English Dept

Do I need an appointment?

We are walk-in only, so you’re welcome to browse the shop without an appointment. Our space is limited and is best explored by small parties--you and a friend or two. If you’re shopping for bridesmaid dresses and/or traveling with a group, please do call ahead. Our knowledgeable English Dept. employees can walk you through our collections and answer questions. We’re happy to take notes for you on any dresses or details you’d like to remember.

Do you make all the dresses?

Not all, but some. The majority of our dresses are made to order by designer-owned, independent companies based in New York and Los Angeles. Boutique owner Elizabeth Dye also shows her own collection here, which is made locally. In addition, we stock a revolving selection of one-of-a-kind bridal dresses by her and other Portland designers.

How long does it take to order a dress?

Each designer has her own production schedule, but the typical time frame is 12-14 weeks. Budget a month or so for alterations—these dresses are made to standard sizes, not to measure, so some tailoring is to be expected. Most of our designers can honor a rush order for a fee; just ask us for more info if you’re on a deadline.

My bridesmaids are all over the country—can we order all our dresses from you?

Yes! It’s best to order your bridesmaid dresses as a group from one shop, to ensure dye lots match and because most designers offer quantity discounts. As long as we have accurate bust, waist and hip measurements for each girl, we can order the appropriate size dress and make sure it is shipped to her.

I’m in a wedding and need to be measured for a dress being ordered for me by another store. Can you size me for my dress?

We’re happy to take your measurements as a courtesy, but please respect that we are a small shop with many customers to serve. We recommend having a seamstress or sewing-savvy friend take your measurements; you can compare them to the chart available on the designer’s web site and choose your size accordingly.

Do you carry complete collections by each designer?

If only we could! Our designers have large collections that evolve from season to season, and each dress is available in many different lengths, fabrics and colors. We make our sample selections from each designer according to the styles, fabrics and colors we believe best represent the collection. If you’d like to know if we have a particular style available to try on, just ask. Our typical sample size range is 6 – 12.

I’m a bride looking for a unique wedding dress for less than $1000. Should I come to The English Dept.?

Absolutely. We specialize in modern alternatives to the traditional bridal gown—lovely, reasonably priced wedding dresses made from high-quality silks and natural fiber fabrics (absolutely no pouf or sequins). Many of our dresses are under $1000, and some are much less.

I want to talk to Elizabeth about making a custom wedding dress. How do I start the process?

It’s best to contact Elizabeth directly by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . She can provide you with details about the custom process, including information on pricing--both for custom design, and her special order bridal collection.

Tips for Visiting

• Saturdays are busiest—you’ll have the most time and leisure to explore the collections if you’re able to visit on a weekday.
• Trust us, it’s best to try on dresses with just one or two advisors (especially on the first round). You’re welcome to come back with additional friends or family on a future occasion, but please no groups larger than four; we have limited seating and it can quickly feel crowded! If you have a large bridal party and would like to have everyone in at once, just let us know and we’ll make special arrangements.
• Travel light: many of our dresses are made from delicate silks, which can be damaged by makeup and jewelry.
• Our shop is not appropriate for babies or small children; we’re unable to accommodate strollers and worry that heavy mirrors, scissors and pins are in easy reach.
• Please no food or drink.

Thank you—we look forward to seeing you!