To ensure each client receives the personalized attention they deserve, we highly recommend scheduling appointments at Mara for bridal gowns, mother-of-the-bride dresses, and tuxedos. We welcome homecoming and prom shoppers at Mara Prom (101 North Main Street) on a first-come, first-served basis during regular store hours.

Yes! Initial Bridal Gown Appointments at Mara are complimentary. Enjoy 90 minutes of personalized wedding dress shopping with one of our experienced bridal stylists, while you browse our collection and relax in your private bridal suite with your favorite people.

Our Initial Bridal Gown Appointments are 90-minute, personalized wedding dress shopping sessions with one of our experienced bridal stylists, during which you can browse our collection and relax in your private bridal suite with your favorite people.

Our size-inclusive boutique carries nearly 200 wedding dress samples in sizes 4–28, so more brides can find their perfect fit in person. We also offer special-order gowns in sizes 0–32, with custom sizing available for select styles.

Choosing who you invite to this experience deserves some careful thought. Make sure you surround yourself with the people you want to celebrate with. But keep your tribe positive, uplifting, and light. This is your decision, so while you may want others' feedback, you are the one who's been envisioning this day for yourself. We definitely want this day to be all about YOU. That being said, our private bridal suites comfortably fit up to 6 guests, plus the bride. If you plan to bring more than that, please contact our team in advance to ensure we can make the necessary arrangements.

You’ll be paired with a dedicated stylist who’s here to bring your vision to life—feel free to bring along any gown inspiration you love from our website or social media. We also recommend wearing nude undergarments, bringing your wedding shoes (or something similar in height), and bringing a hair tie or clip to help you see the full look. 

Please plan to arrive at your scheduled appointment time. Our team often assists brides in back-to-back appointments—especially on Saturdays—so we may not be able to accommodate early arrivals. We appreciate your understanding as we give each bride the time and attention she deserves.

Our boutique is on a charming main street in downtown Charles City, with street parking in front of our shop, including limited accessible spaces. We also have a large parking lot located behind our building. You’re welcome to enter through either door—you’ll see the Mara name on both! If you’re coming in from the back, you’ll enter a hallway shared with a few other wonderful local businesses. Just follow the hallway to the charcoal-colored door, and you’ll find us there. Our team will be ready to welcome you!

Mara has worked with several professional bridal seamstresses over the years. We've found a few that we really love partnering with. Although we don't do alterations in our boutique, we have full confidence in the tailors listed here. It is customary to call your seamstress well in advance of your wedding date and let them know when your event is and when you expect to receive your dress. You'll likely then be "loosely" placed on their calendar until your dress arrives, and the wedding date is about three months away.

For special-ordered dresses, we require a 50% down payment before we order the dress. Then you can make payments on the dress as it arrives, or wait until it arrives. Once the dress arrives, you have 30 days to pay the remaining balance and pick it up. If you're purchasing an off-the-rack wedding gown, we require full payment as you get to take home your dream dress the same day!

We’re honored that brides travel from near and far to experience our boutique. To make the most of your time in Charles City, we suggest stopping for a bite or a drink before or after your appointment. Local favorites include Aromas Coffee, The McCoy Smoothies & More, Tellurian Brewing, The Pub on the Cedar, and Dean Treats. If shopping with us isn't enough, our charming downtown is filled with locally owned gems. Browse stylish finds at our sister store, Cardigan, or explore favorites like Otto's Oasis, Prologue Books & Wine, Saxony, and Charles City Art Center. Whether you’re here to shop for a bridal gown or enjoy a full weekend getaway, we hope you fall in love with our small-town charm.