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?
Our gowns are overstock from our designer partners or they are are "showroom samples" from our partner boutiques! 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!)
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
Can I walk in for accessories/shapewear etc?
We don't hold traditional retail hours, but give us a call before you stop by because we would love to help!
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!
We offer payment plans for SOME of our pink collection gowns, ask your stylist during your appointment!
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.