FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Do I have to make an appointment to shop at Margaret Ellen Bridal?
Appointments are required so that we can fully prepare for your special time and ensure that you have the best experience possible. Brides receive their own private bridal suite when shopping at Margaret Ellen Bridal therefore we require appointments to secure a suite is available. You can submit a request on our website and we will reach out to you via phone within 24-48 hours. Appointments are not set until a stylist confirms after the consultation phone call.
Q: Is there a fee to shop at Margaret Ellen bridal?
We do charge a $50 booking fee. This fee is credited back to you when you find your dream wedding dress with us on the day of your appointment. The booking fee covers your two-hour private bridal appointment with a personal stylist assigned to you for the entirety of the time.
Q: How many people can I bring to my appointment? Who should I bring with me?
We suggest bringing the people whose opinions matter the most to you and those you could not say “yes to the dress” without. We have seen that it is best to bring 1-3 guests, however, our seating area comfortably seats 5. We ask that you do not exceed the 5 member guest count.
Q: ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED WITH US DURING THE APPOINTMENT?
We love children and as a mother I understand that children take a lot of attention and extra care. Our store is set up with many glass displays and many racks full of delicate dresses. What sets Margaret Ellen Bridal apart from others is the experience provided to the bride. To allow the brides our full attention, we kindly ask that you not bring small children.
Q: How long will my appointment be?
Appointments last two hours ensuring plenty of stress-free time to find the perfect one. We do ask that you are on time for your scheduled appointment and not earlier than 5 minutes before your scheduled time as your stylist may still be working with a bride.
Q: What should I bring with me for my appointment?
Come in with confidence and an open-mind!
You can bring your wedding day shoes and any undergarments that you may plan to wear on your wedding day, including shapewear. However, these items are not necessary.
Q: How many months in advance should I shop for my dress?
We suggest shopping for your dress 10-12 months in advance of your wedding day. Since we special order your wedding dress, it will take 4-8 months to come in. Once the dress arrives, you want to give 2-3 months for alterations. Have a shorter time frame? See the next question below.
Q: Help! I am in a time pinch. My wedding is sooner than the normal 4-6 months. Can I not shop at Margaret Ellen Bridal?
Absolutely! Brides have the option of rush ordering dresses which do incur an extra charge from the designer. We also can work with you on buying one of our sample gowns if you are in a rush.
Q: What size are your samples?
Our samples range from sizes 10-26. Keep in mind that we are a special-order store. We measure you and order your gown in your size presenting you with a dress that is specially made for your body.
Q: I want a specific style number/name from one of your designers but you do not have it. Can you get it in for me to try?
We sure can! This is the beauty of having wonderful relationships with our designers. If you see a dress that you would like to try let us know and we can put in a request to have it in store for your appointment. There is a $75 loaner fee to cover the shipping of the gown to us and back to the vendor, however you are credited the fee back with any wedding dress purchase from our boutique.
Q: What is the price range of your dresses?
Our dresses range from $2,000-$13,000 with most ranging between $2,500-$3,500.
Q: What is a trunk show? Why should I book my appointment during a trunk show?
Trunk shows are limited time only sales events. During the trunk show dates, brides are able to try on gown styles from the featured designer which are not in the permanent collection of the store. Many designers offer incentives to brides if they buy their gown during the trunk show dates, making it a great time to find your dress.
Q: yay! I found my dress. how does payment work?
Dresses are paid in full at the time of ordering. However, we can arrange a 3-month payment plan to be created if needed on all special order wedding dresses. If you purchase a sample gown, full payment is required.
Q: Does MEB offer in house alterations?
Margaret Ellen Bridal only recommends seamstresses for alterations. We have a list of well known seamstresses all over Northwest Florida, lower Alabama, surrounding states and all over the country.
Q: Where exactly are you located?
We are located in the Walton County Commerce Park in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Our address is 800 Serenoa Road, Suite A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.
Q: Do you carry bridesmaids or mother dresses?
We do not carry bridesmaid or mother of the bride/groom dresses. We only carry bridal gowns and little white dresses.