Frequently Asked Questions
Do most brides find their dress the first time?
The answer is YES, the vast majority of brides find their dress the very first time they are here! Every bride’s journey is wonderfully unique, so be ready to fall in love and add your dress moment to your love story.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Bring your beautiful self and your special people. You can’t recreate that special moment when you fall in love with your dress, so make sure you bring those special people.
It’s not super important to bring any particular bra as the dresses are made with bras built in, but if it makes you more comfortable to wear a strapless bra, go for it. We want you to feel totally comfortable.
No need to bring any particular shoes—the dresses are all made very long.
Wearing your hair and make up similar to how you will at your wedding can be very helpful, to get a feel for the whole look.
Please DO wear some kind of underwear for hygienic reasons.
How much does a wedding dress cost?
It totally depends on what you are looking for! We have three distinct collections to fit everyone’s budget:
COUTURE COLLECTION (+/- $2500-5000)
EVERLY COLLECTION (+/- $1500-2500)
ADORE COLLECTION (+/- $500-1500)
How often do you get new dresses, and how do I see your brand new stock?
We get new dresses every single week! The best way to see our brand new styles is to follow us on Instagram @bellabridesbend as the newest dresses are featured on our story and feed.
What if my special people can’t make it to my appointment?
We are pros at zoom + facetime so that your special people who are not able to be there are totally included. Our stylists are more than happy to facilitate the video chat process.
I see your windows upstairs, but how do I get up there?
While our street address is 800 NW Wall Street, our entrance is actually around the corner on Franklin Ave, right before JC’s Bar. We are the only ones upstairs.
Where should I park?
There is a free 2 hour parking on the street or in the lot across Franklin Street from our building.
How long is a typical appointment?
We find that the perfect amount of time is an hour and a half to 2 hours, but if you are upgrading to our Shut Down the Store Appointment, there is no time limit!
How long does a dress take to come in after ordering?
Most dresses take 6 months to come in since they are cut specifically for your order.
What if my wedding is in less than 6 months?
Instead of only having samples in our store that must be ordered, we buy only new dresses for our collection. This means you can take the majority of dresses in our shop home the day of your appointment.
Will you have dresses in my size?
We carry sizes 2 - 26 in our store, and we can order sizes 00 - 30.
How many people can I bring to my appointment?
Standard Appointment = up to 5 people
Elevated Appointment = up to 10 people
Shut Down The Store Appointment = up to 15 people
Do you do alterations?
Because we have so many brides that travel from out of town, we do not do alterations in house; but that also means you get to go wherever you want! If you need a recommendation, we are happy to tell you who we trust in your area.
How long do alterations normally take?
We recommend allowing 6 - 8 weeks for alterations. If you have a shorter time frame, check with your individual alterations professional.
Does every wedding dress need alterations?
99% of wedding dresses need some kind of alteration after your order has come in. The most common alterations are bust, waist, hem, and bustle.
How much do alterations normally cost?
Alterations costs vary widely depending on the dress and the alterations professional. The average in this area is $700 - $800. Sewing is a dying art, so make sure your alterations professional does wedding dresses often.
Can I make changes to any dress? Do you do customizations?
Absolutely! Many dresses come with options to make changes directly from the designer - like adding or removing sparkle, changing undercolor or lining, or adding or removing sleeves/straps. We also facilitate further customizations by ordering extra lace, material, or beads to create a more custom vision in your alterations. Want a totally custom gown? We have a Ukrainian Designer that can start with a base design and make as many customizations as you can imagine!