FAQs

(Frequently Asked Questions)

We believe strong relationships create better experiences. To start getting to know each other, we have our team answering some of our most-asked questions. Shoot us back a response and we’ll keep the conversation going.

Can I choose my stylist?
If you’ve a friend who’s worked with a stylist in the past and you want to work them too, please let us know and we’ll try to arrange that. Also we’re an equal opportunity employer and have male and female stylists to help you find your perfect dress. If you have a preference, please give us a call before your appointment at 505-318-0411. Don’t worry, no one sees you naked although both male and female stylists help you in and out of your dresses.

What we’re doing to keep you safe?
COVID-19 is with us and probably isn’t going anywhere. We want to protect you and our staff. We’re in close contact and want to make sure that everyone is safe. If you feel like wearing a mask, please do. We’re also continuing our regime of cleaning the gowns and the dressing areas after each appointment. We want all of us to be safe.

Why do I need an appointment?
We want to give you the undivided attention you deserve, so our Bridal Stylist works with only one bride at a time.  We have so many dresses that we don't have room for them all on our sales floor. Instead, we wanted to make more room for semi-private viewing areas! If you have an appointment, we can show you everything we have that will complete your look for your special day. We want to focus on you and the best way to do that is for us to know you're on your way with the dress of your dreams.

Do you have simple dresses?
We have dresses that are great for small, intimate ceremonies. We have plenty that are in stock for those last-minute changes to your wedding plans. Make an appointment now to check out our selection!

Kids OK?
We love kids! Don't get us wrong; we have our own. But we also know that they are a distraction not only to you but to other brides around you.  We want the complete focus to be on you.  We want you and your entourage to enjoy this special time, relax, and not worry about children running about or getting hurt. Do yourself a favor and leave your kids (younger than 12) in good hands so you can enjoy some “ME” time.

Have questions about the appointment itself? Like what kind of bridal appointment - a full appointment or a consultation? And what should I wear to the appointment? Check out the answer with more info about appointments here.

Can I just come and check out the dresses? And try them on if I find one I like?
You can, but it’s very likely we won’t be able to get you in any dresses. We give priority to those customers who have booked appointments. We’ll do our best to find the next available appointment to accommodate you and your entourage, but in the meantime, you’re welcome to browse what’s on our sales floor.  Remember that gowns on racks don’t have the same appeal they do when they’re tried on and that the majority of what we have available is in the back, so don’t judge us on a quick walk through! Our appointments fill quickly so we suggest booking 1-2 weeks in advance. Generally, Wednesday thru Friday before 5 p.m. is our least busy time and the best time for walk in customers.

What happens in an appointment?
During your appointment your Bridal Stylist will talk to you about your vision: where your wedding is going to be, what styles and silhouettes your liking, and how you met your partner for life and became engaged. We want to know about you! Your Bridal Stylist will focus on your vision and pull gowns that fit your desires or needs. You are the main priority and this is your day!

Can I get my dress now?
Our on-hand inventory combined, consists of over 700 bridal and formal gowns. Our sizes range from 2-28 in stock, and we can order most of our designer bridal gowns in the size range of 0 to 32. (additional fees may apply to plus or petite sizes). If you want or need a dress now, we can do it. Custom orders are also an option but vary by designer and come with an additional fee. Check out more info on getting your dress now.

Alterations?
It is very likely that you will need alterations to perfect the fit of your gown. We have that covered with our seamstress Odalis.  Odalis is an independent contractor that is there to help. She is in the store every Wednesday and works on an appointment basis. Fittings will take place as scheduled in the Private Room of our salon. Your alterations cost will depend the work and time needed to make it perfect. Alterations are not included in the price of your gown. The cost of alterations is generally determined at your scheduled fitting. Although you are not obligated to have your alterations with us, they are guaranteed. Here’s more information on our dress alterations.

Why do alterations cost so much?
It might seem like a little thing, just taking up a hem, for example. But, depending on how the dress is made, it might not be simple or easy at all. It might require taking off layers. Wedding gowns can be difficult to work with because of their size and materials. Be sure to ask our seamstress what she’s doing so she can explain the process.

What if I’m a male bride?
If you’re a male who wants to come in for an appointment, give us a call to set up an exclusive appointment at 505-318-0411.

Who will be helping me?
We have 4 experienced Bridal Stylists on board and they're all crazy about bridal and formal fashion in their own way. Take a minute to check them out to the left in their own online video. If you'd like to set up an appointment with someone in particular, we can make that happen. Otherwise, we'll do the matchmaking!

Layaways? Holds?
Because we need to consider those customers that need a dress tomorrow or the next day, we cannot offer holds. But we do offer a short-term layaway program. Ask your stylist about it.

How can I pay for it?
We take almost any form of payment except puppies and small children! Cash, check and credit and debit cards preferred!

Is there a more private area than the usual viewing rooms?
Absolutely!  We have an amazing secluded private area that is devoted to you and your 6 guests. This room rents for $75/hour and can be used for your first bridal appointment, returning appointment and/or your “reveal party." We can help you make it an intimate celebration.

And while you’re here, we want you to enjoy either a tea and pastry or a sparkling cider and fruit package. No alcohol allowed in the shop, however. Here’s more info on our private area experience.

Can I get my bridesmaids dresses here?
When was the last time you ever heard of anyone wearing a bridesmaid's dress again? Be honest! For that reason, we decided not to sell bridesmaid's dresses in our salon but instead, to connect you to less expensive solutions to dress your bridal party.

What about coming in several times to try on a dress … just to make sure.
That’s fine, but we do have brides wanting to come in Saturdays and Sundays. We ask that if this is your third appointment, that we schedule you for a weekday out of consideration for the other brides. Click here for more on multiple appointments.

How early should I plan to pick out my wedding gown?
Designers can take several months to deliver a dress that you order. We recommend starting 6-10 months before your wedding to give you the option of going with a designer gown. We also have hundreds of in-stock wedding dresses that you can take with you after your appointment. But we recommend giving yourself the time to have more options! Here’s more info on how long in advance you should buy your dress.

What is my wedding style?
We like to know what picture you have for your wedding - where will it be, what season, what time. Knowing those elements gives us an idea of what style dress might be best from its formality to its material. Think on those things and we’ll make sure you dress matches your dream.

How do I choose a wedding dress for my body type?
There are all sorts of tests you can take. We have an app that will guide you through options. But then it all comes down to trying them on and seeing what makes you feel like a bride. Our stylists are well trained to help you accentuate the features you want to show off and they can help you in finding the one that’s an amazing bridal gown for you. Here’s more info on how to chose a dress that fits your body.

How should I prepare for my appointment?
There are no rules here. But we think it’s important to think about a few things: What you see for your wedding? Where is it? When is it? What time of year? Who is there? What’s important for your guests to remember about it? Think about those things and bring pictures in of what you’ve been liking online. We love getting input so we can see your style! Here’s more info on what you should know before you go dress shopping.

How many people should I bring with me to my appointment?
We limit guests to 3, plus you, for our bridal appointments. If you’d like to have up to 6 with you, we have optional private appointments. The question is do you really need or want more than that with you? There’s a difference between the political side of who you invite and who you really want there. We’re concerned about you. Sometimes you’ll get people on the appointment who want you to wear what they see for you - not what you want. And sometimes having too many people there can be disruptive if they each want something different for you. We know they love you and want to be involved but we suggest you leave them at home. Bring those who will celebrate with you and keep focused on the fact that this is your dress and you need to feel right in it. If you need help with not inviting people, we can help. Just ask us how!

Is it emotional finding your wedding dress?
It can be very emotional when you find “your” dress. You might not feel it, but don’t be surprised by the reactions of those with you. It’s normal because of the importance of your day! Here’s more info for those who might cry when they find their wedding dress!

I’m thinking of buying my dress online…
We all shop online now, but do you really want this decision to be done without the shared experience with your family and friends and getting a dress like you’d buy shoes? If the consideration is cost, you might be surprised to know that often the local shop can save you just as much. Here’s more info to consider when thinking of buying a wedding dress online.

Can you help with my other wedding pros?
We've been in this business for a long time. We've seen people come and go and we've heard stories - good and bad - on just about everyone. We support our local pros and can provide you the names and directions to our preferred vendors. We also have special nights where you can come in and meet them. We know you don't get married every year, and we'll help. In fact, if you have a question, just email us now on those other wedding pros.

What is an Uptown Bride anyway?
Being an Uptown Bride is you enjoying a refreshing experience. One that every woman in search of the perfect dress dreams of and deserves. We want it to be a feeling, a community and a relaxed, trusted place. We're here to help you feel special.  

What if I don't find my dress with you?
We want you to find your perfect dress, even if it's not with us. We will gladly refer you to another local dress shop if you can't find what your dream gown at Uptown Bride. Here’s more info on what to do if you can’t find a dress you like.

Where are you again? And how do I get there?
Our address is: 2201 Louisiana Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. We're west of ABQ Uptown and south of Coronado Mall, in the same complex as Pei-Wei and across the parking lot from Total Wine. 

What hours are you open? 
We're open on Tuesday: 2 - 8 p.m.; Wednesday: 12 - 6 p.m.; Thursday: 2 - 6 p.m.; Friday: 12. - 6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Please be aware that holidays and closures may affect our normal hours. 

Questions to ask yourself:

My wedding gown will be from:
a) a big box store with a wait time of half a year
b) a mom & pop stuffed with as many catalogs as gowns
c) a website, ordered without trying it on, or even touching it
d) none of the above

Uptown Bride thinks you deserve more: more choices from among 100s of in-store gowns, ready to wear in days not months; more customer service designed to help, not patronize; and more celebrating your journey.

Uptown Bride - None of the Above, and more!

Uptown Bride premiered at the NM Wedding Expos in January 2018.