Yes! We work by appointment to ensure you have dedicated time and space with a stylist. This allows the experience to be completely tailored to you. Occasionally we do talk walk-ins if there is a stylist and fitting room available.
A considered guide to help you navigate each stage of your bridal experience with clarity.
Yes! We work by appointment to ensure you have dedicated time and space with a stylist. This allows the experience to be completely tailored to you. Occasionally we do talk walk-ins if there is a stylist and fitting room available.
Our bridal selection appointments are ninety minutes, giving you time to explore a curated selection without feeling rushed.
There is no ‘set’ number. We begin with a curated selection to understand what feels right, then refine from there so the experience remains focused and considered.
We offer standard and Luxury suite appointments. Each includes the same personalised guidance, with luxury suite adding a more spacious setting and celebratory touches. There are also designer specific appointment types for the luxury designers.
To keep the experience calm and centred on you, we recommend two to three guests. Larger guest sizes can be accommodated in our luxury bridal suites, this will also include champagne and refreshments for you and each guest.
We recommend nude undergarments and any inspiration you’d like to share. Most importantly, come with an open perspective, we’ll guide you through the rest.
Most of our samples are generally sizes 8-14. We also carry the largest selection of designer curve-size gowns which are 16+. Click here to view the collection.
It’s best to allow 8-10 months before your wedding to order a gown to give yourself the most options.
Our gowns are made-to-order. We’ll take your measurements during your appointment and then select the closest standard size from the designer’s size chart, based on your measurements.
Once the gown arrives, our alterations team is available to customize the gown perfectly to your body.
No! You may walk in at any time to try on accessories.
Some special-order accessories have a lead-time of 3-4 months, so we recommend allowing plenty of time to give yourself the most options.
Our special-order gowns start at $2099, but are more frequently in the $3500 range or higher. Off-the-rack samples can be much less, so be sure to check out our sample sale collection.
We accept MasterCard, and Visa, as well as cash. If you’re ordering a gown, we require a 60% deposit at the time your order. When the dress arrives at Raffaele Ciuca, we’ll contact you to let you know and to schedule a fitting. At that point, we require payment of the remaining 40% balance. If you are buying a sample gown off the rack, we require 100% payment and you can take the dress home with you that day!
Yes! One of our experienced stylists will guide your shopping experience.
Lead times vary by designer, typically around 6–8 months. We’ll confirm exact timing during your appointment so your timeline is protected. Many designers also offer priority/rush orders.
We’ll absolutely explore what’s possible. For shorter timelines, the best option is often placing a priority order, or selecting a gown from our sample sale selection in the boutique.
Many of our gowns can be personalised. During your appointment, we’ll guide what’s possible while protecting the integrity of the design and your timeline.
We recommend selecting your gown 8–10 months before your wedding to protect production and fitting timelines. For shorter timelines, we recommend placing a priority order or looking at our sample sale selection that’s available off the rack.
Fittings typically begin 6 – 8 weeks before your wedding day. It’s best to refine the fit as close as possible to your special day.
Most brides require two fittings to refine the gown so it feels balanced and effortless on the day. Occasionally, a third fitting is required.
Alterations are handled by our alterations atelier and are quoted separately once your gown arrives.
Most of our samples are generally sizes 8-14. We also carry the largest selection of designer curve-size gowns which are 16+. Click here to view the collection.
Usually, brides require 2-3 fittings to ensure a perfect look. After the final fitting, we will press and pack your gown for you, ready for your big day!
Bring your bridal shoes and undergarments that you’ll wear on your wedding day so that your gown is expertly fit through the bodice and hemline.
We’ll contact you when your dress is ready for you to schedule a fitting; generally, that’ll be about 6-8 weeks before your wedding day.
A trunk show is a first-access opportunity. Think of them as a limited-time preview of a designer’s extended collection, often offering access to pieces not usually available in-store.
While there is some overlap, not all gowns are available across both locations. It’s best to get in touch via email or Instagram if you aren’t sure about the location of a gown.
Yes. From order through to fittings, we guide each step carefully to ensure everything is aligned with your wedding date.
As soon as your gown arrives, we will let you know with a phone call and email. From there, it’s time to book you in for a collection appointment. At the end of your collection appointment, you will pay any outstanding balance, and take the gown home with you until it’s time for alterations.
Your gown will arrive in advance of your wedding to allow time for fittings and final refinements.
We offer a curated selection of international and local designers, bringing together established and emerging names. Preview our collections here.
No, it’s not too late, but every second counts! Your options include buying one of our samples off the rack or working with a consultant to determine which designers can meet your time frame for a “special order” gown, which could include an additional rush charge.
A trunk show is a special in-store event, usually only lasting 1-2 weeks. These events allow you to view and buy from a designer’s latest collection months before they hit the stores. If you find the dress of your dreams at a trunk show, be prepared to make a decision that day, as the gown will not be in the store once the trunk show is over. Click here to view our trunk show calendar.
If your wedding date is sooner than the time we typically need to have a special-order gown made, we’ll need to consult with the designer and place a “rush” order, for an additional fee. In this instance, your gown may arrive 1-3 weeks before your wedding and details will be outlined in your contract.
That’s not acceptable: we want your experience in our store to be as memorable as your wedding day. If you find that you are not bonding with your consultant, please ask to speak to a manager right away. We’ll make arrangements to ensure you to work with someone else who will make your RC experience extra special.