FAQ
Selecting your wedding dress is one of the most memorable and important shopping trips you will ever make, so we’ve compiled the perfect guide to help make your first bridal appointment successful and stress-free.
1.) Schedule one Appointment
Schedule only one appointment for your first day of bridal shopping. Shopping for your wedding dress can be overwhelming, so focusing on a single appointment will allow you to relax and fully enjoy your bridal fitting experience. Our bridal appointments take 1.5 hours, so be on top of your bridal shopping game by arriving well-rested and hydrated. Saturdays are usually super-busy, and fun, if you want to be around lots of fellow brides and enjoy the excitement in the air. If you would like a calmer experience, plan to go during the week for a more intimate experience!
2.) Do your research & start getting an idea of your style
To prepare for your visit, take some time to consider what style gown you want. Close your eyes for a moment and imagine yourself on your wedding day, walking down the aisle to marry your soulmate…how do you see yourself? What are you wearing in your mind’s eye? Is it a magical princess ball gown, a sleek and sophisticated satin dress, a flowy chiffon number or a vintage-inspired lace dress? Drawing a blank? Check Pinterest and bridal mags for inspiration, then send us all the inspo! Showing us what you have in mind will help us pull a perfectly curated collection for you. Also think about the kind of wedding you are planning. Any details you share about your wedding venue and theme will also enable us to find the perfect dress for you. Also decide on your bridal gown and accessory budget. This will help you and your stylist find the best look without going over budget. Help us help you by knowing your budget and being honest with yourself and us. The more we're on the same page, the better!
3.) Keep an open mind
Remember to keep an open mind. Try on several different silhouettes, including A-line, Trumpet, and Sheath gowns, or even different lace or simple gowns compared to what you originally liked! Since you are just starting your search it won’t hurt to try a few gowns that aren’t typically your style or aren’t exactly what you have in mind. You might just be surprised! Tap into your bridal stylist's knowledge and experience, they can be a fantastic resource for you!
4.) Sizing
Don’t be alarmed at the sizes! Most bridal designers run 2-3 sizes SMALLER than your regular everyday clothing. What are the manufacturers thinking, right? Who on earth wants to go up three sizes when they are wedding dress shopping!?! Remember they run super-duper small, so please don’t worry about the number on the tags. Size is a four letter word and nothing more.
5.) Choose Your People Wisely
We find that it is in your best interest to have a small group of supportive individuals with you who know you well and have your best interest at heart. Often, brides can become overwhelmed by too many opinions. Limiting the number of people you bring with you can make the decision making process easier. Always bring your decision makers, and your biggest encouragers and cheerleaders. They will make sure that you're able to be clear minded and know you well enough to be able to tell when you truly love a gown! We are also trained and coached to read your body language and listen to everything you say to make sure you find your perfect gown- we're here for you! We are on your side and want you to have the BEST bridal experience! Remember, we are here to help you! Be honest with us about your budget and what you like and don’t like. Even if your friends disagree with your opinion, yours is the only one that truly matters, and we will always be on your side. We know our inventory well and we may be able to pull a gown for you that you wouldn’t have normally picked out. Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try on a wild card. You might surprise yourself once you start trying things on.
6.) Undergarments / What to Wear
Nude, seamless underwear will be the least distracting when you are trying on wedding dresses. All of our gowns have bra cups and boning built into them, but if you know that you feel your best in shapewear, then bring that with you as well. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and like your best self when you are trying on gowns.
7.) Once you find your dress - stop looking!
Wedding dress shopping is supposed to be fun, and most importantly, easy. Our professional bridal consultants will know how to help you find your dream wedding dress. Don’t feel like you need to go on a long, stressful hunt for the best dress. Most brides find their wedding dress the first time they go shopping. If you suffer from a fear of missing out, or you find yourself wondering if there is something better out there, know that your search could go on forever. We always say that finding your gown can be like finding your spouse- sometimes it's completely unexpected, but when you know, you know! There are many beautiful gowns. The most important thing is that you find one that you LOVE and that you want to get married in. Once that happens, say YES and stop looking.
Final Thoughts:
- Don't trust cellphone photos after your appointment. Sometimes going back to look at your dress after you've said yes, you'll notice things you didn't notice before. Your wedding day will be photographed by professionals who will get the best angles of you and your dress!
- Don't be afraid to ask questions or give feedback about the gowns or anything else! We have seen it all, so we are mini wedding guru's! Between all of us, we probably can recommend a whole handful of vendors.
- Make sure you eat something before your appointment! Trying on dresses is hard work and we want you to be fully prepared and sustained for your appointment.
- Schedule your alterations early to ensure your seamstress is available and ready for your gorgeous gown!
- HAVE FUN! We are here to be your help, hype gal, best friend, and stylist. We want to love on you and give you the best experience possible. We want you to feel all the feelings and have the best time. We can't wait to meet you!!!
Yes! At Cloud Nine Bridal Boutique, we carry in-store sample sizes up to size 26, allowing our plus-size brides to try on gowns that truly reflect their shape and style. In addition, many of our designers offer special-order gowns up to size 38, giving you even more options to find your perfect fit.
At Cloud Nine, we recommend beginning the search for your Mother of the Bride dress at least 6–8 months before the wedding date. This allows time to browse styles, place any necessary special orders, and ensure a stress-free alterations process. At Cloud Nine Bridal Boutique, we want moms to feel just as radiant and celebrated—so starting early means more options, better fit, and a confident walk down the aisle.
At Cloud Nine Bridal, we do not offer in-store alterations. However, when you purchase your gown with us, we’ll provide you with a curated list of trusted, highly recommended seamstresses throughout Central Illinois. These experts specialize in bridal tailoring and have worked with many of our brides to ensure the perfect fit. We're always here to guide you through the next steps - right down to the last stitch!
At Cloud Nine Bridal Boutique, we recommend bringing 3 to 4 of your closest loved ones to ensure a meaningful, stress-free experience. A smaller group keeps the focus on you and helps streamline those “yes-worthy” decisions. However, our bridal suites comfortably seat up to 6 guests, so if you’d like to include a few extra VIPs, we’re happy to accommodate - just give us a heads-up when booking.
Cloud Nine Bridal operates by appointment to ensure each bride receives the personalized attention and exclusive experience she deserves. Our bridal suites and one-on-one stylist service are thoughtfully reserved in advance to create a stress-free, celebratory atmosphere. We kindly ask that all brides - and guests - schedule an appointment before visiting. This helps us provide you with the exceptional service that makes Cloud Nine feel like a dream from the very first fitting.
At Cloud Nine we suggest you book your tux pick-out appointment 3-5 months before the wedding. The last 2 months will be for getting all of your measurements in!
Cloud Nine Bridal bridal appointments start with excitement, a warm welcome, and a whole lot of “yes energy.” From the moment you arrive, your fitting room is beautifully prepared with a curated selection of gowns that reflect your style, vision, and any inspiration you’ve shared with us beforehand. Your personal stylist is ready to guide you through a 90-minute experience designed to be as seamless as it is special.
We begin with a quick conversation to fine-tune your preferences—whether you're leaning toward classic elegance, modern minimalism, or full-on fairytale. Then it’s time to dive in. With your hand-picked dresses already waiting, the try-on magic begins right away. You’ll slip into stunning gowns while your stylist helps with fit, styling advice, and the all-important vibe check. Your crew will be right there cheering you on, camera-ready for that glow-up moment.
Cloud Nine Bridal does not charge for standard bridal appointments, because finding your dream dress should start with joy, not a fee. However, we now offer enhanced appointment options for brides who want to elevate their experience even further.
Our Rose and Grace appointment offers a more intimate and personalized setting, perfect for those who want a little extra attention and thoughtful touches. For the bride ready to go all out, our On Cloud Nine Bridal appointment is the ultimate celebration, with extended time, exclusive perks, and luxurious upgrades that make your "yes!" moment truly unforgettable.
Cloud Nine Bridal appointments are 90 minutes long, giving you plenty of time to try on a variety of gowns, get personalized styling advice, and soak in the moment with your favorite people. This time frame allows your stylist to guide you through a thoughtfully curated experience without ever feeling rushed.
Cloud Nine gowns start at $1,200 and go up to $4,000, with most brides finding their perfect dress right around the $2,000 mark. Our collection is thoughtfully curated to offer a beautiful range of styles and price points, ensuring every bride finds a gown that fits both her vision and her budget.
Cloud Nine Bridal gowns typically take 3–6 months to arrive once ordered. Shipping timelines can vary depending on the designer and the specific gown, but we’ll always give you the most accurate estimate at the time of purchase. In some cases, dresses may be in stock with the designer and arrive sooner, and if you're on a tighter timeline, we also offer the option to purchase select gowns directly off the rack. No matter your schedule, we’re here to help you say “yes” with confidence and peace of mind.
Cloud Nine Bridal does not accept returns on wedding gowns, as each dress is a special-order item reserved just for you. Once a purchase is made, it is considered a final sale.
We take great care during your appointment to ensure you feel confident in your choice, offering expert guidance, precise measurements, and all the support you need to say “yes” with certainty. If you have questions or concerns before purchasing, our team is always here to help walk you through every detail.