FAQ
We regret to say we are unable to take any further orders for 2009. Thank you for your interest!
Got a suggestion for our FAQ? and we’ll post the answer here!
Prices
Styles
Do you have the style I want?
What if I don’t know what I want?
Can I See More Pictures?
How will I know what style is best for me?
Do I have to choose from your collection?
What if I have something in mind – can I give you a picture and can you copy it?
Will your styles look good on me? What if they don’t?
I think my figure is hard to fit. Will your styles work for me?
What’s the difference between custom and off-the-rack – will I notice it?
Do I get to see the fabrics and colors in person? How will I know what to pick?
Appointments & Timetables
How early should I come in?
What if I’m out of the area, or even the state?
How long does it take to make a gown?
What if I want to lose weight?
How many fittings will I have?
Store Policies
If I come in, am I committed to buying?
Can I cancel after I’ve ordered a gown?
What if I don’t like my gown when it’s done?
What if my gown doesn’t fit?
What if I need alterations after my gown is finished?
Is it possible my gown won’t be finished in time?
I have more questions. How do I get in touch?
Other Questions
What's a pattern?
Do you do alterations?
Do you do Mother-of-the-Bride gowns? How about Bridesmaids?
What accessories do you have?
Can I contact other brides?
Where can I hear more about you?
Prices
What’s your price range?
If you’re shopping in the “affordable” to “moderate” gown price range listed on the major wedding web sites, you’ll find As You Like It fits right in your budget. A $1000 gown at a bridal shop is equivalent to about an $1700 gown here (learn why this is). Our price range starts at about $1500 for a simpler style and can range up to $3500 for an elaborate creation. Most brides choose a gown priced at around $2200 (that’s equivalent to purchasing a $1500 gown at a regular bridal salon).
Styles
Do you have the style I want?
We have a tremendous selection of styles for all tastes and figures. Because all of our styles are in separates in the studio, you can mix and match all the looks. This means we have many more styles available to try on than most bridal salons! But if we don’t have just what you’re looking for, we’re more than happy to create it for you from scratch.
What if I don’t know what I want?
Don’t worry! Most brides need to try gowns on to know what works best on them. No matter whether you have no ideas at all or a notebook full of wedding-magazine pages, you’ll find that once you start trying things on, it’s easy to pick out what you like and what you don’t like.
Can I See More Pictures?
Absolutely! Just , and we’ll be happy to send you many more pictures of gowns we’ve created for our brides.
How will I know what style is best for me?
When you come in, we’ll talk to you about your tastes, wedding day, figure, and any ideas you have, and then get you started trying things on. We’ll lead you toward things that flatter your figure, and away from those that won’t. You’ll try on a whole assortment of gowns that look great on you – then it’s up to you to decide which one you love best! You’ll be surprised how easy it is to choose: the mirror will tell you!
Do I have to choose from your collection?
No! Whether you want a certain detail adjusted just so, or you’d like an entirely from-scratch design created just for you, we are happy to accommodate you! Since your gown is custom-made, we can do absolutely anything you want.
What if I have something in mind – can I give you a picture and can you copy it?
Absolutely! If we don’t have exactly what you want, we’ll be delighted to design your gown with you from a picture, sketch, or purely from your imagination.
Will your styles look good on me? What if they don’t?
Yes, they will! We have a vast array of style combinations that are carefully designed to flatter every figure type. But if something isn’t just perfect on you, that’s easy! Your gown will be custom-made, so we’ll fine-tune every design detail to your figure.
I think my figure is hard to fit. Will your styles work for me?
Absolutely. We specifically design our gowns to flatter all different figure types. You’ll try on pieces that are carefully design and chose to complement your particular figure, as well as your tastes. Because everything’s interchangeable, you can try on endless combinations that suit you, and none that don’t. (Read more about how we cater to all figures.)
What’s the difference between custom and off-the-rack – will I notice it?
Absolutely – there’s no comparison! You already know that with a custom gown, you get to personally choose every detail of your gown. But may not realize that the fit of your clothing, especially formal clothing, makes the difference between pretty and breathtaking. Chances are, the reason you love your very favorite clothes in your own closet is because they fit you very well - and thus are very flattering to your figure!
Similarly, an expertly-made custom gown will flatter your figure in a way no factory-size gown can ever achieve, even with the most expert alterations (learn why). We’re sure you’ll be astonished at the difference!
Do I get to see the fabrics and colors in person? How will I know what to pick?
Yes, you get to see everything in person. We keep samples of all our fabrics (along with laces, beading styles, and everything else) right in the studio, so you can see and touch them. You can also browse through all the current colors available for each fabric. If we don’t have a fabric or color you want, we’ll find it for you.
It won’t hard to select your details. Remember, you’ll be starting from the designs we have ready for you to try on in our studio, so you can go with a gown just as you see it, or adjust any of the options. We’ll be there every step to help you find your perfect style, then guide you to the fabric, color, and embellishment choices that are just right for you.
Appointments & Timetables
How early should I come in?
We suggest between 6 and 12 months before your wedding, or even earlier. Most brides come in about 9 months in advance, but please call us even if your wedding date is fast approaching. We tend to book up early, but we’ll do our best to accommodate even last-minute requests.
What if I’m out of the area, or even the state?
Many of our brides come from far-off states! If you’re coming from far away, we are more than happy to arrange your appointments around your travel schedule.
How long does it take to make a gown?
We’ll start the process by taking your measurements about six months before your wedding date (closer if you have weight loss goals). From the mock fitting to your pickup date, you gown will usually be completed within a three-week period.
Exactly when you’ll pick up your gown varies, depending on scheduling and again taking into account any weight-loss goals you may have. The closer to your wedding your gown is completed, the less likely you’ll change size before the big day and need additional alterations, so we try to arrange to have your gown completed within a few weeks of your wedding. You’ll usually pick up your gown two to eight weeks before your wedding, and never fewer than two.
What if I want to lose weight?
No problem. We’ll take into account any weight loss goals you have when we arrange your fitting schedule with you. We’ll make sure you have plenty of shape-up time!
How many fittings will I have?
Usually three fittings: One mock fitting where we do the majority of fitting work and confirm the design details, a first fitting where we do minor fit adjustments and finalize any last details, and a final fitting where we mark your hem and bustle. If you happen to need more fittings while we’re making your gown, these are included at no extra charge.
In the rare event that you change size after you pick up your gown, and you need more alterations, we’re happy to do them for you, but we do have to charge for these.
Store Policies
If I come in, am I committed to buying?
No. When you come in for an appointment, there is no charge, and there is no commitment to purchase a gown. Only after you’ve confirmed your order with a deposit and have signed a contract with us are you committed to your purchase.
Can I cancel after I’ve ordered a gown?
We’ll always do everything we can to accommodate the needs of our brides. Once you’ve confirmed your order by making a deposit, we will have to turn down other brides who request a gown for that same time period, so unfortunately we can’t refund deposits. If, however, you must cancel your order, we will do our very best to replace your contracted time with another client, and if we can do so, we’ll refund anything over the deposit amount you’ve paid.
What if I don’t like my gown when it’s done?
Unlike a factory-made gown which you purchase and must accept as-is, your gown is custom-made. If you don’t like something, we can change it! There are opportunities throughout the process for large-, medium-, and small-size changes, and we’ll always do everything we can to accommodate your wishes. We’re not happy until you are.
What if my gown doesn’t fit?
This is very unlikely. Your gown is custom-made just for you, from 45 of your personal measurements. You’ll also have a full mock-up fitting and two gown fittings. (Read all about the custom process.) However, if you gain or lose weight while we’re making your gown, we’ll do as many more fittings as you need, at no extra charge. We are experts in perfect fit for all body types and shapes. We’re not finished fitting until it’s just right.
What if I need alterations after my gown is finished?
Many months in advance of your wedding, we’ll send you your fitting schedule, so you’ll know when you’ll want to be in wedding-day shape long in advance of the date. We’re also happy to adjust your fitting schedule so you have as much shape-up time as you think you’ll need!
Sometimes, though, a bride gains or loses weight after she’s picked up her gown (pre-wedding stress can do that!) In that case, we’ll be more than happy to make any alterations you need. We do have to charge for alterations needed after you pick up your gown, but we try to keep the costs minimal.
Is it possible my gown won’t be finished in time?
Absolutely not! At As You Like It we have never delivered a gown later than the delivery date scheduled with each bride months in advance. We have the expertise and resources to guarantee that this will never happen
As You Like It’s owner and designer is not only a highly qualified and experienced bridal gown maker, she is also a professionally-trained bridal designer. This means she intimately understands the full scope of the process from correct design through minute construction details. (Learn about her background). What’s more, when more hands are needed during our busiest seasons, As You Like It employs highly-skilled dressmakers directly trained by the designer, and personally overseen by her in the studio in every aspect of their work. What’s more, during your fittings you’ll see your gown progress from start to finish, so you’ll feel completely confident that everything is going smoothly. There’s absolutely no reason to worry about this!
I have more questions. How do I get in touch?
There are no silly or taboo questions. Ask us anything! , or call us at 978.779.8205. If we’re busy with a bride, please do leave a message and we’ll get right back to you.
Other Questions
What's a pattern?
A pattern is a set of flat paper shapes that serve as a guide for making a garment, such as a bridal gown. A tailor or dressmaker lays the paper pattern pieces on fabric and cuts around them. The cut pieces of fabrics are then sewn together to make the garment.
Do you do alterations?
Yes, we are happy to do alterations for Mothers, Bridesmaids, or any member of your wedding party. We’re also happy to do your alterations even if you did not buy your gown from us!
Do you do Mother-of-the-Bride gowns? How about Bridesmaids?
Yes, we’re happy to create beautiful custom gowns for Mothers and Bridesmaids. Because we never skimp on any part of the custom process, prices usually run between $1000 and $1500.
What accessories do you have?
We carry a full selection of veils, headpieces, and gloves. Like our gowns, all of our accessories are custom-made for us, so you can fully customize materials and colors!
Can I contact other brides?
Of course! We are more than happy to provide you with contact information for past brides. To guard against internet abusers, we prefer not to publish our brides’ contact information on our web site. Just drop us a line and we’ll send you a list of references right away.
Where can I hear more about you?
We’re listed in many major wedding resources. You can find us at TheKnot.com, Boston.com (go to My Life, then Celebrations), MyBostonWedding.com, Brides.com, WeddingChannel.com, and in Brides Boston magazine. Many of our brides love to chat on wedding message boards; drop a line at any of the sites listed above to hear what they have to say!