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F. A. Q.
Here are answers to frequently asked questions that we often get e-mails and calls about:
Where can I see your dresses ?
Are your dresses made in the USA?
When are appointments available in Los Angeles ?
Could we have directions to your L.A. showroom ?
When are appointments available in Boston ?
Could we have directions to your Boston showroom ?
When are appointments available in Washington DC ?
Could we have directions to your DC showroom ?
How soon should we place our order ?
What is the schedule for handling our orders and charging?
How do we place our order(s) ?
How do you keep track of our order(s) ?
Should the bridesmaids order together or seperately ?
Do you offer a discount for quantity?
I want to pay for part of the dresses. How do I do this ?
Are there any possible extra charges that I should be aware of ?
We are outside the US, can we order from you ?
Why are your silk dresses less than similar ones I've seen ?
How do you ensure dye-lot matching within my bridal party?
Do you handle alterations or design modifications to the dresses ?
Can the sash be ordered in a different color from the dress ?
What are your ironing instructions ?
Can I order extra fabric from Aria ?
Do you offer mother of the Bride outfits ?
How should I choose the most appropriate size ?
I changed my mind about a size/style/color. I'd like to exchange it. Can I do this?
Can I get a dress in a different length than what you offer ?
What about pregnant bridesmaids?
Can our wedding picture be added to Aria's online album? How?
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Where can I see your dresses?
You may visit our showrooms in Boston, Los Angeles or Washington DC, or we can send you a dress sample through our try-on program; our dresses are not shown in bridal salons. Aria Los Angeles handles all ordering, swatches, sending try-ons and is also a showroom. Aria Boston and DC are branch showrooms for trying on a similarly large selection of our dresses.
Do you have a catalog?
Currently we do not have a printed catalog, however, our website actually has more pictures and the most complete and updated information about our line of dresses (including prices). We do send a small brochure with your fabric swatches request.
Can we order fabric samples?
Yes, simply go here and choose any 7 of your favorite colors and then e-mail us your request and mailing address. This is free of charge.
What is the "Try-on program" ?
It means sending a sample dress directly to you for viewing up-close. To schedule a try-on, simply telephone our Los Angeles office (1-800-658-8885)and let us know the style and size you are interested in seeing, preferably a week in advance. We are often able to send multiple dresses at once, however, the service charge remains $15 per dress. Please note that we do not cover the cost of sending the sample(s) back to us by a trackable method. We regret that it is unlikely that the sample you receive will be in the color you intend to order, this is due to the enormous numbers of possible combinations of styles, colors, materials and sizes that we offer, however, we will try very hard to match the style and size for you. (please also note that not all size/style combinations are available for try-on, please call us to check availability.)
A try-on cannot be scheduled by e-mail (for security purposes) as we need your credit card information for the service charge (and as a security deposit for the cost of the dress never to be charged unless the dress(es) are not returned by the due date). Sample dresses are received on Mondays. You will be able to keep the sample dress for a few days, then it is due back in our showroom the Friday of the same week. A late charge of $20 per day may occur. If the dress(es)are lost without standard tracking details then the value of the dress(es) will be charged if we do not receive them back. Try-ons are only available for US addresses.
When are appointments available in Los Angeles?
Appointments are currently available on Saturdays. Our appointment time slots are 10:00am, 11:00am,12noon, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm and 5:00pm. We ask that you give us a call rather than e-mailing so we can confirm with you then that a time is available or suggest the best time. You may reach us 9:00am to 5:00 pm during weekdays. To get a weekend appointment you may need book early, perhaps even over a month in advance. Phone calls are returned on weekdays but there may be no one available to answer the telephone on weekends. Please note that we do not keep a record of sizes, styles or colors selected during an appointment prior to ordering -we encourage you to do so.
Could we have directions to your Los Angeles (Pasadena) warehouse / showroom?
We are at 892 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103. There is a Fair Oaks exit close to where the 134 freeway merges with the 210 in Old Town Pasadena. If you exit on Fair Oaks you go about 6 blocks NORTH (away from Old Town). You turn right on Mountain St. and right again into our parking lot. We are on the Southeast corner of Fair Oaks and Mountain. Alternatively you can take the 110 Harbor Fwy North until you reach the Fair Oaks exit, you go North though Old Town (passing Colorado Blvd) until you reach Mountain. You turn right on Mountain and the very next right into our parking lot.
When are appointments available in Boston?
Our hours are by appointment Only. Currently on Wednesdays we are open later, 12noon-7pm. We are also open Thursdays through Saturday and alternating Sundays 10AM-5PM. We are closed January 16 and 17. If you need a weekend or the Wednesday night, you'll need to book early, about a month or two in advance. Aria Los Angeles handles all ordering, swatches and sending of try-ons. Aria Boston is a satellite showroom for viewing the dresses. Please note that we do not keep a record of sizes, styles or colors selected during an appointment prior to ordering -we encourage you to do so.
Could we have directions to your Boston showroom?
We are located at 39 Newbury St. It is the first block in from the Boston Common & Public Garden. The closest cross street is Berkeley. We are directly across from Brooks Brothers. If it is a Saturday or after 6pm, you'll need to use the 45 Newbury St. entrance. Then use the intercom to call up to the showroom. (Follow the key pad's directions). There is street parking, but it's not usually available. The nearest parking garage is on Newbury St., between Berkeley St. and Clarendon St. It is on the left after Louis Boston. There is also one under the Commons, and in the Prudential Mall, which may be convenient if you plan a day of shopping.
When are appointments available in Washington DC?
Our hours are: Appointment Only, 12pm-7pm Thursday and 10am-5pm Friday-Sundays. If you need a weekend or the Thursday night, you'll need book early, perhaps even over a month in advance. But if you are available during the week, we may have openings within the next week if you are flexible. Aria Los Angeles handles all ordering, swatches and sending of try-ons. Please note that we do not keep a record of sizes, styles or colors selected during an appointment prior to ordering -we encourage you to do so.
Could we have directions to your DC showroom?
We are located at 2029 P Street NW in Dupont Circle and our cross street is 21st Street. The closest metro is the Dupont Circle exit off of the Red line. Coming from Virginia take I-66 E towards Washington and take the E street exit. Coming from Maryland take I-395 S to I-95 S and take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway exit 22B towards Washington. There is street parking, but it's often not available. There are multiple parking garages located along 19th street.
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How soon should we place the order?
We strongly recommend that we receive all the orders for a bridal party 4 months before the wedding or earlier. Most dresses take 12 weeks or less but we want to make sure you have a time-cushion after the bridesmaids have received our dresses should any minor alterations be necessary and so forth.
What is the schedule for handling the orders and charging?
When all the orders from your bridal party are received and charged then we consider the placement of the order to be completed. Please note that for orders that are placed after January 1st, 2006, the full payment for your order is required when we begin the production of your garments. Items ordered cannot leave Aria until they are fully paid for. When items are ready earlier than expected they are usually shipped immediately and without notice.
How do we order ?
Our order forms are here. The normal way is to print them, fill them out and fax them to Aria. They should be sent together as one package by a designated person to expedite the ordering and eliminate confusion.
You may also call us at (626) 440-5320 to request a faxed or mailed copy. Our fax number is: 626-584-6450 or you may mail completed order forms to: ARIA, 892 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103.
Please be sure to follow the guidelines on the sizing and ordering pages before ordering and do not hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions.
If multiple items are billed to one person, even if they are sent to different addresses, one form is all you need, simply include shipping instructions on a separate sheet of paper. (Basically this means that only one order form is needed per credit card or check used). If additional items are needed after the first order is received and cut then a separate new order needs to be made and that order will have a separate projected ready-date.
Can we order over the phone?
Orders must be faxed or mailed to us or may be placed in our showroom. For your protection (and ours) we must have a signed order form and order agreement. If you have questions about ordering you are welcome to call.
How do you keep track of the orders?
To make things easier, each order form has the bride's name, phone number and number of people ordering written on top so we can open a folder under the bride's name and group the orders together.
Should the bridesmaids order together or separately?
All completed orders for a bridal party must be collected by the bride or an appointed person and then be mailed or faxed to our office together as one package.
Why do you have to wait for all the orders for a bridal party before counting down to a delivery date?
To ensure dye-lot matching the entire order is cut at the same time from the same roll of fabric. We cannot complete part of an order and ensure that it would exactly match another group of dresses ordered at a later date. Even if they are different colors our policy is to always wait. That is why we ask for the number of people ordering from us in the bridal party.
Do you offer discounts for quantity?
We now offer a 10% discount to bridal parties ordering 6 or more dresses or ensembles at the same time. The discount does not apply to accessories.
I want to pay for part of the dresses myself, how do I do this?
For instance if you are the bride and you want to pay for part of the cost of the dress or the shipping charges then the bridesmaids must prominently note that on their order forms and include only the amounts they are paying. You must then also include a separate order form with the remaining balances and your credit card information.
Are there any possible extra charges I should be aware of?
6-Week Rush Orders: 30% additional
Extra length: $20 additional
California sales tax: 9.75% for orders shipped to California addresses.
A 6% D.C. sales tax will apply for orders shipped to Washington D.C. customers.
Massachusetts sales tax also may be applicable; instructions are in the next paragraph
Shipping to each address: $15 for 1st ensemble, $7 for additional ensembles
(A single ensemble is 1 dress or a top and a skirt or either plus accessories)
Additional silk shantung sash (beyond any that automatically come with a dress): $20
Returned check charges: $40
This list may not be all-inclusive.
Do you charge sales tax on the order?
A sales tax of 9.75% must be added to the form for orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to Massachusetts addresses are tax free for the first $175 per item and 6.25% of only the amount over $175. The exception is that purses, flowers, broaches and pillows are fully taxable for the entire amount per item, (shawls, ties and extra fabric are not). A 6% D.C. sales tax will apply for orders shipped to Washington D.C. customers. We do not charge sales tax for any other state.
We are outside the USA, may we order your dresses?
We do accept orders from Canada. The difference is that shipping charges are on a case-by-case basis. If you are in any other country, please contact us prior to ordering to see if it is possible. If we cannot process an order for your particular country we would suggest getting someone in the US to order on your behalf if possible.
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Are your dresses lined?
These are very well constructed top quality dresses and they are fully lined.
Why are your silk dresses less than similar ones I have seen?
We are the manufacturer and there is no retail markup from any bridal salon. Buying direct from us often would result in a substantial savings over dresses of similar quality.
Are your dresses made in the USA?
Yes! All of our dresses are and have always been made in the USA. For quality control purposes they are produced domestically so that we may monitor closely and ensure a quicker turn-around time.
How do you ensure dye-lot matching between the dresses?
Of course we want all the dresses to match and so for dye lot purposes, they must be cut from the same rolls of fabric. In order to ensure this we must receive all of the orders together from all of the bridesmaids that will be ordering before we count down to a projected shipping date.
Do you offer alterations or handle special modifications?
We do offer 6" extra length for an additional $20. Where applicable, we do not charge extra for choices of plain spaghetti or tie spaghetti straps, petite(P) or tall (T) rather than regular sizes or a sash in a different color. There are also no extra charges for double-hem dresses (speciify a "D" next to the A-line or column when ordering this option).
We do not offer dress alterations; your dress would need to be altered by a third party tailor or seamstress. When dresses do not come with straps, a pair of silk shantung straps can be ordered for $5 or 2 sets of straps can be ordered to make tie straps for $10. Aria does not add these straps to the dresses however.
Can the sash be ordered in a different color from the dress?
Yes, always and at no extra charge, provided it is the same fabric. Adding a sash that is a different fabric can only be done as an extra sash order for $20 per dress. The "accent" color on the order form refers to the sash, trims and double-hem color. If an accent color is not specified the sash and all trims will be made the same color as the dress.
What are your ironing instructions?
As far as eliminating the wrinkles goes, the safest way is ironing with a medium or high setting, preferably with a clean, thin cloth between the iron and the dress and no steam. Professional dry cleaners accustomed to dealing with silk may be able to steam them with their specialized equipment if done properly. The reason we want people to be careful about steam is that many home irons tend to spit out water in droplets unevenly and that sometimes can stain.
Can I order extra fabric from Aria?
We do offer our fabrics to those who are already ordering dresses from us. Our duchess satin is 55" wide and is offered at $20 per yard, the silk shantung is $35 per yard and most often 54" wide and the cotton eyelet is $35 per yard and is most often 58" wide. 1/2 yard is the smallest quantity that can be ordered.
Do you offer Mother of the Bride outfits ?
We currently do not offer Mother of the Bride outfits, sorry.
What should I keep in mind when trying to choose the most appropriate size?
First of all it is very important for all the bridesmaids to go here to our size and measurement page for more details and the size chart.
They should all have their accurate bust, waist and hip measurements taken. We suggest they stop by a local dry cleaner, where they are usually happy to assist them if they are not sure about their measurements. Then they should pay close attention to our size chart to choose the size (rather than ordering their usual dress size) because different dress labels may size differently. Our dresses run very true to our size chart. We are always happy to help with sizing or any other questions anyone may have.
I changed my mind about a size/style/color. I'd like to exchange it. Can I do this?
We do not carry any dresses off the rack. All the fabric is ordered and dresses made to the particulars of your order. If the dress is a bit too large, it can usually be altered without too much effort. We do ship only standard sizes so minor alterations are sometimes needed, but the dress would not be unwearable -merely in need of alteration. So we do not accept returns. If an order is cancelled before it has left our warehouse, 50% of the order may be refunded. Any change requests for an order already received must be emailed to Aria AND must be confirmed as an Aria email reply in order for it to be valid. If you do not receive such a confirmation then it is not likely the change was (or could be) made. We cannot change the order after the fabric for the dress is cut. The order cannot be cancelled after the dress is sent to the customer. A new dress could be ordered but we usually recommend that alteration be tried instead.
I want the dress in a different length from what you offer -how can I achieve that?
One way to achieve a length outside of what we provide is to get the full length version of the dress for an additional $20 and have it hemmed to the desired length (For instance if you desire something like mid-calf or tea-length). One other option is to order an extra 6" also for an additional $20. What you are looking for should be achievable with the assistance of a drycleaner or tailor of your choice.
What if a bridesmaid happens to be pregnant at the time?
It would be necessary to place an order along with everyone else to ensure the same dye lot so the dresses match(or a rush order could be placed much closer to wedding but then there are possible dye-lot matching considerations). There is only one measurement that would need to be estimated for a maternity bridesmaid dress and that is the bust measurement. The dress will accommodate variations in the other measurements.Our suggestion for estimating her bust size at the end of her pregnancy is to order up 2 sizes from her pre-pregnancy size, it is always better to size the dress down than to let out seams. Minor alterations should be expected to achieve a perfect fit. Our maternity dresses are here:
Style 133 maternity dress
Style 135 maternity dress
Style 137 maternity dressFor those that have already had their baby but may not be back to normal size-wise -our suggestion is to order our empire waist dress style 122 or 170. They are more generously fitted at the waist and work well with the bust at that stage. See these links:
Style 122 dress
Style 170 dress
Are your dresses "green"?
Being environmentally conscious is something we are certainly aware of and respect but we would not be so presumptuous to consider ourselves to be completely green. We feel we may be greenER because: our dresses are made in the USA (unlike most other dresses) so just as with buying all things local -less fuel is used to transport them and fair wages are assured. We have simple classic styles that may not go out of fashion so easily and truly can be worn again -especially when they are popular colors like midnight, black and brown. The sash loops can also usually be clipped off. The silk dresses we primarily sell would be considered more renewable than polyester dresses from others. Aria is featured in 'The Green Bride Guide' by Kate Harrison for some of these reasons.
Can our wedding picture be added to Aria's online album? How?
It would be our honor to have your wedding picture featured on our website. Please submit your jpeg photo by sending it to inquiry@ariadress.com. We encourage you to be creative while taking your pictures, who knows, your bridal party may end up being featured in a national wedding magazine someday!
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