When should I start shopping for my gown?
It is not unusual for our brides to come in and find their gown more than a year before their
wedding date.  You should have a general idea of your budget so that you will not fall in
love with a gown that is totally out of your budget.  Be flexible to spend a little more or less
than planned,  but have a general idea of your price range.  The average gown at Aliber's
is $600.  We have gowns at $300 and others at $1200; a white or ivory bridesmaid style
could be as low at $150.

I found my gown, but when should I order it?
Manufacturers discontinue styles frequently; prices do change.  Order as soon as you find
it or purchase from stock.  That's why it is important to have your budget ready when you
start to look.

Do I need to make an appointment?
Appointments are not required but are suggested.  Our staff will be expecting you and we
will not double book unless we have adequate bridal fashion consultants on staff.  On
Saturdays, we recommend planning your day for an early appointment at Aliber's.  
Saturdays can be crazy and busy  and we can usually best serve you in the earlier part of
the day.

How long does it take?
Plan for 1 1/2 hours.  Less than one hour may not be fair to yourself to search for and try
on a range of styles and narrow your selection.  More than two hours becomes frustrating
for both yourself and the bridal consultant.  Everyone is often tired at that point and  
overwhelmed.  Make another appointment to return to start over.



Will I find my dress on the first visit?
Aliber's has over 200 bridal gowns in stock ranging from the informal to the very formal.  
Whether you have ideas and photos when you arrive or whether you don't have a clue
about the perfect dress for you, your bridal consultant will ask  questions to lead you along
the way.  Most brides at Aliber's find their dress on their first visit.  We help you to make it
fun and stress-free.

Who should I bring with me?
Our first recommendation is for you to come alone!  You will find the dress you love, not
the one someone else loves.  Our second recommendation is that you bring your mother,
sister or best friend - someone whose judgement and honesty you trust and who will make
you feel comfortable.  If your clash with your sister, this is not the shopping trip to share!  
Bringing too many "helpers" only makes it more stressful for you and more difficult to arrive
at a decision. Of course everyone wants to be in on the fun of selecting your gown.  
However, remember that you want to WOW everyone when you walk down the aisle and
surprise most of  your friends and family.  Our store is small and space is limited.  You
have been selecting your clothes for many years; you know what looks best on you.

Can I bring children?
We love children but children really don't like a bridal store.  They quickly become bored
and restless.  There are many dangers lurking in our store - large mirrors, fragile items
both glass and delicate fabrics, heavy gowns and racks which pose the danger of
collapsing on little people who hide under them, pins, pearls and small beads on the floor.  
Children detract from what should be your special time.

What about the WOW factor?  Some people tell me  that when I find "my" gown,
the tears will flow, etc. etc.   Yes, some brides will cry, their Mom will cry and they will
"just know" that this is the gown.  However, not every bride experiences this shining light.  
Most often you will feel very special in the first gown you try on.  We do know that when
you have tried on many gowns and visited multiple shops, the newness wears thin  quickly.
 It's like anything you do.  The more it is repeated, it is not so special anymore.  We find
that the woman who shops the most and longest has the most stress and difficulty making
the decision of selecting her gown.  All brides are beautiful when they have that special
happy radiance.  Nearly all gowns are beautiful.  If you find the dress you love - really,
really like - stop shopping - make your decision.  You will be happy that you saved yourself
from the "keep looking syndrome".  We joke about - when you found the man you love -
did you still keep looking?

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE IN THE QUALITY OF GOWNS?   Most definitely!  Some brides
even tell us they can tell when they put on a particular manufacturer's dresses.  We most
certainly can tell from the way they are constructed when it's time for alterations and the
quality of the fabric when it is time for pressing.  Quality is important in how the gown will fit
and feel when you are wearing it.  When you shop, "feel" the fabric.  You will soon be able
to tell the difference.  It is your special gown.  Buy the best you can afford.  

Does Aliber's have a large selection?  We certainly do!  We are a small shop, but we
are packed with about 200 bridal gowns and more bridesmaids in addition to mothers,
flower girls, prom and pageant.  Our goal is to have a selection to fill everyone's taste.
Each gown is different because we have only one of each style  Every gown is individually
selected by our staff and our customers and friends.  They are not chosen by someone
who is not familiar with our region and our local customers.  We see all of the gowns
available from our manufacturers either at national market or with their sales reps who
come to our store.  In this way , we are advised of  the latest fashion trends, but we have
control of which gowns are in our store.   We have a great assortment of styles and  
please remember that our seamstresses will add sleeves or make changes at a
reasonable rate.


Are alterations done in house at Aliber's?  Yes, we have seamstresses on schedule
according to our needs and the season.  We have additional seamstresses we can
call as needed in addition to our owner who also has extensive experience in sewing and
teaching. 

How much will alterations cost?  The answer to this question is it depends upon what
and how much work  is required.  Each area to be altered (hem, side seams, shoulders, etc)
is priced separately.  You are not paying for what someone else may need so each job
is different.  Our prices are probably the lowest in the area, but at the same time, our
seamstresses are among the most talented and experienced.  You will be amazed at the
changes Terrie (who studied in Paris) can make!  We tell our brides to plan on $100  to $125 for
alterations and they won't have any big surprises.  Unless major changes are being
made most charges for bridal gowns range from $75 to $125.  Bridesmaids are in the range
from $15 to $50.

Can I bring my gown or dress to Aliber's for alterations if I purchased it elsewhere?
You should always call us to ask this question.  Our answer may vary from time to time
(depending upon how busy we are and how many seamstresses are available).  We will usually
question you as to where you purchased your gown and why you are not returning to that
location for alterations.   You need to consider the alterations before you purchase.  It is a very
big part of how you will look on your wedding day.  We do not wish to be the alterations destination
for gowns purchased at the big box retailer or for our close competitors.  However, if there is
a valid reason for your purchase (you have been living in Texas!), then we want to help you.
Please call to ask.

What size gowns does Aliber's carry?  We stock gowns from sze 4 to 30.  Our bridal fashion
consultants realize that the average woman is a size 14 or 16, not the typical model you see in
magazines.  We may not have your favorite gown in your exact size, but we do have a variety of
styles in a range of sizes.

How will I know my size?  If the gown you try on and love is close to your size, our seamstresses
will alter it to fit you.  If a special order is required, we will measure you, refer to the particular
manufacturer's size chart and compare that recommendation to the gowns you have tried on.
Together, our consultant and you will decide upon the size to order.

I'm worried about alterations - the cost, the work, the time?  No need to worry!  The process is
very stress-free.  We tell our brides to plan on $125 for total alterations.  You may be pleasantly
surprised that it will be less or not in shock if it is just slightly more.  Our alterations are often
1/3 of what you will be charged at other locatiions.  Most brides require two fittings - occasionally
more.  The seamstresses at Aliber's are very experienced and talented.  You will be amazed
at what they can do and how you will look when they are finished.  You want changes - no problem!
We are happy to work with your creative ideas.

What if I lose weight? Plan to adjust your weight before you start appointments for alterations. 
Don't wait until the last weeks before your wedding.  If adjustments must be made because of our
work, there is no additional charge.  If your weight change necessitates additional work, additional
charges may apply.