'Say Yes' Checklist
This is the first day of the rest of your life and you deserve the perfect gown! Use the information below to prepare for your appointment at the Special Event Boutique in Alexandria, MN.
Prior to your appointment...
Find Your Bridal Dress Style
Take time to browse through the links of our bridal designers to see all the gowns in their collections. This will aid you in developing a vision for your bridal style. There will be things you like, things you don't, and things you definitely can’t live without. We want to help you find the perfect silhouette, color, detail, & fabric.
Know Your Price Range
The first important step in narrowing down the perfect dress for you is to figure out your budget. Our gowns in the showroom range in price from $300-$2,000. Designer and the amount of dress detail plays into the pricing variations.
Throughout the year, we sometimes discount our floor samples between 40-75% off their original price. Be sure to contact us for details if you would like more information on specific prices or samples.
Book An Appointment ASAP
To provide ample time to order and alter your wedding dress, we recommend starting the try on process as soon as possible and ordering your gown 4-12 months ahead of time. This provides plenty of time for alterations! Rush orders are available, but can add unneeded stress.
Sample Sizes
Our sizes range from size 6 up to size 30, which includes a good selection of plus size gowns. Our bridal consultants have many techniques and tricks for making the gowns fit you as close to your size as possible! Once you’ve found THE gown, we will take your measurements and order your dress as close to your current size as possible.
Get Excited!
Get excited – wedding dress shopping is so much fun and should be one of the most exciting decisions you make!
This is your day and your gown. Although you may not have any tears when you 'say yes' to a dress... you should wear what makes you feel absolutely beautiful. We promise, when you find the right gown... you will know!
Day of your appointment...
Arrive On (or Ahead) of Time
On average, the appointment can last from 1-3 hours, which depends on the bride and how many gowns they would like to try on. We try to show you everything you want and need to try on.
We have over 200 dresses in our shop, so at the beginning of the appointment, you'll have a brief consultation to seek style information prior to selecting gowns, while your guests are accommodated in the bridal viewing area. You will have our undivided attention from the beginning to end of your private appointment!
Dress Selection
Your certified consultant will be assisting you with the handling of gowns, from selection to presentation. Keep an open mind as your bridal stylist recommends certain styles and silhouettes! Some gowns look COMPLETELY different on the hanger than they do on your body.
Undergarments, Shoes & Accessories
Bring proper undergarments. You want to envision yourself on your wedding day, so items such as Spanx, a strapless bra, and shoes play a key role! Nude undergarments give you the most accurate idea of how a gown will look. Do not worry if you are without these items. A strapless bra is helpful, but not necessarily needed. Most of the gowns can be worn braless, and typically bust cups are put in during alterations. Underwear is required to try on all gowns.
Also consider bringing a hair tie if you plan to wear your hair up, jewelry if you know you are going to wear it on your wedding day, the veil you may have inherited, and shoes if you want to visualize how you will walk in your gown.
Bridal Consultants
You can count on the certified consultants of the Special Event Boutique to serve you from "I will to I do" while making this experience memorable, fun, timely, & hassle free.
Following your appointment...
Alterations
We suggest a timeline of 8-12 weeks for alterations leading up to your wedding date.
We have a list of experienced and trusted seamstresses we can provide to help with your alterations.
Dress Selection
Your certified consultant will be assisting you with the handling of gowns, from selection to presentation. It is important for you to feel served, as this is one of life’s most memorable experiences. We will openly and candidly answer any and all your questions.
Consultants
You can count on the certified consultants of the Special Event Boutique to serve you from "I will to I do" while making this experience memorable, fun, timely, & hassle free.