is pictured with a corset back can I have a zipper back instead and vice versa?
Yes, you can change the back however additional fees may apply depending on the dress.  

Can I make any changes to a gown?
  Depending on how much needs to be changed it may cost extra, if there are too many changes to the design this may not be possible. 
 Prices depend on the detail of the change.  Please email us to find out details about making changes dressofyourdreams@bigpond.com

I have seen a gown I really like, however it is made in Chiffon, can I have it made in satin?
Yes we can make just about any change!

 What gown style suits my figure?
A-Line/Princess
  - A-line dresses are fitted around the bodice and flow outward to the ground, resembling the shape of an uppercase A.
There is no marked waist or other cuts in the structure of the gown. A-line gowns can be short (above the knee) or flow all the way to the ground and include a long train.
A-line dresses are ideal for many body types. The long, continuous lines elongate a shorter bride. The A-line skirt slims and hides a heavier lower body.

Ball Gowns -
Ball gowns will remind you of fairy tales. The bodice is fitted and the skirt is
 very full.  These type of gowns are very formal. Ball gowns come with a variety of different necklines and sleeve lengths - including sleeveless. Ball gowns can be worn with or without a train.  Ball gowns are best for slender figures or pear-shapes, as the full skirt hides large 
hips and thighs.
 

Column (Sheath) - The column wedding dress has a very slim shape that flows straight down from neckline to hemline.
These type of gowns are normally floor length and can be worn at casual or extravagant weddings, depending on the fabric.
Column gowns are best for thin brides. The straight design does not allow to hide many body flaws. This kind of dress looks
especially nice on short, lean women, as it elongates their silhouette.

Empire - The empire gown has a raised waistline that begins right below the bust. From there, the dress flows toward outward to the floor. Traditionally, the empire dress has a square neckline.
This design is very versatile and comes in a variety of skirt styles from contouring to A-shape. Sleeves vary from sleeveless to flowing, bell styles.
Empire dresses can be worn at outdoor, casual weddings, as well as fancy church affairs. Though it is nice for any body type, the empire gown is especially fitting for small breasted women.


Mermaid/Fishtail - 
The mermaid dress looks exactly as the name indicates. The dress is contoured against the body all the way to the knee. Then the gown flares out to the hem.
This style is considered the sexiest of the five basic wedding gown types. Because it hugs the body, you must be very confident to wear this style.
The mermaid gown is normally worn by slender women. However if you love your curvy figure and want to flaunt it, this dress may be for you.


 What fabric and beading do you use?
Our manufacturer uses high quality satin, chiffon, organza and taffeta.  
Beading consists of swarovski crystal, czech diamonds, bugle, seed and matsuno beading and high quality sequins.

 Can you make size alterations for me?
No, you will need to have a professional seamstress alter the gown for you if necessary.


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