Selecting your gown and bridal shop

You will be the center of attention on your wedding day and you want your gown to be absolutely perfect. From the moment you begin to plan one of the greatest days of your life, you anticipate cherished memories - the selection of your gown should be a warm memory, not something you care to forget.

Choosing your gown also means choosing the right bridal shop. You will have different experiences from each shop and it is important to choose the one that will best meet all your needs such as selection, quality, delivery, customer service, follow-up, and personal attention. Above all remember you are the customer – the purchase of your wedding gown should entail receiving the highest quality of product and service.

Here are some tips to consider before purchasing your bridal gown:
First comes visiting several shops then comes your first impressions. Visit several bridal shops and compare your first impressions. Consider how you are greeted, the shop appearance, employee attention to your needs, and ask yourself how you feel you were treated. Trust your first impressions – they will be the foundation you can expect for the remainder of your dealings with the shop.

Customer Service. Different customers require different needs. Does your bridal shop meet your needs? The shop you choose should be actively listening to your needs and asking:
• do you have a wedding theme? and make suggestions on gowns and accessories that will best fulfill your theme
• where are you getting married and when? this will help your shop tie into your theme, season, and for deadlines to be met
• would you would like to explore different styles, colors, and fabrics for yourself and your attendants?
• what do you like and dislike?
• what are your deadline dates?
• do you have other attendants who can be helped that reside elsewhere? (your shop should be able to provide quality service to those who cannot physically visit the shop)
• and always…how else may we help you? for example, some shops offer after-hours and one-on-one appointments for convenience and privacy. Is your bridal shop associated with or do they recommend other quality wedding services you may be shopping for?

Discount Misconceptions. Let the buyer beware. Some discount bridal shops will offer the bride what appears to be a huge discount on the bridal gown – and it may very well be. What you will need to consider is the total price; too often your veil, jewelry, shoes, crinoline, and other accessory costs will well absorb any savings you made on the gown itself.

Before going to the alter consider the alterations. If you are on a tight budget, you will want to consider the cost to alter your gown. Many discount bridal vendors will offer a deal on the gown and after your purchase and commitment to have it altered – you may find that the alteration costs exceeded your gown budget.

One Venue equals piece of mind. Find out all the products and services your shop offers. Ask about shoes, veils, tiaras, jewelry, crinolines, purses, as well as gowns and accessories for the entire bridal party and mothers of the wedding gowns. Also ask if your shop offers services to members of your bridal party that may have special needs. Finding one or two reliable resources should keep things running smoothly when placing and receiving orders for the bride and bridal party.

Show me the money. Many bridal shops ask for your payment in full when you place your gown order. Before making any commitments to purchase your (or the bridal party’s) gowns ask for a copy of the shop’s purchase contract or policies. The bridal industry’s general policy is that once you order your gown it is non-returnable and non-refundable. If your budget doesn’t allow you to pay for the gown in full upfront – ask if your shop has an alternative payment plan; if not, you may want to consider another shop that will meet your financial needs.

Happily-ever-after. By being an educated consumer, you can be assured that your gown purchase will become another precious memory in your total wedding experience. Remember: You are the customer and this is your day - expect nothing less than the best of quality and service.

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About the Author
By:
Valeri Dawes of TLC Bridal Boutique in Frederick, MD