True Love Wedding Dress Shop
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Frequently Asked Questions
Please find below a list of commonly asked questions,
 if you do not see your question 
listed please email us.
ARE YOU AN ONLINE STORE ONLY?
YES, we offer discounted high quality custom made gowns.  Buying direct from the manufacturer and low overheads allows us to pass the savings directly onto you.  

 

DO YOU HAVE A RETAIL STORE?
Now that we are exclusively an online store we are proud to bring our customers the same high quality gowns at the prices that you can afford.  We pride ourselves on first class customer service where help from a human is just a phone call away.
We also do not have a showroom, all of our gowns are made to order and we do not hold any stock (apart from last minute and clearance dresses), so we do not have he facility for customers to try gowns on.
We support you from the purchase, production and delivery of you gown. 
We are more than happy to discuss styles with you and can also send you colour samples to help you choose the right colour for your very special day.
We are an USA business based in CA.
Why would I buy a gown online when I can purchase one from a store?
 We understand that buying online is not for everyone, and some do prefer the whole bridal boutique experience, however you can rest assured that our gowns are very high quality and some are quite unique which you may not be able to find in other stores. 
 We also find that our customers refuse to pay full retail for a dress that they can purchase online at a fraction of the cost.  We offer customers the ability to choose from a great selection of gowns, where they can choose their own style and colour.
As your prices are discounted, does this mean that the quality of the gowns will be less?
Definately not!!! As a test we recently had a range of our gowns in a very expensive boutique in CA, to see if the customers could tell the difference between a designer gown and our custom made gowns, and the outcome was that they could not! 
 These gowns were selling at full retail in this boutique.  
So you can rest assured that these gowns are of high quality.
I have seen gowns similar to yours on other online stores/auction sites that are only $100, so why would I buy from you?
We have seen these as well, and as a test we brought some gowns in to see what the quality would be like and to be honest it wasn't good! The gowns looked nothing like the pictures, the colours were wrong and the quality wasn't very good.  We are not saying that all manufacturers are bad, however we have received many complaints from customers who have purchased a gown from online auction sites overseas.  We also found that the customer service was terrible and no-one would get back to us or refund our money.   Also prior to our online store we ran a boutique which specialised in bridal and evening wear so this has helped us recognise the best fabrics, beading and quality required for a high quality gown.  We also offer you excellent customer service, we want you to be extremely happy with your gown, as we know that your wedding, formal or special event is very important to you.  
I am still really nervous about purchasing online as I have had a bad experience with another on-line store. 
Do you have a returns policy on your gowns?
We understand that you would be anxious purchasing online.  We offer a full refund on any gown that is faulty or has been damaged from the manufacturer, you receive the wrong colour that was ordered or wrong standard size that was ordered.  All gowns are delivered to our premises first so that we are able to make sure that the gowns are in perfect condition and exactly as you ordered.  Once the gown has passed our inspection we will then send it on to you.  Some companies choose to have the gown sent directly to you, however we feel it necessary to check the gown/s first before we send it onto you. 

Are your gowns in stock?
No, all of our gowns are made to order, with over 1500 designs it is impossible for us to have every colour and size in stock.  Your gown is made from scratch and is brand new! We offer standard sizing and custom sizing. 
 Custom sizing is for free.
Are your prices in USD Dollars?
Yes, all gowns are in USD Dollars.  
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept payment via credit card (visa and mastercard only), Paypal or Direct Deposit. 
What guarantees do you offer?
We guarantee that you will receive the gown that you ordered, in the size and colour that your ordered.  If for any reason you do receive the wrong size (standard) or colour that you ordered your payment will be refunded or another dress will be made if there is time.
For custom sizing we guarantee to make the gown exactly to the measurements that you provide us, if for any reason the dress has not been made to your specifications your dress will be remade or a full refund will apply
(this does not apply if you have taken your measurements incorrectly and the gown does not fit you, that is why we recommend that you have your measurements taken by a professional).

We will not willingly send you a gown with any manufacturing fault as all gowns are strictly checked, images of all gowns are taken before leaving our premises. 

When will I receive my gown?
Bridal Gowns take approximately 3-4 weeks to be made and delivered, however please note that this is just a guide, we cannot guarantee a delivery date due to conditions out of control such as shipping companies, couriers etc.  Bridesmaids and some Evening Dresses are usually quicker than this which is around 3 weeks.  However please note that this is to be used as a guide only, we highly recommend that you allow yourself ample time before your special occasion, this is less stressful for everyone involved.

Once I have placed my order, will you let me know how production is going?
Due to the large volume of customers and dresses we are unable to contact every customer during the production, however you are more than
welcome to contact us at any time to ask how your dress is going, simply send us an email to shackspare@hotmail.com.
We will however let you know when your dress is ready.
How can I track my gown once it has been sent?
Your gown will be sent to you via UPS company,
We will send you the tracking number once your order has been sent

When should I order my gown?
We highly recommend that your order your gown as soon as possible, delivery takes approximately 3-4 weeks for bridal gowns, however you are best to order at least 5 weeks in advance, so that this will give you plenty of time before your wedding.  Bridesmaids/some Formal Dresses/Flower Girls/Mother of the Bride Dresses take approximately 3-4 weeks to be made, we also recommend that you allow at least 1 months prior to ordering for these dresses. 
Will I need to have my gown pressed after I have received it?
 We recommend that you hang your gown straight away as some creases do fall out, if the don't then it is most likely that the gown will need
to be pressed/steamed by a professional, the creases are caused from the gowns being packed for delivery.  The gowns are packed with the utmost care.
If I order a made to measure gown will I still need to have alterations done?
Most of the time no, however this will just depend on the style of the dress, sometimes you may need to just alter the length of a strap for example.
If you have not supplied us with the correct measurements you may need to alter the gown.
Do you do alterations?
 No we do not do alterations. 
I am in desperate need of a gown, is there anyway an urgent order can be rushed through?
 We do have very limited gowns in stock, our manufacturer also has some gowns in stock which we can express ship to you, please contact us for further details.
How do I work out my size?
We use an standard
USA Size Chart, however your gown size can be very different to your regular clothes size. 
Our gown manufacturer uses a slightly different sizing method.
  Measure your bust, waist and hips then compare them to the US
A size chart.  If you are in between two sizes we highly recommend that you choose the larger size, as it is easier to take a gown in rather than let it out. 
You must choose very carefully as if you pick the wrong size and it does not fit your your dress is non refundable.
If you are still having trouble please email us at shackspare@hotmail.com and we will help select a size for you.
Another option is that you choose a gown with a corset back, this will give you 4-5 inches to play with by pulling the ties in or out.  Most dresses can be made with a corset back.
Gowns are also available in custom made to measure, we highly recommend that you have your measurements taken by a professional such as a seamstress or dressmaker as your gown will be made exactly to the measurements that you provide us.  If you would like a custom form please email or call us.
I want to loose more weight before my wedding, should I purchase a dress that is a size smaller?
No, we do not recommend purchasing a dress that is smaller than your current size, we recommend that you choose a corset back so that if you do loose weight you can adjust the size by 4-5 inches. 

I still can't decide on a colour, are you able to send me some colour samples?
Yes we can send you satin colour samples, please email us at shackspare@hotmail.com to request your required colours.
How do I place an order online?
Simply select the style, colour and whether you would like a standard or custom size.  
Made to measure custom sizing will
for free.
after you have placed your order we will
contact you to confirm all of your details.
After placing an order online, when is my payment due?
Your payment will be due within 5 working days, obviously your order will not be placed until we receive full payment. 
If payment has not been made within 5 days your order will be automatically cancelled.
How do I place an order online for more than one gown?
If it is a multiple order for the same gown such as Bridesmaids dresses simply add the gowns one at a time, choose the size and colour then add to cart, then continue shopping and add another gown until you have the number that your require.  We often run specials where discounts are received for multiple gowns, your discount will not show automatically, we will contact you once you have ordered to advise you of the discout.  If you would prefer you can also email you order to us and we can simply generate an invoice for you.
 
I have placed an order online so what happens next?
After we receive your order we will email you to confirm your correct style, colour, measurements etc.
You can expect to receive your gown within 4 weeks (bridesmaids gowns and some evening dresses and usually quicker than this, 3-4 weeks).

I would like to place an order but would rather you invoice me first with my total which includes my gown, shipping and custom measurements?
Simply email us with your order requirements and we will invoice you, alternatively place your order online and select the "no payment method" and we will then invoice you.
Can I order a gown over the phone?
Yes , please call us on 001-408-636-8266 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm ), please note that as we receive over 200 enquiries a day it is quite possible that we could be attending to another customer, please just leave your name and number and we will get back to you as soon as possible.


What are your customer service hours?
Our customer service via phone is available Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm, we receive over 200 enquiries per day both over the phone and via email.
Sometimes it may be difficult to get through to us via phone as all lines are busy, please leave us a message and we will get back to you asap.
Where are you based?
We are an online store based in CA,USA.
Do you accept returns?
Yes we do under certain conditions, please read our Return Policy for further details.
We do not accept returns if you do not like the style of your gown, only if there is a manufacturing fault or a wrong size/colour made by the manufacturer.  Please choose your style very carefully to make sure that this is the design that you really want. 
I have received my gown and have realised that I have taken my hollow to hem measurement wrong and it is way too short, what do I do?
The only time a gown is way too short is when you have taken your measurements incorrectly.
You will need to have the gown altered by a dressmaker, we can supply you with some extra material to help you
(the material charge is per meter) 
 Are your gowns a designer label?
No, our gowns are high quality generic styles and are custom made to order.    
I have a gown in mind that I cannot find on your site, can a custom design be made for me?
Our portfolio contains over 1500 gowns so we suggest that customers send us a picture of a gown that they have in mind and we will then try and match it for you.
We are also able to make a custom gown for you however this does incur additional charges as a new pattern needs to be created. 
 Please note that we will make every effort to make the gown as close to your photos as possible,
 however please bear in mind that due to copyright restrictions there may be slight variations which are usually undetectable.  

 Do you offer custom made to measure sizes?
Yes you can choose to have a standard size or custom size.  Custom sizes are free for all gowns.  
If you would like to add this service to your order, simply purchase this service by selecting the custom sizing option in the navigation bar, this will allow you to add this service to your shopping cart.
Please note if you are shorter or taller you may require a custom size as most dresses come in a standard hollow to hem measurement of 58".
It is up to you which one you would prefer, if your measurements are closer to a standard size then that is fine, however if your measurements are quite different, e.g a pear shape then a custom size may be better suited to you. 
Please note that a custom sized gown will be made to your exact measurements.  You will be responsible for the measurements that you provide us, these will be used to manufacture your gown.  Please note that as we are not present to take your measurements we cannot be responsible for errors made in the measurements that you provide us.
We highly recommend that you have a professional such as a seamstress take the measurements for you.  If you do not have access to a seamstress then we suggest a family member or friend, DO NOT TAKE YOUR OWN MEASUREMENTS BY YOURSELF!!
Tips: Use a vinyl tape measure - not fabric as these stretch over time.
What measurements are required for custom sizes?
There are quite a few measurements required for a custom made gown, please visit our made to measure link for more details.
We can make any size in custom made.
What sizes do the gowns come in for the standard size?
US
0-26
If you require another size we suggest using the custom made service.
Why is it that when I measure myself that I seem to be a size bigger than my normal clothes size?
Don't despair! Gown sizes are sometimes different to your normal clothes size.
 What are your shipping charges?
We run free shipping worldwide!
For international rates please email us at shackspare@hotmail.com
 What is better a corset style back or a zipper?
We highly recommend a corset back where possible, this allows you to alter the size and also helps if you have choosen the incorrect size or had your measurements taken incorrectly.
If a gown is pictured with a corset back can I have a zipper back instead and vice versa?
Yes, you can change the back no additional fees needed.  
Can I make any changes to a gown?
  Depending on how much needs to be changed it may cost extra, if there are too many changes to the design this may not be possible. 
 Prices depend on the detail of the change.  Please email us to find out details about making changes shackspare@hotmail.com
I have seen a gown I really like, however it is made in Chiffon, can I have it made in satin?
Yes we can make just about any change!
What fabric and beading do you use?
Our manufacturer uses high quality satin, chiffon, organza and taffeta.  
Beading consists of swarovski crystal, czech diamonds, bugle, seed and matsuno beading and high quality sequins.
Can you make size alterations for me?
No, you will need to have a professional seamstress alter the gown for you if necessary.


I have received my gown and it doesn't fit, what do I do?
 This may mean that you have chosen the incorrect standard size or had your measurements taken incorrectly, if this is the case you will need to have your dress altered at your own expense.If you feel that the dress has been made too small due to incorrect sizing or custom measurements being made incorrectly you will need to send the dress back to our office so that we can check the dress.
If we find a fault from our manufacturer the returns/refund policy will apply.  If we find that the measurements are correct the dress will be sent back to you.

 What gown style suits my figure?
A-Line/Princess
  - A-line dresses are fitted around the bodice and flow outward to the ground, resembling the shape of an uppercase A.
There is no marked waist or other cuts in the structure of the gown. A-line gowns can be short (above the knee) or flow all the way to the ground and include a long train.
A-line dresses are ideal for many body types. The long, continuous lines elongate a shorter bride. The A-line skirt slims and hides a heavier lower body.
Ball Gowns - Ball gowns will remind you of fairy tales. The bodice is fitted and the skirt is
 very full.  These type of gowns are very formal. Ball gowns come with a variety of different necklines and sleeve lengths - including sleeveless. Ball gowns can be worn with or without a train.  Ball gowns are best for slender figures or pear-shapes, as the full skirt hides large 
hips and thighs.
 


Column (Sheath) - The column wedding dress has a very slim shape that flows straight down from neckline to hemline.
These type of gowns are normally floor length and can be worn at casual or extravagant weddings, depending on the fabric.
Column gowns are best for thin brides. The straight design does not allow to hide many body flaws. This kind of dress looks
especially nice on short, lean women, as it elongates their silhouette.


Empire - The empire gown has a raised waistline that begins right below the bust. From there, the dress flows toward outward to the floor. Traditionally, the empire dress has a square neckline.
This design is very versatile and comes in a variety of skirt styles from contouring to A-shape. Sleeves vary from sleeveless to flowing, bell styles.
Empire dresses can be worn at outdoor, casual weddings, as well as fancy church affairs. Though it is nice for any body type, the empire gown is especially fitting for small breasted women.


Mermaid/Fishtail - 
The mermaid dress looks exactly as the name indicates. The dress is contoured against the body all the way to the knee. Then the gown flares out to the hem.
This style is considered the sexiest of the five basic wedding gown types. Because it hugs the body, you must be very confident to wear this style.
The mermaid gown is normally worn by slender women. However if you love your curvy figure and want to flaunt it, this dress may be for you.

 

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