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Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Heartstrings is appointment-only boutique so every client gets a relaxed, one-on-one experience. During your appointment, the entire space is reserved for you and your guests. We’ll talk through your vision, explore the collection, and try on gowns in a relaxed environment. Shopping appointments are available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Appointments open 30 days in advance.
At this time, we do not offer virtual appointments. Choosing a wedding dress, especially a vintage one is a tactile experience. The way a gown feels, moves, and looks can't be translated through a screen and we believe that connection is essential to finding your dress. Our appointments are designed to give you the time and space to experience each dress fully, with guidance and support. It's a more intentional process that we believe can't be replicated virtually.
You can bring up to 3 people to your appointment. We so excited to host you and your loved ones in our space and we encourage you to bring people who will lift you up and support you in this special time. Whether that's your bestie, parent, or fiancé, as long as they are cheering for you, they are welcome here.
Because our collection is vintage and one-of-a-kind, sizes vary from dress to dress. Our current selection generally fits up to about a street size 16, though many gowns can be tailored smaller or slightly larger through alterations. We are always sourcing beautiful vintage gowns and actively looking to expand the size range in our collection.
Gowns at Heartstrings Bridal range from $1,000 to $5,000, with some exceptional pieces priced slightly higher depending on rarity, condition, and design. The average price is $2,000. Because these are vintage gowns made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, many brides find they’re getting extraordinary design and fabric quality for a much lower price than modern bridal gowns.
We offer holds for a period of 7 days with a nonrefundable deposit.
Heartstrings offers a 48-hour return window from the time of purchase. Eligible returns will receive a 50% refund of the gown’s purchase price. Sales tax is non-refundable.
To qualify for a return, the gown must be returned within 48 hours and in the exact condition it left the studio. The gown must be unaltered, unworn, and free of marks, stains, odors, or damage. By purchasing a gown, the client acknowledges and agrees to this policy.
Vintage gowns can absolutely be altered, and tailoring is often part of bringing a vintage dress back to life. At Heartstrings, alterations are handled by our master tailor who is an expert in vintage fabrics, construction, and delicate materials.
Adjustments like hemming, taking in, sleeve changes, and structural updates are all commonly done. Because vintage pieces are unique, we’ll always evaluate each gown individually and discuss what alterations are possible.
Alterations typically begin about 3 months before your wedding date. This allows time for multiple fittings and precise adjustments.Most brides will have 2–3 fittings depending on the complexity of the work.Alteration costs vary depending on the changes needed, but most brides invest $1,000-$1,500 for standard bridal alterations. More complex redesigns or structural changes may cost more.Alterations appointments are available on Sundays and Mondays.
We love taking a treasured heirloom and modernizing it to fit your style and aesthetic. Whether you already have a vision or just want to see what's possible, we would love to meet you and your dress. Please book a Dress Alterations Appointment to start the process. Pricing is highly varied and depends on the adjustments to the dress, although most vintage re-designs range in price from $1,000-$3,000.
We all love vintage but sometimes you just know what you want and don't want to compromise! Our custom wedding gown processes is the same ethos as our in-house collection process. We only work with the highest quality natural fibers and can incorporate any family heirloom materials (like lace) or source from our own vintage lace and beading collection in order to fit your exact vision. This process starts with a Dress Alterations Appointment, from there we will talk through your vision and discuss next steps.
We have a curated selection of vintage veils and accessories available for purchase. Our veils and headpieces are from all eras and range from 1920's tiaras to 80's veils to 1990's chic scarfs. All our accessories are $300.
Heartstrings offers custom chainstitch embroidery for wedding pieces and keepsakes. Using a 1920's style chainstitch embroidery machine, designs are stitched freehand and guided entirely by hand. This allows for custom lettering, embellishments, and decorative details that have a distinctive, handmade character you can’t get from modern computerized embroidery.
Chainstitch embroidery can be added to a variety of items, including:
Wedding veils
Bridal gowns
Suits or tuxedo
Fabric wedding signs and ceremony decor
Keepsake pieces like handkerchiefs, heirloom textiles, or getting ready outfits.
We consign vintage wedding dresses that are made of natural materials. If you have a dress you are considering consigning, please send photos of the dress, the designer label, and the materials tag to heartstringsbridal@gmail.com. Please note: although we would love to take in every dress we come across, as they are all unique and beautiful in their own way, all the dresses in our collection are made of quality natural fibers (eg, silk or cotton) so please only reach out if you know your dress is made of fully natural fibers.
Heartstrings is a different kind of bridal experience. Instead of racks of mass-produced gowns and busy showrooms, we offer a curated collection of one-of-a-kind vintage dresses made of natural materials (silk & cotton) in a relaxed, private, setting where brides can bring their loved ones and enjoy the experience of trying on dresses. We also create beautiful custom wedding gowns made of silk and vintage lace from our collection. Our goal is to make every bride feel confident and joyful in the dress they wear on their wedding day.
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