 Purchase
- It seems there are now as many WAYS to purchase a bridal gown as
there are bridal gowns! Full service salons, internet discounters,
warehouses and more are all competing for your business. Regardless of
where and how you order a gown, some things are the same. A sales
contract will be required, you will need to select your size, and more.
There are many horror stories from brides who were taken advantage of
when they were not aware of how to protect themselves (and their money)
through this process.
When placing a
special order, the store usually requires 1/3 to 1/2 non-refundable
deposit. Before ordering designer wedding gowns, make sure your
decision is firm and final. Keep all receipts of your purchase for
record .
Whether you are shopping at a
full service bridal salon, warehouse, etc., the salesperson should make
you aware of the various types of size choices. You should be measured
by an experienced bridal seamstress. Does she know the difference
between a body measurement and a garment measurement? If the store
chooses the size, be certain they write that on the sales receipt.
While most gowns need some alterations, if it is clearly too big or too
small, the store should take responsibility for alterations if they
select the size for you.
Ask if the
merchandise is being specially ordered or will you be taking this
sample from stock? This information should be written on your sales
receipt, particularly if the gown you tried on was close to the size
garment you need.
A reputable business
should not try to conceal any information from you. Ask for the name of
the manufacturer or designer and write the name on your receipt. If you
don't receive the appropriate responses that should raise a warning
flag. Under the law, sample wedding gowns must be properly labeled to
include fiber content, country of origin, care instructions, and one of
the following business distribution channels must be identified:
Manufacturer's name or RN (Registered Number) or the retailer's name.
The
sales contract you will sign to finalize the order is designed to
protect both you and the retailer. It will of course include your name,
address, phone number, and method of payment. Your wedding date and
last acceptable date for delivery of the gown should also be included.
Be sure to allow time for portraits and/or alterations in the last
acceptable date. The sales contract should include the manufacturer’s
name, style number of gown, size and color you are ordering, a
description of the gown, and a picture reference, if available, for
designer wedding dresses list the designer's name. A reputable retailer
should not keep this information from you. It should not be acceptable
to allow a store code in place of the actual manufacturer name and
style number. At the bottom of the contract is the disclaimer or "fine
print". Be sure to read this and ask questions if you have them.
Although
retailers accept many methods of payment, it is highly recommended that
you pay for your new wedding gown with a credit card. This is a final
line of defense. Federal Regulation C entitles consumers to receive
refund if the merchandise does not live up to what is promised. The law
specifically states that if you have a problem with the quality of
goods or services purchased with a credit card and you have tried in
good faith to correct the problem with the merchant, you may not have
to pay the bill. This means if your gown arrives damaged, in the wrong
size, or not at all, you still have your money.
If
your retailer refuses to complete information you request or answer any
questions to your satisfaction - DO NOT SIGN THE CONTRACT! Many
reputable retailers complete orders as stated above as their normal
procedure. Don’t feel trapped into purchasing from a bridal shop with
whom you do not have full confidence. | 
Shopping:
To make your day a pleasant and rewarding one, try not to visit too
many bridal shops in the same day. When you are fresh, full of energy
and enthusiasm, you will be able to make sound judgments. On the other
hand, if you come to the store exhausted and unprepared, after trying a
few styles you may be confused and find that all the gowns begin to
look the same and you may come home toting one of the cheap wedding
dresses simply because you were tired! Bring along pictures of wedding
gowns you like and be open to discuss your plan and idea with a bridal
consultant. It could happen that the gown you like in a picture doesn't
look good on you. The bridal consultant will study your figure type and
personality to help select the styles that flatter you and suit your
budget. Try on all of the dresses the consultant shows you, even if it
may not seem like "your style" of dress as most wedding gowns look much
better, and different, on you than on the racks. You may want to bring
a family member or friend along for a second opinion . Avoid taking
more than one person since too many opinions can conflict and confuse.
Wearing appropriate undergarments and a bit of makeup can also help to
make the wedding dress look and fit better. Take a Polaroid camera
along just in case you cannot decide. Take a picture of yourself
wearing each wedding dress and bring them home to study.