The Wedding Shoppe

11/16/09

Fun shopping experience, disappointed with alterations

by elibk at Citysearch

Until my dress arrived, I was a huge fan of the Wedding Shoppe. I had heard all kinds of horror stories about shopping for a dress, and I had a wonderful time in the store looking at dresses. I really liked the salesperson, and I ordered a dress I loved.

This is a warning to future girls to be INVOLVED in the selection of size for your dress. After choosing the dress, my bust and waist were measured. The sales associated asked me what size I normally wore. I told her that if something needed to be fit to my waist, I was a 6. If it needed to fit to my butt, I usually buy an 8. She told me that an 8 would work and I left happy.

When the dress arrived, it didn't fit, especially in the hip area. I couldn't get it zipped even with the help of my maid of honor, could barely breathe, and it was so tight in the hips I couldn't even step on top of the 1" pedestal because I was sure I would fall. Enter the seamstress, who told me it was just that "the hidden zipper is difficult to zip up," she could easily take it out and that I'd be "swimming in the next size." I told her that I wasn't sure and that right now there was no way I could walk or sit in the dress. She nodded her head and replied "these dresses are like that." !!!! I couldn't believe it, so I said, "So you're saying I shouldn't be able to walk or sit?" and she repeated that "these dresses are like that." REALLY?? Although the dress is fitted in the waist/hip area, it's not a mermaid dress and it flares out from the hips, and besides that, what kind of place sells a dress knowing a bride won't be able to walk??! Like at all??? She also asked me if I'd requested the smaller size. I told her that I could care less about the size so long as it fit, and I hadn't had any role in choosing the 8. Her response to that was that "most girls actually want a size down."

She then told me we'd remeasure me, including the hips this time. When she went to measure my hips, she didn't do it at the fullest place, which made it look like I was closer to fitting into the size than I was. I didn't say anything at the time, but later my maid of honor said she'd noticed the same thing. The seamstress, who was rude and cold throughout the whole experience, told me they'd red tag the dress and a customer service person would contact me. At no point did she apologize for my disappointment or for the store's not having measured my hips the first time.

I left, but in a few minutes I felt odd about the hips measurement, so we decided to go back and remeasure. When I arrived, it turned out they coincidentally had a new sample size 10 of the dress, and they were willing to let me try it on. It fit great, so the situation was resolved BUT while in the fitting room I remeasured my hips (I sew, so I know how to do this properly) and she had undermeasured by 2". That's like a whole size off. Either she just can't do basic measurements (which is a reason to take your dress elsewhere for alterations) or she intentionally mismeasured me to keep me in the smaller size, which would have meant more $$$ for them with the alterations that would have been necessary all over the dress.

If you look at a lot of other reviews of this store, you'll see a common theme: most people enjoy the shopping experience, but the alterations department is best left alone. I COMPLETELY agree based on my ridiculous and rude interactions with the seamstress there, and I would add an additional caveat: I really, really liked my salesperson, but I think that if you buy your dress here (or anywhere, for that matter), make sure you are carefully measured and that you personally see the size chart and are involved in the decision about which size is ordered. It's in a place's best interest for you to require more alterations, and often times you're getting measured at the end of the appointment when they're trying to rush you out the door.

• Pros: Fun shopping experience
• Cons: Problems with sizing, rude alterations staff

11/16/09

Great service and Awesome Selection

by CailScott at Citysearch

I went to this store because I knew they had a large selection of designer dresses and I was looking for something a little unusual and not the typical wedding dress you see in every magazine. I had a great sales lady who helped me throughout the entire process and made me feel comfortable with my decision. I ended up purchasing a large ballgown with a lot of layers of tulle. It was totally different then what I expected to buy, but I absolutely love my dress. I was able to stay within my budget and have a perfect wedding dress. This store can be a little busier than the other stores I visited, so make sure to make an appointment. I walked in without an appointment and they were able to help me, but I had to wait about 15 minutes which was no big deal. Overall, I really enjoyed my shopping experience and am very happy with my dress.

• Pros: good prices, helpful and friendly staff
• Cons: very busy

10/26/09

Great place to shop

by EvJONES at Citysearch

I loved this store! I went shopping with my two sisters and my mom and had an awesome experience at this shop. My sales lady was completely professional and helped me pick the perfect dress. I had no idea what I was looking for and my helper guided me the entire time. I would highly recommend this store to other brides. This store can be busy, but I felt it was well worth it. My dress was $599 and is beautiful.

• Pros: Large selection of dresses, good prices, nice staff
• Cons: Can be busy