Frequently Asked Questions
I am curious about the $600 and under gowns. Can you tell me about them?
So many brides just don’t want to spend $1600+ on a gown they will wear for a couple hours! Many are doing a more casual wedding, or eloping/having a destination weddings. In this category we have full-on wedding gowns, and also more casual options that you won’t find in any other bridal salon. As of 6/3/24, we will only carry $600 & under gowns, and will be re-opening in Benicia, CA.
Why do you charge for appointments?
I need to earn a living. My appointments generally last around 2.5 hours, I never ever use pushy sales tactics, and you will have my full undivided attention for the entire appointment. Also, I only have one appointment at a time. If that’s not worth $11.20 per hour, I don’t know what is!
If you need to reschedule, please do so at least 24 hours in advance or you will be charged $20. Cancellation/rescheduling MUST be done through the website- no email or phone calls- in order to avoid the fee.
How does the ‘Buy and Try’ program work?
This new program is for out of state brides only, who order online. Who wants to blow their dress budget on a gown, sight unseen, and risk it not fitting properly/if you end up not liking it? Now you can purchase any gown $450 or higher, pay the shipping both ways, plus a 3.5% fee (credit card processing fee). If you receive the dress and end up not wanting to keep it, for any reason, simply drop it back into the mail within 2 business days. I will send you a pre-paid return shipping label-just slap it on the box it was shipped in and drop off at the post office. No standing in line for you! If you decide to keep the dress, I will refund you the return shipping fee that you paid up front. The 3.5% credit card fee gets charged to me either way, so that is not refundable.
I know online shopping can be risky; so many brides have gotten scammed. Please check my Yelp and Google pages for Recycle Bridal Boutique in San Ramon- I put my heart and soul into my business, and would NEVER scam a customer. I have an actual brick and mortar bridal salon, located in San Ramon, and have excellent reviews.
Do you buy wedding dresses?
I do not. I also don’t consign them or accept donations.
You have so many dresses that are new with tags. How does that work?
I do have a lot of NWT dresses. Many brides buy them out of excitement right when they get engaged, only to find the dress isn’t really what they wanted, or doesn’t work with their venue. Some brides lose or gain too much weight to be able to wear the dress they originally bought, and wedding dresses aren’t returnable. So new dress, second hand sale = great discount off the retail price! EVERYTHING in my shop has been purchased secondhand. I have ZERO accounts with vendors to purchase new gowns.
Where are you located, and what are your hours?
I am located in San Ramon, in the East Bay, and I am by appointment only. I do not keep regular shop hours. You can make an appointment using the ‘book now’ button on the home page 🙂
How do you calculate shipping, and where do you ship to?
I use the United States Postal Service, and I re-use shipping boxes whenever possible (it is Recycle Bridal, after all!). Your dress will be safely packed in a plastic bag, to protect from moisture, then in a box, and well taped. We always get a tracking #, and insurance for the amount you paid for the dress. The tracking # will be given to you, so you can follow your package as it makes its journey to you. We have successfully shipped to places all over the world, and the same tracking and insurance is given.
What designers, styles and sizes do you carry?
I carry any dress that I come across that deems itself worthy of Recycle Bridal Boutique. My gowns are in excellent condition, and every single one gets cleaned before being put on the rack. My inventory is constantly changing, at any given time I may have Maggie Sottero, Adrianna Papell, Vera Wang, Allure Bridals, Windsor, Lulu’s, David Tutera, Calle Blanche, Rebecca Ingram, Watters, and more. I try to always have a range of sizes available, from 00 to 22, and everything in between. I also carry vintage wedding dresses, including some rare and hard to find ones.
How do wedding dress sizes work?
Wedding dress sizing is WONKY at best. Some designer sizes run small, some run large, some seem actually normal. I list measurements for each gown, and you should look at those, more than the sizes. Every designer uses a different size chart! I currently have a dress that has a size 10 label in it, yet the bust is 33″. To me, that would be about a size 4. Seemingly, anything goes in wedding gown sizing. Go by the measurements. Also, as many gowns are strapless, or have tulle netting/straps/bodices that may hang differently on each individual, I measure the length from the underarm (armpit) to the bottom of the gown. Basically, the side seam, straight down to bottom of the gown. This measurement does not include the train, just the length of the front of the gown.
What is your return policy?
All sales are final.
I just received my dress, and I can’t believe how amazing it is! How can I ever thank you?
Are you overjoyed with the amazing designer dress you bought from me at about 75% off the retail price? And you want to thank me? Aaawwww, you are so sweet! The best way to thank me is by telling all your friends about Recycle Bridal, and by leaving a glowing Yelp/Facebook/Google review! We also love when you purchase a Recycle Bridal tshirt so you can help us spread the word!
How can I find you on social media?
If you are interested in seeing the newest gowns in the shop, follow me on Instagram or my Facebook page! I don’t always have time to upload a dress to the website- but on social media, it’s fast and easy!
Instagram: recycle_bridal_boutique
Facebook: Recycle Bridal Boutique
www.recyclebridal.net