Frequently asked questions
Wedding Dresses & Sample Gowns
Are all your dresses gowns off-the-rack?
Yes! All our gowns including wedding, bridesmaid, flower girl & moms dresses are off the rack! That means we are unable to order other sizes, colours, etc! What you see is what you get!
Is there more in-store than what I see online?
About 90% of our stock from in-store is available online! Our inventory is accurate and is updated in real time. If a dress shows "sold-out" it is no longer available and may not (probably will not) come back. Dresses on hold will not show as sold out.
Where are your gowns from?
Most of our gowns are "showroom samples" from our partner boutique! When a boutique decides to part with a gown, or it is discontinued, it is sent to us to be sold as is! In each dress's listing you'll find the original retail price, measurements, and condition (aka where it is from!)
A small number of gowns overstock from manufacturers or pre-loved gowns.
I'm not in Ottawa, will you ship the dress?
Yes! We can ship anywhere in the world! You MUST purchase with the shipment of the gown to protect against loss, theft, and/or damages. Insurance, Tarrifs, & applicable custom fees are not included in the price of the gown. It is the customers responsibility to pay for any import/export charges.
What is the return policy?
We know with online shopping, it can be difficult to determine your perfect fit and style for your wedding gowns, but that's why we have an easy return/exchange program. 7 days from delivery.
Wedding gowns are returnable only for STORE CREDIT. The store credit can be used for any item, including another dress! It's a win-win! Shipping, insurance, import/export fees are not included.
All other gowns (moms, maids, minis & guests) are returnable within 7 days of purchase if unworn and unaltered. Return shipping not included. 15% restocking fee applies.
Will you be getting "x" back in stock?
We have no idea! We rarely get duplicates of gowns because we do not choose what arrives at the boutique. Every package is a surprise.
Frequently asked questions
Ottawa Boutique & Appointments
What type of appointment should I book?
Congratulations! You have started the hunt for your "second love" aka the dress of your dreams.
CLASSIC FIRST LOOK - 90 MINUTES - 3 GUESTS- ($20 appointment fee)
Ready to find your dream wedding dress? Our classic appointment is best suited if you have shopped around and are ready to purchase a dress off the rack.
LUXE FIRST LOOK - 2 HOURS - 6 GUESTS - $40 appointment fee)
Okay but you are really REALLy ready to find "the one". If you are on a time crunch, strict budget or it is your first time wedding dress shopping, this is the appoitnment for you! The extended timeframe allows you to try on ALL the dresses you would like in a relaxed time frame.
DRESS DISCOVERY - 60 MINUTES - ($50 appointment fee)
Holy moly you just got engaged, you're slightly overwhelmed and you aren't sure where to start. This appointment is not about finding "the one", it's about education. Think of it like casual dating, you're just seeing what's out there and learning what you like (and definetly don't like.) During this appointment, one of our consultants will pull a range of silhouettes, necklines, fabrics & styles for you to try on. You'll leave this appointment with a card of your "favourite" styles (gown terminology can be hard to follow) and ready to start your search for "the one".
SECOND PEAK - 45 MINUTES - ($25 appointment fee)
Back for more? You think you found your gown with us before you're ready to say the final yes, but you need to try it on one more time! Please call to confirm we still have the dress you wanted in stock before making this appointment.
MINI PEEK - 30 MINUTES - ($20 appointment fee)
Have you been on our online shop religiously and have ONE dress you are just dying to try on? Our 30 minute mini appointment is for you. In this appointment, you will be allowed to pre-select one dress to try on. This type of appointment is best suited for the nearlyweds who has shopped around and knows what they are looking for
LITTLE WHITE DRESSES/RECEPTION DRESSES - 30 MINUTES - ($10 appointment fee)
An appointment to try on any of the options from our Little White Dress collection! Best for the budget bride or nearlywed with a budget under $750 or if you are looking for a second dress, bridal shower outfit, or bachelorette mini.
MOMS, MAIDS, & MINIS - UP TO 2 HOURS - ($10 appointment fee)
Bring up to four shoppers with you while you are on the hunt for wedding guest gowns, bridesmaid dresses, flower girl outfits, or mother of the bride/mother of the groom dresses.
AFTER HOURS VIP - 3 HOURS - ($250 appointment fee)
Welcome to an exclusive after-hours VIP dress shopping experience, an intimate affair designed for up to 12 guests. This after regular operating hour event offers you the opportunity to explore a stunning selection of wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, or other elegant gowns in a serene, private setting with drinks, snacks & good vibes.
NKIN ACCESSORIES - 30 MINUTES - (FREE TO BOOK)
Veils, jewelry & so much more1 Bring your dress with you or come with your gang (up to 3 guests, ) Looking for something specific from our website? Give us a call ahead of time to check our in-store stock
SHAPEWEAR & BRA CONSULT - 30 MINUTES - ($10 appointment fee)
We are proud to call ourselves the bra experts! With a huge range of size inclusive shapewear, underwear, and bras - not matter the dress we will get you (& your girls) situated.
DRESS REVEAL / LET'S PLAY PRETEND - 30 MINUTES - ($25 appointment fee)
If you didn't purchase your dress with us (first off - we forgive you) or purchased it online, but still want that big "reveal moment". Get ready to play dress up because this is the appointment for you. Alterantively, if you did purchase your dress already, but you want to have a "fake" appointment to include some.. let's say.. less supportive members of your wedding entourage, baby come through!!
Can I walk in for accessories/shapewear etc?
Appointments are the standard!
Though we are always happy to take a walk-in if we have the available space and stylist, appointments are much more efficient!
Pre-made bookings allow our brides to have a dedicated time slot, personal stylist and unconditional attention
Do you offer alterations
Yes! We are so lucky to have 5 incredible seamstresses currently partner with NKIN. Alterations are not included with the purchase of the gown, but can be requested here
Do you offer holds or deposits on gowns?
Off-the-rack wedding dress shopping is best for nearlyweds who are ready-to-buy, are budget-conscious and/or are in a tighter time crunch. Unlike traditional wedding boutiques, we typically only carry one of each dress. The dresses cannot be ordered in different sizes or colours. They are in the condition as presented.
With that in mind, we know wedding dress shopping can be a big decision and feel overwhelming at times. If you are not ready to say yes to the dress on the spot, but want comfort in knowing no-one else will snatch up your favourite dress, you can put a dress on hold. A hold is $100.00 + tax and guarantees that the dress will not be sold for 24-48 hours (depending on your appointment day/time). This gives you a chance to sleep on it, consult photos, and make a comfortable decision. The $100.00 is redeemable towards your purchase of the dress OR a gift card toward our online shop if you decide to head into a different dress direction.
Why is there an appointment fee?
We know it sounds silly when you first encounter appointment fees, but hear us out. Wedding shopping is unlike your day to day shopping experience. Our consultants are with you the moment you step into the boutique, until the moment you close the pink doors behind you. We provide guidance, support (emotional, physical, spiritual), & truly hold your hand through every moment. It's not paying to shop, it's paying for a one of a kind service.
Appointment fees allow us to pay our consultants the Ontario LIVING wage and create a less "sales-y" atmosphere.
PLUS all appointment fees are redeemable towards the purchase of ANYTHING the day you shop. The only appointment fee that is not redeemable is the after hours appointment fee.
Are tips exepcted?
Tips are never expected, but always appreciated! 100% of your tip goes toward your stylist or seamstress who assisted you
Are babies/kids welcome?
YES! They are welcome & do not count towards the guest count (under the age of 8).
If you are bringing little bebes we love a snuggle & are happy to be aunties, but we recommend bringing an extra set of hands to help you, so you can focus on the dress.
Can I take photos?
yes! & we love role playing "professional hype woman photographer" don't be shy to ask us to help you snap a few pictures
What is the accessibility of NKIN?
We're dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible shopping experience for all of our Brides & Nearlyweds. As a neurodivergent-owned boutique, we understand the importance of accommodating diverse needs and creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable and valued
Physical Accessibility
Our wedding boutique is located on the second floor without an elevator therefore, unfortunately, is not wheelchair or mobile assisting device accessible. We acknowledge this limitation and are committed to providing alternative solutions, like our at home & virtual try on programs, to ensure everyone can access our services. We are working towards building an accessible lift in the near future.
Sensory-Friendly Environment
Understanding the needs of neurodivergent individuals, we strive to create a sensory-friendly environment within our boutique. This includes offering quieter appointment times and adjusting lighting and sound levels to suit your preferences. Please call or email our customer service team prior to booking your appointment to talk over how we can best assist.
New Parents
We understand the importance of accommodating new parents during their shopping experience. Not only are little ones always welcome, our boutique features a convenient change table stocked with wipes and change table liners for your convenience.For nursing mothers and parents, we provide nursing pads to ensure comfort during dress fittings.
Service Animals
Please feel free to bring your service animal along to your appointment, and our team will ensure they are accommodated with care and respect throughout your visit.
Language & Communication
We understand the importance of clear communication, regardless of language barriers.We are happy to accommodate various communication preferences, whether you prefer written communication, video calls, or in-person discussions. Our team includes bilingual consultants and customer service members who are fluent in English and French. If you require assistance in French or have any specific language preferences, please let us know when booking your appointment.
ASL interpreters are available upon request.
In-Home and Virtual Appointments For those who cannot visit our boutique due to mobility issues we offer in-home appointments and virtual consultations at no additional fee beyond our usual consultation charge. Our team will bring a curated selection of gowns to your home or guide you through our collection virtually, providing the same level of personalized service and attention. This service can be booked by calling or emailing our sales team.
We want to work with you to make sure that you have a special AND comfortable experience with us. Please feel free to share accommodation requests and we will do all in our best to make you feel a part of the family.We are continually seeking ways to improve our accessibility and welcome any feedback or suggestions you may have. Your input helps us enhance our services and ensure that every customer feels celebrated and supported.
Frequently asked questions
NKINmade & Accessories
What is the return policy?
NOW OFFERING FREE & EASY ONLINE RETURNS ON MOST ITEMS
We accept returns for most items within 7 days of delivery in their original packaging. Exceptions apply*
*The following items are not returnable or exchangeable: all sale items, Second Love Wedding Gowns, Swatches, Personalized/Customized Items, Subscription Boxes, Shapewear, Jackets, Bathing suits, Skin Care, Body Care, Robes, Lingerie, and Gift Cards. Our Second Love Wedding Gowns have their own return/exchange policy. Bridesmaid Dresses, Mother of the Bride/Groom Dresses, Wedding Guest Dresses & Formalwear dresses incur a 15% restocking fee aper item.
Any items returned through a BOGO promotion will incur the loss of the promotion on return of the gown. We do not offer price matching
Pre-paid free label return are available for Canadian addresses only! International returns must use a insured postal carrier to return your items back to us at your own expense to the address below: NKIN ATTN: Returns 883 Boyd Avenue Nepean, ON K2A 2E2
Please do not ship items back without approval first. Orders sent back to us without approval will be rejected.
All returnable items must be unwashed, unworn, unaltered, undamaged, clean, free of lint and hair, and in their original condition with tags still attached. Returns will not be accepted for any items with obvious signs of wear, alterations, or missing tags. We reserve the right to limit, refuse, and/or reject returns from customers at any time, due to certain circumstances such as:Irregular or excessive returns history that suggests "wardrobing" (customers buying items with the intent to wear them briefly and then return them) A history of returning items that have been worn, altered, laundered, damaged, or are missing items.Suspected fraudulent or criminal activity.