Not so happy with Bridal Beginning

carlyanne05

As recommended by my seamstress (who contracts with Exquisite Bride), I called Bridal Beginning to discuss taking my dress to be steamed before the big day.  When I confirmed that I purchased my dress from them but did not receive alterations there, she immediately said she'd need to have someone else call me back.  During the 2nd phone call, I was told that it would be a $100 charge for steaming!!!  When brides spend a great deal of money on their gowns, you would think the least they could do is steam a dress free of charge regardless of whether or not you use their alterations dept.  Maybe I'm out of line thinking I shouldn't have to pay, but apparently this is the case with Exquisite Bride and I'm sure other bridal salons.

Ok, done venting now:)

InkedMegs

I am using a private seamstress (read: my friend's mother is a seamstress) and she is steaming my dress for me.  I really don't know how it works with other seamstress businesses, but I find it strange your seamstress doesn't have the ability to steam a dress.  I guess she always sends it back to the store and lets them steam it.

I hope they are able to work with you.  I don't know if it would be any cheaper or if they would only steam a dress, but is taking it to a dry cleaner's an option?

Janiceb2010

Sorry you have to deal with that.  As for the Exuisite Bride, I will know for sureon Tuesday, but I am pretty sure they said they would steam my dress since they would be storing it until the day before the wedding.  I have my first fitting on Tuesday, so I will report back with the 411.

carlyanne05

I came up with a plan B very quickly, so that's not an issue...it was just my frustration with BB.  I think the reason why my seamstress (FMIL's good friend) couldn't do that part is bc she was doing the work privately out of her home, not through the shop she contracts with.  I'm not sure if she has her own steamer or not. 

sarilynnep

I bought a steamer over a year ago at Target for $30. Best investment ever. So far I have taken it to two weddings and we have steam not only the wedding gowns (which were already steamed then immediately wrinkled while moving the dress anyways) but all the bridesmaids dresses and flower girls dresses as well. The cheap little steamer is a miracle worker and I would highly recommend taking the steamer to any wedding as things wrinkle in transport no matter what. It's nice to be able to steam it before going down the aisle so you are completely wrinkle free :-) The whole wedding party appreciates it. Ask people in your wedding party if they have one they can bring. You don't need a big industrial one to do the job. If no one has one, really they are only $30 and they come in handy for things around the house (curtains, steaming mattresses and pillows to kill dust mites, fabric sofas, sheets, etc) and freshing up nice clothes or de-wrinkling delicate shirts and dresses.

And yes, that is ridiculous of bridal beginnings. Horrible really.

Janiceb2010

I had my fitting at Exquisite Bride today.  I asked about steaming.  If you buy your dress at either EB location, they will steam it for free.

Janiceb2010

Oh, and Sara....thanks for the portable steamer tip!

carlyanne05

Janice - just out of curiousity, who did your alterations? Was it Karen?