Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a wedding gown?
We strongly urge brides to purchase their wedding gowns at least nine months before their wedding date. This will ensure that you have two to three months for alterations and two months to take your bridal portrait before your wedding. Since the wedding gowns at StarDust are custom made, it takes approximately six to eight months to make the gown, depending on the designer. Please do not worry about losing weight. Most gowns can be altered at least two sizes without any problem. If you shop at Molly’s Bridal Closet, our bridal outlet store, you can get your wedding gown that day!
What should I bring with me to try on wedding dresses?
At StarDust we have sample bustiers and slips for you to borrow. When trying on wedding gowns, you may be undressing while a stylist is in the room with you so please wear undergarments.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, an appointment is recommended for bridal gowns. An appointment ensures that a fitting room and stylist will be available. However, if you happen to stop by, we will try and accommodate your needs. Please call 972.781.1619 and ask for the bridal salon.
What if I need a bridal gown in less than 6 months?
We have many designers who will make a wedding gown quickly, however, they will most likely charge a rush fee. As an alternative, we recommend our bridal outlet store, Molly’s Bridal Closet, where gowns are sold off the rack at clearance prices.
What is the average price of your wedding dresses/wedding gowns?
Our wedding dresses range in price from $1,700 to $10,000, with the average price being between $3,500 – $5,000.
May I bring my friends when I try on the wedding dress?
Trying on wedding gowns can be intimidating, especially if you have opinionated guests. Very often, we find friends focusing on what they like, not what the bride likes. They often disregard your budget, and your wedding location and may not even know what your groom prefers. We welcome 4 to 6 in addition to the bride. We ask that you please do not bring children under the age of 6 for the consideration of our other guests.
Do you provide alterations at StarDust?
Yes, we have full-time seamstresses. You are not required to use our seamstresses, but we are known for the excellent fit and fashionable bustles that are created by our staff.
Since the sample was not in my bridesmaid’s size, how does she know what size to order?
Please do not rely on your standard size. Bridesmaid dresses are not sized like regular dresses. If possible, have your bridesmaid professionally measured and then compare her measurements with the manufacturer’s size chart. Be sure and let her know that she will probably need alterations. We are required to order gowns that fit the largest measurement. For example, if the bridesmaid has a size eight top and a size 12 skirt, she will be sized for a 12.
How long does it take to get bridesmaid dresses?
Gowns are received approximately 16 weeks or 4 months from the date the order was placed. Rush orders may be available for additional charges by the designer.
Do you offer discounts on bridesmaid dresses?
Yes, we offer free ground shipping in the contingent US for all online bridesmaids orders.
What do I do if a bridesmaid is pregnant?
There are a few maternity styles available, just check with your stylist. Another option is to suggest that the bridesmaid wear an empire style or a two-piece style, in the same color and fabric as the other gowns.
What if my bridesmaids live in another town?
If members of your bridal party live out of town, we recommend ordering online. We ship to most locations in the USA. However, we cannot ship outside the USA. Our flat national shipping fee includes packaging, UPS ground services and insurance. Overnight or two-day delivery is available for an additional charge. Please note that when mailing, we will always require a signature.
Should my bridesmaids order their bridesmaid dresses from the same salon or at a salon in the city where they live?
It is best if you bridesmaids all order from the same salon. The bridesmaid usually receives a better price when all gowns are ordered from the same salon both online and in store.
What about shoes? Can’t my bridesmaids just wear their own?
Only if you are selecting black gowns is it safe to let each of your bridesmaids select which shoe style they want. If you have selected tea length gowns be sure and select shoes. For the sake of your photographs, it is better to have the shoes match the gowns in order to not draw attention to the feet. Today there are so many cute reasonably priced bridesmaid shoes, many brides feel it is worth the extra $50 to $60.00 to complete their ensembles.
How soon before the wedding should I order my gown?
Some gowns can be received within two weeks others take 3 months. It is best to purchase your gown no later than three months before the wedding. This time frame ensures time for alterations and the purchase of necessary accessories. Another good idea is to purchase after the bride has selected her bridesmaids’ dresses.
What color should I wear?
Today, any color except white. However, always ask the bride what would color would best suit her color palette. The mother of the bride selects first then the mother of the groom.
What length should I wear?
This depends on the formality of the wedding, the time of the wedding and what the hostess, usually the mother of the bride, prefers. After six in the evening usually is formal and therefore a long gown is appropriate.
What should I expect to pay at StarDust or at Molly’s Bridal Closet?
At StarDust, gowns start at $400 and go to about $3,000. We recommend Molly’s Bridal Closet in Dallas for a great selection of clearance gowns available right off the rack.
My guys are all out of town. How can they get their tuxedos in time?
The tuxedos will be ready for pick up on the Wednesday prior to the wedding. If your wedding is on Saturday, usually the men usually arrive Friday for the rehearsal. The tuxedos can be picked up prior to the rehearsal.
What if the tuxedo does not fit?
Sometimes we are sent wrong measurements or the fit just isn’t right. If this occurs we have seamstresses on staff who provide minor adjustments. If we need a different size, this can usually be accomplished as well.
Who usually pays for the tuxedo?
Each member of the wedding party pays for his own. Sometimes the groom will provide a specialty tie as a gift, in this case, the groom would pay for the ties.
What should I expect to pay to rent a tuxedo?
Tuxedo rentals include shirt, vest, tie, shoes, and cuff links. The rental costs range between $150.00 and $260.00. This includes a $10.00 damage waiver.
Should I rent or buy a tuxedo?
For some men, the purchase of a tuxedo is a better option. Tuxedos are appropriate for any formal evening event. Tuxedo purchase prices start at about $300. Therefore, if the groom foresees any future need it may be a good idea to purchase a tuxedo that can be perfectly altered for his body shape.
What is the youngest age of a ring bearer and should he be wearing a tuxedo?
Because little ones can be unpredictable, we advise you to use judgment when including any child younger than four in the wedding party. If all the other men in the wedding are wearing a tuxedo, so should the “little” guy. If the ring bearer is under nine years old, you may want to consider purchasing a tuxedo. At Stardust, we offer tuxedos for purchase for boys aged six months to boys size 16. The costs for these suits and tuxedos approximate 40% of the rental fees.
When should I order my wedding invitations?
Ideally you should order your invitation about five months in advance of your wedding. The process includes selecting the style, font and quantity needed, getting a proof completed for you to review, getting them printed, getting them to a calligrapher who will need from two to five weeks to address the invitations depending on the number of invitations and the style of calligraphy you choose.
When should I send wedding invitations to my guests?
Send your invitations about six to eight weeks in advance of your wedding. If sending outside of the USA, check with your local post office for details.
Do my bridesmaids receive a wedding invitation?
Yes, everyone coming to your wedding, including your clergy, bridesmaids and sometimes the photographer and videographer (so they can capture it) should get an invitation.
Where can I order wedding ceremony programs and maps?
All of our manufactures provide programs and maps. If you want something a bit more customized, a Stardust staff person can help you design wonderful programs and maps.
What pieces do I need for my wedding invitations and what other wedding stationery needs should I consider?
For your wedding invitation ensemble, you will need invitations, reception card (optional), response set and maps. Items for the wedding day include programs, napkins (optional), escort and/or place cards (optional), menu cards (optional) and favors (optional). Additional wedding stationery needs include save-the-dates (optional), rehearsal dinner invitations and informals (thank you notes).
What should I expect to pay for my wedding invitations?
It varies depending on the quality of the paper, the process selected (engraved, letterpress or thermography), the quantity ordered and the design of the invitation. Wedding invitations can cost $1.50 to $10 per invitation ensemble.
