frequently asqked questions

Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from brides — from first-appointment basics to alterations, preservation, and accessories. If you don't see your question here, please call (734) 623-0890 or email info@mimisbridalboutique.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.

Planning Your First Visit

  • How do I book an appointment at Mimi's Bridal Boutique?

    Appointments can be booked online through the Mimi's Bridal Boutique website or by calling (734) 623-0890. The boutique is appointment-only and does not accept walk-ins. Each appointment is 90 minutes with a dedicated stylist. We recommend booking three to four weeks in advance, especially for Friday and Saturday slots, which fill quickly during engagement season (late November through February) and peak summer wedding planning months.

  • How soon before my wedding should I start shopping for a dress?

    Most brides begin shopping nine to twelve months before the wedding date. Designer wedding gowns typically take four to six months to be made and shipped after ordering, and alterations require an additional six to eight weeks. If your timeline is shorter, Mimi's Rack offers off-the-rack gowns ready to take home the same day, which works well for brides shopping inside a three- to six-month window.

  • What should I wear to my bridal appointment?

    Wear comfortable clothes you can change out of easily, along with nude seamless undergarments and a strapless bra. You'll try gowns over your own foundation pieces. If you have a particular shoe height in mind for the wedding day, bring those shoes (or a pair at the same height) — heel height affects how the gown hangs and how the hem reads. Hair styled away from your face also helps you see each silhouette clearly.

  • Who should I bring to my appointment?

    Two to four guests is the sweet spot — enough for honest feedback without overwhelming the decision. Too many opinions can make it harder to know what you actually love. Most brides bring their mother, a sister, a maid of honor, or a close friend. Children are welcome but the boutique works best for guests who can sit and engage with the appointment for the full 90 minutes.

  • Is there a fee to try on wedding dresses?

    There is no fee to try on dresses at Mimi's Bridal Boutique. Your 90-minute appointment, your dedicated stylist, and access to the full in-stock collection are included. You're under no obligation to purchase on the day of your appointment, and many brides come back for a second visit before saying yes.

  • Can I have champagne or food during my appointment?

    We don't serve food or champagne during appointments. The boutique is a working environment with delicate, light-colored fabrics, and we keep food and drink away from the gowns to protect them. You're welcome to celebrate with your group at one of Ann Arbor's many restaurants after your appointment — Washtenaw Avenue has options within a short drive.

Wedding Dress Selection at Mimi's

  • What designers do you carry?

    Mimi's Bridal Boutique carries Allure Bridals, Allure Couture, Allure Limited, Abella, Chic Nostalgia, Madison James, Maggie Sottero, Rebecca Ingram, Sottero and Midgley, and Wilderly. We stock more than 250 designer gowns in the boutique at any given time, spanning a wide range of silhouettes — A-line, ball gown, sheath, mermaid, fit-and-flare — and a mix of classic, modern, romantic, and fashion-forward aesthetics.

  • What price range do your wedding dresses fall into?

    Our designer wedding gowns span moderate to high-end designer pricing. Stylists work within your budget at the start of the appointment and will pull gowns in that range — we don't surprise brides with dresses outside their stated comfort zone. If budget is a primary factor, Mimi's Rack carries off-the-rack and sample gowns at lower price points than the in-line designer collection.

  • What sizes do you carry on the floor?

    We stock sample gowns in a range of sizes on the boutique floor. Stylists are skilled at clipping and pinning gowns to give you a clear sense of how a smaller or larger sample will look in your actual size when ordered. Bridal sizing typically runs smaller than ready-to-wear, so we'll measure you and order from each designer's size chart, not the size on the tag of your everyday clothes.

  • Can I try on dresses without buying one?

    Yes. You are never obligated to purchase at Mimi's. Many brides visit the boutique to explore styles, narrow their preferences, and confirm what does and doesn't work on their body before making a decision. We'd rather you take the time you need than feel pressured into a gown you're not sure about.

  • Do you offer trunk shows?

    Yes — Mimi's hosts seasonal trunk shows featuring expanded collections from our designer partners, including styles not normally stocked in the boutique. Trunk shows are a good opportunity to see a designer's full current collection and to lock in promotional pricing offered during the event. Upcoming trunk shows are announced on the Upcoming Events page of the website and on our Instagram and Facebook.

  • How long does it take for a wedding dress to come in after ordering?

    Most designer wedding gowns take four to six months from order to arrival at the boutique. Rush options are available with some designers for an additional fee, typically reducing the timeline to eight to twelve weeks. If your wedding is closer than that, Mimi's Rack has gowns available to take home immediately.

Plus Size and Inclusive Sizing

  • Do you carry plus size wedding dresses?

    Yes. Mimi's stocks plus size wedding gowns from several of our designer partners directly on the boutique floor — not by special order. You'll try on gowns in plus sizes during your appointment, the same way every other bride does. We believe sample availability matters: trying a gown in a size close to your own gives a clearer sense of fit and silhouette than trying a smaller sample clipped and pinned to estimate.

  • What sizes are available to order?

    Each designer offers their own size range. Allure Bridals, Maggie Sottero, Sottero and Midgley, Rebecca Ingram, and several of our other lines extend through plus sizing. During your appointment, your stylist will confirm which designers' size charts run through your size and pull gowns accordingly.

  • Will my plus size gown need extensive alterations?

    Plus size brides typically need similar alterations to brides in any size — hem, bustle, and bodice refinement. The boutique's in-house alterations team has decades of experience tailoring across the full size range and is comfortable with bodice reconstruction, bust shaping, and other fit refinements that plus size brides sometimes request. Custom design work is also available if you want to modify the neckline, sleeves, or back of the gown.

  • Are there extra fees for plus size gowns?

    Some designers add a small upcharge for sizes above a certain threshold — this is a designer pricing policy, not a Mimi's policy. Your stylist will tell you upfront if any upcharge applies to a specific gown before you commit to an order. There are no extra appointment fees, alterations fees, or service fees based on size at Mimi's.

Mimi's Rack and Off-the-Rack Shopping

  • What is Mimi's Rack?

    Mimi's Rack is the boutique's curated section of off-the-rack and sample-sale wedding gowns. These are designer dresses available to purchase and take home the same day, without the four-to-six-month wait of a new designer order. Mimi's Rack works especially well for brides with shorter timelines, brides shopping on a tighter budget, or brides who want to leave their appointment with the dress in hand.

  • How does Mimi's Rack differ from a regular appointment?

    The selection and the timeline. A regular appointment focuses on in-line designer gowns that are ordered and arrive months later. A Mimi's Rack appointment focuses on the boutique's off-the-rack inventory, with gowns that go home with you on purchase day. The 90-minute appointment format, stylist support, and in-house alterations access are the same.

  • What sizes are available on Mimi's Rack?

    Mimi's Rack inventory rotates regularly, so available sizes change based on which gowns are currently in the section. The rack typically carries a mix across the size spectrum. If you have a specific timeline or size in mind, call (734) 623-0890 ahead of your appointment and a team member can let you know what's currently on the rack.

  • Can I still get alterations on a Mimi's Rack gown?

    Yes — every gown purchased at Mimi's, whether off the rack or made-to-order, is eligible for in-house alterations through our on-site team. Off-the-rack gowns sometimes need a little more alteration work because they aren't ordered to your measurements, but the team is very experienced with sample-sale and off-the-rack fittings.

Alterations and Fittings

  • Are alterations included with my dress purchase?

    Alterations are a separate service from the gown purchase. After your dress arrives, you'll schedule your first alterations fitting, and pricing is quoted based on the specific work your gown needs — itemized, not a flat package fee. This pricing model is transparent: you know what each adjustment costs before any work begins.

  • How many fittings will I need?

    Most brides need two to three alterations fittings. The first fitting establishes the major adjustments — hem, bustle, and bodice fit. The second refines the work and addresses any remaining details. A third fitting, when needed, confirms everything sits correctly before final pickup. Brides with extensive customization (added sleeves, reshaped lace, significant resizing) may need an additional fitting.

  • When should I schedule my first alterations fitting?

    Six to eight weeks before the wedding date is typical. For gowns with extensive customization — sleeve construction, full lace reshaping, or significant resizing — start eight to ten weeks out. Earlier than ten weeks is usually too soon because your body composition may shift between fittings; later than four weeks is tight but sometimes workable depending on capacity.

  • How much do wedding dress alterations cost?

    Cost depends on the specific work your gown requires. Industry-wide, bridal alterations commonly fall in a range from a few hundred dollars to roughly a thousand or more for extensive customization. Mimi's provides an itemized quote at your first fitting so you know exactly what you're paying for and can decide which adjustments to prioritize.

  • Can I have my dress altered at Mimi's if I bought it somewhere else?

    Yes. Our alterations team works on gowns purchased from other boutiques, online retailers, chain bridal stores, and out-of-state shops. The fitting process is the same — initial consultation, itemized quote, two to three fittings, and a final steam before pickup. Many brides bring in dresses purchased online specifically because they want professional fitting work locally.

  • Do I tip my bridal seamstress?

    Tipping a bridal seamstress is appreciated but not required. Some brides tip a percentage of the total alterations cost, others give a flat cash thank-you at final pickup, and some don't tip and the work is no less valued. If your alterations involved significant custom work or your seamstress went above and beyond, a tip is a meaningful way to acknowledge that.

  • What if my body changes between purchase and the wedding?

    That's exactly why alterations are scheduled close to the wedding date, not immediately after the gown arrives. Whether you gain weight, lose weight, or your shape shifts, our team can adjust the gown to fit you on the wedding day. The boutique has handled significant resizing on countless gowns — bodies change during long engagements, and the alterations process accommodates that.

  • Can you store my dress for me until the wedding?

    Yes. After alterations are complete, Mimi's can store your gown and veil at the boutique until the week of your wedding at no extra charge. Many brides take advantage of this — it keeps the gown safe, wrinkle-free, and away from curious roommates and pets until pickup day.

Wedding Dress Preservation and Cleaning

  • Do you offer wedding dress preservation?

    Yes. After the wedding, brides can bring their gown back to Mimi's for professional cleaning and archival preservation. Preservation removes ceremony-day stains — champagne, makeup, grass, dirt, sweat — and seals the gown in acid-free materials designed to keep the fabric stable for decades. This is the standard service for brides who want to keep the gown as an heirloom or pass it on to future family members.

  • How soon after the wedding should I bring in my dress for cleaning?

    Bring the gown in within two to four weeks of the wedding if possible. The longer ceremony-day stains sit on fabric, the harder they are to remove — champagne and sugar-based stains can oxidize and become permanent if left for months. If you've already waited longer than that, we can still clean the gown; just let us know what stains you remember so the cleaning team can address them directly.

  • Can you clean a dress I didn't buy at Mimi's?

    Yes. Wedding dress cleaning and preservation are available regardless of where you purchased your gown. The same process and the same archival materials apply whether the gown came from Mimi's, another boutique, or an online retailer.

  • How long does preservation take?

    The full cleaning and preservation process typically takes six to twelve weeks from drop-off to pickup. The timeline accounts for stain assessment, cleaning, inspection, and the boxing and sealing process. You'll be notified when the gown is ready for pickup.

  • Does preservation work on all fabric types?

    Most bridal fabrics — silk, satin, organza, tulle, lace, and beaded materials — can be cleaned and preserved successfully. Some delicate vintage fabrics or non-standard materials require special handling, and the cleaning team will assess your specific gown at drop-off and explain what's possible before any work begins.

Veils, Accessories, and Jewelry

  • Do you sell veils and accessories?

    Yes. Mimi's carries bridal veils in a range of lengths — fingertip, chapel, cathedral — along with headpieces, hair combs, hair pins, and other bridal hair accessories. We also stock sashes, belts, and the kind of small finishing pieces that bring a gown together. Accessories can be added during your gown appointment or in a follow-up visit.

  • Do you sell wedding jewelry?

    Yes — and this is one of the boutique's distinctive offerings. Many of the wedding day jewelry pieces sold at Mimi's are designed by owner Yvette Mikho, who was an established fine jewelry designer in Baghdad, Iraq before founding the boutique in 2000. She continues to design jewelry today, and the boutique carries pieces in styles that complement bridal silhouettes — drop earrings, statement combs, and necklaces sized for various neckline shapes.

  • Can you alter a veil that doesn't fit right?

    Yes. Veil hemming, beading, and lace edge application are standard services our alterations team handles. Many brides come in with a family veil they want shortened, or a new veil they want lengthened, customized, or trimmed with lace to match the gown.

  • Do I have to buy my accessories at Mimi's?

    No. You're welcome to source veils, jewelry, or accessories elsewhere. That said, your stylist can help coordinate accessories to your gown during your appointment, which often saves time and reduces the chance of mismatches. If you bring an heirloom veil or family jewelry, we can style them with the gown to make sure the look works together.

About Mimi's, Location, and Logistics

  • Where is Mimi's Bridal Boutique located?

    Mimi's Bridal Boutique is located at 3366 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. The boutique sits on Washtenaw Avenue between downtown Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, with on-site parking and quick access from US-23, I-94, and M-14.

  • What are your hours?

    Tuesday through Thursday: 11 AM to 6 PM. Friday: 10 AM to 6 PM. Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday. All visits are by appointment only — please book ahead online or by phone at (734) 623-0890.

  • How far do brides travel to shop at Mimi's?

    Brides regularly travel to Mimi's from across Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio. Common origin cities include Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Whitmore Lake, Brighton, Novi, South Lyon, Commerce Township, Jackson, Troy, and Toledo, Ohio. The boutique's location on Washtenaw Avenue with direct US-23 and I-94 access makes it reachable from much of the Detroit metro and the Toledo area within an hour's drive.

  • How long has Mimi's been in business?

    Mimi's Bridal Boutique was founded in 2000 by Yvette Mikho and has been family-owned and woman-owned for more than 25 years. The boutique is named after Yvette's youngest daughter, Mimi. Yvette was an established jewelry designer in Baghdad, Iraq before immigrating to the United States in 1990, and she opened an Ann Arbor tailoring shop before launching the boutique. She remains involved in styling sessions and designs much of the fine jewelry sold in the boutique.

  • Is Mimi's an LGBTQ-friendly bridal shop?

    Yes. Mimi's welcomes all couples and all brides regardless of gender, sexuality, religion, or background. Stylists are experienced working with couples shopping together for two gowns, with non-traditional bridal looks, and with anyone whose vision for their wedding day doesn't fit a conventional template. The 90-minute appointment is yours to shape however you want.

  • Do you accept payment plans?

    Yes. Many brides finance their gown purchase across multiple payments rather than paying the full amount upfront. Specific payment plan options are discussed at the time of purchase and can be tailored to your timeline. Ask your stylist during your appointment to walk through what's available.

  • Has Mimi's won any awards?

    Yes. Mimi's Bridal Boutique is a member of The Knot Hall of Fame and has received The Knot Best of Weddings recognition in 2015, 2019, 2020, and 2021. The boutique currently holds a 4.7 out of 5 star rating on The Knot across 141 verified reviews, and is also rated and reviewed on WeddingWire, Facebook, and Yelp.

  • How do I get in touch with Mimi's?

    Call (734) 623-0890 during boutique hours, or email info@mimisbridalboutique.com any time. You can also reach Mimi's through Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, or the contact form on the website. Appointments are booked online or by phone.