“I’m Buying My Wedding Gown Online”

03/07/2012 11:24:00

I will be the first to admit that I am an avid online shopper. Most of my Christmas gifts are purchased online and some of my family members’ birthday presents are purchased in the same manner. Internet shopping enables you to compare prices therefore guaranteeing you a great deal. However, when it comes to formal wear that is where I draw the line. I’m not saying this because I am a retailer. I’m saying this because purchasing formal wear is a completely different kind of shopping experience.

If you are buying a wedding gown it is IMPORTANT that you take your time and find that one gown you are looking for. A professional retailer can assist you in this process. There are also some risks that you are taking by purchasing items online:

If you are buying a “designer” gown you just might be buying a knock-off. Knock-offs “look” like the designer gown but the purchase price is not cheaper because the designer label isn’t attached to it. It’s cheaper because costs have been cut in the material and workmanship of the gown. Keep this in mind when it’s time to get that online gown altered.
What happens if you don’t like it? Can you return it and get your money back for another one? I doubt it. If you try on a gown in-store you will be able to see how it looks on you and make a determination of whether or not the gown is for you before making a purchase.
Timing. How long does it take to get the dress? Will it arrive in time enough for your event? That’s a huge risk with an online retailer. A brick and mortar retailer can get a firm shipment date from their designer and know when it’s going to arrive. If there is any deviation in the ship date, the designer informs the retailer immediately. The retailer and designer have an on-going working relationship with their primary goal being your satisfaction.
No two sizes are alike. Just because you wear a size 4 in your everyday clothes does not mean you are going to wear a size 4 in a wedding gown. Not only that, you may wear a 6 in one designer gown and then an 8 in another. Each designer has their own size chart so it’s important to know what size chart to apply for each gown.

I say all of this to say, “Don’t cheat yourself out of the experience”. Your wedding gown is one of the most important purchases you will ever make. Why leave it to chance?

It’s YOUR DAY! Let it be about YOU!!!!

02/23/2012 09:43:00

I’ve been in the bridal business for over 12 years and I’ve seen a large number of brides come through my doors. Some of them more than once! The style of wedding gowns have changed over the years and the selection of bridesmaids dresses have gone from – “Are you really going to make us wear that dress?” to “Now that’s a dress I can wear again”. Brides now have more decisions to make than ever before and the joy of planning that big day can sometimes be overshadowed with decisions and the overwhelming onslaught of……….everyone else’s OPINION.

Brides come in by themselves, take their time and select the perfect dress that looks absolutely gorgeous. After doing this for so long I know the “look” that comes across their face. They are beaming, near tears and they know this is the dress for them. Then they make the statement that just breaks my heart……”I want to let my _____________ see the dress. The___________ can be filled in with my mother, sister, cousin, maid-of-honor, bridesmaid, future mother-in-law. Sorry to have to throw mother’s in with this lot but some of you are just as bad if not worse when it comes to telling the bride what SHE should do on HER day.

The bride comes in excited with her ______________ and she asks for the dress that we have tucked away just for HER – the dress of her dreams. She steps into the dressing room and steps out for the unveiling. I don’t have to look at their faces to know what their thinking. When I look at the bride and see that deflated look on her face, I know what’s about to happen. The bride is about to hear…”You like that dress?”, “I don’t think that dress is for you”, “I just don’t like it.”

My strong brides stand their ground and don’t care what anyone thinks. My brides who like to please? They buckle and listen to what everyone has to say, lose their confidence, become confused and depressed.

Ladies, planning a wedding is enough. Take my advice and prevent the drama before it starts. If you do not feel you are strong enough to just say no, follow these steps:

Go by yourself when you select your dress or choose just one (and I mean just one) friend/family member who you know will back you up no matter what decision you make;
Remember you are the one wearing the dress, YOUR OPINION is the only OPINION that matters;
When others want to see the dress, just say, “I want everyone to be surprised and that includes you”;
Relax and enjoy the moment! This is your one time to play dress up as an adult, and last but not least;
This day is all about you and the lucky man that was smart enough to propose to such a fabulous woman.

It’s YOUR DAY! Let it be about YOU!!!!

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“I’m Buying My Wedding Gown Online”

It’s YOUR DAY! Let it be about YOU!!!!