Bergen County has plenty of bridal shops, and they can look alike online. A few questions before you book will tell you a lot about how your appointment will feel, what you'll spend and what happens after you say yes. Here are the eight we'd ask, with how we answer them at Aleana's Bridal in Paramus.
1. Is it by appointment only?
Appointment-only shops can give you a stylist's full attention. Every visit at Aleana's Bridal is a private, one-on-one appointment, so your stylist's attention is on you the whole time.
2. What's the price range?
A shop that shares its prices up front saves you time. Our designer bridal gowns range from $1,800 to $6,500, mother of the bride and groom dresses from $600 to $1,600, and custom gowns start at $5,000. Here's what moves the price.
3. How many guests can I bring?
Too many opinions can make it hard to hear your own. Brides can bring up to four guests to an appointment at Aleana's, and mothers of the bride or groom up to two. We ask that babies and children stay home.
4. How long is the appointment, and is there a fee?
Most of our bridal appointments last about ninety minutes, which is enough time to try on without rushing. Your first appointment is complimentary; follow-up appointments are $100, which goes toward your gown if you buy it that day.
5. Which designers do you carry?
Ask which designers the shop stocks, and whether you can see the gowns before you go. You can browse every designer we carry and our full collection online before your visit.
6. Are alterations done in-house?
Having your fittings in the same shop you bought from keeps things simple. Our seamstresses work right in the boutique, and most gowns need two or three fittings.
7. Can gowns be customized?
If you love a gown but want sleeves, more coverage or a different back, ask whether that's possible. We have a designer in-house who handles customizations and fully custom gowns.
8. What if my timeline is short?
Ask about in-stock options and sample sales. Our sample sales offer designer floor samples at 30 to 50 percent off, ready to take home the same day, and our stylists can help brides on a shorter timeline find a gown that works.
Visiting from around Bergen County
Aleana's Bridal is at 852 Route 17 North in Paramus, minutes from the Garden State Parkway, with free parking right in front. Brides come to us from Ridgewood, Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck and across North Jersey.
Ready to see for yourself? Book a private appointment.