FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need an appointment to shop bridal?

No. Brides are always welcome to browse gowns during regular shop hours at our Kingston location.

However, if you are actively searching for your wedding gown and expect to spend $1,500 or more, we strongly recommend booking a bridal appointment.

Appointments allow us to prepare selections in advance, dedicate private time to your search, and explore sourcing possibilities beyond what is currently in the shop.

Why book an appointment instead of browsing?

Using the information from your questionnaire, we curate selections ahead of time based on your measurements, wedding details, and style preferences.

Appointments also allow us to explore sourcing possibilities, styling ideas, and alteration potential, giving you access to gowns and options beyond what may be visible on the rack.

For brides seriously searching for their gown, the appointment experience is the best way to discover what is possible.

What happens during a bridal appointment?

Appointments are relaxed, collaborative, and personalized.

We begin by discussing your wedding, your personal style, and what you’ve already explored. From there we try gowns from our curated collection and discuss sourcing opportunities if the right piece isn’t already in the room.

The goal is simple: helping you discover the gown that feels unmistakably you.

How long are appointments?

Appointments typically last 60–90 minutes, giving us enough time to explore options without feeling rushed.

Can I bring guests?

Yes. We recommend bringing no more than 1–3 people whose opinions you trust, so the experience remains calm, supportive, and focused. Ideally, your first appointment is just a 1x1 so we can eliminate any outside influences and figure out what would make you look and feel your very best for your wedding!

Are you size inclusive?

Yes. We work with brides across a wide range of sizes and body types.

Because our gowns are vintage and archival, sizing varies widely from piece to piece. Rather than expecting the bride to fit the gown, we often source and alter gowns to fit the bride.

Before your appointment we ask for measurements through our questionnaire so we can prepare selections thoughtfully and curate your experience accordingly.

Can vintage gowns be altered to fit?

In many cases, yes.

Vintage gowns can often be carefully altered to improve fit or refine proportions when handled by someone experienced with delicate fabrics and older construction techniques.

Each garment is unique, so we evaluate what is possible once the gown has been chosen.

What kind of gowns do you carry?

Our collection spans the 1920s through the early 2000s, including rare vintage pieces, archival designer gowns, and timeless silk silhouettes chosen for their exceptional craftsmanship.

Expect everything from bias-cut silk gowns and minimalist 90s slips to structured couture and iconic designer bridal.

Why choose a vintage wedding dress?

Vintage bridal offers something modern bridal often cannot: character, craftsmanship, and individuality.

Many vintage garments were made with exceptional fabrics and construction techniques rarely found today. Choosing vintage also means wearing something truly unique while giving a beautiful garment a new life.

Can I take the gown home the same day?

Yes. If the gown fits and you're ready, many brides leave with their dress the same day. Alterations can then be scheduled if needed.

What if I don’t find the right gown during my appointment?

The search doesn’t end there.

Through our global network of collectors, archives, and dealers, we are often able to source gowns specifically for a bride.

Beautiful gowns exist everywhere. Sometimes we simply need to go find yours.

How does sourcing work?

If the right piece isn't already in our collection, we can source options based on your vision.

Sourcing services begin at $750 and vary depending on the scope of the project.

Some brides are searching for a single ceremony gown, while others work with us to build an entire wedding wardrobe.

Can you help with more than just the ceremony gown?

Absolutely.

Many brides work with RERACKED to build their complete wedding wardrobe — including engagement looks, rehearsal dinners, ceremony gowns, second looks, and after-party pieces.

Through sourcing, styling, alterations, and customization, we collaborate with each bride to create a wardrobe that feels intentional, personal, and unforgettable.

From archive to aisle, we help bring the entire vision together.

Do you repair vintage gowns?

Yes. If a gown we are selling requires minor repairs or stabilization, we take care of that at no additional charge before it leaves the shop or when planned alterations take place.

Many vintage garments are decades old, and small imperfections can be part of their history. Gentle wear or subtle marks are often what we like to call “signs of life.”

Do you offer alterations?

Yes. Once you purchase your gown, alterations can be scheduled with our in-house specialist, Colleen.

Vintage alterations are very different from typical cut-and-sew tailoring. These garments are often delicate, layered, and constructed using techniques rarely used today or that require a careful and experienced hand.

RERACKED offers couture-adjacent tailoring, customization, and creative garment reformations.

About how much should I expect to pay for vintage alterations?

Pricing depends on the complexity of the work and how much must be done. Each project is assessed and priced based on the time required, level of difficulty, intricacy (such as beadwork or fragile lace, among other factors.

Refinements — such as a simple hem on a single-layer gown or strap adjustment typically begin at $500

Structural alterations — such as adjusting the size or refining the silhouette — often involve multiple layers of work completed by hand and generally begin around $750 and can cost up to $2000

Creative redesigns, heirloom transformations, or couture-level customization is handled on a case by case basis and begins at $2,500 for involved creative or collaborative work.

What is the alterations process?

After purchasing your gown, you can schedule a first fitting with Colleen.

During this appointment we:

• Assess the garment
• Discuss desired adjustments or creative ideas
• Determine what is possible while preserving the integrity of the gown

We then follow up within 24 hours with a proposal outlining the recommended work and pricing.

If you move forward, we require:

• 50% deposit to begin work
• Remaining balance upon completion

You do not have to work with RERACKED on alterations. However, we recommend finding a tailor who is experienced with vintage silk, lace, and complex jobs involving fine materials and hand work.

Where do fittings and alterations happen?

Colleen is in Kingston, NY (about an hour and a half north of the City), where the RERACKED Boutique and Atelier is based. It is a lovey escape from the city and most brides travel here for fittings.

Since the opening of our NYC Studio, she will also travel to New York City twice per month. City fittings can be scheduled after the gown is purchased and are subject to availability. If you need alterations rushed or extensive work needs to be done, we recommend booking as soon as possible after purchasing. Most projects take 2-3 weeks but can take longer. Rush jobs are available for an additional fee.