I went to so many stores and tried on so many dresses and was treated awful because of my size. I'm not a zero and I won't be. I've got a medical condition. Most stores have a size 4 to try and you just kind of hold it up and hope it's good enough.
I ended up spending more than I had originally hoped but was happy to after shopping at other popular "discount" bridal stores that treated me horribly.
I walked in and was greeted so warmly by two of the nicest girls. The store was lovely and welcoming. They even had photos of actual brides wearing dresses they bought in store. Not just skinny models from the catalogue. It's an older house and the furniture is antique and luxourious to sit on.
I went in and explained exactly what I was looking for. Something with clean lines and isn't too hard to alter (I'm short) and bring in if needed. I explained that I have a large abdominal cyst and when it's removed I may loose a lot of weight or a little and it might need to come in. They found me a gorgeous gown with beautiful clean lines. Every dress they brought me fit my criteria. They weren't just trying to get me in a more expensive gown. And they all suited me!
I asked if I could take photos. One of my bridesmaids is sick and couldn't come in with me shopping (cancer) and my Mother is across the country. They not only encouraged photos but suggested facetime or skype!
They have some great payment plans. You do put down a deposit like most stores, but the payment options are great. You can pay by visa, debit, cash or to make it easy, interac e-mail transfer! I love that I don't need to go down to send them money. I just set it up automatically for my payments and I'm good.
They are also being terrific about bridesmaid dresses, one can't come in so we are ordering to measure, and all three girls have completely different body shapes. They are really helpful with figuring that out as well as making it easy and flexible for them to order dresses.
The only slight problem I have is they don't currently have a seamstress. But they have a referral list.
I can't say enough how awesome the staff are. They have a variety of dresses in a variety of sizes to try on. They work hard to find something to flatter you and make you feel gorgeous. The whole philosophy seems to be celebrating the beauty in every woman. What a stand up company!
I'll post photos after my wedding (which is currently post-poned due to surgery).