Frequently Asked Questions

DO I NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

Becker's Bridal serves brides and their groups by appointment only. Brides can book an appointment over the phone or booking through our online scheduler is most efficient and on days where a booking fee applies, the fee will be due at time of scheduling.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY APPOINTMENT?

Many ladies prefer to bring their own strapless bra, though you may also go without. Underwear is required, and white or nude is recommended for lighter gowns. Your consultant will benefit from any inspiration images you may have. If you have a specific shoe in mind it is encouraged to bring along in the event there is a custom length ordered on a gown. Above all, we suggest bringing a positive attitude and the expectation of falling in love with something! Being prepared to make a purchase on your initial appointment with us makes the process much more enjoyable, and happens to most all of our brides!

WHOM SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?

We know your support system is important! In our experience, it is helpful for everyone that your choice of entourage be very intentional to those most important to your decision making process. Our store has capacity for the bride and up to five guests, any day of the week. Beyond that, you are welcome to invite other members via FaceTime/Zoom, or you may inquire about our Entourage Appointment offering on select days, times, and with fee.

ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED IN YOUR STORE?

Becker’s kindly recommends you do not bring children along to the appointment, as it can disrupt the environment for other brides, as well as being a safety hazard for the child and the delicate nature of our products. If a child does unexpectedly accompany the appointment, we will ask they remain attended by an adult in the lobby. We also require strollers to remain in the lobby as well.

ARE SERVICE ANIMALS ALLOWED IN YOUR STORE?

Per Michigan State Law and the ADA, only trained service animals are allowed in our store.

WE WOULD LIKE TO CELEBRATE WITH A TOAST. IS THIS ALLOWED?

We are so excited to introduce the world’s only bridal celebratory bar and lounge, The Phoenix at Becker’s Bridal. Located conveniently inside our flagship store with exclusive access provided to Becker’s Brides and their parties, the celebration continues through this one of a kind experience. Feel free to walk-in and enjoy spirits and light fare on a first come-first serve basis, either prior to or following your appointment. That being said, due to state law, absolutely no outside food or drink is legally allowed to come into the building. Due to the delicate nature of our viewing areas and inventory, all food and drink must be enjoyed in The Phoenix only. Please check out our Phoenix website tab, Facebook or Instagram for further details and to peek at this photo-worthy experience! You may also call with any specific inquiries at (989) 292-9630.

CAN I UPGRADE MY APPOINTMENT?

We delightfully offer our Celebration Package Upgrade to enhance your shopping experience with us, and make it truly one of a kind. For $150 our Celebration upgrade includes your 90 minute bridal appointment with a one hour table reservation in The Phoenix with a bottle of top shelf bubbly and a dessert platter for the table. The upgrade replaces any required booking fees, and $25 of the package cost comes off the purchase of a bridal gown. Guaranteed table reservations are only offered in Celebration Upgrades, as Phoenix seating is otherwise by first come-first served basis.

WHAT LOCAL OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS DO YOU RECOMMEND?

The Nordic Pineapple is a beautiful and charming B&B located in St. John's MI, just a ten minute drive away from Becker's Bridal! They offer bridal retreat packages for anyone looking to enhance their wedding dress shopping experience by adding a weekend stay in any of their six spacious guest suites. We know several ladies travel from all over the state and beyond to find their dream dress with us, so check out Nordic Pineapple B&B for all of your overnight accommodation needs. Book your weekend bridal stay by calling (989) 292-4178.

WHAT VARIETY OF PRODUCTS DO YOU OFFER?

Becker’s is much more than bridal gowns. We offer a full line of bridal and special occasion accessories, including: veils, headpieces, jewelry, slips, and more. Becker’s weddings qualify for 10% off everything else with the purchase of a bridal gown! Mother's gowns are found exclusively at our Outlet location in Lansing, MI.

HOW MANY GOWNS ARE IN YOUR STORE?

As one of the largest gown inventories in the nation, Becker’s carries approximately 2,500 bridal gown samples. Nearly all of the samples in the store are different from one another, even across sizes. This allows you the greatest variety and most comprehensive view of the bridal industry. Designers and style numbers can be offered upon request once a purchase has been made.

WHAT IS THE PRICE POINT OF YOUR GOWNS?

With such a large variety, our price points have quite a range. Here in Fowler our selections begin at $1000, which couture designs capping at around $5000. The average gown sold is between $1200-$2200, depending on design features.

For designer styles at reduced prices, please consider shopping Becker’s Bridal Outlet, where they sell out of collection only starting at $699.

DO I ORDER OR PURCHASE OFF THE RACK?

At our Fowler location, we offer both purchases out of stock and special orders! For short timelines, almost all of our gowns can be taken home same day. If you need another size, color, or custom change, special ordering is the way to go!

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

All major credit cards, cash and check are accepted on initial deposits. However, on final payment, or when goods are leaving the store, a personal check can not be accepted. For special orders we require 70% down, with the rest paid off and picked up within 30 days of the gowns arrival to store. For gowns purchased out of collection and taken home, payment in full is required. For gowns purchased out of collection, but on lay-a-way, 50% down is required, with full payment and pick up due within 60 days.

HOW DO I MEASURE MYSELF FOR AN ORDER OVER THE PHONE?

With a pliable measuring tape, have someone take the fullest part of your bust, the smallest part of your waist, and the fullest part of your hips. The smallest part of your waist is typically below your ribs, above your hips, and is the area that indents if you lean to the side. The fullest part of your hips is across the seat of your pants. Also, if calling in measurements, please be sure to note your height, in case special length is needed.

HOW DOES BRIDAL AND SPECIAL OCCASION SIZING RUN?

Most designers’ charts start at a size 2 or 4 and continue to size 28 or 32. Bridal gowns are cut differently than normal clothing. Most brides find they are approximately 1-2 sizes larger in bridal gowns than in street clothing. Please understand that many manufacturers may mandate a size charge for gowns sized over 18 and the cost is not included in the price of the sample garment. In any case, gowns are cut to standard sizing charts, so when placing a special order, bridal stores fit the gown to the largest measurement, with the rest of the gown likely needing alterations to fit perfectly, as most brides are not an exact match for standard size chart. Alterations of some kind are almost always necessary on every gown sold.

WHAT SIZES DO YOU HAVE IN STOCK?

We stock from size 2-32 in bridal gowns, with the majority of the selections ranging between bridal size 6-26.

IS IT CUSTOMARY TO TIP OUR STYLIST?

While gratuity certainly isn’t expected, it is welcome if you received exemplary service. Because we were getting customer inquiries for such, we have added an optional function at checkout terminals if you feel inclined to leave a denomination of your choosing, but absolutely no pressure in any which way!

AFTER MY ORDER IS PLACED, HOW LONG WILL MY GOWN TAKE TO ARRIVE?

Your special order is typically placed immediately following your visit with us. On average, a wedding gown will take approximately five to ten months to be produced. If custom changes are made, the latter is more likely. From there, you will need to allow alteration time, which is generally 8-12 weeks. Rush shipping is occasionally available, but is case by case and at an additional charge. For new brides wondering when is best to make their decision, we recommend 12-16 months prior to the wedding date. Also, it is important to realize retailers have no foresight or control over production and delivery, so it is best to choose your gown early!

MY SPECIAL ORDER IS IN, NOW WHAT?

Becker’s Bridal will call you when your items have been received and are ready for pick-up. To best serve you and make your final experience with us special, we recommend a week-day appointment for pick up on gowns. There is also limited weekend appointments available upon request. We like to have you try on your gown, with the assistance of a consultant, so your special purchase is kept safe. Furthermore, you will likely have further questions or shopping to do and we need to have someone ready to serve you! Please arrange a pick up appointment within 30 days of notice that your items have arrived, to avoid a monthly storage fee.

DOES BECKER’S OFFER AN ALTERATION SERVICE?

We are happy to offer reputable and unaffiliated referrals across the state for you to take your gown to be altered. This reduces your travel time and costs, as most of our patrons live quite a a distance from our store. All of the seamstresses on our preferred list have been visited by our owner and passed the test of time for quality and experience. Find the referral list HERE!

DO YOU ACCEPT RETURNS, EXCHANGES, OR TRANSFERS OF DEPOSITS?

It is industry standard that all sales are final. This includes both out-of-inventory purchases as well as special orders. Once the manufacturer receives a special order, immediately following your visit with us, the pattern begins to be cut and putting a stop to the order is not possible. Any form of deposit is a binding contract in agreement to pay the entire due balance. There are no refunds, exchanges or transfers of many at any time for any reason.

DO YOU OFFER GOWN CLEANING OR PRESERVATION?

Absolutely! Becker’s proudly offers the kit services of The Wedding Gown Preservation Co. You simply purchase a compact kit from us (at special savings for Becker’s Brides) and take it home to begin the process. You package your gown and accessories and your shipping label is included. From there, simply wait about 10 weeks and your gown comes back cleaned and preserved in a window box to be kept safely for generations! Simply contact us to reserve your kit today!