Trying on wedding dresses

CaylaSummer

Hey ladies,

I have 2 stores that I have in mind to buy my dress. A friend of my family told me that I can get sample dresses at this location http://weddingdressesforwindfall.com/ 

I think there is another one in October. My only concern is that this place will likely be very busy and I hate shopping for anything when there is over crowding. As well I was not planning on buying my dress until January (my wedding is in August) and plus I need to see the whole look, with the veil and bolero (I have to cover my shoulder for the church ceremony). 

My FMIL also wants to come when I do try on my dress. She's 70 yrs old and I don't think she would like this kind of environment. I personally would rather not buy a sample dress since most ppl try them on and I'm worried about what the dress would look like after having so many women try the dresses.  What was your experience like if you have bought your dress in this kind of setting? I was thinking of going just to see if I would like anything there but I know myself and would likely not purchase anything anyway.

ring_pop

Given that they only have one appointment day per month, you're right that it might be busy. However, if you're interested in buying off-the-rack and supporting a good cause, you can also check out The Brides Project. They have better hours.

http://www.thebridesproject.com/

I have to admit that I didn't give TBP or other similar places much of a chance because I had the same hang-ups about buying samples or off-the-rack, but now that I know a little more about them, I wish I had. Keep an open mind; they have some great stuff. You can always take your FMIL with you to a dress shop with the idea of figuring out what you like, even if you don't plan to purchase that day.

amanda.loughlin

My friend went to TBP and had horrible service. She said all the dresses were stained or wrinkled. I realize these dresses have been donated to TBP so they might not be in the best condition but if they seriously cared about Bride's and dressing them then their dresses should be in the best condition possbile. Overall my suggestion is to buy a brand new dress. I guess it really depends on your taste and budge but you can find really nice dresses for a discount...just have to look for those bargains.

lalap69

Whether you plan to buy a sample dress or brand new, I would suggest taking your FMIL to a regular bridal shop to watch you try on dresses.  You don't need to buy the dress that day!

suellen2bwed

I had a friend who had a great expereince at TBP, the person who assisted her was helpful and her dress was beautiful. We spoke to a woman at one of the wedding shows and she said they have the gowns cleaned before putting them out and that they now have Ryerson fashion students who take the out of style dresses and re-make them.

carleyraine

That is awesome that Ryerson students get the oppotuinty to re-make them! You could have a one of a kind dress and they get valuable experience! Win Win!

dougie80

I got my dress at The Brides Project, and I had a lovely experience.
About the dresses being wrinkled - get the person doing your alterations to steam the thing. Problem solved.
And about them being dirty, the lady there told me that if the dresses aren't in terrible condition (i.e. just the inevitable dirt on the train/bottom) then she tells brides not to paying for getting them cleaned before donating, as they'll just likely get dirty again after however many people try them on before they get purchased.  Makese sense to me. So after I purchased my dress I took it to the cleaners that they recommended, which was about $100, and it looked like new.

I'll be donating my dress back to TBP in a few weeks. I just got married on Aug 28th, and I'm leaving for my honeymoon tomorrow. I just needed a little extra time with my dress before I was ready to give it up.