FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for visiting our FAQ page! Here you’ll find helpful resources that will help prepare you for your upcoming visit. If you’re a bride, parent, or bridesmaid, check out our department sections below for more info for your specific experience!
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What can I expect while shopping at Seng Couture?
We look forward to welcoming you to our new home in North Plainfield, New Jersey! When you walk into our boutique, you’ll have the opportunity to experience our full-service experience working with our knowledgable stylists, expert alteration seamstresses, and dedicated customer service team as we walk you through every step of your journey, from your in-store shopping experience all the way to your wedding day!
What does Seng Couture offer?
Seng Couture is proud to be one of the largest premier bridal boutiques in the Northeast, USA, featuring over 3000 wedding gowns, featured in sample sizes 10 thru 30, offered in various colors, designers, styles, and accessories. We also feature an entire floor dedicated to mother of the bride/groom and bridesmaids. And also feature bridal and evening wear accessories such as jewelry, headpieces, veils, and gloves.
Do you have Plus Size gowns?
Yes, we do! For our brides who are looking to shop our Plus Size selection, here is where you can view our selection based on department:
Bridal: Plus Size Selection
Evening Wear: Plus Size Selection
Where are you located?
Our address is 934 US 22 East, North Plainfield, NJ 07060 on the East side of Route 22/US Highway 22. We’re approximately 1 hour away from New York City, NY and 1.5 hours from Philadelphia, PA.
Do you offer parking on site?
Yes! You can park in 2 locations depending on your appointment type. Here is where you want to park (you can also refer to guide below). Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to find parking.
- Front Parking Lot, Enter through Front Entrance under Red “Seng Couture” Store Sign
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- Bridal Shopping Appointments
- 1st/2nd/3rd/Final Fitting Appointments
- Pick Up and Try On Appointments & Pick Up Appointments
- Back Parking Lot, Enter through Back Entrance under Black Canopy
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- Evening Wear Shopping Appointments
- Bridesmaid Shopping Appointments
How do I make an appointment and how far in advance should I schedule it?
Book your appointment online here (insert link). We are open 7 days a week. Weekends and weeknight appointments are the most popular time spots and get booked out very quickly. We recommend scheduling your reservation a few weeks in advance. For same day appointments, please call us at 908-322-8700.
What if I am running late for my appointment?
We offer a grace period of 15 minutes after your original appointment time if you are running late. If you are later beyond 15 minutes, your appointment will be rescheduled.
What should I bring to my dress appointment?
We recommend bringing nude undergarments and shoes you intend to wear with your outfit.
How many people can I bring to my appointment?
We don’t have a limit to guest count, however if you are bringing more than 5 guests to your appointment, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate additional seating in your suite.
Once I place my order, how will I know when my order arrives?
You’ll receive an approximate ship date when you place your order. And when your order arrives into our store and passes our Quality Control process, you’ll receive an email and/or text notification.
How do I pay for my wedding gown?
For wedding gown orders, you can pay in full or put down a 60% deposit of the gown. If you are purchasing other items such as accessories, fabrics, etc. that is not part of the dress, those are to be paid in full upon purchase.
What is your sales policy for your orders?
All sales are final and are non-refundable. Returns, exchanges, or cancellations are not accepted.
How can I pay for my order?
For gown purchases, we accept all major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, or Discover, Debit Cards, Check or Cash for deposits. American Express is not accepted.
For balances, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Debit Cards, or Cash. Checks and American Express are not accepted for gown order balances.
For alterations, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Debit Cards, or Cash. Checks and American Express are not accepted.
Do you offer a storage option if I can’t pick up my gown?
Yes, we offer an option for storage in our in-house warehouse. The fee is $30.00 per month. Please note this is subject to availability and we recommend calling our customer service team to inquire.
BRIDAL
What can I expect before and during my bridal appointment?
When you book your bridal appointment, you’ll receive a confirmation of your appointment through our online scheduling system. Your assigned stylist will also reach out to you prior to your appointment via phone call and/or text message to help prep you for your experience!
We may send you some links to check out our gallery online if you’re looking for inspirations. Or if you have any inspos from our Instagram, Pinterest, or online in general, you’re welcome to text them over to us or show them to your stylist during your appointment. This will help give your stylist an idea of what you’re attracted to and they’ll be able to use this to help you find your wedding dress!
To maximize your try on experience, we recommend wearing nude undergarments and bringing a pair of shoes. It does not have to be the exact shoe you’ll be wearing on wedding day, but something comparable. (In case you end up finding your dress during your session, we’ll discuss your options about customizing lengths, etc. This is especially important for our petite brides!)
We offer both male and female stylists, and English/Spanish bilingual stylists as well, so please let us know if you have a preference by calling our customer service team before booking your appointment.
If you would like a more private suite, please let us know when booking your appointment.
How long does it take for a bridal gown to come in? What if I don’t have enough time?
We recommend our brides shop for their wedding gowns at least a year to a year and a half before their wedding day.
Wedding gowns can take anywhere between 6-8 months to come in. You also want to pad in an extra month for transit from the manufacturer to our store, plus an extra 2-3 months on top of that for alterations.
If you have a shorter timeline, there are options to rush order a gown depending on designer, or you can also purchase directly from our showroom as well.
Do you offer pure white wedding gowns?
Most of our samples are either in Ivory, Off White, or Ivory over a colored underlining. (We also have Black dresses too!) We only have a handful of designers that offer pure white, but Off White and Ivory photograph the best on all skin tones and is now the most desirable color to replace pure white.
Most of our samples that are featured with a colored undertone can be ordered with an Ivory or Off White undertone. Our stylists would be happy to show you how that would look like during your appointment.
Can I customize my bridal gown and how much does that cost?
Absolutely! Cost varies depending on the project and there are two ways it can be done. We are fortunate to represent design labels that offer to customize their gowns at an additional fee. If the designer does not offer the option, our expert seamstresses from our Alterations Department are well experienced with custom work and would be happy to chat with you on how to make your vision a reality.
If I tried on a dress somewhere else, but Seng Couture doesn’t have the sample, can I still order the dress through you?
You absolutely can! As long as we carry the same design house and collection, you can order the dress through our location. And if the base cost of the gown is over $1500, it’ll also qualify for our Complimentary Basic Alterations package — an even sweeter deal!
How much does alterations cost for wedding gowns?
If you purchase a wedding gown from Seng Couture with a base cost of $1500 and over, your order will receive Complimentary Basic Alterations, which will include the following:
- free basic seam alterations (basic take in of the bodice’s bust, waist, or hip seams/basic release of the bodice’s bust, waist, or hip seams (based on available seam allowance), taking in front/back necklines, taking in bust darts, taking in existing straps or sleeves, shortening straps or sleeves to client’s wrist length)
- free basic hem (cutting through layers of skirt hem from front side seam to front side seam only without interfering with existing lace, beading, embroidery, horsehair, or ruffle detail, and without interfering with the proportions of the gown to the client’s height dimensions)
- free bustle (includes American or French bustles, excludes hand loops),
- free steaming and pressing (throughout the entire alteration process and the final pressing done at the final fitting/pick up)
- free garment bag (white, fabric, travel-friendly zipper garment bag)
If the base cost of your wedding gown from Seng Couture is under $1500, alterations are not included. The alteration costs and customizations vary on the type of alterations required for each individual client. To get the most accurate quote, we recommend bringing your shoes and undergarments to your pick up and try on appointment, or your first fitting appointment, so our expert alteration seamstresses can provide you quotes.
Can I get a swatch of my wedding dress?
Unfortunately, our bridal designers no longer offer swatches. However, there are alternatives that our brides have found helpful, such as using their veils as color references or scraps from their dress during alterations.
What are the price ranges for wedding gowns?
Our designers range from $1500-$9000.
EVENING WEAR (MOTHER OF BRIDE/GROOM, MITZVAH, GALA, OR GUEST)
What can I expect before and during my evening wear appointment?
When you book your evening wear appointment, you’ll receive a confirmation of your appointment through our online scheduling system. Your assigned stylist will also reach out to you prior to your appointment via phone call and/or text message to help prep you for your experience!
We may send you some links to check out our gallery online if you’re looking for inspirations. Or if you have any inspos from our Instagram, Pinterest, or online in general, you’re welcome to text them over to us or show them to your stylist during your appointment. This will help give your stylist an idea of what you’re attracted to and they’ll be able to use this to help you find your dress!
To maximize your try on experience, we recommend wearing nude undergarments and bringing a pair of shoes. It does not have to be the exact shoe you’ll be wearing on the event day, but something comparable. (In case you end up finding your dress during your session, we’ll discuss your options about customizing lengths, etc. This is especially important for our petite clients!)
We offer both We offer both male and female stylists, and English/Spanish bilingual stylists as well, so please let us know if you have a preference by calling our customer service team before booking your appointment. stylists, so please let us know if you have a preference.
If you would like a more private area, please let us know when booking your appointment.
How long does it take for an evening wear gown to come in? What if I don’t have enough time?
We recommend our evening wear clients shop for their event dates at least six months to a year before their events.
Evening wear gowns can take anywhere between 4-6 months to come in if it’s not already in the designer’s available stock. If it’s available in stock, you can receive your order as soon as two-four weeks after purchase. You also want to pad in an extra 2 weeks for transit from the manufacturer to our store, plus an extra 1-2 months on top of that for alterations.
If you have a shorter timeline, there are options to rush order a gown depending on designer, or you can also purchase directly from our showroom as well.
Do you offer different colors for all of your evening wear styles?
Most of our samples come in various colors. Our stylists would be happy to show you how that would look like during your appointment. We can show you in person what the alternative colors look like from the same collection, or show you on our iPads who its photographed.
Can I customize my evening wear gown and how much does that cost?
Definitely! Cost varies depending on the project and there are a few ways it can be done.
- We are fortunate to represent design labels that offer to customize their gowns at an additional fee.
- If the designer does not offer the option, our expert seamstresses from our Alterations Department are well experienced with custom work and would be happy to chat with you on how to make your vision a reality.
- Seng Couture also has a private in-house brand “ILLIANA” made in the USA, designed and created by Mrs. Seng and her Design Team. These gowns can be customized in design, fabrics, styles, and colors. Her Design Team also offers to create unique, one-of-a-kind looks catered to you. (Please bring sketches or photo references).
If I tried on a dress somewhere else, but Seng Couture doesn’t have the sample, can I still order the dress through you?
You certainly can! As long as we carry the same design house and collection, you can order the dress through our location.
Do you offer alterations for evening wear gowns and are they included?
Seng Couture’s alteration studio specializes in evening wear alterations. The service is not included with your purchase. If you would like to utilize our studio, we recommend booking your fitting appointment 4-6 weeks before your event date to begin your first fitting.
If you purchase one of our private in-house gowns, or have a gown fully custom made by Mrs. Seng and her Design Team, your alterations will be included.
How much does alterations cost for evening wear gowns?
Alteration costs vary on the type of alterations required for each individual client. To get the most accurate quote, we recommend bringing your shoes and undergarments to your pick up and try on appointment, or your first fitting appointment, so our expert alteration seamstresses can provide you quotes.
Can I get a swatch of my evening wear dress?
Unfortunately, our evening wear designers no longer offer swatches. However, there are alternatives that our clients have found helpful, such as using the accessories that come with their order (like shawls or straps) as color references or scraps from their dress during alterations.
What are the price ranges for evening wear gowns?
Our designers range from $450-$4000.
BRIDESMAIDS
How soon should I purchase a bridesmaid gown?
We recommend purchasing your bridesmaid gown(s) at least 6-7 months before your event date. Bridesmaid gowns can take anywhere between 2-4 months to come in and you will need to consider at least one (1) month for alterations. Please note Seng Couture does not offer alteration services for bridesmaid gowns. In the event you need a gown in a shorter timeframe, you have options for rush orders if available or you can purchase directly from our showroom.
Please note for bridesmaid gowns, orders are submitted as a group to avoid dye lot variance as much as possible. Bridesmaids can place their orders in-store or online until the group order is accumulated.
Do you offer different colors for all of your bridesmaid styles?
Most of our samples come in various colors. Our stylists would be happy to show you how that would look like during your appointment. We can show you in person what the alternative colors look like from the same collection, or show you on our iPads who its photographed.
Can I get a swatch of my bridesmaid dress?
Some of our bridesmaids designers offer swatches and we might have some available in house too. Please inquire with one of our stylists.
What are the price ranges for bridesmaid gowns?
Our designers range from $150-$400.
Do you offer alterations for bridesmaids gowns?
Seng Couture does not offer alterations for bridesmaids gowns.
ALTERATIONS
When should I start my fittings for alterations?
For bridal and evening gowns, we recommend starting your first fitting 8 weeks before your event date. If your outfit requires extensive additions or modifications that are being added to your gown by our Alteration Team such as build-ups, additional beadwork, removal of fabric layers, etc. we recommend coming in 10-12 weeks before your event date.
For bridesmaids, we are no longer offering alterations for bridesmaid gowns.
How do I book my appointment for my fittings?
You can book your appointment online with our Alterations Team here. Our online booking site is available 24/7 to book your fitting appointments with members from our Alterations Team anytime.
What do I need to bring for my fitting for alterations?
Please bring your shoes, and any undergarments or accessories you plan to wear with your gown (example: bra, control top/Spanx, poof slip, belt, etc.). Also please don't forget to bring your order agreements and any necessary paperwork from your previous visit(s).
What if I have a shorter timeline than what is recommended? Can you still complete my alterations?
Absolutely! Our Alteration Team is dedicated to having your dress ready for your event date. Please let us know when your event date is or the day that you are leaving for the event so we can coordinate fitting dates with you. Kindly note this is a first come first serve basis and we ask that our clients be flexible with their schedule as we try to accommodate all windows less than the recommended time frame.
Can I request a specific alteration seamstress
Please note seamstresses can be requested but are not always guaranteed. Seng Couture’s alterations studio will do its best to accommodate all requests. In addition, Seng Couture’s alteration studio will do its best to keep clients with the same seamstress throughout their journey, but it is not always guaranteed and can be subject to change. Seng Couture will do its best to notify clients as far in advance as possible.
Do you offer alteration services for garments not bought from Seng Couture?
At this present moment, we are not taking in any outside projects.
What if my event date has been postponed, or canceled with a new date being determined?
If your event date has been postponed or canceled with a new date still being determined, please let us know by calling our customer service team at 908-322-8700. After you speak with our customer service representatives, they’ll instruct you to either email or text us this information in writing. You’ll have a 30 day period to pick up your gown and can bring it back for alterations in the future if needed.
I don't live close to the store, can I have someone pick up the dress for me or can you ship it to me?
You can have another individual pick up the gown for you. The payee will need to send an email to us, subject "PICKUP REQUEST", to authorize the other person to pick up their gown on their behalf. If the payee is not the wearer of the order, then please be sure to CC or carbon-copy the wearer in the same email. We will respond back to confirm the pickup. You also need to provide the pickup contact's legal first and last name, phone number, and email. I.D. will be checked upon arrival for verification.
If they are picking it up curbside for you, a curbside pickup slip will be sent to both you and the pickup contact 24 hours before the pickup date.
You can also have your dress shipped to your location for a fee. The payee will need to send an email to us, subject "SHIPPING REQUEST" to provide the address to ship. If the payee is not the wearer of the order, please be sure to CC or carbon-copy the wearer in the same email. We will respond back to provide shipping quotes. Please contact us at 908-322-8700 to provide your payment and shipping choice. We will send you a tracking number when it's ready to go out.