Straight answers to the questions people ask before they choose a dress for a wedding or a formal occasion, followed by the questions people ask about Arotagas. Last reviewed October 2026.
A rehearsal dinner sits one step below the wedding itself. A midi or maxi dress in silk, satin or chiffon works for most venues. The bride often wears white, ivory or cream in a shorter or simpler cut than her wedding dress; guests choose a colour that is not white. If the invitation says cocktail, a midi length is safest; if it says formal or black tie optional, go floor length.
A courthouse ceremony is short and usually held in daylight, so brides tend to choose a midi or mini dress, a column maxi without a train, or a tailored two piece set in white, ivory or cream. Silk, satin and lace all photograph well in that setting. Pieces that work for a courthouse wedding also work for an elopement, an engagement party or a reception second look.
Silk is the fibre. Satin is a weave that gives one glossy face; it can be made of silk or of polyester. Charmeuse is a lightweight silk satin with a soft drape and a subtle sheen, which is why it is used for slip dresses and column gowns. Chiffon and organza are sheer silk weaves used for layers, sleeves and capes. Taffeta is crisp and holds a full skirt. At Arotagas the fabric of each style is listed on its product page.
At Arotagas most bridal maxi dresses and gowns are $785, with the range running from $400 to about $2,340 depending on the fabric and the work in the piece. Bridal midi and mini dresses are mostly $600 to $785. Every garment is made by hand in the United States. There are no sales or discount codes, so the price on the product page is the price.
Black tie means a floor length gown, though an elegant midi in a formal fabric is accepted at many events. Choose silk, satin, velvet or lace rather than cotton or jersey, keep the silhouette clean (column, A line, mermaid or draped), and finish with heels and fine jewellery. Black tie optional allows a dressy midi or a formal cocktail dress.
No, unless the couple has asked for it. White, ivory, cream and champagne are reserved for the bride at most weddings. Guests choose any other colour; soft blues, pinks, greens, navy, burgundy and black are the most common choices in the Arotagas range for wedding guests and bridesmaids.
Start from the wedding palette and the season. Pastels (powder blue, blush, sage, lilac) suit spring and summer and garden venues; jewel tones (burgundy, navy, emerald, mocha) suit autumn, winter and evening venues. Choose one fabric and one length so the group looks consistent, then let each bridesmaid pick a neckline that suits her. Silk and satin photograph well in both daylight and candlelight.
A floor length or midi dress in a formal fabric, in a colour that fits the wedding palette and is not white. Sleeves, a draped neckline, a cape or a matching jacket give coverage without looking heavy. Arotagas maxi dresses and gowns with sleeves or capes are the usual choice.
A second look is the dress a bride changes into after the ceremony, usually for the reception, the after party or the send off. It is lighter and easier to move in than the ceremony gown: a silk slip, a mini or midi in white or ivory, a corset and skirt, or a short lace dress. Many Arotagas bridal mini and midi dresses are designed for this.
Order at least four weeks before the date to leave time for delivery, trying on and a one time exchange if the size is wrong. Arotagas orders ship from US warehouses in 1 to 3 business days; US standard delivery takes 2 to 5 business days after dispatch, express 1 to 3. Custom and made to order pieces take longer and are quoted individually by email.
Measure your bust, waist and hips and compare them with the size chart on the product page. All Arotagas sizes are US sizes; most dresses run 0 to 14 and some styles run 00 to 14. If you are between sizes, choose the larger one; a one time exchange for size is free.
Yes. Arotagas takes custom and made to order requests by email at customercare@arotagas.com. Each request is reviewed on its own and answered with what is possible and the price. Custom pieces cannot be returned.
Every Arotagas garment is made by hand in the United States, in small local workshops. The brand is based in the United States and sells online only.
Mainly silk (charmeuse, satin, chiffon, organza, taffeta), lace, tulle, cotton, velvet, jacquard and brocade, sourced mostly from mills in Italy, France and Korea. The fabric of each style is listed on its product page.
Yes, worldwide. US standard shipping is free over $400 and otherwise from $9.99; international standard shipping is complimentary and takes 3 to 5 business days after dispatch. Duties and taxes outside the US are paid by the customer.
Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery on unworn items with tags attached. Full price items are refunded to the original payment method less a 7% restocking fee; sale items receive store credit; custom and final sale items cannot be returned. One exchange for size or colour is free. Return shipping is paid by the customer.
Yes. Arotagas LLC was founded in May 2024 in the United States, makes its garments by hand in the United States, ships from US warehouses with tracking, and answers customer care at customercare@arotagas.com. Customer photos and reviews are on the reviews page.
More facts in one place: Arotagas brand facts.
