Wedding Salons -- part 2

So what really happens when a bride purchases her gown on the Internet? and why would she?

The last question is one that I ask myself over and over. Why would a woman want to buy what is perhaps the single most expensive garment purchase she may ever make in her life with a click of the mouse? The answers are varied:

"I don't have time to shop in every store to look for my dream gown."
"The Internet is more convenient."
"There is more selection."
"The prices are better."
"I can take my time without pushing salespeople bothering me."
"I don't like taking my shoes off!" Yes, I actually had a bride tell me this is the reason that she purchased her gown online.

I am sure that there are more reasons and excuses but it all comes down to the individual and the choices that they make. I will confess that I urge my brides to purchase their dresses locally if at all possible. I ask them to stay away from big box national retail chains and choose a gown that can be selected from a local boutique. Why?

Again the answers are varied, but for me it comes down to customer service. (Now please keep in mind that I am only talking in generic terms as these facts, unfortunately, do not apply to every local boutique out there.) At most boutiques that I visit, I am met with a courteous smile, "Hello, how are you? What can I help you with?" They will ask my wedding date, ask about my styles, what I am looking for in a dress, and colors. They want to get to know as much about me so that the selections that they help me with are good ones. For the most part, these are salespeople that have been in the fashion and fitting industry for quite some time, so they should know what they are doing.

I don't know about you, but I like being greeted at the door, I like knowing that my presence in their store is making a difference, an impact, or is just well noticed in case I have a question. I don't like being ignored. Snobbery? Maybe close to it, but the point is, I like the attention. I like touching the beautiful gowns and feeling the satin slip through my fingers. I like it when the store associates ask me if I would like something to drink then brings me a glass of sparkling champagne. I like help with stubborn hooks and zippers. I like the plush seats and comfy carpets. I like looking in the wide mirrors and hearing, "Oh, my goodness! You like just like a princess!" Let's face it ladies, this may be the only time in our lives that we are going to hear words like this directed just to us---I don't want to miss a single moment of any of it!

I will hear from both side of the fence on this. "I just like to look. I don't like to be bothered. I don't like pushy salespeople trying to cram their style down my throat!" A little extreme maybe, but you get the idea. If this is the case, then the Internet option may be a good one for you, but I doubt it.

For the next couple of days, I will explore a little more in depth why Internet wedding gown shopping is not always the best deal. But until then, most brides want the fussing over so Bridal Boutiques---bring on the champagne and attention!