Questions to ask when dress shopping?

hanson2B

I'm going wedding dress shopping for the first time on Monday (Yeee!)  I have appointments at David's Bridal and House of Brides.  What are some questions I should ask?  I've already thought to ask how long a dress would take to come in, whether the store has any guarantees if THEY make an error, and whether I can see color swatches for the bridesmaid dress I like.  What else should I ask about?

By the way, if you've shopped at these stores, I'm really not interested in reviews right now... I'm going there no matter what and I'll form my own opinions.  However, if your experience at either place gives you inspiration for a question I should ask, feel free to suggest that question

drama1308

color swatches from DB are $1 each, but they should at least have a dress in every color option.The questions you came up with are good questions, I can't think of any more that you would need to ask.

sytom

Kinda off topic, but I made a list of what I was looking for in a dress...  ball gown, pockets...  so that I didn't loose track of my dream dress even though I had an open mind.  It's just something that helped me a lot and I don't regret it for a second.

srkropf

There will be a lot of questions for you to answer more than the shops. You'll need to know what you might like, dress top style, dress bottom style, color, possible sash for you, sparkles, lace, feathers, flowers for dress. You might also want to ask what undergarments they recommend for the dress, when to alter, how much the alteration might be, what the payment policy is-- when does it have to be paid by, what are min payments for dres, what is the deposit. Hope this helps-- I went to DB to look at dresses and was able to find out what I wanted for a dress-- Good Luck!

evilstepmom

Also, many places will offer discounts on the dress if you pay in full. The place I just went to said they would also not charge the sales tax if I paid in full in cash. Those two discounts added up to 23% off, which really helps.

Definitely ask if they do alterations on site, and how much extra they would be, and if they cap the cost.

Also, some places offer discounts on BM dresses, MOB dress, and accessories if you buy your wedding dress there.

Have fun!

*tinkertoy*

I would ask if they can guarantee the dress will be in by X day. If it's not, what will they do?

I've also heard to tell them your wedding date is a couple weeks before the actual day, just in case.

JustKate

Oohh, and along the lines of alterations, ask if they have regular or petite sizes (if need be) - when I bought my dress is was a regular size.  The sales rep assured me that I could alter the corset top length since it was up to my neck, the hem, the sides, etc.  After my dress came in, I learned they have petite sizes.  I went back to the store and complained because the petite size fits me so much better and will need A LOT less alteration.  That saves me a ton of money, like hundreds of dollars!!  They didn't want to exchange it but after I complained enough they did. 

kairi g

Definitely go in with a plan for what to look for. Making a list, like suggested above is a great plan. I have helped several brides shop for and design their gowns and its important that you tell the stylist assisting you everything you are looking for.
In terms of the technical stuff, definitely get good clear answers about the timeline for fittings, how many fittings are included,  do they cost extra, when will they be, how much money is due at the time you place your order, when do you need to pay the balance, etc...

Also remember to take someone with you that you trust to help you make the right decision, but remember that in the end, its your gown and you should pick the one you love the most!