Bridal Shopping & Appointments

Do I need an appointment to shop at The Ivory SRQ?

Yes. Our traditional bridal shopping experience is by appointment only so that each bride receives dedicated time, attention, and access to our showroom. The exception is Showroom Sunday (the last Sunday of each month), when registered walk-ins are welcomed during designated hours.

Is there a fee for bridal appointments?

Our private bridal showroom appointments require a showroom fee ($100) at the time of booking. This reserves dedicated time in our showroom with personalized assistance from our team. This fee is applied to any purchases made including dresses, veils, or alterations services! Showroom fees are waived during designated Showroom Sunday events.

How long is a bridal appointment?

Appointment length varies depending on the experience booked. Showroom is 90+ minutes and alterations vary! Please refer to your appointment confirmation for your allotted time. We recommend arriving on time so you can enjoy your full appointment.

How many guests can I bring?

As many as you'd like! Our Showroom can accommodate up to 10 comfortably! Please let us know upon booking so we can be perfectly prepare for your appointment!

Can I bring children to my appointment?

We recommend arranging childcare whenever possible. Our showroom contains delicate gowns, mirrors, displays, equipment, and other items that may not be suitable for young children. If you need to bring a child, please contact us before your appointment.

What should I wear to my bridal appointment?

We recommend nude, seamless undergarments and clothing that is easy to change in and out of. A strapless bra is optional, as many wedding gowns have built-in structure. Most importantly, come comfortable and ready to have fun.

Should I bring my wedding shoes?

You do not need your wedding shoes for an initial bridal shopping appointment. However, your final wedding shoes—or shoes with the exact same heel height—will be required when your gown is being hemmed during alterations. (2nd or 3rd fitting in alterations)

What size gowns do you have available to try on?

Our showroom includes gowns in a variety of sample sizes. Bridal sizing is also very different from everyday clothing sizing, so don't be discouraged by the number on a sample gown. Our team is experienced in clipping and fitting samples to help you visualize the finished look. typical sizing ranges from 00-22

What price range are your wedding gowns?

Our collection includes gowns at a variety of price points starting at $1,500-$5,000. Because inventory and designers change, we recommend contacting us before your appointment if you are shopping within a specific budget. We are always happy to help determine whether our showroom is the right fit for you.

Do you have wedding dresses available off the rack?

Yes. Select gowns are available for immediate purchase directly from our showroom. As well as our consignment / revival collection is all OTR. Off-the-rack availability, sizing, condition, and pricing vary. 

How far in advance should I shop for my wedding dress?

We recommend beginning your search approximately 9–12 months before your wedding whenever possible. This allows time for ordering, delivery and alterations without unnecessary stress. Working with a shorter timeline? Contact us—we typically still have lots of options available.

What happens if I find my dress during my appointment?

We celebrate! Once you've chosen your gown, our team will walk you through measurements, ordering, payment, expected delivery and what happens next.

Can I come back to try on a favorite gown again?

Absolutely. A return appointment may be scheduled based on showroom and gown availability. Please contact us rather than arriving without an appointment.

Can I take photos during my appointment?

Photography policies may vary depending on the gown or designer. Your stylist will let you know if there are any restrictions during your appointment.

Do you provide refreshments?

Complimentary water is available, and select appointments and events may include bubbly or other refreshments.

Showroom Sunday

What is Showroom Sunday?

Showroom Sunday is our more relaxed approach to bridal shopping. On designated Sundays, we waive our traditional showroom fees and welcome registered walk-ins to experience The Ivory.

Do I need to register?

Yes. Registration is required to participate in Showroom Sunday, even though appointments are complimentary.

Is there a showroom fee?

No. Showroom fees are completely waived during Showroom Sunday.

Can I just walk in?

Showroom Sunday is designed to accommodate walk-in shopping; however, you must register before participating. Entry and fitting-room availability may be managed based on showroom capacity.

How long do I have to shop?

Each bride will have up to 60 minutes to shop and try on gowns during Showroom Sunday. If more time is available and needed it will always be allowed

How many guests can I bring?

Each bride may bring one guest only for Showroom Sunday.

Can I bring more than one guest?

No. To allow us to comfortably accommodate multiple brides at time a while maintaining an enjoyable showroom environment, the one-guest limit is firm during Showroom Sunday.

Are male guests permitted?

No. To keep all our brides comfortable male guests are not permitted during Showroom Sunday. Brides wishing to shop with male family members or friends are encouraged to reserve one of our traditional private showroom appointments instead.

Will I have a dedicated bridal stylist?

Showroom Sunday is intentionally different from our traditional private appointment experience. Our team will be available throughout the showroom to assist all brides, answer questions and help with gowns, but you may not have a dedicated stylist exclusively assigned to you for the entire 60 minutes.

Can I try on wedding dresses?

Of course! That's the fun part. Brides are welcome to shop and try on gowns during their allotted shopping time.

What happens if the showroom is at capacity?

You may be asked to wait until fitting-room or showroom space becomes available. Registration does not necessarily guarantee immediate entry at a particular time. Wait times will be given upon arrival if necessary!

Can I purchase my wedding dress during Showroom Sunday?

Absolutely. If you find the one, our team can assist you with completing your purchase or placing your order.

Can I book a private appointment afterward?

Yes. If you'd like more time, additional guests or a more personalized one-on-one experience, we'd be happy to schedule a traditional private bridal appointment for you.

Are refreshments provided?

Yes! Complimentary bubbly and water will be available during Showroom Sunday.

Bridal Alterations

Do you offer alterations if I purchased my wedding dress somewhere else?

Absolutely. You do not need to purchase your gown from The Ivory to use our alterations studio. We welcome brides who purchased their gowns from other boutiques, designers, online retailers or elsewhere. We are partnered with many other bridal boutiques as preferred vendors and love to help all brides from near and far!

How far in advance should I begin alterations?

We generally recommend beginning bridal alterations approximately 12-16 weeks before your wedding, although more extensive alterations or customizations may require additional time. We encourage you to contact us earlier if your gown requires significant reconstruction or custom work.

Can I get a price quote over the phone or from photos?

No. Every gown, bride and alteration is different. Accurate pricing requires our team to see the gown on your body and evaluate its construction in person. For this reason, alteration pricing is provided during an in-person fitting or consultation.

How much do wedding dress alterations cost?

Alteration costs vary significantly depending on the gown's construction, fabric, embellishment and the work required. After evaluating your gown in person, we will provide pricing based specifically on your alterations.

Are alterations included when I purchase a gown from The Ivory?

Unless specifically stated otherwise in your purchase agreement, alterations are always a separate service and are not included in the retail price of your wedding gown.

How many fittings will I need?

Most brides require multiple fittings. 3-4 fittings usually. The exact number depends on the gown and the complexity of the alterations being performed. Your seamstress will guide you through the fitting schedule.

What should I bring to my first fitting?

Please bring your gown, and wedding shoes or shoes with the exact heel height you plan to wear will be needed at your 2nd fitting

Do I need my wedding shoes before my hem appointment?

Yes. Your shoes directly determine the finished length of your gown. We cannot accurately complete your hem without the shoes—or shoes with the exact same heel height—you plan to wear.

Can you alter heavily beaded or lace wedding dresses?

Yes. Our alterations studio works with intricate bridal construction, including lace, beading, appliqués and other delicate details.

Can you add sleeves or straps to my wedding dress?

Yes. Depending on your gown, we can create or add straps, sleeves and other custom elements designed to complement the existing dress.

Can you change my neckline?

In many cases, yes. Necklines, bodices and other structural elements can often be modified depending on the construction of your gown.

Can you change the back of my wedding dress?

Many gowns can be modified to create a lower back, higher back, corset back or other custom design. An in-person consultation allows us to determine what is structurally possible.

Can you add or remove a train?

Depending on the construction and design of the gown, trains can often be shortened, reshaped or otherwise modified.

Do you create bustles?

Yes. We create custom bustles based on the construction, weight and shape of each individual gown.

Do you alter dresses other than wedding gowns?

Yes. Depending on availability, our alterations studio accepts bridesmaid dresses, mother-of-the-bride/groom dresses, formalwear and other special-occasion garments. Please contact us regarding your specific garment.

Do you offer rush alterations?

Rush services are available depending on our current workload and the work required. Additional rush fees may apply.

Do you steam or press my gown?

No final steaming is not included in standard bridal alterations. However press and steam finishing services are available for wedding gowns, suits, and other various wedding attire. Please ask our team when scheduling your fittings for pricing, delivery availability, and more info!

Bridal Customization & Redesign

Can you customize a wedding dress I purchased somewhere else?

Yes! Customization is one of our specialties. You are welcome to bring us a gown purchased elsewhere for alterations, redesign or custom additions.

Can you redesign a vintage or heirloom wedding gown?

Yes. We love giving sentimental gowns a new life. Depending on the garment's condition and construction, we may be able to modernize, reconstruct or incorporate portions of an heirloom gown into a completely new bridal look.

Do you do vintage gown cleaning and restoration?

Yes we offer various kinds of restoration and cleaning options for vintage delicate gowns needing extra care to come back to life!

Can you create a detachable overskirt?

Yes. We can design custom overskirts to transform your gown or give you two different looks for your wedding day.

Can you make a custom bolero or bridal topper?

Yes. Custom toppers, boleros, sleeves and other removable bridal pieces can be designed to coordinate with your gown.

Can you create a second look for my reception?

Absolutely. We can help transform your ceremony gown or design custom removable elements to create a second look. Depending on your vision, a completely separate custom reception piece may also be an option.

Can you use lace or fabric from a family wedding dress?

Potentially, yes. Sentimental fabrics, lace, buttons and embellishments can sometimes be incorporated into your gown, veil or accessories. We will first evaluate the material to ensure it can safely be used.

Custom Bridal & Amarla Atelier

What is Amarla Atelier?

Amarla Atelier is our in-house custom bridal design experience, available exclusively through The Ivory SRQ. It allows brides to go beyond selecting an existing gown and create something uniquely their own working 1 on 1 with Miss Gerta herself.

Do you create completely custom wedding dresses?

Yes. We offer custom bridal design for brides looking for a gown created specifically for them.

Can I bring inspiration photos?

Absolutely. Inspiration photos are extremely helpful. We can discuss the elements you love—from silhouettes and necklines to fabrics, draping and embellishments—and use them to understand your overall vision.

Can I combine elements from several different dresses?

Yes. This is one of the benefits of custom design. You may love the neckline of one gown, silhouette of another and fabric or details from something completely different. We can work with you to develop a cohesive original design inspired by those elements.

Will I see a sketch of my gown?

Yes the custom design process will include fashion illustrations or design sketches to help establish the direction of your gown before construction.

How long does a custom wedding gown take?

Timelines vary significantly based on the design, materials and complexity of the gown. We recommend beginning the custom process as early as possible.

How much does a custom wedding dress cost?

Custom pricing depends entirely on the design, fabric, embellishments and construction required. Pricing is discussed after we understand your vision and the scope of the project.

How many fittings are required?

A custom gown typically requires several fittings (5+) throughout the construction process. The number will depend on the complexity of your design and how the gown develops.

Can you create a custom reception dress?

Yes. Custom reception and second-look pieces may be created independently or designed to coordinate with your ceremony gown.

Veils & Bridal Accessories

Do you sell bridal veils?

Yes. We offer bridal veils and can help you select a style that complements your gown.

Do you create custom veils?

Yes. Custom veils can be created in different lengths, widths and styles with details such as lace, embellishments and specialty edging.

Can you create a veil to match a dress I purchased somewhere else?

Absolutely. You do not need to purchase your gown from The Ivory to work with us on a custom veil.

Can you use lace from my dress on my veil?

In many cases, yes. Depending on material availability, we may be able to incorporate matching or coordinating lace and embellishments into a custom veil.

Can you help style my entire bridal look?

Yes. Our team can help you consider your gown, veil, accessories and custom elements together so that the finished look feels intentional and cohesive.

Ordering, Payments & Policies

How long does it take for an ordered wedding gown to arrive?

Designer production and shipping timelines vary. (12-16 weeks is standard) Your stylist will discuss the estimated delivery window for your specific gown before your order is placed.

What deposit is required to order my wedding dress?

Payment requirements vary depending on the gown or order. All payment terms will be clearly explained before your purchase is finalized.

When is my remaining balance due?

Your purchase agreement will outline your payment schedule and due dates.

Are wedding gown purchases refundable?

No. All wedding gown sales are final. Bridal gowns are specialty garments that are often ordered or reserved specifically for an individual bride.

Can I cancel my wedding dress after it has been ordered?

Once an order has been placed, it generally cannot be canceled, refunded or transferred. Please review your purchase agreement carefully before completing your order.

What happens when my wedding dress arrives?

We'll contact you once your gown has arrived, remaining payment is due at arrival, and then is ready for the next step. Depending on your order and timeline, we may schedule an arrival appointment, pickup or begin planning your alterations.

What happens if my wedding date changes?

Please contact us as soon as possible. Changing your wedding date does not automatically cancel or change an existing gown order, alteration agreement or payment obligation, but we will help determine how your fitting timeline should be adjusted.

Can you store my wedding dress?

Storage availability may be limited and must be arranged with our team in advance. Please do not assume that your gown can remain at the showroom indefinitely after it is ready for pickup.

Can someone else pick up my gown for me?

Please contact us in advance if someone other than the bride will be picking up a gown or other item. Authorization may be required before we can release it.

Visiting The Ivory

Where is The Ivory SRQ located?

The Ivory SRQ is located in downtown Sarasota, Florida. Complete directions and parking information can be found on our Contact page and in your appointment confirmation.

Do you accept walk-ins?

Our traditional showroom experience is by appointment. Registered walk-ins are welcomed during designated Showroom Sunday events.

Is The Ivory only a bridal showroom?

No. The Ivory is more than a traditional bridal studio. Our Sarasota bridal oasis brings together bridal shopping, a full service atelier, bridal studio with expert alterations, customization and custom bridal design under one roof.

Do I have to purchase my dress from The Ivory to use your alteration or custom services?

Not at all. Brides are welcome to work with our alterations and design studio regardless of where their original gown was purchased.

When should I contact The Ivory?

As early as possible! Whether you're shopping for your gown, planning extensive customization or preparing for alterations, reaching out early gives us the greatest flexibility to accommodate your wedding date and vision.

Shipping

Do you ship dresses?
Yes — shipping fees vary based on destination and insurance needs. Once a dress leaves our shop, we are not responsible for shipping delays or damages.

Other Policies

What is your refund policy?
All sales are final — no exceptions. Please make sure you love your dress before purchasing.

What if I need to reschedule my appointment?
We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to reschedule or cancel.