Let me start by saying I don't really have patience for hipster attitudes and Captain Obvious remarks. I also am thoroughly relieved that this was not the first bridal store I visited while looking for my dress, because if it was, I know I would be reluctant to try anyplace else.
I should have known from the first email that this was going to be weird. Signing emails as "The Girls of White" suggests a kind of distanced communications tactic, keeping a client at arms-length with no accountability on the part of staff.
I had Gigi as my associate. The overall service was OK but it seemed like the moment I mentioned a budget that didn't align with the majority of their gowns, the service started slipping from there. I even noticed the difference when she was helping the next client after me. I understand the type of budgets that work well in the store, but I also know that mine was not that low either. And to be honest, budget shouldn't make any difference to the service being offered.
I find it amusing that the dresses that were more along my budget to be stashed in the top floor annex, nearby the bridesmaid dresses. Anyway, we found a few for me to try on. While trying one of them, I noted that I was a little concerned that the top of the bodice was creating a weird look between my chest and arms. Her reply (deadpan): "That skin is what connects your arm to your body. It's just like that." Thanks, Capt. Obvious, I kinda knew that. Nothing to add about what you can do during alterations to accommodate something that makes the bride uneasy? Nothing about trying something different that will address that issue? I don't need flowery responses; direct is good, but also, try a little tact, and some emotion.
I wish I had a different associate. Not for a moment did I, nor my guests, feel at all special. Things felt rushed and fairly terse, like we're being pushed for a business deal. I didn't feel like there was anything special about what we were doing; Gigi looked and sounded bored and was doing the bare minimum to do her job. I was absolutely relieved to leave when we were done.
Thanks for nothing, White!