Frequently asked questions
do i need an appointment?
Because with each appointment the bride reserves the entire shop for herself, we do recommend appointments to ensure that you don’t waste a trip and have us run the risk of missing the opportunity to meet you! Saturday’s are our busiest days and book quickly so it’s best to plan ahead and allow yourself plenty of time for your must have date!
WHAT designers do you carry and what IS THE PRICE RANGE OF YOUR GOWNS?
We carry Stella York, Essense of Australia, and Martina Liana with prices ranging from approximately $1,200 to $3,500. If you have specific questions about a certain designers price range, please contact the boutique! We know that buying a wedding gown is a huge purchase so we only require a 60% non-refundable deposit on your order with the remaining balance due in 60 days! That allows for an easier time in affording your dream dress! We believe that every bride no matter her budget deserves an amazing experience! For dresses below a $1200 budget, visit our sister store Tiffinie Bleu Sample Studio in historic Summerville! No appointment necessary!
HOW LONG ARE APPOINTMENT TIMES?
Because with each appointment the bride reserves the entire shop for herself, we allot an hour and a half for appointments. It’s very important that you and your party arrive promptly so we can get started on focusing on you-the VIB-very important bride! Upon arriving at the boutique, you will be greeted and taken to your private VIB suite for a meet and greet while enjoying champagne and cookies! We want to get to know you and hear all about your vision! Plus it helps get you a little more comfortable when getting down to your skivvies with a couple of strangers!
CAN I CANCEL MY APPOINTMENT?
Absolutely! But if you do, you will be missing out on one amazing dress shopping experience! Just ask any of our brides! Because so much work and preparation goes into your appointment from the champagne to custom cookies by local baker Aimee Johnson, we ask that you contact us to cancel within 24 hours of your appointment. Before saying yes to the dress anywhere else, make sure you give yourself the chance to say “I do” with Tiffinie Bleu!
CAN I BRING A LARGE PARTY TO MY APPOINTMENT?
Squad goals! While we love a good bridal entourage, let’s be honest-wrangling a group of girls together at the same time can be harder than finding the perfect shade of foundation! As part of our complimentary VIB package of champagne and custom cookies, we recommend that you limit your party to four or less during your visit at Tiffinie Bleu. Having to wait on a large bridal party to arrive before getting started on the appointment cuts into your time as the bride! It’s your day-you deserve the attention! Not to mention, we are an intimate boutique with limited space and seating and have found that the opinions of a trusted few always make for an easier decision for you! You will thank us later! Afraid you will upset people by not inviting them? We recommend bringing them to your appointment to pick up your gown so they get to see your choice without you being all clipped into it!
WHEN SHOULD I ORDER MY WEDDING DRESS?
Dresses can take up to four to six months to produce, since it is being made to order. When you factor in shipping and alterations, it could be a six month total process. We suggest deciding on a dress six to nine months prior to your wedding date, so you have time built in for fittings and accessorizing. There are options for weddings under six months, but rush fees can apply. Why spend the extra money on rush fees that you could be spending on fun things like Starbucks and mani/pedi’s?!
WHAT IS A TRUNK SHOW?
Tiffinie Bleu carries an edited selection of each designer’s collection, but trunk shows are a designated time that Tiffinie Bleu will have an extended selection of a particular designer. The trunk shows only last a couple of days, and appointments fill up quickly, so we recommend you book early if one of your favorite designers will be visiting Tiffinie Bleu and you want to be able to shop the whole line. Discounts apply on trunk show merchandise during the trunk show dates only.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY APPOINTMENT?
Take some time to look through Pinterest and Instagram so you have a general idea of what you prefer in a wedding dress. This will help us get started in the selection process; although, your stylist may also have some recommendations that you will love. She will be your trusted guide! It is helpful that you remember to wear proper undergarments-specifically panties! We appreciate your undi-standing!
DO YOU DO FITTINGS IN YOUR SHOP AND HOW MUCH DO ALTERATIONS COST?
We do not have in-house alterations. A sewest’s shop has all the nice tools at their fingertips to achieve a perfect fit and any last minute changes you may want to make to your gown. Also, we don’t have any required alterations packages, which means you only pay for what you need to have done to make your gown fit like a glove! Standard alterations typically run around $300 – $600 with our seamstress, depending on the changes made to the gown. When adding sleeves or making other significant customizations, final pricing can run slightly higher. Our seamstress works exclusively with our brides; however, they do not work in or for the boutique. We outsource this step in order to provide the most conservative pricing in regards to the alterations process, all the while offering the best in the business to our brides.
DO YOU HAVE PLUS SIZE SAMPLES?
Your wedding dress should be as unique and special as your magical wedding day, now plus size brides can look no further than our designer plus size wedding dress collection. From classic lace wedding gowns to sexy backless bridal gowns, our figure-flattering gown collection was designed for every bride – from sizes 2-34/36. Our plus-size gowns feature straight-from-the-runway trends and offer plenty of appeal for the classic or modest bride. Exquisite details and curve-hugging silhouettes make our plus-size wedding dresses a dream, no matter your size! We pride ourselves in doing our best to accommodate as many beautiful body types as possible with our sample dresses and have a various selection of sample gowns size 18-28. We use clips and modesty panels for dresses that are on the small side and clips for dresses that are too big, in order to give you the best possible idea of what our dresses will fit like when they are tailored to you. We absolutely understand that this is a major shopping experience and it isn’t enjoyable for anyone if we don’t carry what you are looking for! If you have specific questions or if you would like to speak to someone directly about your size concerns and learn more about what we have just for you, please call or email the boutique!
WHY DO YOU NEED MY CREDIT CARD INFORMATION TO RESERVE AN APPOINTMENT?
We require a credit card on file to reserve an appointment to prevent no-shows. Your information is never stored past your appointment date and is never shared. Your card will not be charged if you keep your appointment or you cancel/reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment time. If you are a no-show your credit card will be charged a no-show fee of $35.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY “YES” TO THE DRESS!
Sometimes we hear brides say, “I didn’t expect to find my dress today.” Well then, expect the unexpected! Prepare to purchase. Of course, it’s a big decision, but if you’ve come into the store knowing your budget, knowing what you like (and don’t like), having your most important people with you and you find a dress that you love—go with it! TV shows and movies often play up that brides put on dress after dress to find “the one.” But trying on a ton of gowns at a ton of shops usually only complicates and exhausts the decision-making process.