Q: What are the advantages of going to Nilah & Company vs. going to a bridal salon?

Custom. You get the style, color, and fabric you want, the way you want it.

Flexibility. Nilah & Company is independent from a bridal shop which allows us flexibility. Our staff is hand-picked and has experience and diversity of skills.

Service. Each client whether it is the bride, bridesmaid or mother-of-the-bride gets personal attention. Whether you are part of the wedding party or on the guest list you will be able to spend your day feeling good about your attire. Our dependable service ensures a stress-free delivery of your dress —on time, pressed and ready to wear.

Q: I bought my dress at a bridal salon, sample store or consignment shop, can you do the alterations?

Yes, we are happy to do alterations to a gown purchased elsewhere

Q: I bought a simple dress and want to add my own special touch. Can you help me?

Absolutely. We are happy to discuss and design any changes to personalize your gown.

Q: I would like to wear my mother’s wedding dress. Can you rework it to make it fit?

It depends on the dress style and the condition. Nilah will offer you suggestions at your first consultation. Nilah & Company does vintage restoration as well as customizing vintage dresses to fit your style preference.

Q: What do I bring to my FREE consultation?

You have your perfect gown and need alterations to the fit: You will need to bring the gown, and the exact shoes you plan on wearing the day of your event.

You have an existing gown that you would like to make changes or additions to: You need to bring the gown, the exact shoes you plan on wearing the day of the event and any pictures that illustrate what you would like the changes to your dress to look like. Color and/or fabric swatches are very helpful.

You want a custom gown: Please bring any illustrations such as photographs or magazine clippings that show what you are looking for. Color and/or fabric swatches are very helpful. The more samples you bring to the consultation, the more Nilah can help you focus on your vision. If you can dream it, Nilah & Company can create it.

Q: What if I have not found the exact shoes I am going to wear with my dress? Can I bring another shoe with a similar heel height for my fitting?

You must bring the EXACT shoe you plan to wear for your event. The height of the heel effects both the hem and the bustle. Nilah & Company will not cut your hem until you have chosen your shoes. If the heel height changes, the hem changes. Once the length of the dress is cut off, it can not be reattached if you change to a higher heel. If the hem has already been completed and you change to a lower heel, the hem will have to be done a second time and you will then be charged a second time.

Q: What happens if I lose or gain weight before the wedding?

There is a final fitting two to three weeks before the wedding in case of any weight changes. This leaves plenty of time to make any small changes if needed.

Q: How long does it take to make a custom-made dress?

The process of making a custom dress takes three to four visits over two to four months. Nilah & Company encourages you to schedule your first appointment as soon as possible. Bridal season is a very busy time and appointments are taken on a first come first serve basis. Bridal season is between the months of April through October. Nilah handles every aspect of your dressmaking and is committed to giving each client personal attention.

Q: Is it expensive to make a custom-made dress?

Nilah & Company’s prices are comparable to most bridal salons. Prices are determined by fabric and style. For example, a simple sheath dress made of cotton/polyester blend will be less expensive than one made of dupioni silk with hand beading. A typical wedding gown may cost between $1800-$4000. Flower girl dresses can range from $150-$300. Bridesmaids, mother-of-the-bride/ groom and special occasion can range from $250-$900 and higher.

Q: Can I just call for a price quote for alterations or do I need to come to a consultation with my dress?

Nilah & Company can not give an exact price quote over the phone. You must come in with your gown for a consultation. All dresses are constructed differently and have different requirements. We only charge for the work that is needed for the dress and do not have a flat fee.

Q: Do you make accessories?

Yes. We make a variety of veils, headpieces, handbags, wraps and shawls to coordinate with your dress. Nilah & Company also offers a variety of handmade jewelry.

Q: I bought a sample gown that needs cleaning. Do you clean wedding dresses?

Yes, we offer cleaning of wedding gowns if necessary. Nilah can help you decide this at you first fitting. We also offer cleaning a preservation services for after the wedding.

Q: How do I get more information?

For more information please contact Nilah by phone at 610-853-9822, or e-mail: nilah@nilah.com