Michelle's Bridal and Tuxedo in Urbana, IL has been making Brides say YES to the dress for over 30 years. Since the store first opened many things have changed, but the questions that Brides ask when first shopping for their gowns have not!
Here are a few of Michelle's most frequently asked questions, and our most expert answers:
Q: When should I start looking for wedding gowns?
A: Order as far ahead of your wedding as you can! Ideally, you should begin your shopping 9-12 months before the wedding date. It takes an average of 6-7 months for the gowns to come in, depending on the manufacturer and you also want to allow enough time for custom fitting.
Q: I saw a dress online (or at another store), but when I called you didnt carry that dress as a sample in the store. Can I still order it from you?
A: Michelles can order any gown from the manufacturers and divisions we represent, even if we do not have the sample in the store.
Q: When will the "new" dresses be coming in?
A: Most gown designers have two seasons per year. This really only effects when the gowns are purchased and no always when they arrive in the store. Because each designers manufacturing and shipping are different, new gowns are almost constantly arriving.
Q: If I buy my gown a year in advance, will it be outdated before my wedding even gets here?
When you're shopping and planning to purchase your gown, don't worry too much about the new seasons or upcoming styles. From season to season there are always going to be new things you haven't seen, but the styles take many, many seasons to drastically change. So there is no need worry about your new purchase being outdated before it even arrives
Q: Can you give out prices of your dresses over the phone?
A: We do not typically give out prices of our dresses over the phone. Michelle's has an amazing staff in the store and believes our Brides should experience all of our services and additional incentives we may include in the price of the gowns.
Q: Do I need an appointment to try on gowns at Michelle's?
A: Walk-ins are always welcome, however we do recommend making an appointment to ensure the best service possible. Room and stylists availability depends on our appointments. We want to make sure we can accommodate any Brides who are wanting to shop, so it is better to call ahead.
Q: How many people can I bring to my appointment?
A: We recommend not bringing more than 3-4 guests to your bridal appointment. Space is limited and it is also important that there are not too many opinions being offered to the bride. Too many opinions can get stressful and not allow the bride to truly pick her favorite gown without being influenced by everyone else at the appointment.
If you really want to bring a large group to your appointment we definitely recommend booking a
Champagne Appointment. These appointments allow you to bring up to 10 guests and you get to shop with an extended time of three hours after the store is closed.
Q: What do I need to bring to my appointment?
A: One recommendation is to wear proper undergarments. If you have a strapless bra, you can bring it with you, but we do have bras here for you to use as well. Also, we DO allow you to take pictures, so feel free to bring a camera with you!
Q: What can I expect at my first appointment at Michelles?
A: For your first appointment it is important to arrive ON TIME! We want you to have plenty of time to look for your perfect dress, but we work by appointments, so if you are late it cuts into the time you have with your stylist. Arriving 10 minutes early is even recommended in order fill out all of your information.
After filling out your information, your stylist will sit down with you to conduct an interview to get a better feel for your wedding and the type of gowns you are looking for. Your stylist will then give you a tour of our store and explain how our wedding gowns are arranged and information about our sample pieces. After this, you will begin selecting some of your favorites styles for your stylist to help you try. Throughout your appointment you or your professional stylist may choose to select additional gowns which meet your criteria. Finally, after finding the perfect gown, you say YES TO THE DRESS!
Q: Several of my Bridesmaids/Groomsmen do not live in the area. How do we get them fitted properly?
A: When you create an account at Michelle's you will need to provide us with the names of all your wedding party members. We prefer them to be measured here, but when that is not possible, measurements and payments may be submitted over the phone. They will just need to have proper measurement taken at a local Bridal Shop/Tuxedo Retailer and give us a call. We can select sizes (with their help) over the phone.
Q: Does Michelles Bridal offer alterations?
A: We do have a full service alteration department for Brides and Mothers who have purchased their gowns here. For bridesmaids and dresses not purchased at our store, we do provide a list of area seamstresses that we refer our customers to.
Q: You measured me off my gown, so why do I need alterations?
A: Michelle's stylists will measure and discuss with you the size that is best for you to order. The majority of customers will require some alterations to provide for a more customized fit, and even the correct size may not have exactly the desired fit you want.
Q: What are your payment options?
A: In order to special order a gown we require a 60% deposit. We accept Cash, Personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express for your convenience. Gowns must be paid in full within 30 of arrival in the store, but you are welcome to make monthly payments while we're waiting for your gown to arrive.
Are you ready to say YES to YOUR dress? Request an appointment online or call us to book an appointment at 217-384-7914.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to call us. One of our experienced staff will be happy to direct you to the answers you need to get started shopping for the perfect gown. We look forward to sharing our expertise with you and assisting you with all your wedding planning!
Q: When should I start looking for wedding gowns?
A: Order as far ahead of your wedding as you can! Ideally, you should begin your shopping 9-12 months before the wedding date. It takes an average of 6-7 months for the gowns to come in, depending on the manufacturer and you also want to allow enough time for custom fitting.
Q: I saw a dress online (or at another store), but when I called you didnt carry that dress as a sample in the store. Can I still order it from you?
A: Michelles can order any gown from the manufacturers and divisions we represent, even if we do not have the sample in the store.
Q: When will the "new" dresses be coming in?
A: Most gown designers have two seasons per year. This really only effects when the gowns are purchased and no always when they arrive in the store. Because each designers manufacturing and shipping are different, new gowns are almost constantly arriving.
Q: If I buy my gown a year in advance, will it be outdated before my wedding even gets here?
When you're shopping and planning to purchase your gown, don't worry too much about the new seasons or upcoming styles. From season to season there are always going to be new things you haven't seen, but the styles take many, many seasons to drastically change. So there is no need worry about your new purchase being outdated before it even arrives
Q: Can you give out prices of your dresses over the phone?
A: We do not typically give out prices of our dresses over the phone. Michelle's has an amazing staff in the store and believes our Brides should experience all of our services and additional incentives we may include in the price of the gowns.
Q: Do I need an appointment to try on gowns at Michelle's?
A: Walk-ins are always welcome, however we do recommend making an appointment to ensure the best service possible. Room and stylists availability depends on our appointments. We want to make sure we can accommodate any Brides who are wanting to shop, so it is better to call ahead.
Q: How many people can I bring to my appointment?
A: We recommend not bringing more than 3-4 guests to your bridal appointment. Space is limited and it is also important that there are not too many opinions being offered to the bride. Too many opinions can get stressful and not allow the bride to truly pick her favorite gown without being influenced by everyone else at the appointment.
If you really want to bring a large group to your appointment we definitely recommend booking a Champagne Appointment. These appointments allow you to bring up to 10 guests and you get to shop with an extended time of three hours after the store is closed.
Q: What do I need to bring to my appointment?
A: One recommendation is to wear proper undergarments. If you have a strapless bra, you can bring it with you, but we do have bras here for you to use as well. Also, we DO allow you to take pictures, so feel free to bring a camera with you!
Q: What can I expect at my first appointment at Michelles?
A: For your first appointment it is important to arrive ON TIME! We want you to have plenty of time to look for your perfect dress, but we work by appointments, so if you are late it cuts into the time you have with your stylist. Arriving 10 minutes early is even recommended in order fill out all of your information.
After filling out your information, your stylist will sit down with you to conduct an interview to get a better feel for your wedding and the type of gowns you are looking for. Your stylist will then give you a tour of our store and explain how our wedding gowns are arranged and information about our sample pieces. After this, you will begin selecting some of your favorites styles for your stylist to help you try. Throughout your appointment you or your professional stylist may choose to select additional gowns which meet your criteria. Finally, after finding the perfect gown, you say YES TO THE DRESS!
Q: Several of my Bridesmaids/Groomsmen do not live in the area. How do we get them fitted properly?
A: When you create an account at Michelle's you will need to provide us with the names of all your wedding party members. We prefer them to be measured here, but when that is not possible, measurements and payments may be submitted over the phone. They will just need to have proper measurement taken at a local Bridal Shop/Tuxedo Retailer and give us a call. We can select sizes (with their help) over the phone.
Q: Does Michelles Bridal offer alterations?
A: We do have a full service alteration department for Brides and Mothers who have purchased their gowns here. For bridesmaids and dresses not purchased at our store, we do provide a list of area seamstresses that we refer our customers to.
Q: You measured me off my gown, so why do I need alterations?
A: Michelle's stylists will measure and discuss with you the size that is best for you to order. The majority of customers will require some alterations to provide for a more customized fit, and even the correct size may not have exactly the desired fit you want.
Q: What are your payment options?
A: In order to special order a gown we require a 60% deposit. We accept Cash, Personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express for your convenience. Gowns must be paid in full within 30 of arrival in the store, but you are welcome to make monthly payments while we're waiting for your gown to arrive.
Are you ready to say YES to YOUR dress? Request an appointment online or call us to book an appointment at 217-384-7914.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to call us. One of our experienced staff will be happy to direct you to the answers you need to get started shopping for the perfect gown. We look forward to sharing our expertise with you and assisting you with all your wedding planning!