Formalities FAQ.
Can I walk in, or do I need an appointment?
The only areas of our store that require an appointment is bridal and bridesmaids. You can either call us at 218-751-1084 or follow the quick and easy link here to book online!
Prom, Pageant, Special Occasion/Mother's, and Tuxedo shoppers are served on a first come, first serve basis.
If you are shopping bridal or bridesmaids and choose to walk-in, we'd still love to help you, if possible. Please keep in mind that all of the fitting rooms may already be reserved on a busy day, or we may not have the staff to accommodate you in that moment. If you are considering walking in, we always recommend calling first.
Are alteration services free with my purchase, or an additional charge?
If you choose to use our fabulous alteration services, they are an additional charge; and available exclusively to Formalities customers--at this time we do not take in any outside items to alter.
The alteration department will always try their best to accommodate every unique timeline, however, bridal alterations require a minimum of 3-4 months before a wedding date to be completed. You will want to be proactive about scheduling and keeping appointments, otherwise we cannot guarantee the services will be available to you.
What if I don't have enough time to place an order?
Our bridal and bridesmaid dresses typically require 4-6 months to special order from our designers. After arriving, those dresses usually need alterations that requires additional time. Don't worry if you're working with less than the recommended amount of time. We've got you covered! All of our dresses are available off the rack and we can even look into rush cut options for special orders. Our consultants will work with you to explain your options and help you discover the dress of your dreams!
Special Occasion/Mother's, Prom and Pageant dresses are mainly sold off the rack--however, our designers in those categories typically have stock available for delivery on a 2-4 week basis!
Should I bring anything specific with me when I shop?
ALL CLIENTS WHO ARE SHOPPING:
- For sanitation purposes, we ask that all customers who plan to try on dresses wear underwear.
- If you'd prefer to bring any kind of shape wear, feel free to do so. A strapless bra can be helpful, but is typically not necessary. Most of the gowns have bra structure built into them and don't require any added support.
- If you have any inspirational pictures that you'd like to share with your consultant, feel free to bring those or email them ahead of time for reference.
FITTING APPOINTMENTS:
- PLEASE BRING YOUR SHOES! In order to begin the alteration process, you'll need the shoes that you intend to wear for the special day. If you have not decided on a pair, we have a great selection of comfortable, stylish shoes available for purchase prior to your time with the seamstress.
- Any undergarments that you hope to wear with your dress. If you're still in the process of determining whether undergarments are necessary and, if so, which type would be best, then we have a various selection to choose from and our seamstress can offer expert advice.
Are celebratory snacks and drinks allowed?
To protect and preserve the quality of our dresses (that will belong to someone someday), all food and drinks are prohibited. Our intention is to provide the same, fair opportunity to every shopper and we want to keep your shopping experience intimate, fun, and focused in order to truly make your vision a reality. We'd love to recommend a few of the local restaurants or bars to enjoy with your entourage after your consultation.