Anyone get their dress from David's bridal?

Rachel405

Just curious to hear your experience w/ them as far as quality and selection. I cannot believe how affordable their dresses are! ....Seems too good to be true. Thoughts?

jemmini6

Their customer service varies by store, but my experiences were good.  You also have to have the right expectations for their service.  DB is NOT Kleinfelds, you will not have the same level of service.  That'd be like going to a Red Robin and expecting Ruth's Chris service...not gonna happen.  Doesn't mean Red Robin is bad, but you do get what you pay for as far as service.

As I said, I had good experiences at my local store both times I went.  I had an appointment both times, which also makes a difference.  They were helpful and relatively attentive (they normally help 2 brides at the same time).  She wasn't pushy, let me walk around in the dress, take pictures, etc.  They have a great selection of dresses in varying price ranges and I tried on about 10 dresses each appointment.  The dress I ended up purchasing I absolutely LOVED.  It arrived for me to pick up about 3 weeks after I purchased it, it was in great condition, and it was amazing to wear for my wedding.

Lobsters25

Agree with PP, it really varies by store.  However, they've been nothing but nice to me.  It also varies by dress.
Where the big difference in price is mostly due to mass production, there can also be a big difference in fabric and details (but not always!)  Especially pay attention to the hemlines on the bottom of the dress.  Lots of their scalloped bottoms are gorgeous, but some of the flat bottoms don't have the nicest looking hemlines. 

pearls687

I got my dress from David's.  When I ordered it, they told me it would be back in 6months.  It came back in TWO WEEKS, so it's been hanging in my closet for 9 months now, with a few more to go.  The service was good, but I did feel like I was trying on dresses in the middle of a freeway during my appointment because the store was so busy.  I found it odd that the consultant ordered my dress without taking my measurements, but I didn't even realize it until after the fact.  Also, when I went to pick the dress up, they brought it out and sent me on my way (without having me try it on).  I had to BUY a dress bag because there was no way I was going to leave it hanging under the plastic covering that it came in (like the ones from the dry cleaners) for the year leading up to my wedding.  Who would've thought that you'd have to buy a bag when you've spent major money on a dress.  Even a men's suit comes in a garment bag from a department store and at least the ones I've bought were nowhere near the price of a wedding dress!  Gheez!  But I was happy with the dress, so that was minor.  Just throwing it in for the sake of overall experience. 

I also ordered my bridesmaids dresses from there, and they were back in a couple of weeks as well.  I have been pleased overall, but will not be getting alterations done at David's because of the price.

I also wasn't too happy about having to BUY a fabric swatch when they could have just given me one from the cutting room floor, but whatever. 

sonya+adam

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_anyone-get-their-dress-from-davids-bridal?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:0ec642f4-dcb1-4ca0-9415-b7107d0a40f7Post:88725842-a60f-4644-af40-6e7b51005591">Re: Anyone get their dress from David's bridal?</a>:
[QUOTE]Their customer service varies by store, but my experiences were good.  You also have to have the right expectations for their service.  DB is NOT Kleinfelds, you will not have the same level of service.  That'd be like going to a Red Robin and expecting Ruth's Chris service...not gonna happen.  Doesn't mean Red Robin is bad, but you do get what you pay for as far as service. As I said, I had good experiences at my local store both times I went.  I had an appointment both times, which also makes a difference.  They were helpful and relatively attentive (they normally help 2 brides at the same time).  She wasn't pushy, let me walk around in the dress, take pictures, etc.  They have a great selection of dresses in varying price ranges and I tried on about 10 dresses each appointment.  The dress I ended up purchasing I absolutely LOVED.  It arrived for me to pick up about 3 weeks after I purchased it, it was in great condition, and it was amazing to wear for my wedding.
Posted by jemmini6[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>There's nothing wrong with Red Robin! :P</div><div>I worked there for a few years, gotta defend it, haha!</div><div>
</div><div>

</div>

lyns86stc3007

My experience has not been good at all. As PP stated it does depend on the store but I would never give them my business again. One wedding I was in they ordered the wrong dresses and had horrible customer service . The 2nd wedding they lost the brides information as to what dress the BM were supposed to order and once the dresses came in they failed to call the bride because information was misplaced again. Good luck.

chelseamb11

I bought mine off the rack, which is the way to go if you want service you know you can count on.  I've heard too many horror stories of people's dressed getting mixed up or orderng errors because the salesperson was too concered with making a sale rather than helping the customer.

jemmini6

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_anyone-get-their-dress-from-davids-bridal?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:0ec642f4-dcb1-4ca0-9415-b7107d0a40f7Post:5529b48e-26e2-4789-9e02-55c3b33e1bd3">Re: Anyone get their dress from David's bridal?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Anyone get their dress from David's bridal? : There's nothing wrong with Red Robin! :P I worked there for a few years, gotta defend it, haha!
Posted by sonya+adam[/QUOTE]

Oh, I love Red Robin, that's why it seemed like a good metaphor.  They are good, fast and decent service (DB), but they won't place your napkin on your lap for you or have a sommelier with wine pairings for each course (Kleinfelds).  So if you go into a Red Robin expecting that, you'll be disappointed.  But if you go into a Red Robin, expecting Red Robin, then it'll be great.

So many times I see people complaining about DB because they watch too much SYTTD and think that every bridal shop is supposed to be that way.  The service is usually directly proportional to the amount you are spending.  Not saying you'll get bad service on a low budget, but it certainly won't be as attentive as the service for a massive budget, KWIM?

kristinmc8

I got my dress from there, and since they didn't measure me the dress ended up being snug when it came in. This was because the dress I tried on had been stretched out from so many people trying it on. Then we dealt witht he fiasco of getting it altered, first they took it in by mistake, then they finally let it out but they let it out way too much and the top ended up being too big. At that point I took the dress to a local alterations place and let them fix it where it fit perfectly.

The people who worked there were generally nice and the prices were pretty good, but if I had to do it over again I would ensure they measured me before ordering the dress and I would take my alterations elsewhere.

stephaniesch

I have had a great experience with them, but as PP say it depends on the location- even in my town I've heard people say "go to this location not that one."  My dress was supposed to be in about 5 weeks after I ordered it but it came 11 days later. 

One thing I did and am very happy I did was make sure I didn't go on a weekend- I made my appointment for a Monday that was a holiday so that it wouldn't be so crowded but I didn't have to take vacation time for it.  It worked out perfectly- there were only a couple other people in there versus the hugely crowded times I've been in with others on a weekend.  Much better experiece that way if you can go at a non-peak time.  My sales lady wasn't pushy or anything either.

But yeah they have a HUGE selection and lots of varying price ranges so it's a good place to start anyway.  Good Luck!

Kristin789

Horrible experience with DB here, but I too have heard that it's very different from store to store.  Good luck to you.

MrsGandthebeag

I got my dress from DB off the rack.  I made my app for 11am.  I didn't realize that's when they opened.  So, we got there about 10 min early and tried to open the door.  The people inside were screaming at me through the glass door to not try and open the door as they were still closed.  Welcome to DB.  Other than that the app went smoothly and I got a great dress for a great price, $450.  I also got my alterations done there, which I didn't have an issue with except for one thing.  They told me that I could bring my dress back the week before the wedding to get it pressed for free.  What I didn't realize was when you have alterations done they press your dress afterwards.  So, I had the alterations done and then had the dress laying on the bed.  I made an app later to get it pressed, drove down, only to be told that it had already been pressed and if I wanted them to do it again it'd be $40.  I was ripped.  Had I known it had already been pressed I would have hung it up somewhere in the mean time.  I didn't end up getting it pressed again and it was fine.  I was just upset at the miscommunication and my wasted time.

alcunnin

i got my dress  from davids bridal and i had a great experince! the advice is too go during the week when there are less people..i love my dress

Ali092011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_anyone-get-their-dress-from-davids-bridal?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:0ec642f4-dcb1-4ca0-9415-b7107d0a40f7Post:1841ca8c-4afd-47d7-8250-0778fd70701b">Re: Anyone get their dress from David's bridal?</a>:
[QUOTE]I got my dress from DB off the rack.  <strong>I made my app for 11am.  I didn't realize that's when they opened.  So, we got there about 10 min early and tried to open the door.  The people inside were screaming at me through the glass door to not try and open the door as they were still closed.  </strong>Welcome to DB.  Other than that the app went smoothly and I got a great dress for a great price, $450.  I also got my alterations done there, which I didn't have an issue with except for one thing.  They told me that I could bring my dress back the week before the wedding to get it pressed for free.  What I didn't realize was when you have alterations done they press your dress afterwards.  So, I had the alterations done and then had the dress laying on the bed.  I made an app later to get it pressed, drove down, only to be told that it had already been pressed and if I wanted them to do it again it'd be $40.  I was ripped.  Had I known it had already been pressed I would have hung it up somewhere in the mean time.  I didn't end up getting it pressed again and it was fine.  I was just upset at the miscommunication and my wasted time.
Posted by MrsGandthebeag[/QUOTE]

The same thing happened to me, except they didn't yell at me through the door, they poked their heads out and just said they'd be opening the door at 11:00. No problem.

Agree with PPs about definitely NOT going in with the expectation of Kleinfeld's type service. Both times I have been there and made appointments--for my sister's wedding dress and for my own--the personal service was limited. My sister's consultant actually abruptly disappeared after an hour (I'm guessing she had another appointment, but it would have been nice of her to say, "You're welcome to keep looking, but I have to juggle appointments.") I found it ironic when I overheard a phone call from a customer and the employee said, "Walk-ins are welcome, but if you want assistance, you have to make an appointment"--as my mom and sister are combing the racks unattended, finding things for me to try on.

If you decide to go there, I would definitely make an account online and save some favorite dresses that you want to try on. There is no moment like on SYTTD when the consultant asks, "What do you have in mind?" I can't imagine a sales associate at DB being able to find things you might like and actually doing a good job. They do know their inventory, I just don't think they are used to picking out things for you to try on the way they do on SYTTD.

Edited for clarity.

egeurts

I had a great experience at DB. I worked with one consultant for 2 appointments on back-to-back days (a Sunday and a Monday, so not too busy). First I brought in my bridesmaids and looked for dresses, and then I tried on a few dresses just for fun, and then the next day it was just me and my mom. The consultant showed us around the store, asked what I had in mind, helped me pick things out, made suggestions, helped me in and out of dress after dress after dress... it was awesome. 

My bridesmaids dresses were supposed to come in in March and two of the three have come in already (one had to be returned and re-ordered because it was too big). 

My dress is due to come in in April; I'm expecting it earlier than that due to feedback from other brides saying that it almost never takes that long. Plus, the consultant said that it's a new gown that they'll probably have to make as it may not be in the warehouse yet. 

But yah, my experience with DB has been great so far. *knock on wood* 

jlmonpe

I bought my dress and my bridesmaids dresses from there. i had great experiences both times. when i was getting my dress i didnt have an appt. and i still got treated wonderfully. i was actually there right up until closing but they never once rushed me through anything. they were also very helpful in picking out the style my girls wanted for dresses.. im sure thought that like anywhere else..it depends on location.

littleshrink

I hestiate to tell you how awful my experience was.  If this is a store that you have been too and have had a good experience with them, then continue with your appointments.  If you are just starting out...take caution!  Maybe it is just the different stores, I'm not sure.  We only have 1 in our area and it was awful.  I walked out of my appointment feeling awful and not at all happy and bride like!  After my appointment I was so hesitant to even go to another bridal store and start trying on dresses again.

My experience was:  1.  even though you made an appointment, we think you're just starting to look and probably not going to buy, therefore, we'll just pretend to care and give you the most inexperienced sales associate we can find.
2.  Once your sales associate has brought out every dress that you asked not to bring to your room, we'll then leave and hope you know how to find your way through the dress and getting it on. 
3.  Because it was a work day and not a lot of people around and it seemed to make sense that you wanted your sister (MOH) and niece (flower girl) who live out of town, try on dresses, we'll just let you try and figure that one out on your own.
4.  Then when you call back THE VERY NEXT DAY to get numbers off the dresses so when by pure luck you come in again you'll have the dress numbers, we'll tell you that you are not in our system and we have no record of you ever being in our store. 
5.  Then we'll proceed  to call you every week for the next 12 months asking if you will be setting up another appointment to look for dresses.  REALLY???  Guess I'm in the system now!

Not a good experience at all.  I really really recommend going to a local boutique.  Their prices are generally comparitive if not better.  I got a absolutely stunning dress for better price than DB and I don't have to buy 3 skirts underneath to make it look nice.  It is perfect.  Alot of the local boutiques can sell last season dresses at half the cost and who cares what season they came out.  

Sorry, that is my long sad story!
 

MrsMcGuigantobe

I definitely agree that it depends on the store. I heard many horror stories before I began shopping, but I got my dress at DB. I went during the $99 dress sale and the store was packed, however, my consultant was very atttentative. She brought me the dress I asked for as well as other suggestions. She allowed me to walk around in the dress and take pictures. She was also very personable and was even attentive to my Mom and MOH who were shopping with me. She asked their opinions and allowed my Mom to help her search for dresses and accessories. I ordered my dress and they told me it wouldn't come in for 4 months and it was in my closet in 3 weeks! I would definitely go back. I also know that the time of your appointment can change the atmosphere. If you are looking for a very personal experience try to go during the week. I have been in for photography appointments where it has been empty. Also, the weeknight that I picked up my dress I was one of only two people in the store and they allowed me to try on my dress to see if everything was correct. All of the consultants came over and helped me to fluff and gave suggestions for hair and just made me feel like the princess you should feel like in your wedding dress. It was a great experience. 

2012FutureMrsB

The first time I went was awesome. I tried on a few dresses and picked mine out. It was a Saturday morning, but wasn't too busy. It was just my mom and me and we had a great time. However, I recently went back to buy some jewelry and they were busy. Since I had already bought my dress, I don't think they were too interested in helping me with the jewelry but eventually I got want I needed.

One lady even snapped at me though b/c I asked if they could pull the sample dress that I ordered so I could compare the beadwork to the jewelry I wanted to buy. She said "We don't have samples. I don't know what you're talking about. You're confusing me . . . yada yada yada." So I held out my arms and snapped right back at her and said "well whatever the heck you call ALL these dresses hanging on the racks!!! I just want to compare the jewelry to my beadword."

So she proceded to PRINT out a picture of my dress which is a lousy black and white photo that doesn't show ANY detail and she looks at the jewelry and tells me her opinion on what to buy. So basically, she wasn't very helpful, but I went ahead and bought it anyway b/c I had pretty much already made up my mind and didn't want to make another 1 hr drive. If I wasn't as excited already about the jewelry, I would have walked right out.

But . . . like I said, when I went dress shopping, it was awesome. Moral of the story - go when they're not busy and don't ask for help if you go back for more stuff.

chrryblndchick

The best advice to go during an "off-peak" time. If you go on the weekend you will probably be sharing a consultant with someone else. I went on Thursday night with my MOH and had an amazingly helpful consultant. She was nothing but helpful. She really listened to what I liked and didn't like, then brought out other dresses I hadn't thought of that she thought I would like. Really helped me narrow it down until I found my dress. Plus they have some very gorgeous styles for someone on a budget. Mine was only $800.

On the downside, some of them can be a little pushy (mine wasn't), but they keep calling about my BM dresses. As a PP said, once your in the system, you're in. I was also told my dress would come in 6-8 months. Got it in a month and it is currently hanging in a closet.

KT020803

I had a great expereicence. My consultant was wonderful and even though she could tell I was in LOVE with my first dress, she gave me the time to try on 8 other dresses until I was absolutley sure. My dress was on sale and I got a discount for buying my other items the same day. I got my dress, slip, veil, headpiece, garment bag and tax for $850.00. I know I had a great experience compared to some others out there, but I also had lowered my expectations because I knew if I was going to find a dress in my budget I better be realistic on what the service was I would get. I also was a little peeved that I had to order my dress 8 months in advance and it came in, in 3 weeks and is currently hiding at my parents house, but I guess that is better than not coming in at all!
I have ordered my BM dresses from there as well, and they look wonderful.
Good luck!

emjohnsun

I went to DB 3 different times and locations before I finally bought my perfect dress. I live in Central CA and the closest DB was 4 hours away, so I went when I was planning on visiting family in the direction of the stores. As mentioned repeatedly above, Customer service really does depend on when and where you go. I strongly suggest you go on a weekday and go prepared with a list of dresses you like and bring a mom or MOH that you would mind dressing you (the consultants usually are split between a few brides and to move the process along it helps to have another set of hands to help you in and out of dresses). I had horrible experiences 2 of the 3 times I went. They told me my wedding colors didn't go well together, my BM didn't look good in dresses (to their faces) and that was only when she was there or I could find her. If you happen to live in Northern CA go to the one in Roseville and have Kristine help you. She made me feel beautiful and was very devoted to me (even on a Saturday morning). But my BIGGEST tip is to have alterations come out and explain where it needs to be altered and the cost of the dress and alterations together before you buy. I LOVE my dress and I thought it was a bargain price, but to have it altered (I am large chested, and short) it cost half of the dress price!! They never once mentioned the cost of alterations. I love my dress and my BM dresses, but I wouldn't go back there.