As the situation around novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, we wanted to inform you about what we are doing here at Ellie’s Bridal Boutique to support you and your wedding gown shopping experience. This is a dynamic situation, but we are doing everything we can to ensure your safety and provide maximum flexibility.
[EDIT: THIS ARTICLE IS NOW OUT-OF-DATE. WE ARE FOLLOWING DIFFERENT PROCEDURES AS OF APRIL 1, 2020.]
What We Are Doing
As it has always been, the safety and security of our brides and guests and team members remains our highest priority. In response to the coronavirus, we have taken additional measures developed in consultation with global and local public health authorities (including the WHO, CDC, and Virginia Health Department) to maintain our business to the best health and hygiene standards.
On March 23, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced in a new executive order "non-essential retail can remain open but only if the business can adhere to the 10 people or fewer rule, keep people six feet apart and have proper sanitation products in place."
We offer private appointments only with the understanding we are no longer able to zip up or pin gowns.
We are additionally offering virtual appointments with the opportunity to try on wedding gowns in your own home.
We are following social distancing guidelines and limiting crowds to no more than 10 people.
We have reduced our guest limit to 2 guests per bride.
Our staff will remain at least 6 ft away from all bridal parties. Consultants remain available for support and guidance from a safe distance in accordance with Governor Ralph Northam’s orders.
We have significantly increased the frequency of hand washing and cleaning/wiping down our counter surfaces, door handles, etc.
We have antibacterial hand sanitizers near the entrance of our store for both customers and employees.
We no longer offer alterations services as we are unable to pin your gown for fit from a distance in accordance with Virginia Executive Order 53.
We do not serve food or beverages.
We make it easy to cancel and reschedule appointments if you are not feeling well. We never charge you fees for cancelling appointments.
We will not be attending bridal markets or fashion shows this season.
We work with the best designers in the business. Thus far, we have not had any major issues with shipping delays and all existing gown orders are currently expected to be issued on time.
We are diligently monitoring updates and guidelines from WHO, CDC, and local government organizations.
Your Appointment
Expect to go into the fitting room alone. Normally, we are always more than happy to provide either assistance in the changing room while trying on wedding dresses, if needed. We now ask that you stay home if you feel you will require staff assistance getting into or zipping up any gowns.
Try to limit the number of in-store visits you need to make. Deciding to purchase your gown during your first appointment will save you needing to come for a second visit. If it is not possible to make an immediate purchase decision, we encourage you to take photos of your favorite gown, and we remain available to answer questions via telephone/email and accept orders via telephone.
Ask your consultant to take your measurements if you think you will be making a gown purchase. If we have your measurements on file, you may complete the purchase via telephone and do not need to physically return to the salon to purchase. Please note we only release measurements with the purchase of a gown or paid measurement fee.
Be understanding if part of your entourage opts out of traveling to your bridal appointment with you. While we understand you want your loved ones to be by your side as you say yes to the dress, it is more important they are by your side on your wedding day. FaceTime/Skype/WhatsApp video calls are always welcome.
Cancel your appointment if you have symptoms or are not feeling well. We remain committed to offering you flexible booking options. We do not charge cancellation fees and allow easy appointment cancellations at the click of a button (through your appointment confirmation email).
Best Practices
We encourage all community members to follow these best practices to help keep yourself and others healthy:
Stay at least 6 feet away from others as much as possible. This will significantly increase the size of your personal “bubble.”
Use hand sanitizer and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after visiting the restroom; before eating; after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing or touching your face.
Stay home if you feel unwell, especially if coughing. Coughing is the primary mode of transmission, even if you otherwise feel well — this is the reason for “social distancing” (so cough and sneeze particles don’t reach you)
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then discard the tissue in the trash. Cover with elbow if tissue not readily available.
Keep disinfectant with you
Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. While everyone is at risk, older people and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. Those with congestive heart failure, emphysema, and on dialysis are particularly high risk and advised not to attend your appointment. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention. If you would like to learn more about COVID-19, the WHO Q&A page is quite helpful. I also highly recommend this article/visual simulation about social distancing.
We are privileged and honored to be able to help you find your dream wedding dress and look forward to seeing you soon.
All the best,
Ellie’s Bridal Team
