Bridal Boutique

Choosing a Bridal Boutique

It’s best to choose a bridal boutique with a good reputation. Discuss choices with married friends and co-workers. Ask the following questions:

• How were you treated by the sales staff? Your sales person should be friendly and helpful, not distracted and in a hurry.
• Did they appear to know their stuff? –The last thing you want to do is take advice from someone who knows nothing about the wedding apparel business. Your sales person should know how to help you choose the most flattering styles. She should also know about the different designers and the dresses in their respective collections.
• Were you kept waiting when you arrived for appointments? There’s no need for anyone to be kept waiting longer than five minutes. If it happens on a consistent basis, you best move on. Sales people should be considerate with your time.
• Were you able to meet with the same associate each time you visited? Your sales person should get to know you to best assist you in your choices. If every time you visit you see someone new, you won’t be able to foster a good relationship.
• What other items, besides wedding dresses, do they sell? It helps if you don’t have to run from shop to shop to pick up what you need.
• What other services are offered? You want as many of your needs met as possible.
• How long did it take for you to receive your dress? You want to receive it time to have several fitting sessions. Your dress should fit perfect on your wedding day.
• In what condition did your dress arrive? Needless to say, your wedding dress should be in mint condition.

If there’s a neighborhood shop that has been in business for many years, it’s a good indication of reliability. Since you don’t want to entrust your wedding dress to a fly-by-night wedding retailer, do check out the shop with the Better Business Bureau. Your local Chamber of Commerce might also have details.

When you walk into the bridal boutique it should be well-lit and uncluttered. The floors and displays should be clean without a build up of dust. Salespeople should be helpful without being aggressive. While suggestions are always welcome, no one should ever pressure you into making a decision.

Location Matters

That upscale bridal boutique might be all the rage but will you really want to travel 90 minutes each way every time you need a fitting? Consider location when choosing your wedding shop. Time is precious before a wedding, you don’t want to waste it all on travel.

Another reason to consider the area is affordability. Merchandise will probably have a higher markup in the more exclusive neighborhoods. If you’re shopping for a wedding dress on 5th Avenue, expect to pay 5th Avenue prices.

Merchandise

What kind of merchandise is offered in the bridal boutique? Can it be considered a “one stop shopping” emporium, or will you have to visit different locations to purchase a veil, shoes, accessories, and dresses for the attendants and mothers of the bride and groom? The more you can purchase in one shop, the more time you will save.

Services

It’s helpful if certain services are performed by your bridal boutique. For instance, do they offer alterations or wedding dress preservation? Some shops even allow you to pay for a package offering tailoring, dry cleaning and preservation for one low price.

An Important Decision

Choosing a bridal boutique isn’t a decision that should be entered into lightly. When you consider you’ll be choosing the most important dress you’ll ever wear, you’ll want nothing but the best. Take your time and ask for referrals. When it comes to your wedding dress, you don’t want to take any chances.