Frequently Asked Questions
I am curious about the $600 and under gowns. Can you tell me about them?
We have created a whole new section within the store. So many brides are eloping, or doing courthouse or destination weddings, that this was really necessary to accommodate the need. This section still needs an appointment, but are basically self-service. We will measure you, then guide you to the section that has your size, and be there to answer any questions or clip gowns for you. As our shop is tiny, we ask that you only bring ONE guest with you, and we apologize, but this is strictly enforced.
Why do you charge for appointments and late guests?
Charging for appointments: Mainly, so people don’t ‘no show’ for their appointments. Suddenly everyone remembers to cancel when there is money involved! Also, given the time and personal attention spent with the bride, we feel this is a small price to pay. If you need to cancel or reschedule, you will need to do it 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.
Charging for late guests: We know we are a bit hard to find. However, clear directions will be emailed to you once you make an appointment. We book our appointments every hour (even though they can last longer than that), and if you are late, it just makes it harder for us to get through your appointment before the next bride shows up-then it just gets downright chaotic! Please leave plenty of extra time to find us!
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 $650 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, you can get 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.
Can you tell me about the Red Carpet Bridal Experience?
If you want to experience a leisurely appointment where you are not rushed, there is no pressure to buy, and want your family and friends to experience this milestone event with you, book the Red Carpet Bridal Appointment. Up to 2.5 hours in a private wing of the shop, you and your 6 guests will be greeted with chilled bubbly, and the shop owner will be your consultant, and will work with only your group during this time. A group photo will be taken, and sent to you as a memento. An experience all brides should treat themselves to!
The cost for this appointment is $100. Gift certificates are available as well.
Do you buy wedding dresses?
We do not. We also don’t consign them or accept donations. The only exception to this is if you buy a dress from me, I will happily consign it after you are married. You will get 50% of the selling price once it is sold.
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!
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 are clean. 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 24, 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. 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 us? Aaawwww, you are so sweet! The best way to thank us 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