Choosing your wedding dress is a moment most girls dream about and when it is your time, you need to know you are choosing the right bridal shop! In this blog, we will give you five important things to consider, and some additional questions to ask to help you make the right decision!
1 – Online Reviews
This may be the most obvious, because online reviews reveal so much about bridal shops. Brides are particular in their expectations for services and experience. Some want over the top, some want just the opposite, many are in the middle. When you read reviews, if they are glowing, believe them!
Brides are incredibly honest in their online reviews. If the review is poor, they may have been expecting something they did not receive, which may or may not be the store’s fault. Either way, there are certain common threads for stores: positive such as friendly service, good selection and prices, excellent customer service, clean store, fun atmosphere, etc., likewise, common negative themes such as high pressure, phony or impatient staff, disorganized, dirty. Go for the ones with the common positive themes because there is a high likelihood you will receive that same service, and have that same experience!
2 – Inventory, Designers, Sizing
Are you looking for a particular designer? Find a store that carries them! Make sure they have dresses in your budget range. Are you a plus size bride? If so, you want to make sure they have plenty of dresses for you to try as a number of bridal stores do not carry them. Do you have mobility issues or a disability? If so, make sure they are ADA compliant with staff that knows the appropriate ways to assist in dressing you. Beware that you can try on so many dresses and become overwhelmed so make sure you are choosing a bridal shop that has professional stylists that can professionally guide you.
3 – Responsiveness of the Store
Make sure the bridal store you choose has not only many ways to get hold of them, but that they respond quickly. This is an emotional and sometimes stressful time and you want your questions answered immediately. A store with a number of ways to contact them for immediate response shows a high level of customer service.
4 – Prices
Chances are good you set a budget for a wedding dress, so you want to make sure the store you choose has a good selection in your price range. Do not go to a store that is mostly over your price point because that can cause anxiety. If you are a budget bride, many stores hold sample sales at different times of the year where you can get a great dress at a substantial discount.
5 – Other Offerings and Services
Does the store offer men’s wear and other wedding party attire? A store that carries suits and tuxedos, mother of the bride/groom dresses and bridesmaid helps keep everything organized and under one roof. Some stores offer alterations on site. Depending on the store, this can be helpful or simply a moneymaker. Ask about their alteration pricing and policies up front. Stores that do not have on site alteration services will generally partner with small businesses and refer their customers to them.
What sets stores apart?
Comparing other services and benefits can help you in choosing a bridal shop. For instance do they:
Operate on commission? If so, your salesperson may have a financial motivation to sell you a particular dress or a more expensive one.
Have a reputation of being high pressure?
Have convenient operating hours?
Offer quality dresses in your budget?
Introduce their staff members on the website to make you comfortable before you arrive?
Have a chat and/or text service for immediate contact?
Have an active social media presence on all platforms?
Offer an engaging and modern website that is easy to navigate?
Have an engaging and credible blog with useful topics?
Have many positive reviews on different platforms, and respond in a professional and kind manner? It is important to know how they handle the negative reviews/difficult situations.
Charge for the appointment or require a credit card? If so, how are they securely storing your information?
We hope this helps you in choosing a bridal shop that will be the best fit for you, because it will be part of your I Said Yes To The Dress memory forever! Need to know what to consider when choosing your tuxedo shop? Read this helpful blog here to find the best one for you!