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My dress buying experience Expand / Collapse
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Posted 7/12/2008 10:04:59 AM






Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 9:20:29 PM
Posts: 76, Visits: 363
Hi,

Just thought I'd share my dress buying experiences so far...maybe it will help other brides in time and gas money!
The first store I went to was White Toronto in Yorkville, even though it was in Yorkville and they had very expensive dresses ie. close to 10,000! I was still able to find reasonably priced dresses and the sales girl was super nice and helpful. She was really efficient at getting me in and out of dresses and would use these clips to fit the dress on me. Once we had tried on a few styles and I decided on what style to go with she got me a few more dresses to try on. She encouraged me to take as much time as needed and never once rushed me in and out of dresses. The dress that I really liked and am considering is a Nicole Miller and its only $950!
The 2nd store I went to was Dina Alonzi in Toronto and my experience was the complete opposite. First, the sales lady was 30 min late for my appointment and then on the sheet I had circled that my budget was 2-3000 (even though I wouldn't spend 3000 it was the lowest budget range on the form!). So when the sales lady saw that she asked me if it included alterations and I asked how much are alterations and she told me $850! Is this true? I have no idea how much it costs to have alterations and I don't anticipate having too many alterations done since the dress I want is more of an evening gown style ie. no crinoline, no extensive beading, etc. I think maybe she said that to get me out of the store. Anyways I said my budget includes alterations and she says in a very snotty tone 'well then, we have a problem'. So I went out to pick out dresses (which they had very little selection) and picked out 5. As i was waiting for her to bring them into the room I called my sisters cause they had gone out to get some food since she was late for the appointment. As I was talking to them, I saw she was already handing me a dress to try on. So I got off with them and told her that I was just calling my sisters to see where they were and she tells me that we have to rush cause she has another appointment soon. That got me annoyed since she was the one who was 30 min late!!!! Anyways she even asked me if I wanted to try on any dresses at all since obviously they were out of my budget. I said yes, since I was there anyways and at least I can get an idea of styles. So I quickly tried on the other dresses and then we got out of there fast. My sisters were supposed to have an appointment to try on bridesmaid's dresses but we were so annoyed at how we were treated that we just left. Just because I don't want to spend $6000+ on my wedding dress doesn't mean I should get treated crappy.
So those are my experiences so far...one good, one bad. I'm going to try another store on Queen street, called Lowon pope, I know their dresses are about 1-2000 so hopefully I'll have better luck there!

Amanda
Post #431659
Posted 7/12/2008 11:58:51 AM






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Last Login: Yesterday @ 11:18:48 PM
Posts: 3,956, Visits: 2,958
Wow!  $850 for alterations?  That is definitely steep!  My dress has beading that needs to be moved, the dress is being shortened and a 2-point bustle added, and it's costing me $300. 

I don't understand rude sales ladies.  Why would you want to spend a large chunk of change at a place that treats you like mud on the floor?

 

August 23, 2008 ~ Best.Day.Ever

Post #431733
Posted 7/12/2008 12:00:36 PM






Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 7:23:20 PM
Posts: 203, Visits: 2,897
Bruital!  Firstly, a place like that should not get your (or nayones) business in my opinion.  Your dress experience should be pleasant!  As for alterations.... $800!?!?!?  No way!!! Usually alterations range between $150ish - $300ish.  Depending on what you need to do to the dress. 

You mentioned that you looked in Toronto... In case you're still on the dress hunt, are you willing to go to the GTA?  Superior Bridal (Markham) has great service and a large selection, Amanda Lina's Sposa (Woodbridge) and Windsor Bridal (Orfus Rd.) have ok service (not the greatest, but not that bad) but have a huge selection and good price ranges.  There are quite a few other places you could go to.... Becker's Bridal (Danfrth - I've never been there), Ital Sposa (Woodbridge), Bridal & Beyond (Mississauga- BUT I personally HATE that store), as well as other bridal boutiques.

Good luck and keep us posted

 

 

 

Marrying my soulmate on:

 

August 9, 2009

  

 http://arielaandizchakforever.weddingannouncer.com   


 

Post #431735
Posted 7/12/2008 1:21:58 PM






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Last Login: Yesterday @ 6:34:47 PM
Posts: 814, Visits: 6,561
Holy sheep sh!t Batman......$850 for alterations??????  Nicole Miller makes some beautiful gowns; why don't you post a photo for us of the one you liked.......we're pic crazy here on CB.

Post #431768
Posted 7/12/2008 8:41:37 PM






Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 9:20:29 PM
Posts: 76, Visits: 363
Ok so 150-300 sounds a lot more reasonable for alterations, that is what I expect. Yah 850...I think I went into shock when she said that or else I would've asked what the hell they do that's worth 850!
I would love to post a picture of the dress, except that when I right click on the image, there's no option to copy. I know in the stores they don't allow you to take pictures (they said it was the designer's policy) so maybe that's why? Anyways if you want to see it, go to:
http://www.nicolemiller.com/bridal_08.html
On the 2nd page, its the 2nd last dress. It only shows the top half though. The bottom is pretty simple though, just a small train. And the straps criss-cross at the back.

Amanda
Post #431853
Posted 7/12/2008 9:58:07 PM






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Last Login: Yesterday @ 6:34:47 PM
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Gorgeous!!!! 

Post #431886
Posted 7/14/2008 9:13:21 AM






Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/30/2008 2:19:31 PM
Posts: 6, Visits: 137
Nice pick! White Toronto was the first one I visited and I think I will get mine there too!
Post #432475