Frequently Asked Questions About AJ Bridal Company

Do I Need an Appointment to Shop for a Wedding Dress?

Appointments are strongly recommended for wedding dress shopping.

We welcome walk-in brides when a bridal stylist is available, but our appointment schedule may be completely booked on busy days. Scheduling ahead allows us to reserve dedicated time for you and provide a more personalized bridal shopping experience.

How Long Is a Bridal Appointment?

Bridal appointments typically last between 90 minutes and two hours.

This gives you time to meet with your stylist, discuss your wedding vision, explore different wedding dress styles, and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

Bridesmaid appointments also typically last between 90 minutes and two hours and are available at our Kirkwood location only.

Mothers’ appointments generally last about one hour.

Tuxedo and formalwear appointment times vary depending on the type of appointment. Wedding party Tuxedo Styling Appointments take approximately 45–60 minutes, Tuxedo Measurement Appointments take approximately 20–30 minutes, and Social Occasion Styling Appointments for prom, galas, and other formal events take approximately one hour.

Are Children Allowed During Bridal Appointments?

Children are welcome, but we recommend making other arrangements when possible.

Wedding dress appointments require focus and can last up to two hours. Children may become restless or distract the bride and other customers in the boutique.

When a child attends, we ask that an adult supervise them within the appointment area.

When Should I Order My Wedding Dress?

The ideal time to order your wedding dress is approximately eight to 12 months before your wedding.

Designer wedding dresses may take four to six months to be produced. Your timeline should also include shipping, fittings, and alterations before the wedding day.

Some designers offer rush delivery for an additional fee when the wedding date is closer.

Brides with short timelines may also purchase an available wedding dress directly from the rack.

Can I Buy a Wedding Dress Off the Rack?

Yes. Wedding dresses in our boutiques may be purchased directly from the rack.

An off-the-rack wedding dress can be a helpful option for brides planning on a shorter timeline or those who find a gown that fits their style and needs without placing a special order.

Availability is limited to the gowns, colors, and sizes currently in the store.

When Should I Order Bridesmaid Dresses?

Bridesmaid dresses should ideally be ordered six to eight months before the wedding. Production typically takes two to four months, and additional time may be needed for shipping and alterations.

Some designers may offer rush delivery for an additional fee. Bridesmaid dresses may also be purchased directly from the rack, but available sizes and colors will be limited to current in-store inventory.

Bridesmaid dresses and bridesmaid appointments are available at our Kirkwood location only.

Do I Have to Pay for My Wedding Dress in Full?

You do not have to pay for your wedding dress in full immediately.

AJ Bridal Company requires a 50% payment before placing a special order with the designer. Brides may make payments until they reach the required amount.

Flexible payment plan options are available to help make purchasing your bridal gown more manageable.

What Payment Methods Does AJ Bridal Company Accept?

AJ Bridal Company accepts:

Cash
Debit cards
Mastercard
Visa
Discover
American Express

Checks are accepted only as the initial payment on special orders or storage plans.

Are Wedding Dress Alterations Included?

Alterations are not included, and AJ Bridal Company does not provide alterations in the store.

Most wedding dresses require some level of alteration to achieve the proper fit. We recommend allowing enough time between receiving your gown and your wedding date for fittings and adjustments.

Our team can provide a list of experienced seamstresses when needed.

Do I Need to Schedule Alterations Through AJ Bridal Company?

No. AJ Bridal Company does not provide in-store alterations or schedule alteration appointments.

Brides are responsible for arranging fittings directly with their chosen seamstress.

Does AJ Bridal Company Carry Plus-Size Wedding Dresses?

Yes. AJ Bridal Company offers an extensive selection of plus-size wedding dresses in a variety of silhouettes, fabrics, and styles.

Our bridal stylists can help you explore gowns that fit comfortably and reflect your personal vision.

Can Wedding Dresses Be Customized?

Customization may be available on many wedding dresses depending on the gown and designer.

Possible options may include changes to sleeves, necklines, straps, linings, trains, or other design elements. Your bridal stylist can explain the available options for the gowns you are considering.

Does AJ Bridal Company Offer Tuxedo Rentals?

Yes. AJ Bridal Company offers tuxedo rentals, suit options, professional measurements, and wedding party coordination.

We offer different appointment types depending on what you need. Wedding parties selecting their group look should schedule a Tuxedo Styling Appointment, while individual wedding party members who need measurements should schedule a Tuxedo Measurement Appointment.

For prom, galas, and other formal events, we also offer a Social Occasion Styling Appointment, which includes selecting your formalwear look and being measured during the same appointment.

Do I Need an Appointment for a Tuxedo Rental?

We recommend scheduling the appointment that matches your formalwear needs.

If you are selecting the overall tuxedo or suit look for a wedding party, schedule a Tuxedo Styling Appointment.

If the wedding party’s formalwear has already been selected and you are an individual member who needs to be measured, schedule a Tuxedo Measurement Appointment.

For prom, galas, and other social occasions, schedule a Social Occasion Styling Appointment, which includes both selecting your look and completing your measurements during the same visit.

What Is a Tuxedo Styling Appointment?

A Tuxedo Styling Appointment is designed for wedding parties that are ready to choose their group formalwear look.

During this 45–60 minute appointment, our team will help you select tuxedo or suit styles, colors, accessories, and coordinate the overall look for the event. No measurements are taken during a Tuxedo Styling Appointment.

Once the group’s formalwear has been selected, individual wedding party members should schedule separate Tuxedo Measurement Appointments.

What Is a Tuxedo Measurement Appointment?

A Tuxedo Measurement Appointment is for individual wedding party members who need to be professionally measured for the tuxedo or suit already selected for their event.

This appointment typically takes 20–30 minutes.

This appointment is specifically for measurements and does not include selecting the wedding party’s overall tuxedo or suit style. If your group has not selected its formalwear yet, a Tuxedo Styling Appointment should be scheduled first.

Do You Offer Tuxedos for Prom, Galas, and Other Social Events?

Yes. For prom, galas, and other formal events, AJ Bridal Company offers a Social Occasion Styling Appointment.

This appointment takes approximately one hour and includes both selecting your tuxedo or formalwear look and completing your professional measurements during the same visit.

Unlike a wedding party Tuxedo Styling Appointment, where no measurements are taken, the Social Occasion Styling Appointment allows you to choose your look and be measured during one appointment.

When Should We Order Tuxedos for a Wedding?

Wedding parties should ideally book the party and finalize their formalwear details approximately four to six months before the wedding.

The couple or group can schedule a Tuxedo Styling Appointment during this period to choose tuxedo or suit styles, colors, accessories, and the overall wedding party look.

Individual wedding party members should then schedule their Tuxedo Measurement Appointments approximately 30–60 days before the wedding.

Starting early allows our team to coordinate the wedding party, collect individual measurements, and assist out-of-town members.

Which AJ Bridal Company Location Should I Visit?

AJ Bridal Company has two Missouri bridal shops.

Our Kirkwood bridal shop serves brides and wedding parties throughout the St. Louis area. Bridesmaid dresses and bridesmaid appointments are available at the Kirkwood location only.

Our Cape Girardeau bridal shop serves customers throughout Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois, Western Kentucky, and West Tennessee.

Kirkwood:
245 W. Essex Avenue
Kirkwood, MO 63122
314-887-1211

Cape Girardeau:
835 Broadway Street
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
573-837-1811