FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We want your bridal shopping experience to be as fun and stress-free as possible. These are some of the things our brides typically want to know before scheduling their first appointment. Don't stress about the dress, Ava Clara has you covered!
Why do you recommend an appointment?
Ava Clara is a full service boutique. Scheduling an appointment allows you to have one-on-one time with your consultant, knowing that we are devoted to you and your bridal gown experience. As a small intimate shop, we want to be able to serve you without interruption and distraction. While appointments are preferred, walk-ins are welcome but cannot always be guaranteed.
How long does it take to get a bridal gown? Bridesmaids?
Bridal gowns usually arrive in 4-6 months, and alterations take 8 to 10 weeks. We suggest ordering your gown 9-12 months before your wedding. Quicker orders can often be accommodated but cannot be guaranteed. Our best advice is shop when you are ready to purchase.
Bridesmaids take about 3 months to arrive. We recommend ordering 6 months in advance.
What is your average price range?
Currently, our price range for special order gowns is from $1100-$3900. The majority of the special order gowns in the boutique fall in the $1500 to $2500 range. However, our gowns are often able to be customized which can increase cost on any gown to decrease alteration costs significantly. We also have a bridal sample sale that goes on daily, and the sample sale gowns range from $490-$2000. This allows us to work with most budgets. Please feel free to call us with any questions. We’re happy to help in any way that we can.
What is a trunk show?
Ava Clara loves to host trunk shows and special events throughout the year. Whether for bridal gowns, bridesmaids or accessories, trunk shows are always lively and exciting. Brides have the opportunity to see and try on gowns not normally seen in the shop. Designers send in their entire seasonal collections, for a limited time, and offers special perks and incentives. Trunk shows are by appointment only and fill up quickly. See our event page for the lastest happenings.
Does Ava Clara have mother of the bride/groom gowns?
At Ava Clara, we carry wedding gowns, bridesmaid gowns, and flower girl gowns. Sometimes we have mothers shop our bridesmaid collection and order a bridesmaid gown that is in a different style, designer, and color than the bridesmaids at the wedding they are attending.
Do you carry plus sizes?
Yes. We are happy to accommodate all shapes and sizes! We carry a variety of styles and sizes ranging up to a size 28W from the following designers:
Sophia Tolli
Casablanca
Beloved
Extended sizing available from our other designers. Just ask!
Do you Accept Wedding Gown Donations or do Consignment?
We are currently accepting gowns for consignment and taking wedding gown donations! We ask that all donations are professionally cleaned or preserved and only accept gowns purchased within the last 5 years. The donated gowns go to our non-profit, Tulle 4 All, and are gifted to brides in honorable professions or given away at Tulle 4 All events. To donate, call us.
Is there a fee to try on gowns?
There is currently no fee to book a bridal appointment at our salon. There is a $25 no show / cancellation fee. The $25 fee is only charged if the appointment is cancelled within 72 hours prior to the appointment or a no show. There is no charge to reschedule a First Bridal Appointment or Return Bridal Appointment. Please note: By putting a card on file and booking an appointment, that cardholder is agreeing and authorizing to pay the $25 fee upon cancellation or no show.