Do I need an appointment?

Yes, we are an appointment-only boutique. This allows us to provide each bride with the luxury of having the entire boutique to themselves and our undivided attention during their wedding gown shopping experience. We offer private appointments for all our services, including bridal gowns and accessories. To schedule your personalized appointment, please use our convenient online scheduler or call us directly at 907.272.4696

when do I arrive?

To ensure a personalized and comfortable experience for all our brides, we kindly request that you arrive on time for your appointment. Please avoid arriving early, as we often have appointments scheduled directly before and after yours. In the event that you arrive early and another appointment is in progress, we will kindly ask you to wait outside the boutique.

how long is my appointment?

The duration of your appointment will depend on the type of appointment you have scheduled. You will have either an hour and a half or one hour. During your appointment, you and your party will have exclusive access to the boutique, allowing us to make the most of our time together. If for any reason we are unable to finish within your allotted time, we would be happy to schedule an additional appointment for you.

What do I bring to my Appointment?

To prepare for your upcoming appointment, you don't need to bring anything other than yourself! That said, some brides find it helpful to wear a nude strapless bra or shapewear. If you have specific wedding shoes you'd like to match with your gown, you're welcome to bring them, but it's not required. Please avoid wearing excessive makeup or self-tanner to your appointment.

how many people can I bring with me?

We adore hosting groups at our boutique! To ensure a truly personal and relaxed experience for you, we recommend limiting your group size to four or fewer. We've found that larger groups can sometimes lead to overwhelm and confusion for the bride.

Of course, we understand that this isn't always possible and will do our best to accommodate larger parties. If you plan on bringing more than four guests, please let us know in advance so we can prepare accordingly.

Additionally, due to the delicate nature of many items in our boutique, we kindly ask that you inform us beforehand if you plan on bringing children. We also request that you ensure someone is available to supervise them closely during your visit.

is there an appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible, ideally at least 48 hours in advance. As an appointment-only boutique with limited daily availability, your consideration allows us to offer your appointment time to another bride.

how soon should I start shopping for my gown?

We recommend beginning your wedding gown search 9 to 12 months before your wedding date to ensure you have ample time to find the perfect dress. However, this is just a suggestion, and we're happy to accommodate brides with shorter timelines or those who prefer to start the process earlier.

When should I order my wedding dress?

To ensure your wedding gown arrives with ample time for alterations and any necessary travel, we recommend ordering six to nine months in advance. Most of our made-to-order gowns take four to five months for delivery.

If your wedding date is approaching quickly, we can still accommodate you! We work with talented designers who offer rush options for a fee, depending on the specific designer. Additionally, we have a lovely selection of in-stock gowns available for immediate purchase.

What Price Ranges are your Gowns?

Our made-to-order gowns typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with most averaging between $1,700 and $2,700. We also offer a selection of designer sample gowns off the rack at a discounted price, generally ranging from $600 to $2,000.

What is a trunk show?

A trunk show offers a unique opportunity to explore an extended collection of gowns from your favorite designer. Unlike our usual selection, a trunk show features additional dresses from the designer's line for a limited time, often just one weekend. If you have a particular designer in mind, we encourage you to book your appointment during their trunk show to view the expanded collection.

Do you offer alterations?

While we do not offer alterations in-house, we would be happy to refer you to several local seamstresses. Please note that we are not affiliated with any of these businesses and do not receive any form of payment from them. The cost of alterations is separate from the cost of your gown and can typically range from $300 to $600.

What sample sizes do you carry?

We're proud to be a size-inclusive boutique, offering sample gowns in bridal sizes 8 to 28. Don't worry if the sample doesn't fit perfectly; we can make adjustments so you can visualize how the gown will look on you, whether it's too big or small. Most of our gowns can be ordered in sizes 2 through 34.

How do I pay for my wedding dress?

We accept most forms of payment, including cash and all major credit cards. While we prefer full payment for your gown at the time of ordering, we understand that circumstances vary. Therefore, we require a minimum deposit of 50% before placing your order. The remaining balance will be due upon your gown's arrival. Please note that all off-the-rack gowns must be paid in full at the time of purchase.

What if I do not live near Anchorage?

We're delighted to assist brides throughout Alaska and beyond. If you'll only be in Anchorage for a brief time, we encourage you to book your appointment as early as possible. Should you order a gown from our boutique and not be returning to Anchorage, we're happy to arrange shipping to your home or another desired location.

How does the process work for ordering your gown?

Once you've chosen your gown, we'll guide you through the next steps during your appointment. For our made-to-order gowns, we'll take your measurements to ensure we order the closest possible size. While these gowns aren't custom-made, this process minimizes the need for alterations.

Keep in mind that most brides require some alterations for a perfect fit. We offer a wide selection of custom veils and accessories that you can order during your initial appointment. Additionally, we have accessory appointments available to help you complete your bridal look when you're ready.

What if I am not ready to purchase my gown on the first appointment?

If I did not purchase my gown from you, can I bring it in for an accessories appointment?

We take pride in providing a pressure-free shopping experience for every bride. Our goal is to ensure you feel absolutely confident in your gown choice. If you don't find "the one" during your first visit, we're pleased to offer complimentary one-hour return bridal appointments.

Absolutely, we'd be delighted to help you accessorize for your wedding, even if you found your gown elsewhere. Bringing your gown along is a great idea, as it allows you to see the complete picture and ensure your accessories complement your look perfectly.

We recommend visiting us to choose your accessories at least three months before your wedding. Many of our accessories are custom-made and can take up to eight weeks to arrive. However, we also have a wide selection of pieces available for purchase on the spot, so don't worry if your wedding is coming up soon.

Are returns or exchanges accepted?

Please note that all sales at Bateau Bridal Boutique are final. This includes made-to-order gowns, bridesmaid dresses, sample/off-the-rack gowns, jewelry, veils, shoes, and all other items. We do not accept returns or exchanges.