FAQ's

1.Question: How do I place my order?

Answer: You should view the catalog in our website. If you find anything you want to buy just take it to shopping cart and then go to check out.

2.Question: How to choose a wedding dress style?

Answer: Everyone thinks they know how to buy a wedding gown. What most women don't realize is fabrics, style and measurements can influence the style of wedding dress that best compliments a particular body type.
a. Full figured women If you are a full figured woman the best silhouette is an A- Line. A-line lengthen the whole body without drawing attention to your waistline. The empire waist is another good choice. The empire is narrowest just below the bust and conceals your waist and hip. Many plus size girls tend to purchase wedding gowns that cover a lot of skin. If religion isn't an issue don't be afraid to show some skin. Skin is sexy and showing your arms and neckline can often make one appear smaller. Deep V necks and scoop necks flatter curvy figures and always look best on full figured women.
b. Petite A-line wedding dresses are also flattering on a petite woman. As we stated earlier it lengthens the body. Sheaths seem to shorten a small body even more. Stay clear of very full skirts. You want to keep your wedding dress in proportion to your body. Be careful with strapless. A petite woman may have to lift her arms to reach up to her new husband. A cap sleeve gives the feeling of a strapless gown and also serves a practical purpose in holding the gown in place.
c. Large bust women Off the shoulder gowns look wonderful on a full bust. It draws our attention upward, emphasizes the shoulders and minimizes the chest. Keep your skirt narrow. Wearing a full skirt will make you look large on top and bottom.
d. Bottom heavy Women who are larger through their hips and buttocks should look for a wedding dress that focuses on their upper body preferably with a full skirt. Show your arms back and bust line. Corset style bodice with lacing will highlight your upper body. We want to draw attention away from your hips. Avoid pleats or gathered fabric around the waist.

3 .Question: How often and when are new styles introduced?

Answer: New styles are introduced twice a year, the Fall Collection and the Spring Collection. Be sure and check this site for the new information, new styles.

4.Question: How can I see a swatch of the color I'm interested in before I order?

Answer: We do have fabric swatches available for purchase for only $19.99 per fabric type such as satin, chiffon and Martin, but you will also need to pay the shipping cost.

5.Question: I want to know whether the color of the dress shown in the picture is the same with swatch?

Answer: Not always. Your monitor and color correction utilities may change the colors. Different brands of computers, lighting in the room and other variables can also make the color different.

6.Question: How long should we have the dresses on our website?

Answer: We still have the dresses as long as they are displayed on our website.

7.Question: Are alterations available?

Answer: Alterations are available on the all products that we sell at shoppingrepublic.com. All alterations, including bustle are offered at an additional charge. You should allow enough time for alterations to be completed, plan on approximately 2 months prior to your portrait or wear date.

8.Question: Can I make the train longer on a bridal gown?

Answer: Yes, you can add 24", 36", or 48" to any bridal gown that is made with a train length or longer. This service is provided for an additional charge. Some of our gowns can also be ordered without trains if you prefer.

9.Question: Can I change the color of the dress or the accent of the dress. How much is there extra charge?

Answer: Yes. You can change the color of the dress or accent of the dress. But we recommend you to think over before you make any change of style or color. It might be different from your imagination. And your gown might be delayed due to the color change because we may not have that color in stock and will make special order for you. Please check our color chart and tell us the color you select and make a special note on the measurement form when you order. We usually don't charge extra if you only change the color. In case there is extra charge, we will let you know.

10.Question: How to purchase many dresses for one style with different colors and different sizes?

Answer: You should go into the dress page, choose one color (or as shown in picture) and one size that you like, fill in the numbers for quantity. Then click Add to Cart go to the next page until comes to the last page, under the payment method, there is a Special Instructions or Order Comments, please fill in your other special request about the dress in the blank. Then please click PLACE YOUR ORDER.

11.Question: How to submit my other request about the order?

Answer: Under the payment method, there is a Special Instructions or Order Comments, in this blank, please fill in your other special request about the dress. After confirming your request, please click PLACE YOUR ORDER.

12.Question: What if I am making a large / bulk order?

Answer: If you are interested in wholesale, please email your name, company name, contact information and a list of products you are interested in to support@shoppingrepublic.com. A representative will contact you, if we can accommodate your request.

13.Question: When should I order the dress and how long will it take to process the dress?

Answer: Please place your order at least 1-2 months prior to your ceremony. Due to all the dresses are custom made according to your size. It will take 15-17 working days to process the dresses.

14.Question: What is the delivery time for orders?

Answer: It will take about 3-5 working days for the package to ship from our warehouse to your destination, the exact shipping time is based on the shipping company (AAE, DHL, UPS etc) standard.

15.Question: Can I get a matching wrap or jacket for your (bridesmaid) dresses?

Answer: Yes, we do offer matching wraps, shawls and jackets for the (bridesmaid) dresses. Wraps and shawls are available in satin and chiffon and jackets are available in organza in all colors. We do not offer taffeta jackets and shawls.

16.Question: Do you make matching flower girl or junior bridesmaid dresses?

Answer: We offer several flower girls and junior bridesmaids styles that match with our bridal and bridesmaids styles.

17.Question: How do I find out what size a particular style is available?

Answer: We have different size charts for bridal/bridesmaids, junior maids and flower girl collections. We have posted the size charts on the website for your reference.

18.Question: Can my mother or mother-in-law find a dress at Charlies Bridal?

Answer: We offer a large selection of special order evening wear perfect for mothers and special guests. Please view the collection at Mother of The Bride Dresses.

19.Question: Why Do You Sell Dresses at Such Low Prices?

Answer: 1. We operate with lower overheads than a local retail store. We do not need to rent the store and employ sales staff or an alterations department. 2. Our dresses come from the manufacturers that we cooperate with. We do not use third party sources.

20.Question: How about the Quality of your Dresses?

Answer: Charlies Bridal is the world's leading online wedding apparel website. We provide complete one-stop shopping for all brides, bridesmaids and all special occasion events. Charlies Bridal inspects every gown and guarantees the condition. High quality, best price, and 100% satisfaction is our goal.

21.Question: What materials do you usually use on your wedding dress?

Answer: Chiffon: Delicate, sheer, and transparent -- made from silk, with a soft finish; often layered because of its transparency, making it popular for overskirts, sheer sleeves, and wraps. Organza: Crisp and sheer like chiffon, with a stiffer texture similar in effect to tulle, but more flowing; popular for skirts, sleeves, backs, and overlays. Satin: A heavy, smooth fabric with a high sheen on one side; very common in bridal gowns. Silk: The most sought-after, cherished fiber for wedding dresses (and also the most expensive).Silk-Like Taffeta: Crisp and smooth, with a slight rib. Tulle: Netting made of silk, nylon, or rayon; used primarily for skirts and veils.

22.Question: How do I decide what size to order?

Answer: You can choose a standard size or give us your custom measurements. Please view our Size Chart prior to selecting your size to order, we suggest reviewing the information provided in How to Measure. Even if there is some fluctuation in the size you need, all our dresses are made with a margin for modification or alteration. The modification or alteration can be made by your local tailor.

23.Question: What modifications and alterations are normally done to a dress to make it fit?

Answer : A number of alterations can be made:
1) Side seams and Back Seams - The side seams and back seams in the torso can be taken in or let out to make a wedding dress fit a bride. This is true even for gowns ordered to size. Wedding gowns are usually made to allow the side seams to be let out up to 3 inches or 1-2 sizes. Additionally, the back seam often can be let out slightly to size up further. Depending on the gown.
2) Shoulders - It is also common for shoulder seams to be taken in to bring up a gown.
3) Hem - The length of a dress can be shortened only and is affected by the height of the shoes you are planning to wear. Some gowns can only be shortened from the waist. Other gowns can only be shortened by taking up the hemline.
4) Bustle - The bustle is a way to hook the train up in the back so that the dress can be worn comfortably after the ceremony. Bustling a dress is part of the alterations for any gown that has an attached train.

24.Question: How much will alterations cost?

Answer: Obviously, a number of factors go into the overall cost of alterations. Depending on the city you live, your seamstress, and the designer and details of your gown. Then if you want to change the style of it in some way, that may also increase the cost of your alteration. We have included below some guidelines to give you an idea of how much seamstresses generally charge for each type of alteration. Hem (alters length) $65.00 and up Side Seams/back seams: (alters fit of bodice) $35.00 and up Shoulders: (raises gown up) $15.00 and up Sleeves: (to alter length) $25.00 and up Sleeves: (to change style) $30.00 and up Bustle: (keeps train up for ceremony) $85.00 and up. The style of bustle will vary depending on the length of the train, the silhouette of the gown, and the fabric. Your seamstress will help you decide which bustle is best for your dress. Bra Cups: $15.00 and up

25.Question: Will I be required to pay import duty by my country's Custom House?

Answer: Based on our past experiences, most of the countries do not charge import duty on low volume personal imports.

26.Question: What is a Fast Track order?

Answer: Delivery for Fast Track orders is approximately 1-2 weeks dependent upon the manufacturer's schedule. The fee for the Fast Track service is dependent on the designer and will be displayed on the product page and will be added to your total price. Fast Track service is not available for all dresses.

27.Question: What payment methods do you accept?

Answer: We accept payment either by Credit Card, PayPal, Western Union or direct wire transfer.

28.Question: What is your return policy?

Answer: All dresses ordered from us can be cancelled within 24 hours free of charge, no questions asked. All the custom made dresses are non-returnable items, we can not accept refund the payment. We thank you in advance for your understanding. Please be sure of the style, size, color, and any other specifications before submitting your order. Also, standardized dye lots cannot be guaranteed for orders with multiple gown styles.

29.Question: How should I clean my beautiful wedding dress?

Answer: ALWAYS take your bridal dress to a professional cleaner that specializes in bridal dresses. Your normal cleaner may damage the precious dress by using the wrong chemicals.

30.Question: What about pressing?

Answer: Pressing for any gown is done after alterations and a few days before your wedding. It can be done either by your seamstress or a dry cleaner. Be sure to ask your seamstress whether they will be pressing the gown. There usually is an additional charge for this service other than your alteration cost. If the wedding will be in another state/country than that of where the alterations are being done you will need to find someone else to press your gown. The pressing should be done as close to the wedding date and the wedding site as possible. Be sure to find out in advance how much time they will need to press the gown. Some places will require the gown 72 hours before the wedding.

31.Question: Are these used dresses?

Answer: All gowns and dresses we offer are new and custom made. We do not accept or offer resale items.

32.Question: How do I contact Customer Service?

Answer: We always have someone on hand to answer your questions: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We believe in the timeliness of customer service, and will do everything possible to satisfy our customers. If you have any problems, comments, or suggestions, please contact our customer services representative.

33.Question: What does the price include?

Answer: The price only includes the custom made dress. Shawl, veil and glove are not included.

34.Question: How much does the shipping cost?

Answer: Please click the shipping information, each dress weights 2-3kgs.

35.What is the MOQ(Minimum Order Quantity?

Answer: There is no MOQ so that you can buy only one wedding dress or bridesmaid dress or one wedding accessory.

38.Question: Can you make a dress according to the pictures I provide?

Answer: We can do it for most ordinary designs. Please email us your pictures with all the specifications. Sometimes the fabrics you enquired are difficult to find or the special cut requirements beyond our ability. After our expert designer review the pictures, we will inform you whether we can make it.

39.Question: Why did I fail to submit the order?

Answer: Some of our clients provide feedback on failing in submitting the order. We feel sorry for the inconvenience caused by the network congestion. Please be patient and email our customer services representative directly. We may not able to respond to you immediately because of time difference, but we will do it asap.

40.Question: Can I return and exchange items?

Answer: All orders are final and can not be cancelled after 48 hours. Due to all the dresses are custom made according to your customer measurements. Please be sure of the style, size, color, and any other specifications before submitting your order. If you have any question with your order, please contact our customer services who will give you reasonable suggestions in time.

41.Question: After payment, how to check the status of my orders?

Answer: During the process of purchase, you should receive an email from us. There will be an email confirming your order information and we will email you the tracking number after we ship your order.

42.Question: Can I place an order without using the website?

Answer: We prefer our customers place an order through our website, it will be displayed in our back office, so that we will handle your order in time.

 

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