Finding a Dress and David's (vent!)

Sbarbato · January 2012

I called DB (David's Bridal) a week ahead to set up an appt. for just me to go in and try on dresses. I am plus size, I use to be thinner but gained over 100 lbs and just haven't bought a lot of cloethes because I want to lose weight....I never see myself in a mirror either so trying on dresses is so new to see my body with all that flub! lol Anyways, I double checked they would have dresses in my size and that I would have an appt. during the WEEK day (monday).

It was the worst experience!! They would only let me try on 3 dresses! I picked out all my favorites online (I had about 25), and I showed them my top 3 that I wanted. NONE of them I got to try on. The sales rep didn't ask me any questions about what I was thinking or wanted. I told her I wanted lace. She pulled ONE dress with lace on it. Then when I told her I liked a vintage look, she put me in a Vera Wang (the most expensive dress in the store) on me and tried to get me to buy it in Blush/Pink and it was couture, NOT vintage whatsoever with all this frilly fabric and NO lace....I also told her it had to be ivory or white...not pink. She left me alone, as she had 2 other appointments the same time as mine....and I was left alone for minutes at a time. She had me walking around the store in this stupid Vera dress looking at different veils. I was nice, but very direct with her that this wasn't the dress. Other sales associates I think tried to help and told me they had what I wanted in my size and I asked to try them on...my sales associate just was like....This Vera is amazing on you!

I then asked if I could try on shorter dresses for the reception and the sales rep then was like, not intersted in helping and told me they didn't have anything (after another sales rep told me they did). She then said they had ONE dress but it was ugly and I wouldn't like it (meaning she wouldn't)...I learned all about this woman's life...her divorce...what she wanted and liked for dresses and what she wanted me to buy because she liked it.....NOTHING ABOUT ME.....

I didn't mind trying on the Vera...but I know what I want and like....I was so pissed and just after the short dress convo stated that I had to leave and left!!! Worst experience ever!!!

Anyone else have a bad experience at DB?? What do I need to do to just try on differen't dresses....I am only a size 20 and I know that is plus size, but idk...is that really super fat for DB?? They told me on the phone it wouldn't be that bad...and it seemed horrible.

Licia&Wayne · January 2012

You know, bad experiences happen. The DB where I live sucks, but it's because they don't have people working there that do a good job. I've seen many people on TK have awesome experiences at DB, too. Maybe it was just a busy day for them and they weren't able to give you the attention that you needed. I'd say, if you have an opportunity to, go to a local dress shop and see if that is a more personal and helpful experience, which seems like what you're looking for. Otherwise, you might schedule another appointment with them farther from the holidays. A size 20 isn't "super fat", I think you just came up against some overwhelmed salespeople.

bruna29 · January 2012

I agree with PP that a size 20 is not "super fat". I've heard that DB can be very hit or miss. Some stores are really really great while others severely lack in assistance. I would call around to some more local stores around you and ask if they carry plus-sized dresses. Otherwise I would try a different DB or go on a new day where you're more likely to have a different sales rep.

I'm sorry your experience was bad. I'm sure if you try a different store or a different day, things will be better. I hope you find some other places to go and find the perfect dress! Good luck!

donnaronna · January 2012

Definitely try other David's Bridals in your area. I live on Long Island and went to the one in Massapequa and had a great experience. I may have found the dress but it was a little plain & I want to keep looking. The woman I worked with was lovely and even gave some wedding planning tips/suggestions. I'm a size 22-24 & I tried on about 4-5 dresses. Maybe take a trip down here if you can!

RaptorSLH · January 2012

Your David's Bridal experience sounds a lot like mine. Was overbooked, didn't listen to what I wanted, refused to show me the dresses I asked for, made hard sales pushes for both high end dresses and accessories, abandoned me for extended periods of time, and only let me try on a handful of dresses - sounds familiar, doesn't it? If you want to try them again, bring along a friend or relative who you trust to find dresses, and to help you try them on.

I see you're in upstate New York. I had wonderful luck at an Alfred Angelo signature store. The service was wonderful, the selection of samples amazing (I'm a size 28, give or take) and I thought the dresses were nicer, and only a small step up in price from DB. There are signature stores near Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, that may be well worth the drive. Almost their entire line is available up to a size 28 or 30, including their Disney princess line, and their Twilight and Kate Middleton look-alikes.

Also, while I'm not so good with figuring out "vintage," they have several designs with an emphasis on lace - including 1774, with a removable skirt, that converts for your reception http://www.alfredangelo.com/collections/styles/1774 with the long skirt attached, or http://www.alfredangelo.com/collections/styles/1774nt as the shorter dress only. Other lace-heavy styles include 1142, and 2133 (both short) 801, 1816, 1807, 2243, 2251, 2220, etc.)

NMI · January 2012

I went to David's Bridal several times. The first experience was great I went with my mother. I also am a size 20.

The second time I went with my daughter who had ideas on what she wanted me to try, and the Sales GIRL was not helpful at all. She didn't seem interested in helping me. She was more interested in helping the young women looking at Prom dresses.

The last time I went, I asked to meet my Sales associate first, She was AWESOME!
Not only did she pull out dresses I wanted, she also pulled out a few she thought I would like. She seemed to be having fun helping me.

I brought the dress!
http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Strapless-Lace-Tea-Length-Cap-Sleeve-Gown-9T9948_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Size-Plus-Sizes

mrsesmith10 · January 2012

OMG!!! DB is the worst. I finally got so frustrated I found one on ebay from a woman who had a terrible experience at DB and she only wore her dress for 1 hr and I got it for 86.00 and it is beautiful. I am plus size too and ebay has a lot of private sellers mostly brides that are selling their dresses...sorry you had that kind of experience..good luck

celticmyss · January 2012

I would call the location and ask to speak to the manager. Explain what happened and say that you would like to come in again buit with another sales person who was more concerned with customer service than their own drama. If the Manager is less than accomodating then tell them you will be taking your business elsewhere.

I have been to 2 DBs in 2 states, I am also a size 20 and I had a good experience at both. The first time I tried on at least 10 dresses and at that point I was a 22. The second time I tried on 6 dresses even though I was pretty sure I knew which one I wanted. The second time the sales person asked my permission before assisting another bride. The place was a zoo (it was the day after Christmas) and yet she still gave us wonderful customer service.

becka717 · January 2012

I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. If yesterday was the Monday you went, it was probably more like a weekend, because lots of people had it off from work for the holiday.

It sounds like your associate was really bad. My local DB had at least 10 -15, and probably more like 20 dresses in a size 20. I tried on lace dresses, ball gowns, A lines, fit & flare, and empire waisted dresses, all in sizes between 18 and 22. Over all I had a really good experience both times I went.

2010Bride2be · January 2012

Sorry to hear that you had such a crappy experience with DB. As a pp said, they are really touch and go, depending on the location.

I would definitely try another location and go at an off peak time. Like a random Wednesday morning. I took the day off and went there knowing exactly what I wanted, but the experience was still great because they convinced me to try other dresses on (I originally went with my first choice, but it was fun).

LetsHikeToday · January 2012

I had a really crappy experience at David's. I think it all depends on who is working with you. My lady didn't really listen to me either. So I left and went to Alfred Angelo. I had a wonderful experience there. I would definitely suggest them.

TopSecret12 · January 2012

. I brought the dress! http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Strapless-Lace-Tea-Length-Cap-Sleeve-Gown-9T9948_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Size-Plus-Sizes
Posted by NMI[/QUOTE]

Me Too!!!!

carrotop929 · January 2012

I'm considered plus size in wedding dresses, and I had a great experience on David's Bridal. The first time I went my consultant was okay, she was trainig a new girl but I wasn't seriously looking anyway. The second time I went, my consultant was absolutely phenomenal!!! I loved her so much, she was also a plus size girl and she made it super easy to try dresses and even picked out ones I wouldn't have tried on. I finally picked a dress and I couldn't be happier with it, I love it so much. I think it really does matter when you go, every time I went it was on a weekday usually in the evening and it was pretty quiet. I had no limit on the dresses I could try on and I brought at least 5 people with me each time. I'm so sorry you had a bad experience but you will find your dress

And I bought the dress! http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Taffeta-Lace-Halter-Gown-with-Side-Drape-9V3194

cwill6212 · January 2012

I had a similar experience with DB. You would think that making an appt would make you a priority. Not so much. I was left to walk around the store for over an hour while they helped every other Maria, Margaret and Michelle that came through the door. My MIL finally became irritated enough to say "Excuse me! Where are we at on your list? Take her back or we are taking our business elsewhere". They took me back but then the girl I got stuck with didn't listen to what I wanted and abandoned me for extended periods of time. After trying on a dress or two with no assistance, I asked for someone else. Even though the girl was new, she was more helpful than anyone else in that store. DB definitely leaves alot to be desired.

StephBeanWed61502 · January 2012

I went to DB with my bridesmaids (got my own dress in a local boutique) and my consultant was pretty lame. She had no suggestions and didn't listen at all. On the bright side, she pretty much just let my girls go raid the racks, and they all have an awesome eye for clothes, so the appointment was kind of "DIY"-ish. We ended up finding a dress, but no thanks to the consultant.

ceh789 · January 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_plus-sized_finding-dress-davids-vent?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:973cdc6f-961e-4fb0-a628-bef2bb559697Discussion:15dc8177-e48b-48a6-9887-46ab7dc3025dPost:b0896f71-d670-48db-949d-b963c168c637">Re: Finding a Dress and David's (vent!)</a>:
[QUOTE] [QUOTE] I brought the dress! <a href="http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Strapless-Lace-Tea-Length-Cap-Sleeve-Gown-9T9948_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Size-Plus-Sizes" rel="nofollow">http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Strapless-Lace-Tea-Length-Cap-Sleeve-Gown-9T9948_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Size-Plus-Sizes</a> Posted by NMI[/QUOTE] Me Too!!!!
Posted by TopSecret12[/QUOTE]
Ha! I am 99% certain I am going to be buying that exact same dress :)

DanaOcNy · January 2012

I went to two different Davids bridal and had 2 completely different experiences! I went to the one in my area and had the best consultatant ever. She picked out the dress that I'm 99% certain is the one. My mom lives down on Long Island so when I was home a few weeks ago we went there so I can show her the dress. The consultatant seemed like it was her first day, I was her only appt and she barely paid attention to me. Expected me to get into the undergarments & dress alone! When I order my dress I will definitely go back to the one near me. Every experience is going to be different, sorry yours was not good.

rmontpas · January 2012

While I was watching TV last night I say a commercial advertising the David's Bridal $99 sale. It sounds like a great deal on TV but maybe listening to comments here it is not. I bought my dress on sale at a small boutique. It was marked down from $800 to $300 so I can't complain. I had good service even if they did try to keep selling me more accessories which I did not want or need.

okiediva · January 2012

To the op, is there a reason you have to go to Davids? Have you tried a bridal boutique? I had MUCH more sucess at the bridal shops instead of davids and AA. I felt more catered to and felt as if they were really listening to me. At Davids I felt like I was at Walmart or Kmart during a sale.

mandctaft · January 2012

Sorry for your terrible experience! She's a *bleep* by the sounds of it. My DB is amazing. The women are caring and they take time with you. When I was looking at dresses, my friend and my sister were looking for dresses for their weddings too. So I basically lived there for 3 months. I went in not to long ago to get another BM fitted and the one consultant I had (assistant manager now) came up and said that she had missed seeing me in there and I should come back more often. We were in there an extra hour just chatting. I did have one consultant that I didn't particularly see eye to eye with, but once another consultant saw the problems I was having, she rescued me. It was wonderful. Hopefully nothing like that happens to you again. Good luck finding your dress

RaptorSLH · January 2012

[QUOTE]While I was watching TV last night I say a commercial advertising the David's Bridal $99 sale. It sounds like a great deal on TV but maybe listening to comments here it is not.
Posted by rmontpas[/QUOTE]

<div>It really depends on what you're looking for. At David's Bridal, you can find bargain priced dresses, at the likely expense of service. That suited my sister just fine - three dresses and it's on sale, let's get out of here was exactly what she wanted. I expect my other sister will give DB a try too, but she fully intends to set our mother free to rampage among the racks and ignore the sales staff. I wanted something that made me feel as beautiful as my FI says I am, and was willing to do some searching and pay a bit more to get it. DB didn't give me that, but AA did.</div>

RaptorSLH · January 2012

Sorry if this posts twice - I think The Knot ate my original reply.<div>
[QUOTE]While I was watching TV last night I say a commercial advertising the David's Bridal $99 sale. It sounds like a great deal on TV but maybe listening to comments here it is not.
Posted by rmontpas[/QUOTE]

<div>Maybe, maybe not - it depends on the bride and what she's looking for. David's Bridal does have discount prices, but at the likely expense of poor service. That suited my sister fine - three dresses and it's on sale, let's get out of here was exactly what she wanted. I expect my other sister will try DB too, albeit with the intent of setting Mom loose to rampage among the racks, and jettisoning the sales staff entirely. In my case I was looking for the right dress, and willing to pay a bit more to get it. DB was not able to assist me with that, but AA was.</div></div>

RaptorSLH · January 2012

Testing...I think The Knot is eating my posts. Grrr.

HockeyFan4 · January 2012

I got my dress at David's. I have been to a lot of them over the years for various reasons and it all depends on the store, the time (how busy they are) and who your consultant is.

It sounds like the other consultants wanted to help you....maybe they knew your consultant sucks. Like someone else said, try calling the manager and explain your situation....and if you can take someone with you, it definitely helps

hanlonsk · January 2012

I have had 3 david's bridal experiences. One was several years ago with my best friend and that one was AMAZING... in addition to being amazing in general she managed to keep my friend's momzilla at bay.

Then this september I went to one in the Boston area with my sister as she would not be able to join me when i was looking later. That experience was awful, and for my sister continues to be awful (i was looking for wedding dress, she needed a bridesmaid dress for a friends wedding) We are both plus size, the day we were there the gal never pulled any dresses for us, we found one of the several i had been looking at and found a couple others we liked, she mostly only showed up to force a veil on me, or ask me which of the 3 dresses i liked the best ( i politely stated if i liked one best we wouldnt be asking for her help). She then told my sister she needed a size bigger than the one she tried on because they couldnt let one out at all, and they are now charging her a fortune to bring it in. They even went as far as to refuse to do an alterations appointment with her because the bra she was wearing was "an abomination." And made her come back a different time to charge her the fortune.

We left that davids bridal where we had an appointment and may as well not have... and called the alfred angelo, they saw us without an appointment, after the time they would normally schedule their last appointment... and they were amazing to us

I then went shopping with my mom at a colorado davids bridal (knowing that they werent all that bad) .... And she was amazing, I couldnt even tell you how many dresses i put on, she pulled as many as she could find from my pictures that were anywhere close to my size if they didnt have it in my size. And I now have my dress... but had the boston one been my only DB experience... probably wouldnt have gone back.... And I have made that clear to as many people as possible (they kept sending me surveys after boston... and the colorado folks asked)

random4180 · January 2012

I would try a different consultant, especially since it seems like you never got a chance to really go through all your favorites! I absolutely LOVED my consultant- not at all pushy, useless, or ignorant. She had great comments and never blindly flattered me. I tried on probably six dresses, including the one I bought, which was in the middle of the pack. I had my sister and my mom with me and they had a great time, too. Definitely check your area for other bridal shop options as well. I'm sorry your experience didn't go well.

Karenofcourse · January 2012

A pp suggested this and I agree:I would call and speakwith the manager and explain your situation. Ask if there is an experienced plus sized consultant who you would feel more comfortable with. You will be able to tell from the manager's response whether it willbe worth your time to go back!!

Good luck-there are many beautiful plus sized dresses and I am sure you will find the right one!!

prettyfacegal · January 2012

I had a bad DB experience as well. The sales clerk told me she did not think they had dresses my size. AND rushed me so she can get to a lady that was about a size 5. I would try another bridal shop. This should be positive experience.

mollyehren · January 2012

I lost any respect I still had for David's Bridal after reading this artcle and several others like it.
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/136619868.html

sweetredhead · January 2012

I went to davids bridal and had a bad consultant. I did find my dress there though because we were there over an hour early so I walked around the dresses and found the styles I liked. They were all in my size 24 or 22. I literally walked the consultant through the racks to show her the ones I wanted to try on. She then brings me dresses that were exactly what I said I hated. She was a real witch about things too. My mom and boss got mad and started pulling dresses themselves. I also saw brides having a great time with super supportive consultants. So I agree with pp to call the manager and ask for someone else plus they need to know if someone they pay is a jerk IMO. Also get there early and find the styles you like and say I will try this on!!

jennipea382 · January 2012

I had a pretty bad consultant too at DB. I mean, she wasn't terrible, just not good. I feel like she was new, but I think she just didn't know what she was doing. Funny thing was, my mom used to work with her (and I think she had gotten fired from that job).

She wasn't really pulling things I liked. I show her photos of dresses I had tried on at other stores and nothing she pulled really matched that. There was one dress that surprisingly I loved, but I think she got lucky on that one as it was something I don't think I would have tried on. She was also shocked I liked the dresses that were closer to what I had tried on before because apparently they were completely different from what I showed her (huh?!).

They also seemed like they were trying to be like Say Yes to the Dress. I heard "are you saying yes to this dress?" to other brides in the store more than once. I was examining every angle of the dress I liked and she made some comment about it being "the one" and all that emotional stuff. I mean, that's just not me and I don't think of DB as on the same level as Kleinfeld's (if that makes sense). They were just trying way too hard to act like they were some high end fancy boutique and that kinda bugged me.

Anyways, sorry you had such a bad experience. I think some of their employees aren't trained well so they kinda suck. My best experience so far was at a smaller local store, though I also knew the girl helping me. But there wasn't any pressure really and they had a pretty good variety for my size (though there wasn't a TON of dresses anyways there). Good luck!

Finding a Dress and David's (vent!)

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