Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and the selection of your bridal gown! What happens next? Naturally, you have questions on what to expect now that your gown has been purchased. We address our most frequently asked questions below so you will feel confident and comfortable with your alterations experience at Castle Couture.

When will my gown arrive?

Within 2-3 weeks after the gown is ordered, you will be contacted by our special orders coordinator via email. At that time, you will be given an estimated time of arrival. We expect the gowns to arrive, generally, between 6-9 months from the date it was ordered. Once we receive your gown, we will contact you via email to set up an appointment to try on the gown. Please schedule your appointment within 2 weeks of receiving our email (and please check your junk email folder regularly).

What is a T.O.G.?

A TOG stands for "Try On Gown." This appointment is to ensure the correct style, size, and length of your gown has been received correctly and to make sure all is well with the gown. Any open balances would be due in FULL at this time. All dresses and accessories MUST go home with you after your TOG unless you would like to store the dresses at Castle Couture (a monthly fee of $50 applies) or if you are having your alterations done here. Please advise our staff when checking out if you would like to have your dress(es) stored or if you will be having your alterations done here. Should you choose to have your alterations done at Castle Couture, we will set up your first alterations appointment before you finish checking out from your TOG.

Why doesn't my gown fit me like a glove? (MUST READ-VERY IMPORTANT!)

We all come in different shapes and sizes and, therefore, you cannot expect your gown to fit you perfectly when it arrives. The manufacturers DO NOT DO SPLIT SIZING. We take measurements of your bust, waist, and hips and recommend ordering your gown in the largest size that corresponds to your measurements at the time of purchase and the excess material in the smaller areas would be pinned and worked on during the alterations process.

How do alterations fittings work? How many fittings will I have?

Starting from your first alterations fitting, your gown remains with us throughout the alterations process. The alterations consultant/seamstress working with you will help you in to and out of your gown. Please make sure to bring with you the shoes and any under garments you may wear during the wedding. We do have corsets and cups in stock that are available for purchase. At this time, your seamstress will determine how many fittings are required and will give you a price quote determined by the anticipated work to be done. Alterations are a process; therefore, it is typical to have 5+ appointments.

All Seamstresses are independent contractors and, therefore, Castle Couture cannot determine pricing; we offer the service as a convenience to our brides. You have the right to ask for a price quote prior to pinning. Alteration fees are due IN FULL at the time of the first fitting.

*** CASTLE COUTURE HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ALTERATIONS TO ANY GOWN ***

What happens if I lose weight?

Sometimes, by the time the gown has arrived, the bride's body has changed, whether from weight loss, weight gain, building muscle, or other body modification. We determined the size of your gown by the largest measurement at the time of sale and your consultant reviewed your order with you and had you sign off (initial) on your size for confirmation. Castle Couture is not responsible for a gown not fitting as a result of weight loss, weight gain, muscle gain, weight loss surgery, or other body modification. In the event of a significant fluctuation - a change of 4 or more dress sizes - our alterations department is not liable to remake your gown and has the right to refuse to do alterations on it.

How many people may accompany me to my appointments?

We recommend that you have no more than 2 guests at your TOG and fittings appointments.

• Call Castle Couture to schedule your alterations at least 3 MONTHS before your wedding. An alteration appointment is for alterations only. If you would like to shop for bridal accessories, please schedule an appointment with an Accessories Consultant to assist you. Bring the shoes you will wear on your wedding day to all your fittings as well as appropriate undergarments (underwear, bra, shapewear etc.)
• By the law of the state of New Jersey, all clients MUST wear underwear or Castle Couture has the right to refuse service and client will be subject to cancellation including a fee of $200. We can accommodate up to 2 GUESTS for your alterations appointment. Please do your best to arrive on time, late arrivals may be asked to reschedule.
• A rush fee may be applied to any gown needing alterations completed in less than 60 days. The rush fee amount will vary depending on the severity of the rush. Please reach out to a manager with any concerns as soon as possible.
• Alterations prices are based on the level of difficulty and what needs to be altered. A sample dress might cost more to alter than a couture dress. The price of the gown does not reflect how much you will pay for alterations.
• Alterations are paid in full at the conclusion of your initial fitting appointment. You will have approximately between 4-5 alterations appointments. The number of appointments will be determined by the level of difficulty and the fit of the gown. Before you commit to having alterations completed at Castle Couture, make sure you are comfortable with multiple trips to the store. If there is a seamstress closer to your home or work, please consider this as an option. Your time and happiness are truly important to us.
• If after your first fitting you decide not to have Castle Couture complete your alterations, there will be a $50 pinning fee.
• All gowns (bridal, evening, prom & special occasion) must be paid in full before we can schedule your first appointment.
• For "no show" appointments, there will be a fee of $100 applied to every appointment missed as our seamstresses come in for each scheduled appointment.