At Moments Made Bridal, there's nothing we love more than helping brides find the dress—the one that makes your heart skip a beat, the one that makes you feel like a bride for the very first time. That magical moment when you say “yes to the dress” is filled with excitement, happy tears, and celebration. But once the confetti settles and the selfies are taken, many brides are left wondering—what happens next?
Don’t worry! We’re here to walk you through what to expect after saying yes. There’s a little more to do before you walk down the aisle, and knowing what to expect can make the rest of your dress journey smooth and stress-free.
1. The Contract: Making it Official
After you change out of the dress and back into your clothes, you’ll begin the purchasing process. Buying a wedding gown is different from buying an everyday outfit—it’s a major purchase with specific policies.
You'll be asked to review and sign a contract confirming your purchase. This contract outlines that all wedding dress sales are final—meaning no returns or refunds. This is standard across the bridal industry, but it’s important to read the agreement carefully and ask any questions you may have. Our team will walk you through it and make sure you feel confident before moving forward.
2. Steam and Detail: Preparing Your Gown for Pickup
Once your dress arrives at our store (or if you’re purchasing a sample gown), we’ll make sure it looks flawless before it leaves our hands. Every dress goes through a steam and detail process to ensure it's in pristine condition.
Our bridal team will:
- Steam the gown to remove wrinkles.
- Check for loose beads or threads.
- Inspect lacework and seams.
- Remove any makeup marks or small imperfections.
We want your gown to be as picture-perfect as the day you found it—ready for your big moment.
3. Alterations: Tailoring Your Dream Dress
Most wedding dresses require some level of tailoring to fit perfectly. While Moments Made Bridal doesn’t offer in-house alterations, we work closely with trusted local seamstresses and are happy to recommend one that fits your needs.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Book early! Seamstresses often fill up months in advance.
- Plan to start your alterations about 2 to 3 months before the wedding.
- Allow at least 4 to 6 weeks for your alterations to be completed.
- Aim to have the final fitting 1 to 2 weeks before the big day, just in case minor tweaks are needed.
If you're wearing specific shoes or undergarments, bring them to every fitting to ensure the best results.
4. Accessories: Completing the Look
If you didn’t select your accessories during your dress appointment, now’s the time to do so! The right accessories can transform your bridal look and tie everything together.
At Moments Made, we offer a curated selection of bridal accessories, including:
- Veils in various lengths and styles.
- Jewelry to add sparkle and elegance.
- Hair accessories like combs, pins, and vines.
- Belts to accentuate your waist or add a touch of glam.
- Jackets, overskirts and more for coverage or a second-look reveal.
We recommend scheduling a styling appointment so you can try these accessories on with your dress—it’s the best way to make sure everything complements your gown beautifully.
Saying yes to the dress is just the beginning of your bridal journey with us. From steaming and detailing to tailoring and accessorizing, our goal is to ensure your experience is just as magical after the purchase as it is during your appointment.
If you ever have questions or need guidance during the process, we’re always here to help. After all, this is more than just a dress—it’s the start of your forever.