You Said Yes to the Dress — Now What?

You just said yes to your wedding dress. Tears may have been shed. Maybe a happy dance happened. We've seen it all over 35 years, and it never gets old.

But once the excitement settles, almost every bride has the same thought: Okay… what happens next?

That's a great question, and you deserve a straight answer. Here's exactly what the process looks like at Sandra D's, from the moment we write up your order to the day you walk out with your gown.

Step 1: What happens right after you say yes

When you find your dress, we sit down together and go through your order. We'll confirm your measurements, note any customization requests, and place the order with the designer. Most bridal gowns are made to order, meaning they're not sitting in a warehouse waiting for you.

• Order placed: We record your measurements, confirm your color and size, and submit the order to the designer. You'll get a copy of everything.

• Production window: Most gowns take 5-6 months to arrive which varies by designer. We'll tell you the expected arrival date at the time of purchase. This is why we always tell brides: shop earlier than you think you need to.

• Arrival & inspection: When your gown comes in, we inspect it carefully before we even call you.

• Pick-up / first fitting: Once we call you, we ask if you would like to schedule a first look appointment. This is an opportunity to come in and try on your wedding dress again. During this appointment, it is a great time to try on veils and accessories. For us at Sandra D’s Bridal Boutique, the owner offers alterations on dresses purchased here which is a separate fee from the gown. Your first fitting would need to be scheduled at least 2 months prior to the wedding date.

Heads up

Bridal gowns are typically ordered in a standard size closest to your measurements, then altered to fit you perfectly. This is completely normal, it's how the whole bridal industry works, and it's why alterations are part of the process, not a surprise.

Step 2: Alterations: how they work and what they cost

Yes, we do alterations! We have a skilled seamstress right here (which is the owner)!

How it works

Alterations typically happen in three or so fittings, spaced out as your wedding day gets closer. At the first fitting, your seamstress will assess what the dress needs. From there, she'll do the work, and you'll come back to check the fit until everything is exactly right.

• Fitting 1: Assessment and pinning: hems, taking in the bodice, checking the straps. Don’t forget to bring your shoes!

• Fitting 2: Try on the adjusted gown. Fine-tune anything that needs it, then taking a look at where the bustle would would be added.

• Fitting 3: Your dress should feel like it was made for you. At this appointment, we typically show you how the bustle works.

• Additional fittings: depending on what else is needed, the seamstress will assess if additional fittings are needed.

What does it add to the total cost?

Honestly? It depends on what your dress needs. A hem is different from restructuring an entire bodice. Every bride is different, and every dress is different.

We're not able to give you an exact price until the dress comes in. Ask us about general ranges when you visit! We'd rather have that conversation in person, then we can explain what needs to be done to make the wedding dress yours!

What we can tell you: budget for alterations as part of your total dress investment. It's not an add-on to be surprised, it's part of making the gown yours.

Step 3: Deposits and payment terms

When you place your order, we collect a deposit to confirm your gown with the designer. Here's how that works at Sandra D's:

Deposit

50% of the gown price is due at the time of ordering. This confirms your order and locks in your dress.

Balance due

The remaining balance is due within 30 days of notification of its arrival.

Alterations

Alteration fees are quoted separately and paid at the final fitting.

Payment methods

We accept cash, check, or credit card. If you are taking your gown home the same day, any balance will need to be paid with cash or credit card.

We'll walk through all of this with you in the boutique. Nothing is buried in fine print.

Step 4: Returns/Cancellations

Because bridal gowns are made to order specifically for you, there are NO returns or cancellations when you purchase your wedding dress.

A note from us

We've been dressing Wisconsin brides since 1989, we believe you deserve to know exactly what you're getting into when you say yes to a dress. No surprises. No pressure. Just a really beautiful gown and a team that's rooting for you.

Questions? Call us or send us a message. We're right here in Watertown, Wisconsin, and we love talking weddings.

Ready to find your dress?

Book an appointment with our team and come find your wedding dress. We can't wait to meet you!