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| - My initial appointment was with Janeen, who was very friendly and helpful. I'm a hard to fit person and she brought out items I had on my wish list, as well as a dress or two that I didn't. The third one was the charm! So we moved on to finding bridesmaids dresses for my two sisters and my niece (age range from 17-37, and all different shapes and style preferences). Janeen stayed patient, even though the appointment was starting to run longer and I knew she had people waiting. Eventually we found what we wanted, and headed up to place our order.
This is where I have a slight "complaint". David's really tries to up-sell you at the register, and if you've been dealing with bridesmaids and the excitement of choosing your own gown, it can become a bit overwhelming. For example, the samples I tried on were too small, and the head seamstress came out and suggested that we order three sizes up just to be sure it would fit. It was not until I got to the register that I was informed that the dress I choose did not come in an extended size. They ordered it two sizes up and assured me that if needed to they could fix the sizing through alterations (which is exactly what they ended up doing). Still, this was a bit worrisome for me and I felt a bit pressured to be learning this at the cash register. The bra and slip I had on were also a bit too small but they still asked if I wanted them. When I asked if they could be ordered in a larger size I was told No. So I felt as if my only choice was to take them and squeeze in. However when I went home I checked Davids website and both items could have been ordered at least 2-3 sizes up. Also, they give you discounts if you order things like veils, shoes, etc at the time you purchase your dress. I was undecided on whether I even wanted those things at that point, but it felt like the "but if you buy them today you'll get a discount" was really being shoved at me. As I was ringing out, another woman came over to ask me if I needed a photographer, which I had already declined when I showed up for the appointment. When I told her we already had someone taking care of that, she pushed me as to WHO? I explained that we had a family friend who would be taking photos,and she proceeded to tell me that just because they might be good at taking photos doesn't make them a good portrait photographer. I didn't like the feeling of justifying our photography choices. They also charge $1 each for any fabric samples, and $10 for a dress bag which is kinda chintzy but I guess better than dry cleaner plastic.
They do not measure you or your girls at your first appointment, they seem to go by your normal dress size and sort of guess based on how the sample fits. All of our dresses came in well within the 4-6 week time frame originally quoted. Luckily, my dress worked out okay in the size ordered. I will say though that it was luck, not the proper measuring or fitting during the buying process. Two of my bridesmaids dresses fit beautifully, but the third one is HUGE. Unfortunately, there are no returns or exchanges, so my bridesmaid has no choice but to pay for alterations.
I went in for my first fitting last week and the alterations department are super so far! Don't get me wrong, everyone at this DB is really nice and the process has been relatively stress-free so far. It is what it is though, if you're looking for white glove service and champagne and strawberries, this is not your place. If you have a small to mid size dress budget, and want you and your bridal party to look well put together for a six hour ceremony and photos, this is a great place to try. :)
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