Frequently Asked Questions About AJ Bridal Company
Planning your visit to AJ Bridal Company? Find answers about bridal appointments, wedding dress ordering, payment plans, alterations, tuxedo fittings, and more.
Our team serves brides and wedding parties at our bridal shops in Kirkwood and Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
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.
Tuxedo appointments and mothers’ appointments generally last about 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.
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.
Tuxedo appointments typically last about one hour.
Do I Need an Appointment for a Tuxedo Rental?
Appointments are recommended for wedding parties so our formalwear team can help coordinate styles, colors, measurements, and timelines.
Individual tuxedo customers may be accommodated without an appointment when staff members are available.
When Should We Order Tuxedos for a Wedding?
Wedding parties should ideally select and reserve their tuxedos approximately six months before the wedding.
Starting early allows time to coordinate the wedding party look, collect measurements, and assist out-of-town members.
Single rentals and suit purchases should generally be arranged several weeks before the event.
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.
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
Still Have Questions?
Our team is happy to help with questions about wedding dresses, tuxedos, appointments, payments, orders, and store policies.