Should I pay to try on dresses?

k22elly

I live in the Charlotte area, and am noticing several shops require a $25 payment just to try on wedding dresses.  Is that right?  Should I pay or take my hard-earned money eleswhere?

pirategal03

I wouldn't.

NcsuPsych

WTF? I've never heard of this??? What stores have you gone to, if you don't mind me asking?

GirlieGirl27320

I'm with Mary....and I'll leave it at that.

ChickenOnSunday

Heck no

andrea01012009

with that ridiculous attitute they ought to be paying you.

meredithl618

Well, I'm going to play devil's advocate.  I don't think you should do this at multiple shops, but if you find a dress that you really think could be the one and a shop near you has it, I'd pay the fee to try it on.  

Most all of these stores that do this end up subtracting that fee from the dress cost if you buy from them. So, it's basically to deter you from finding a dress in their shop, using their resources and staff, then ordering it from someone else or online.  Although it sounds kind of crazy to have to do, I'm sure a lot of these stores are hurting from losing orders to Pearl's Place and other online/phone order places, where they don't have to actually help you find the dress, measure you, or anything.  

So, I wouldn't suggest this when you're just looking and trying on lots of dresses, but once you have a specific style or designer, I'd call around and see if they have what you want in store for you to try on. 

elizabethb3511

I live in Charlotte too and there are plenty of places that let you try on for free.

Dar-Lyn's (Independence Blvd)
Poffie Girls (Gastonia)
Bedazzeled (Gastonia)
NY Bride (South Blvd)
Nitsa's (SouthPark area)
David's Bridal (Pineville)

Check these places first as you'll notice that most places have the same dresses.

Have fun!!!

CJ4578

Just a plug- I got my dress at J Majors and I totally love them. They don't require you to pay, and they let you run free in the store selecting what you want, so you aren't stuck at the mercy of the sales-person. Anna was my sales-girl and I loved her, she knew exactly what I wanted and helped a lot.

CLTKate

mecklenburg bridal is the only one i came across that charges $25 to try on dresses. i would def pay if they have more to offer than other salons.

carolinagal78

No I dont think you should pay. If they want you to buy a dress from them then they shouldnt charge. Lord knows you are going to pay enough for a dress. Goin in a store that charges would make me feel like they are more concerned about money than the customer. Just my opinion tho

ecuchika

I went to Meck Bridal Mart and was shocked by the fee.  So we asked if BM dresses required the same fee and they said no we looked at a few of them and left.  I had no clue what designers they carry.  They said I could take the fee off of the purchase price but that didn't do it for me.  Also, wasn't thrilled by the selection of BM dresses so I don't think I would be thrilled by the bridal dresses. 

AbbeyS2011

I think it is a sad day when salons are so greedy to get their money that they will charge you for trying on gowns.  I understand policies about taking pics at some salons, but not for trying them on.  A wedding gown is a very personal choice, and can take a long time to find the right one. 

Stick with the stores that really want your business by NOT charging you.  I have paid more for things at certain businesses because their customer service is exemplary, and I want to see them succeed.

kspearman82

DEFINITELY NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As if paying for a wedding isn't enough!! Several places will let you try on dresses without a deposit.

Amesola

Unless you are looking for a designer that you know no one else in the area carries, I don't think I'd pay to try on dresses. I bought mine at NY Bride on South Blvd. and they had a very relaxed, low key vibe. No pushy sales people, no threats of "If you don't buy this TODAY you will never, ever have your dress in time!"  (and I only had 6 months before my wedding) They were actually a little shocked that I decided to buy that day. It was a very pleasant experience! I ordered my dress mid May and it came in last week.