Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is an appointment necessary?
  • Can I buy a gown over the phone?
  • Can I buy a gown off the rack?
  • When should I order my gown?
  • What is RUSH Shipping?
  • What kind of a deposit is required to place an order?
  • Can I get extra fabric?
  • Do you accept returns?
  • When should my bridesmaids order their dresses?
  • How are alterations handled?
  • How to my out of town bridesmaids order their dresses?
  • Can we rent tuxedos from you?
  • How soon should my Mom get her dress?
  • Do you provide steaming service?
  • What types of payments to you accept?
  • Will you match a competitor's price?
  • Is an appointment necessary?

    Walk-in customers are always welcome. However, we occasionally do run behind during really busy times.  If this is the case, we will do our very best to make your wait as short as possible. 

    During the busy bridal season (January thru May), we suggest you make an appointment, especially if you have a large party coming with you.  This will insure that we have plenty of time to spend with you while you look for the perfect gown for your very special day.

    If you are planning to order INVITATIONS - and appointment is needed.  

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    Can I buy a gown over the phone?

    Yes, you can make a purchase over the phone.  We do, however, recommend you try the dress on first, to insure its something you really like.  Once you decide, we have size charts for our designers on our website.  We strongly encourage you to get your measurements taken by a seamstress or at another bridal shop.  

    Remember bridal gowns fit differently than other clothing, so the correct size for you is likely to be different from the size you wear in everyday clothing.  Be prepared to find that you may need 1 - 2 sizes LARGER in bridal clothing.  Don't panic, it is just a number and you won't be wearing the tag on the outside!  

    Also remember, that even though measurements are taken to help decide on the size, you will need alterations.

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    Can I buy a gown off the rack?

    Yes, absolutely.  If we have a dress that fits you and you want to buy it the day of your visit, you are more than welcome to do so.

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    When should I order my gown?

    We recommend that you order your dress at least six to nine months before the wedding.  Bridal gowns are not a stock item.  Each gown is cut after the order is placed with the company.  Generally it takes 12-20 weeks (3-5 months) for a gown to be shipped. 

    By placing your order early, you have plenty of time for the gown to be delivered as well as time for fittings with a seamstress.  Please remember that you will most likely need alterations of some kind.  Although measurements are taken, your dress will be cut to a pattern size. 

    Some designers do offer a hollow to hem option, which allows us to take your measurement from the hollow of your neck to the floor.  For an additional fee, they will then cut the dress to the correct length so alterations on length will not be necessary.  If you are thinking about hollow to hem - be sure to bring your shoes (or at least similar heel height) with you when you are measured.

    Rush cut is available for most companies at an additional charge for quicker delivery.

    Once your order is placed we are given an approximate ship date, however, the manufacturer will sometimes adjust the shipping date depending on time of year and production status.  We know you are anxious to get your gown, but keep in mind that this very special dress is being cut for you after the order is placed...so please try to be patient. 

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    What is RUSH Shipping?

    There is no actual RUSH shipping.  The manufacturer will do a RUSH CUT, which moves the production of your dress up in the manufacturing process. 

    There is an additional charge for this service (charged by the manufacturer)  and you can usually receive your dress in 7-10 weeks instead of the standard 12-20 weeks.  Please remember, however, that the manufacturer does not guarantee an exact date of shipment.  We are given an approximate ship date and as always, we are at the mercy of the production line.

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    What kind of a deposit is required to place an order?

    A 65% deposit is required to place an order any bridal attire. 

    Bridesmaids dresses will not be ordered from the manufacturer until each person in the party has made their deposit.  This will eliminate the possibility of your dresses being cut from different dye lots.

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    Can I get extra fabric?

    Yes, you can get extra fabric.  It can be ordered with your dress.  We do this to insure that the dye lot it the same for the dress.

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    Do you accept returns?

    NO - All sales are FINAL. 

    We do not accept returns or exchanges and do not give store credit.  This final sale policy is consistent with the industry standard for bridal and special occassion wear.

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    When should my bridesmaids order their dresses?

    Bridesmaids gowns should be ordered at least 6 months prior to the wedding.  These dresses, like bridal gowns, are usually shipped from the manufacturer in 14-20 weeks.  Please allow at least a month or two for alterations with a seamstress.

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    How are alterations handled?

    Alteration costs are NOT included with any dress, and must be done at your own expense. 

    Although measurements are taken at the time of the dress order, please note that you will most likely have to have alterations.  Dresses ARE NOT custom made to fit your measurements. 

    We do not have a seamstress on-site, however, we would be happy to recommend independent contractors. 

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    How to my out of town bridesmaids order their dresses?

    Out of town bridesmaids can get their measurements taken at a bridal store in their area. 

    Our website has an Out Of Town Form which can be printed out by each girl.  The form should be completed and signed.  To make the deposit with a credit card, we prefer she call with the credit card number, expiration date, and security code.   To make a deposit with a check, complete the form and mail both items to:

    Wishes and Whims Bridal

    526 Graham Road, #3
    Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221

    Bridesmaids gowns should be ordered at least 5-6 months prior to the wedding.  These dresses, like bridal gowns, are usually shipped from the manufacturer in 12-20 weeks.  Please allow at least a month for alterations with a seamstress.  Dresses can be shipped directly to the bridesmaid from our shop.  There is an additional charge for this service, but well worth it, so the bride doesn't have to do it.

     

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    Can we rent tuxedos from you?

    Yes, we now have tuxedo rental available.  Click here to view the tuxes we have available.

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    How soon should my Mom get her dress?

    Like the bride and her attendants, Mom should get her dress well in advance.  We suggest that she order her dress at least 5-6 months prior to the wedding.  Delivery on a Mother's dress takes anywhere from 12-20 weeks. 

    We do have a couple of designers that have hanging stock and those dresses.  If your Mom's size is available when we call in the it order, the dress can be shipped to us within 48 - 72 hours.

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    Do you provide steaming service?

    All bridal gowns purchased at Wishes and Whims Bridal are steamed before leaving the shop.  However, once alterations are done, you can have your dress re-steamed before the wedding, for a minimal fee.

    We do offer steaming services for gowns not purchased at our shop. 

    Please call us (330-923-4333) for pricing.

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    What types of payments to you accept?

    We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Check, Cash, Debit Card, Cashier's Check or Money Order.

    Deposits can be made in any form.  We do ask that when picking up your dress, you pay your final amount with cash or a credit card.  If you choose to use a check, your merchandise will be held at the store for 14 days, until the check has cleared the bank.

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    Will you match a competitor's price?

    NO, we will NOT match a price for an internet store.   As for local competitors, we will sometimes match a price, however, not always.   We already have very competitive prices, however, you can always ask.

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