Buying your wedding dress over the internet

[crazedandconfused]

I was wondering if it is safe to order a wedding dress over the internet. I found the perfect dress at a bridal salon but don't really want to purchase it from there because of the price and their sales tactics. The sales lady originally told me that she couldn't tell me who the designer was because the tags were always removed from the dress. I returned to the bridal salon the next day to check the dress and found that they were attached to the dress. Next, the sales lady offered me only 15% if I ordered "off the rack" because the style had been recently brought in and hadn't been on the floor very long. I searched the internet for the dress and found that it was released in Spring of 2008. I really love this dress but would prefer not to purchase it from this Bridal salon because of their sales tactics. Any suggestions?

[JanuaryBride]

I would seriously suggest that you check out a different bridal salon. If your experience is starting out this negative, very likely it will only get worse. I don't think this is normal at all. I was amazed at the service that I received at the first shop I went to. I was made to feel like the centre of attention. Every time I called they were more than happy to answer more questions and help me explore options for bridesmaid dresses and accessories. Based on other posts I've seen this should be the norm.

I've heard of a few horror stories of people ordering wedding gowns off the internet. Mainly that most likely they are knock-offs. Quality of workmanship can make a huge difference in terms of how a dress will fit/drape/hang. And ultimately that makes a huge difference in how you look and feel on your special day.

I would suggest you go to the designer's website and find other bridal shops in the area that carry the same line and go to one of them to explore the possibilities.

I really hope you find just the dress you're looking for. I always heard that when you try on "the one" you'll know . . . and it's true!!! That's what happened to me. I tried on only 4 dresses and ordered the 3rd one. I didn't even bother looking in other shops. Mine is Sophia Tolli Coralie. You can see my post in the Bargain and Swap section.

[SouthDeltaBride]

I would also try another Bridal shop that stocks that line. It doesn't sound like a very good shop that you went to.
The problem with buying on the internet is that you can't try it on, you can't check the quality (or that it isn't a knock-off), etc. My sister-in-law can wear off-the-rack sizes so she bought her dress on eBay...BUT she had to buy 3 or 4 dresses before she found one that fit properly. That said, she still re-sold the ones that she didn't use.

Personally I find that going into a store and having something to see/touch/try on is that much more reassuring. It is all down to personal opinion though - you have to do what you are happy with.

[crazedandconfused]

I did find my dream dress and tried it on. None of the other stores seem to carry this designer and none of them are able to order this dress. However, I did call a bridal store in Edmonton that was willing to order it for me at almost 50% less than what the original bridal salon was selling it for. They can deliver it by ground for $40 but I would probably drive or fly to Edmonton to pick it up. I'm biting my nails here cuz it seems like it's too good to be true and that something bad is going to happen to me!

My friends suggested that I also call the stores in Washington state as they might be cheaper. The Edmonton store was offering it for below $700. I'm not sure how much cheaper the States would be cuz I would have to pay duty when I bring it across.

What do you guys think? Too good to be true?

[SouthDeltaBride]

Actually it may NOT be too good to be true. Those dresses must have a HUGE mark-up, especially if you go into the "wrong" shop to start with. Just make sure there is a good return policy and look up reviews if you can for the place that is offering it for 50% off.

Make sure there are no problems (stains, rips, tears or other) with the dress and get it in writing if possible. The only problem will be that some places may say that YOU damaged the dress when it arrived. Do as much as you can to cover yourself in case they send a dud. Perhaps see if they accept Visa and check what kind of coverage you would get from your Visa card company - some will cover internet or store transactions that go bad (when an item isn't as described) and then THEY can chase the vendor for money rather than you.

P.S. If you are located in Richmond, it will be far too expensive to fly there to pick it up! Unless you are visiting family at the same time, I would just pay the $40 delivery charge.

[LateWinterBride]

I am originally from Vancouver and so is my fiance, but we both currently live in Edmonton. We are having our wedding in Vancouver, but I bought my dress here in Edmonton. What store did you buy your dress from? I've been to nearly every dress shop in the city (OK, well, just all the ones in West Ed Mall and most of the ones downtown), so I might be able to tell you from my experiences at these stores which stores seemed "legit".

I did find my dream dress and tried it on. None of the other stores seem to carry this designer and none of them are able to order this dress. However, I did call a bridal store in Edmonton that was willing to order it for me at almost 50% less than what the original bridal salon was selling it for. They can deliver it by ground for $40 but I would probably drive or fly to Edmonton to pick it up. I'm biting my nails here cuz it seems like it's too good to be true and that something bad is going to happen to me!

My friends suggested that I also call the stores in Washington state as they might be cheaper. The Edmonton store was offering it for below $700. I'm not sure how much cheaper the States would be cuz I would have to pay duty when I bring it across.

What do you guys think? Too good to be true?

[crazedandconfused]

Thanks LateWinterBride. I am purchasing my dress from Mina's at the West Edmonton Mall. Coincidentally, I had a co-worker who just went to Edmonton and he said that the store was quite nice and seemed to be "legit".

[LateWinterBride]

Hi crazedandconfused,

Mina's was OK. Their service to me wasn't that spectacular compared to other dress shops, but I suspect that it was because I told them my dress budget was $500 max.

I agree with previous posters--go for the $40 shipping. It'll cost you $100-$200 in gas EACH WAY if you drive from Vancouver to Edmonton and back (trust me, I've done it quite a few times).

Best of luck!
LateWinterBride

Thanks LateWinterBride. I am purchasing my dress from Mina's at the West Edmonton Mall. Coincidentally, I had a co-worker who just went to Edmonton and he said that the store was quite nice and seemed to be "legit".