Question 1

What sets Going to the Chapel apart from other bridal shops?

Accepted Answer

Going to the Chapel has a huge inventory of in-stock, designer dresses that are available for immediate purchase. You buy what you try on. We cannot re-order any of our dresses, which means our inventory is constantly fluctuating. We strive to provide our customers with the best experience possible and for us, that means sending you home with a dress you love at a price that fits your budget. We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality customer service while offering designer dresses well below retail price.

Question 2

What does your inventory look like?

Accepted Answer

● We carry all 6 styles of gowns including, A-line, fit and flare, mermaid, ball gown, sheath, other, and a combination of types. In terms of sizing, we carry sizes 0 to size 30, starting with the largest sizes at the front of the store and the smallest at the back.

● While most bridal shops carry 2 to 4 designers, we carry 12+, giving you a large selection of styles to choose from. At any given time there are about 3000 dresses in stock at Going to the Chapel, including about 900 Wedding dresses and 2100 Mother of the Bride, prom, and special event dresses. Because all of our dresses are in stock, we do not have back-orders, delays or stocking issues. But due to the one-of-a-kind nature of bridal gowns, we cannot guarantee that a specific dress will still be available if you decide not to purchase it that day.

Question 3

How does pricing work?

Accepted Answer

● For bridal gowns, the majority of our dresses are priced between $700 and $2500, but also feature a “Simply Stated” Collection with dresses under $500.

● For mother of the bride, prom, and special event dresses we have a large selection of dresses in the $200 to $400 dollar range.

● Please note that our in-house staff is not commission-based, everyone at Going to the Chapel is ready to help you find the perfect dress for your big day!

Question 4

Alterations and Returns

Accepted Answer

● Because you purchase what you try on, we do not accept returns. In addition, because we do not offer alterations you have the ability to use a seamstress of your choice.

Question 5

When to Make an Appointment

Accepted Answer

● Brides are welcomed by appointment only. We ask that you talk with one of our sales representatives in order to make an appointment. Please give us a call at (860) 265-2011.

● In order to ensure proper staffing levels, Mother of the Bride, Prom, and special occasion shoppers are now by appointment as well, just call the store at (860) 265-2011 and we will get you booked.

Question 6

How many people should I bring with me?

Accepted Answer

● For bridal appointments we allow 3 people to accompany the bride. Due to spacing in the store, this number is NOT flexible. Please do not bring more than 3 people with you.

● For non-bridal customers, we do not have a limit to the number of people in your party but recommend no more than 3 due to space constraints.

Question 7

As a first-time customer, what should you expect when walking into Going to the Chapel?

Accepted Answer

● Excellent customer service! We pride ourselves on giving each and every customer who walks through our doors a high touch experience from start to finish.

● Associates set each client up with their own private dressing room and are always ready to assist and offer any advice on selections. Our staff does not work on commission and is always there to find the dress that best suits your style and taste preferences.

● Our goal is to find the best fit for you. Be prepared to answer questions such as budget, street size, type of event, timeline, style, and fit.

Question 8

Who designs your window displays?

Accepted Answer

Our window displays are hand-crafted each season by owner Ellen Humphreys . Each display is a unique piece of art that garners many compliments from clients, passersby, and even the local news stations.

Question 9

Community Involvement

Accepted Answer

At Going to the Chapel we’re committed to giving back to our local community. In addition to making donations to Toys for Tots and Revitalize CDC each year, we also work closely with Christina’s House, an organization dedicated to helping women in need. Each beneficiary of Christina’s Houses’ program is provided with their own gown for the organization's annual ball. Each dress is gifted to its recipient to wear on the night of the event.

Question 10

About the Owner

Accepted Answer

View GoLocal’s feature article on owner Ellen Humphreys here: https://issuu.com/golocalmagazine/docs/march_go_local