Dress Store Etiquette

lisa_candelaresi

My mom and I are going to be making my wedding dress (she made her wedding dress and used to do it as a side business).  I'd like to go to stores to try on dresses to see what I'd like, but I'm not sure of the etiquette on what to tell the consultants since we're going in knowing we won't be buying a dress.  Should I be upfront and tell them we're making my dress and I'm just looking for ideas?  Or would it be better to just say that I'm just starting to look and not ready to buy yet?  I know a lot of consultants work on commission and I don't want to get bad service if they know we aren't going to buy anything.

NOLAbridealmost

I think that it's probably best to not tell the consultant that you're just looking for ideas.  I mean, it kind of sucks for the consultant no matter what, but in this case it's probably going to bug her a lot less if she doesn't know that there is NO way that you're buying a dress. 

cpfwvu

I wouldn't tell them you're making your own. They may not let you try anything. Say you're in the early stages of decisionmaking, which is true! Try to be mindful of their time, though, and don't make them run around getting 50 different dresses for you if you know you're not buying. Do your research in advance and have specific dresses or styles you want to try, and bring pictures.

Beazilla

Don't tell them you're making your own. If they ask, tell them that you're still early in the decision making process and are looking at your options and what looks best on you.

mary9449

Def agree with PP. Just don't tell her that you're not buying anything. Pretend like you're just starting shopping and everyone will stay happy. What she doesn't know won't hurt her.

lisa_candelaresi

That's kinda what I was thinking.  I don't want to waste anyone's time, but I don't want to dive into making a dress without being sure of what I want. 

firsttimersluck

You don' tneed to tell them anything. It's like "window shopping" but it's not their business to know that... when they ask your budget just say "we haven't really picke done.. I know I'm a little early in looking, but I just really want an idea because I have no clue!"
They will have no problem showing you everything, and even if you were there for a dress, that doesn't mean you would buy it right then and there anyway... so no hard feelings for the consultant when you leave empty handed.

Tanq&Tonic

You also never know how things work out in the future.  It's possible you could fall in love with a dress, or some circumstances change and you end up ordering instead of making.  A few girls I know set out with the intention to have a dress made and end up buying instead for various reasons.

Ljacks87

As others have said, just say you're just starting to look and not ready to purchase today. Also, as a courtesy and to avoid feeling pressured, I would try and go on a weekday. The consultants may be a little more laid back and not is "sales mode" like they are on the weekend. Plus, you will get more attention because they won't be as busy. If you go on a weekend and tell them you're not going to buy, they won't bother with you.