We ask that you please arrive on time for your appointment, not early or late, as we need to be respectful of all our clients’ appointment times. 

Our space is small and intimate. Our shop stylist will greet you and your team as you arrive and get you settled in the room before having a quick discussion with you regarding what kind of dress you’re looking for. You’ll then get the chance to browse our racks with the stylist, and we’ll pull out gowns that you would like to try on. 

Your first bridal appointment will last 45 mins or 1 hr 15 mins, depending on the booked appointment type. That allows you time to try from 3 to 7 wedding gowns comfortably and maybe retry your favourites at the end of your consultation. That’s why do your homework, check our collections in advance and be wise while selecting samples to try! We will book 30 mins or 1 hr for your private appointment at the boutique if you are looking for an evening gown because most of our evening wear is made to order and available by special orders. We will show you lookbooks, colours, and fabric swatches, take measurements, and process your order.

We ask that you remove your shoes upon entering the boutique. If you would be more comfortable with indoor shoes or slippers during the appointment, please feel free to bring your own.

When you first walk into a store full of beautiful gowns, it’s tempting to want to start pulling them off the racks to try them on. Resist the temptation! Our boutique is full of couture dresses, and our stylists need to keep them organized. Instead, trust your stylist to find you the dress that matches your tastes, and don’t start browsing yourself unless invited.

The number one thing we want from you is honesty! The more information you can offer us, the better we can assist you in finding your dream wedding dress. That’s why please be completely transparent! Let us know what you do and don’t like about the dresses we pull, and it will help us find something closer to what you want. At the same time, there’s no need to be overly critical of the dresses. The gown you just called “ugly” in the middle of the shop may be the dress another person has been dying to try on. Remember that everybody’s tastes are different and that you can express yourself without tearing someone down.

Please note once you have made a purchase, you are more than welcome to take pictures of your gown. Before that, due to the designer’s copyright protection, we have a strict NO PHOTO policy. If you want to show the dress you like to your family members or friends who cannot accompany you to your appointment, you can Facetime or Skype them from the boutique.

On average, wedding dresses take from 6 to 8 months to arrive. Plus, you want to allow at least 10 weeks for bridal alterations. Not to mention getting accessories that will go well with your wedding dress. That’s why we recommend you order your gown about 10 to 12 months before your wedding date because it is never too soon to say ‘Yes to the dress!’ If you find your dress at 14 months out, we say go for it. Sometimes Production can / and do discontinue styles without giving us enough warning. In addition to that, a price increase is expected every season due to the limited availability of fabrics and so many other essential factors in the industry.

Deep breaths! You do have options. Our first recommendation is to purchase an off-the-rack sample wedding dress or evening gown. That means:

1. Great deal

2. No waiting for Production to bust a move

3. Instant relief

If this does not sound like something you are down for, we offer rush orders with an additional fee of $100 – $300 for speeding Production and express shipment. Ask for details at your appointment!

Sizing occurs when placing your order. We measure and follow our size charts and recommendations from Production. If you are between sizes, we always suggest ordering a bigger size. When your dress arrives, a seamstress can adjust your gown so that it fits perfectly.

Our gowns range from sizes US 4 to 20. Not to worry, we have the tools to adjust each dress to mimic the size you’ll be ordering. 

Alterations are necessary to ensure a perfect fit for all wedding dresses and evening gowns. We have a recommended seamstress for all our clients. It is an extra appointment-based service. Alteration fees will be determined at your first fitting. However, if you decide to use your seamstress, you are welcome to do so.

All sales are FINAL! Sample Gowns are sold AS IS, no exceptions. Please refer to our Return Policy below. If you have any questions, please address them via email (info@papilioboutique.ca).

Finally, remember that shopping for your dress is meant to be a beautiful, wonderful experience. Set your fears aside, and keep in mind that we are here to make you feel comfortable. Dress shopping etiquette is here to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed and to help your appointment go as smoothly as possible. So have fun and enjoy yourself! You may be about to find your perfect dress.

We are conscious and uphold equity and inclusivity in every aspect of our business. Our team has a ZERO TOLERANCE approach to any verbal, aggressive and violent abuse and behaviour towards our staff or clients. We are committed to going as far as refusing to assist anyone who does not share this view. Persistent or unrealistic demands that cause stress to staff will not be accepted. Requests will be met wherever possible, and explanations will be given when they cannot.