Are the prom gowns at A Bridal World “in stock” and ready to take home today?

Yes! At A Bridal World we average approximately 1,000 prom gowns in stock from sizes 0 thru 30. You may purchase any of our prom gowns off the rack. There are select gowns that we can special order, but it can take up to 14 weeks for your gown to arrive, and it may cost more. It should be noted that even these styles can change on a regular basis – so if you see a dress you love, we recommend you buy it right away.

What are your prices like?

It is our goal to have something for everyone. It’s also important to know what you’re getting for the price. At A Bridal World, we only sell high-quality, well made, exclusive gowns. We have an impressive selection of moderately priced gowns. Prom gowns typically range from $99 – $499 with an average of $289. When you come to A Bridal World, notify your consultant of your budget and she will help you find a gown that fits your style, your figure and your budget. As you can imagine, these gowns go fast!

Can I get a catalog of the prom gowns you carry?

Sorry, it’s impossible for A Bridal World to publish a catalog. This is because our styles & the gowns we have available can change daily. A Bridal World carries a very exclusive collection of prom gowns that are not available anywhere else in the area. A gown that is in the store today will probably not be here next week.

Can you tell me if you have a certain gown in stock?

As much as we'd love to have every gown in our inventory memorized, it's impossible! We literally have thousands of gowns in our store. We also have a personalized inventory system that does not correspond to the designer’s style numbers, so we are unable to look them up on our computers. The best answer to that question is simply to make an appointment to view our inventory.

Do you rent prom gowns?

No, we do not rent prom gowns.

Are these dresses used?

All the gowns and products we offer are new. We do not accept or offer items for resale.

Do you buy used gowns?

We do not purchase used gowns or gowns from the general public. We are not a consignment shop. For that purpose, we recommend ARound Again Consignments. Please see their website for all the details.

When should I start shopping for my prom gown?

We recommend starting your search as early as December. Start by looking at different styles in magazines and online and envision what type of gown suits your personality and style. Starting mid-December, prom gowns start arriving weekly at A Bridal World. If you have your heart set on a particular style and we don’t have it in stock, you should plan on ordering it up to 14 weeks (3½ months) before your prom night.

Can I try on prom gowns without an appointment?

While we will not turn away walk-ins, please understand that our first priority is to clients with appointments. If we are busy when you arrive, we may not be able to give you our highest level of service at that given moment. If you happen to be in the area and wish to browse our store to get a feel for our selection, please do so; after that you can make an appointment to return and get the royal treatment you deserve. Selecting a prom gown should be all about you! Our top priority is your satisfaction and we want you to walk out with the gown of your dreams.

Can I bring in pictures to show my consultant?

Definitely! But we strongly advise that you remember two things. First, the models used by the bridal designers average 6' tall and wear a size 4, so the gowns may not look the same on you. You will definitely want to see yourself in a gown in your size before you buy it. The second thing you should know is that many designers sell gowns that are not advertised in the magazines and are not available online, so keep an open mind when you are shopping. We will be able to help select gowns for you to try on that will flatter your figure, match your style and budget requirements, even if it was not the exact gown in your picture. There have been countless girls that have come in with a picture of a certain gown that have left purchasing an entirely different gown - all because their consultant worked to find the gown that made them FEEL beautiful. If we don't have the exact gown you are looking for, we almost always have one that is very similar.

Do you have one of every dress in your store from every designer you carry?

Unlike a department store, we cannot and do not stock every gown a designer carries in every size and every color. One of our designers alone creates up to 150 prom gowns per season! If we are an authorized retailer for a designer you like, and we do not have the gown you desire in stock, we are certainly able to order it for you. Just remember that you need to order it several weeks in advance.

What sizes are your dresses?

Our gowns are between size 0 and size 30, with a higher concentration around sizes 2 – 6 and 12 – 16. If a gown you like is too small or too big, we can usually clip you to give you a general idea of what the gown will look like in your size. Please be understanding that since we are a boutique and not a department store, it is impossible for us to stock each gown in every size and color. Also, please note that most prom gowns are sized differently than street wear. Depending on the designer, a person who usually wears a size 8 dress, will require a size 10 or 12 in a prom gown. It feels insulting but don't get hung up on the numbers. If the gown fits right, the numbers mean nothing. Trust your consultant to pull the right size gown for you. Never buy a smaller size because you intend to lose weight. Generally, alterations cannot increase the size of the gown, they can, however, make a loose gown fit perfectly.

Will I be able to find gowns at A Bridal World that aren't everywhere else?

Definitely! Many of our designers are not carried at any other salon in the Triangle. We pride ourselves on our unique and beautiful selection. We specifically choose designers that have closed markets and will not sell their dresses to every store in the area. We are often privileged to offer One-Of-A-Kind Gowns, gowns that only exist in our salon. To you, it means you won't be wearing a dress that looks like every other wedding you have been to. Your dress will be yours.

Will I be able to browse the racks myself?

Absolutely! Many of our clients have complained that at other boutiques they are put into a dressing room and the store employee goes to another room to select gowns she thinks the prom girl will like. At A Bridal World you and your consultant can through the racks together to review, discuss and choose the prom gowns you will try on. You will be able to see every gown A Bridal World has to offer in every size. The gowns are all bagged and we do take special care of them. You will be asked to select 3 gowns you would like to try on. Before trying on any of our gowns you will be asked to remove all jewelry (whoever is with you will hold it). You will be given wipes to clean your hands with and a disposable make-up mask to put on. Then the consultant will open the gown bags and put the gown on you. We go to extremes to make sure every prom gown stays in perfect condition, and you will appreciate that we took such extreme care when you find that amazing dress you’ll fall in love with.

How many gowns can/should I try on?

We usually recommend trying on no more than 6 gowns. Trying on too many gowns can confuse you and cause you to forget previous ones you’ve tried on. We will ask you to select 3 gowns you would like to try on. After trying on 2-3 gowns, our consultant will usually have a better idea of what gown looks best on you and might start recommending certain gowns for you. Our staff knows which silhouettes flatter your shape, and often a gown that may not look so flattering hanging in a bag may be the most fantastic dress of all!

How much time do I have to try on gowns?

How do I remember the gowns that I tried on?

Before your appointment begins, we ask you to fill out our client registration form. After each consultation, your consultant will write down the dresses you liked, including any accessories. From this point on, we have you on file so if your consultant is not available the next time you come back, another consultant can just look at your file and know exactly which dresses you tried on and comments you’ve made.

Can I bring a camera and take pictures the gowns I like in your store?

Regrettably, due to copyright laws, in order to protect the integrity of the manufacturer's designs, photos are not permitted. This is a common policy among bridal boutiques. It is not meant to inconvenience anyone – we realize that you want to show pictures to out of town moms and friends. Due to the rise in internet fraud of copies being sold as originals, we are unable to allow photos to be taken inside our showroom. We have contracts with our designers that as authorized retailers, we honor and uphold the integrity of their designs. For these reasons, we ask that you also honor the privacy of others and leave your cameras, video cameras, camera phones and recording devices of any kind in your vehicle during your visit. Once you own the gown, you may take as many pictures of your gown as you’d like.

What if I find the gown of my dreams and I’m not ready to buy it yet?

or I'm not ready but I want my mom to see it.

By leaving without purchasing a dress you love, you risk a few things. The dress may be sold off the rack and you will not have the opportunity to show your mother later or to try it on again. You would not believe how desirable a dress becomes when another girl sees how stunning the dress looked on you! Another risk is that a gown may be discontinued by a designer and become unable to be reordered. In that case the only dress available will be the one in the store and if it isn't in the color and size you want, you miss the opportunity to have the dress you fell in love with. We suggest that before you visit our store you ask yourself, "If I found the prom gown of my dreams in my budget can I buy it today?" It's best to be ready at A Bridal World by bringing your mom or whoever you want with you so if you find that perfect dress you won't have to leave it behind. We do have payment options where a deposit can have the dress ordered or held off the rack.

How is A Bridal World different from shopping at department stores?

There are Five BIG differences.

1 – VARIETY. Although both A Bridal World and the department stores stock prom gowns, the department stores all carry similar dresses, and many duplicates of the exact same style and color. At A Bridal World, we are not limited to only a few prom gown designers; therefore, we are not limited to a small number of dress styles. We are able to travel the country, attending bridal markets in Chicago, New York, and Atlanta in search of the latest gowns that cater to a variety of different tastes and price points.

2 – SELECTION. department stores have "fixed" styles for the season. This means that for the most part their dress styles do not change during the year; the same dresses are being sold at hundreds of locations nationwide and there is nothing unique about any of them. At A Bridal World, our inventory is constantly changing as we receive new dresses on a weekly basis. The only disadvantage of is that if you do find the perfect prom gown and don’t purchase it, there is a good chance it won’t be here when you come back and you’ll have to start over in your quest for the perfect gown.

3 – REGISTRY. A Bridal World will not sell the same exact dress in the same color to another girl at your prom. We keep a registry of all prom gowns sold, so you can check and make sure your gown won’t show up on another girl who also shopped at A Bridal World. Department stores cannot uphold this same promise to you; the possibility of seeing a duplicate dress is much higher, which nobody wants the embarrassment of.

4 – ORDERING. difference from department stores is that department stores have a set number of styles and sizes they order for each store for the season. They don’t have the flexibility to accommodate factory ordering if they don’t have the gown you want – what you see is what you get. As an authorized retailer for a designer you like, A Bridal World has the ability to order the gown you desire in a different size, or in another available color choice.

5 – QUALITY. The difference is not only in the quality of the gowns we offer, but in the pristine condition you will find our gowns in. Department stores stock their prom gowns on tightly packed racks, with nothing to separate the gowns between another, and in a short amount of time they can become “shop worn.” You are allowed to try on gowns without any assistance, which may seem like a good idea, but you are given no guidance or advice about which size to select, what silhouette will make you look fantastic, or how to wear intricate designs. Torn material, missing beads, stretched seams, snags and dirty gowns therefore are commonplace. Department stores do not attempt to fix gowns prior to selling, and no one wants to wear a gown that looks like it’s been worn a few times. At A Bridal World, we bag each and every gown, which ensures no snagging, no tearing, and that every gown is clean an in its best possible condition. We assist you in selecting gowns that flatter your figure, and we’ll help you figure out intricate or complicated styles, which will ensure your gown looks its very best on your prom night.

Where should I purchase my gown?

Where you buy your gown is important... both experience and financial stability matter. Ask as many past prom girls as you can about what stores they visited and how they were treated. You'll get a good idea as to which salons will go the extra mile to meet your needs. In this day and age of stores closing their doors without giving girls their dress or a refund, it’s important to find a sound, dependable store that delivers on what they promise.

A Bridal World is a convenient one-stop shop for you, offering prom gowns, undergarments, jewelry, hair pieces, and shoes. Every dress that leaves our store is steamed, a $40 value.

When do I need to order my prom gown?

Each designer has a different lead-time for production of your order. We will work with you to determine order and delivery deadlines for items you have selected. We generally recommend ordering your gown at least 14 weeks before your prom night. It typically takes about 12 to 14 weeks from the time of ordering for your gown to arrive. Gowns with custom changes may take longer. You will want to leave 2 to three weeks buffer time for alterations and possible shipping delays. Why does it take so long for a dress to be made? Because most gowns are constructed after the company receives an order, and they receive orders daily from boutiques all over the country.

Can I see/order this gown in another color?

Because prom season is so fast, and the colors & prints change so often, if a gown is available in other colors, it may be a little difficult to obtain pictures or swatches of all the colors offered. Some designers will include color swatches with our in-house gowns to show you the alternate color options available. Others may show the alternate colors in their catalogs. Some may have no swatches available at all. In that case, the best we can do is get a description of the other colors. Because of the sheer volume of gowns made by each designer, and the amount of designers we stock each prom season, we are unable to carry one of each style in each color available.

Can I still get a gown if my prom is less than 14 weeks away?

Yes – A Bridal World can place order on rush cuts on select gowns if the designer offers that service. Many of our designers will accommodate a rush order for an additional fee of 15-20% of the price of the dress. Rush fees are different than shipping fees – a rush cut puts the production of your gown higher up in the manufacturer’s queue of gown orders, rather than adding it at the very end. Rush times and fees vary from designer to designer. We also have designers that offer as little as 2 week delivery on select gowns; your consultant will discuss the options available to you. If you do not wish to pay rush charges on a particular gown, we always welcome you to purchase one of our beautiful in-stock gowns that are not subject to rush charges. Our in-stock gowns are kept in pristine condition so you can be assured that your gown is as good as new.

How do I know what size to order?

Prom sizes usually differ from regular dress sizes. Our experienced consultants will take your measurements to ensure that your gown will be ordered in the size closest to your measurements. Often, your measurements will fall in between sizes and your approval will be required before we determine what size to order. You will have the opportunity to see how your measurements compare to the designer's size chart, and select your size from it. Although the collections we offer are made to order, they are not custom-made. The majority of all dresses will need to be altered in some way.

By taking your measurements, we are simply trying to find a size that will need the least amount of alterations. Depending on the gown silhouette, either the hips measurement (mermaids) or the waist measurements (A-lines) are the most important measurements to match up to the designer’s size chart. Please note that different designers have different measurement charts so it is possible to be a size 8 in one brand and a size 10 in another. In addition, gown sizes tend to run small, so don’t be alarmed when your gown size is not the same as your clothing size. So don't get hung up on the numbers – trust your consultant to suggest the right size gown for you.

Will my prom gown come in my length?

Most prom gowns are designed for a for 5’9” women. If you do not fall in this category, you will need to either order extra length, or have the hem altered once it arrives. Tall ladies, do not fear! Your gown can be ordered with extra length for an additional charge, from designers that provide that option. For petite women, hemming is an easy solution. When considering length, please keep in mind that your shoes play a major role! The length of your gown will need to be different depending on if you want extra pouf with a crinoline, or whether you choose 3” heels as opposed to flats.

Can I get a color swatch of my dress?

Because the fabrics, the colors and the prints designers use for prom gowns change every year, they generally do not have color swatches available to hand out. Some of our gowns are provided with swatches, which we will attach to the gown in a small clear bag for you to see. If we have any extra swatches available in-store, we will gladly give you a swatch of your chosen color once your order has been placed. If we are unable to locate a swatch for you that day, we can request one from the manufacturer, and if they are able to provide one for us, it will usually arrive within 4 to 6 weeks of the request.

Please understand that these swatches are to be used only as a guide for the colors offered. Colors may vary due to dye lots and different types of fabric. Please use these swatches as a general example, as the actual gown's color may vary from that of the swatch. Because the swatch is not coming from the same bolt of material your dresses will be cut from, we cannot guarantee gown colors to exactly match the swatches. Dye lot variations do exist. Please use these swatches only as a reference, as they may not represent the final color of the gown.

I’m planning on losing weight. How much smaller of a size should I order?

Never buy a smaller size because you intend to lose weight. Generally, alterations cannot increase the size of the gown, they can, however, make a loose gown fit perfectly. If you lose weight it is easy to make your gown fit you perfectly if it was purchased in your previous size. The opposite, letting out a gown if it’s too small because you put on weight, can be far more expensive to do and often it will not look perfect. Planning your prom can be a stressful time and it’s a mistake to add more stress because you won’t fit into a dress you ordered too small if you don’t reach your goal weight. Most girls buy their gown 2 to 3 months before their prom night so that other purchases that revolve around the gown can be made, such as your date’s tuxedo, your corsage, and your shoes. Even if you are planning to lose weight, buy the gown that fits your current weight and if you reach your weight goals it will be easy to alter your gown to fit you beautifully. If you don’t, so what! Your gown will still fit beautifully and remember he asked you out the way you are, not the way you hope to be.

What happens if the dress I ordered doesn’t fit?

A Bridal World can only recommend what size to order based on your measurements, compared to the designer’s measurement chart, at the time of purchase. We are not responsible for any fluctuations in weight resulting in the dress not fitting. Due to the nature of our business we cannot accept exchanges or returns. It is very important that you get measurements taken and look at the appropriate manufacturers size chart before ordering your dress. Alterations are almost always necessary for a custom fit so please keep this in mind. Although it is easy to take a gown in, prom gowns have virtually no seam allowance in them to let the gown out, so it is vital for you to order larger rather than smaller when your measurements fall in between 2 sizes.

How much deposit do I need to leave to order a gown?

A Bridal World requests payment for the gown in full at the time of ordering. The order will be placed once the deposit is made.

What forms of payment are accepted?

A Bridal World accepts Cash, Debit or Credit with the Visa, Master Card or Discover logo. A Bridal World cannot accept checks.

Can I pay for my dress with a credit card over the phone?

We are not authorized to accept credit cards directly over the phone, so we use an alternate method. We will send you a form to fill out, either faxed or emailed, which you will fill out and return to us either by faxing or emailing. We will then use this to process your order. This method is for user verification and to avoid credit card fraud.

Can I pay for my dress with my parent’s credit card?

We treat our authorization of using your parent’s credit card the same as we authorize using credit cards over the phone. We will send the card holder a form to fill out, either faxed or emailed, which they will fill out and return to us either by faxing or emailing. We will then use this to process your order. This method is for user verification and to avoid credit card fraud.

Why can't I get an exact arrival date instead of an estimated arrival date?

Manufacturers do not guarantee their ship dates since their production can vary. Ship dates are tentative and subject to change. Manufacturers provide retailers with an estimated shipping date, which we in turn provide to our clients. Your dress may even arrive ahead of the estimated arrival date!

Will I be notified of my order status?

We will contact you once the order is placed to let you know the estimated arrival date. The dresses are delivered directly from the designer to our store, and after the gown is checked and passes quality control, we contact you so that you can pick up the dress or schedule your first fitting appointment. Our policy is that we call the main contact to let you know the order has arrived, unless otherwise noted.

Why is there a shipping charge for my ordered gown?

Every designer charges for shipping from their location to our store. Some bridal salons factor this charge into the price. A Bridal World offers the lowest price possible on their gowns and adds the shipping charge separately. Our shipping charge is often based on economic factors, such as gasoline prices or the shipping company's rates. For these reasons, a shipping charge may periodically change. Shipping charges vary based on weight. The charge for jewelry may be as low as $5 whereas a formal wedding gown may cost as much as $40.00. Most gowns average between $10 to $20 per gown. Please consult with your consultant if you are concerned about the cost of shipping for a particular gown.

If you do not wish to pay the shipping charge on a particular gown, we always welcome you to purchase one of our beautiful in-stock gowns that are not subject to shipping charges.

What is your return/exchange policy?

Due to the special nature of our business, there are no refunds, exchanges or cancellations. There are no exceptions. Any orders that have been placed cannot be cancelled after 24 hours.

If I can’t go to the prom, can I get my money back?

We do understand that unfortunate events do happen, but there are no refunds, exchanges or cancellations. There are no exceptions. Once the order is placed with the manufacturer A Bridal World cannot cancel the order, not for any reason.

If I order a gown and change my mind or don’t like it when it comes in, can I send it back?

No, there are no refunds, exchanges or cancellations. There are no exceptions. The bridal manufacturer’s policy is also no refunds, exchanges or cancellations, and they will not accept the dress back.

Will you let me try on gowns before I buy it off the internet?

Unfortunately, the answer is no, if you don’t plan on purchasing the gown from us. Although independent bridal stores do carry national brands, each store is there to provide you with gown selections to choose from and purchase. We get nothing from the gown manufacturer if you come in and try a gown, and we get nothing if you then decide to purchase from an online store.

98% of bridal stores in the USA are independently owned and operated, and are not chain stores like David’s Bridal or Alfred Angelo. We encourage you to support your local businesses, where you can interact with a knowledgeable consultant, see and try on dresses that were made to flatter you (and not a size 2 model), get your consultant’s expert advise about styles, fit and accessorizing, and not have to deal with the uncertainty of delivery with an online store.

Why shouldn't I just buy my gown off the Internet?

We strongly discourage buying any gown off the Internet. Often, these gowns are cheap "knock-offs" of the gowns they claim to be selling you. When it arrives, you may be very disappointed with the gown or its quality, and you will get stuck with a gown you will never wear. If the site is an authorized retailer they may not be for long. Our manufacturers are actively working to close the accounts of anyone selling on the Internet. IF they close the account, your order will not be filled. If in fact it does arrive, it will arrive in a small box or envelope completely wrinkled. We’ve encountered many in tears over what they thought would be their beautiful gown, but got ripped off from an unscrupulous vendor, whether it was bought off eBay, an Internet store, or from China knock-offs.

In a recent article in USA Today, it was reported that shoppers were getting a poor deal from Internet retailers. The Consumers International research group ordered 151 items from various Internet sites. It found that one in ten items never arrived. Your prom gown is too important to take a chance on.

Even though the idea of purchasing from an e-store can seem easy and cheap, buyer beware. Internet prices may seem enticing, but you will find if an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is. In recent comparison shopping we found many gowns on several sites were priced 10% – 20% higher than the gowns in A Bridal World. And these were on ‘discount’ websites! So again, buyer beware. Please also be aware of designer gowns for sale on the internet. 9 times out of 10 these “designers” are copies and are of poor quality. If there was ever a time when you deserve quality, it’s your prom night.

By purchasing from a bridal salon, you have the luxury of trying on several styles, getting assistance in choosing your size and having your questions answered immediately. The Internet is an invaluable shopping tool, but for the real thing, only buy something as important as your prom gown from an authorized retailer.

Does A Bridal World offer on-site alterations?

Yes we do. Please read our Alterations FAQS for further details.

Is there a charge for alterations?

Prom alterations are difficult and time consuming. They require a highly qualified seamstress to perform her craft so that the gown looks as if no alterations were executed to it. Our seamstress does wonderful work and is very diligent to make sure that each and every customer is happily satisfied with the fit of their garment. To provide this service does require us to charge a fee. You are only charged for what needs to be done, and this will be detailed on your alterations slip. The price depends on what you need done and the complexity of the job. Altering a plain gown is less intensive than altering a beaded or multi-layered gown, and the price will reflect that. Remember, taking out ¼” or 3” costs the same. Alterations are paid in full at the first appointment. Alterations cannot begin until the full payment is made. For complete details on alterations, please visit our Alterations FAQs page.

Do you dye shoes to match my gown and how long does it take?

A Bridal World only dyes in-house shoes in ivory and black. If you wish a pair of shoes dyed to match your dress you may order your shoes from our shoe designers, send a 1” square swatch of your dress, and have the shoes dyed by the shoe designer. Dyed shoes take about 10 business days to process; there is a fee for dying shoes.

As a gorgeous alternative, A Bridal World carries beautiful shoes in silver, gold and bronze. A pair of silver shoes is a beautiful, re-wearable option which will match about 85% of prom gowns.

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