My first impression of this place was that it was a LOT smaller than I had expected. There were a few other brides there and I felt a little under the microscope. The first time I brought my mom and sister and they were able to snag the one piece of seating they had.
My consultant was very nice, and let us pull dresses. I did eventually find a couple that I really liked, and my consultant wrote them down and we decided we would come back later. Believing I would be buying one of these dresses when I returned, we put down a $100 deposit to secure the discount.
However, these things didn't really damage the experience - it was what happened after. I'm really starting to believe this ""discount"" is a way to get you to commit before you're ready.
When I got back to try on my dresses a few weeks later, I had gathered my mom, sister, cousin, and future mother-in-law, assuming we'd be choosing my dress. It was at the end of the evening on a weekday, so I assumed it would be less busy, which it was, but my ladies were made to stand wherever there was room.
The worst was, when we got there, we found out that the sample of one of the dresses had been sold, so I had nothing to compare the other dress to. They didn't even call! My consultant informed me that if she had known she would have called [I feel bad that she was put in that position by the others] - but it was still an entire waste of time and gas, especially since I had gathered everyone to come and my fiance's mom drove all the way out there. I did end up trying on some more dresses, but I was sooo disappointed that I wasn't really in the mood. My mom tried to either get our deposit back (which they refused) or explore other options, but nothing was what we wanted or even could do. I found another dress that was okay, but was COMPLETELY turned off when the (I think) owner came up and tried to talk me into that dress. It felt really skeezy and uncomfortable. Instead of paying attention to how I felt (which was complete disappointment) she tried to sell me on the shape of it and how it was a ""perfect evening - er, afternoon - er, winter gown"" (she changed her points as she learned details of our wedding).
My consultant did call afterward, but I didn't know what to tell her. I was soured by the experience and am NOT good with confrontation, so I didn't know what to say. I got another call later from someone else saying we have to order my dress and get me sized - for what dress?! I didn't order one.
I ended up going to a different, more modest shop with a bigger selection. I had a wonderful experience there and a consultant who offered insight and paid attention to my reactions and taste. I found a dress that I am in LOVE with and will definitely recommend this place over The Wedding Shoppe.
more