Thursday, May 10, 2012

The Bridal Industry Confuses Me

So as you all are probably aware, I am scheduled to be married on January 5th, 2013. This should be one of the happiest times of my life. I am planning my dream wedding. Heck, the man let me get the photo booth that I wanted. This is my time! Well, turns out my time is not as fun as I had originally thought it to be. What is the one thing that every bride thinks will be the most amazing and inspiring experience? That's right... trying on and choosing her wedding dress. Unfortunately, I am off to a really rocky, and defeated, start.

The Breathtaking Bride
I am just like any other bride. I have been pouring over bridal magazines and of course, The Knot. I had a great idea of what dresses would look good on my figure and what styles that I really thought would fit my rustic vintage themed wedding. I made my first bridal appointment at a salon that carried two of my favorite (and more importantly, affordable) lines, Eden Bridal and La Sposa. The salon looked to have a boutique feel and since it was run by a Mother/Daughter team I thought it seemed like a sweet and special place to book my first appointment. Well, as I have learned many times in my life: Never judge a book by it's cover.

I brought 2 bridesmaids and a friend to the appointment with me, which I later learned just made me more nervous about the way that I look. Being a busty size 12, I usually rock self confidence because well, it is the better option. I am perpetually on the quest to be thinner but I don't let myself get caught up in the drudgery of it... until I realize how important my wedding dress is/was to me. I carried with me a list of all the styles that this salon carried that I wanted to try on. The consultant had about 25 to choose from so I thought I would get a good sampling. I was wrong. Sample size is an 8, didn't you know that? And didn't you know that actually mean size 6?

My consultant seemed friendly and considerate at first but later I would describe it as indifferent. The ONE dress that this salon had from my list, she carried into the fitting room. She said it's a size 8, sorry its our sample size. I looked her in the eye and said "That is not going to fit me.". She seemed to think I don't know my own body. "Let's just try to pull it over your head." to which I replied, " I know that dress is not going to fit me." She didn't care. We put that dress, multiple sizes too small over my head and proceeded to get it stuck on my shoulders. In the process of trying to YANK it off of me, the hooks in the beautiful corseted back, got stuck in my hair, which she also pulled in the process. I could immediately feel myself welling up with tears. Here I was in just my underwear with a woman I didn't know, yanking me out of the first dress. OK, Amanda. Settle down. Pull it together. You are tougher than this.

Since this was my first appointment ever, I agreed to try on multiple different styles. Consultant brought in all different kinds. The next dress would be better. The next dress she put on me, legit made me look like something out of princess horror film. It had to have been 30 pounds of dress, all taffeta and HUGE. I told consultant that I did not want to go show my friends this dress, that it was too too bad. "But you have to show them, they came here to see you in dresses". This was when she whipped the curtain open and pretty much made me show my friends. Friend 1 said "next." As you can imagine, my self esteem was plummeting at a rapid rate, which I know is partially my own fault. The next few dresses are better. She whipped out some her plus sized samples, I mean we are talking a size 20 to clip me into. We decide fit and flare looks best on me. Consultant keeps tying jeweled belts around my waist when I have told her multiple time that I do not like that aspect of dresses. She doesn't care. It's her wedding after all. The last dress I tried on was absolutely gorgeous. It was simple, it was sleek and I could totally imagine myself getting married in it. My friends agreed. Consultant couldn't leave it at that. She tied a jeweled belt around my waist. I started crying. This, at the time, was a most miserable experience for me. I felt fat, like my consultant wasn't listening to me AT ALL and like I would never feel that special feeling you are supposed to when trying on a wedding dress. We left and I wrote a seething yelp review. I will not be buying this dress from this salon. It was decided.

J.Crew Dresses I LOVE
Fast forward to this week. I decided after perusing some dresses online, that J. Crew had some sweet, simple, affordable options that I could accessorize the sh!t out of. I called to make an appointment for when both our mothers are up next week. On the initial phone call, the consultant asked me what size I was. Since I just tried on their bridesmaid dresses last week, I confidently said that the 14 was more comfortable. The seemingly young sales associate says "Oh, well our sample sizes are only 8's... I guess we just won't be able to zip anything up." *Cue self esteem taking a hit.* "Ok, that's fine, I just want to get a good idea of what it will look like". She instructed me to email her the styles and she would look to see what they had even available. At the end of the day, another associate found my styles and told me ahead of time what sizes they had in store but instructed me to actually purchase dresses in my size if I wanted to have them for the appointment. I only had to purchase one, because they actually had a 12, GASP, in my favorite, which will be easily returned if not the one but I am left feeling so confused about this whole industry.

Admittedly, I am not the thinnest woman out there but I can confidently say that I represent a great number of women in the 10-16 size range that would love to see a dress on their body in a remotely similar size. Also, when working with brides, I would like to think that I would have some compassion and overall more intensified sensitivity to the pressure of the situation, you know? Most bride's are paying the most they hav ever spent on clothing, on this special dress... My friends tell me that I just need to try another salon, that the experience will be better but at this point, the excitement is gone and I just kind of want to get it over with. That's not exactly how I am supposed to feel, right? The man says I'll look gorgeous no matter what, which is nice. Here's hoping the J.Crew appointment next week goes well and one of the dresses work because if not, I will just go to David's Bridal, where expectations are low... therefore I won't be disappointed.(Side Note: I have friends who have gotten lovely dresses at David's Bridal. It was the service I have experience being iffy)

Am I the only one who has felt this way?

49 comments:

  1. I will say this: Jen had a great experience at David's Bridal in Framingham and ultimately bought her dress there after a few disappointing visits to boutiques.  So don't necessarily look at David's as defeat.  It's just another avenue to pursue what you want.  And when you ultimately find that perfect dress for you (which you will), you won't care about the name on the building it came out of. 

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have gotten bridesmaids dresses from David's Bridal and it's always been a cluster but I have a couple friends that have gotten their dresses there no fuss, no muss. I think I might end up making an appt there when our Mom's are up so that we do make a decision. I just needed to vent! PS. I though Jen looked beautiful ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. You madam, are a beautiful woman, whether you are a size 2 or a size 20, you are a good person and you will look amazing in your dress. I'm sorry this experience has been so frustrating for you.  

    And I went to David's twice for my dress, the first time the consultant straight out sucked and didn't even help me into any dresses, but the second time, the time I actually got my dress, the consultant was amazing, despite it being close to closing time and there being a thousand people there. If you decide to try David's let me know and I'll give you her name. 

    ReplyDelete
  4. I purchased my dress from Davids Bridal, and had a great experience with the associate helping me. She actually suggested the dress that I bought based on the other styles I was looking at. Don't be discouraged, you are a beautiful women, and you are going to to look stunning on your wedding day. It sounds like the first salon doesn't know how to make a bride feel special about the most important purchase! You will find your dress! Good luck Amanda! I'm so excited for you! <3

    ReplyDelete
  5.  I just made an appointment at David's Bridal <3 too many people just immediately told me to give them a chance haha!

    ReplyDelete
  6.   I just made an appointment at David's Bridal <3 too many people just immediately told me to give them a chance haha!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I bought my dress from Alfred Angelo, they had samples in all sizes no one was judgey at all it was a pleasant experience. I am not sure where the closest one to you would be but it doesn't hurt to look them up. I was not wowed by the stuff I saw at David's Bridal

    ReplyDelete
  8. I think it's important to go to a salon that will cater to YOU and really listen to your needs, or else it's going to be defeating and you may have a really hard time finding what you want. The first bridal salon I went to was Kleinfields (of Say Yes to the Dress) and the consultant didn't listen to me at all and I also wound up in tears. I purchased my dress at a smaller store where I was the only appointment and they waited on me hand and foot. I also suggest going to appointments with as few relatives/friends as possible...the less opinions, the better! You'll find your beautiful dream dress,  no worries!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

    ReplyDelete
  9. Amanda, 
    Try Temptations.....I am the same size as you and when i was there trying on dresses they had alot more than size 8's to try on and the girls they are so extremely friendly and nice and really make it a wonderful experience. I tried on dresses at David's and felt rushed. It could have just been the consultant I had. Good Luck and as stressful as it is planning a wedding it all works out in the end! 

    ReplyDelete
  10. You just have to have the right person! That second time I had the assistant manager and she was amazing. I didn't initially think I would, or even wanted to get my dress there. 

    ReplyDelete
  11. Nathalie HirschtrittMay 10, 2012 at 10:58 AM

    Hang in there lady. I've told you before and I'll tell you again - you're beautiful and amazing inside and out so don't let some half wit bridal sales consultant make you feel any different. You're going to be a gorgeous bride! Muah!

    ReplyDelete
  12. My daughter went to David's Bridal for a prom dress and while she didn't end up buying her dress from them, the service was great, they were very friendly, brought out tons of options and listened to what she voiced as her preferences and concerns.  I'd certainly give them a shot...

    ReplyDelete
  13. so sorry this was such a stressful experience for you. i had many of the same awful experiences when searching for my dress and it sucked, big time. i was a size 16 and i searched for 6 months here in az by myself since my family was all back in ny. it was awful. even if you were a little embarrassed with friends there beleive me, it's so much nicer to have people you care about around then to be looking alone. i ended up finding my dress at an unlikely shop where many people buy prom dresses while on vacation in ny when my family was with me.  the key was they were a buy off the rack shop so, they had dresses in all sizes and that made a huge difference for me and my confidence. when you find your dress it will be magical! just as you hoped it would be. hang in there beautiful lady and bridal shops suck, big time.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh Amanda! I'm so sorry you had such a negative experience. But honestly, what the other ladies here have said is true. You are a beautiful woman and you will find your perfect dress that makes you feel amazing. I do find your experience interesing because when I went with my sister to a local, small, bridal salon, most samples were between sizes 10-14. There were a few smaller ones but I feel like those were the most common. It must depend on the shop.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I loved this post, it was super real.  I was a size 12 (Size 14 in wedding gowns) when I was getting married and had the SAME types of situations happen to me.  I didnt even want people to go dress shopping with me at the time because the whole situation was humiliating.  And I totally laughed at the belt thing.  They did that to me with tiaras/veils.  (Belts werent QUITE as popular then as they are today).  And like you, at the time I was getting married, I didnt care about losing weight for the wedding.  I actually GAINED right before.  Oops.  Whatevs.  I found that Maggie Sottero's fit my body type well (curvy, busty).  And I ended up buying from a boutique in Arkansas called Low's Bridal (one of the largest wedding dress shops in the US, its an old hotel turned boutique) after flying down to go dress shopping with my mom.  I wasnt very lucky in Boston. I really hope you find a better experience.  I say DONT QUIT until you DO have a great experience. 

    ReplyDelete
  16. It sounds like that store was attended by idiots that day. I am so sorry you had to go through such an unpleasant experience. I would not sell yourself short though. Have you considered other smaller stores? My problem with JCrew is that they are so done. Everyone has seen all of the dresses. Accessorizing is fun, but what about a special fit and flare from a nicer brand with better quality? I would say you should try Casablanca Bridal. My dress from them was $2000, $300 for a detachable portion, and then the veil. They have a ton of styles and are quite affordable! Fit and Flare is so sexy on a curvy woman!

    http://www.worthystyle.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh Amanda : ( This makes me really frustrated for you, and I totally know where you're coming from. I think it's a crapshoot wherever you go. Honestly it depends on the time of day, what associate you get, and what kind of mood they are in. My personal experience with David's was only ok, but my circumstances were a little odd. I know you already made your appointment, but I'll still suggest going on a weeknight when there's no one in the store, and avoiding the cluster. You're dress is out there just waiting for you to find it!

    ReplyDelete
  18. bestdressedinthenestMay 10, 2012 at 11:32 PM

    I fully understand what you just went through b/c I went through it too (over 10 years ago, but nothing has changed about the way bridal shops work). I was a voluptuous size 16-18 and the samples were all size 8-ish. I ended up buying a dress that just fit me b/c I couldn't even get NEAR getting into the samples. My dress wasn't awful, but it definitely wasn't my dream dress. Very frustrating for sure. :(

    ReplyDelete
  19. My fionce is in the same situation...
    :D

    ReplyDelete
  20. Check out some beautiful wedding dresses we have for inspiration!


    http://www.missesdressy.com/bridal_gowns.html

    http://blog.missesdressy.com/

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hey! This post couldn't be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this post to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

    Feel free to visit my weblog :: http://www.careonthecosta.com/user_detail.php?u=bobhfoxtg

    ReplyDelete
  22. I rarely create responses, but i did a few searching and wound up here "The Bridal Industry Confuses Me".
    And I do have 2 questions for you if you do not mind. Could it be simply me
    or does it appear like some of these responses look like written by brain dead folks?

    :-P And, if you are posting on other places, I would like to follow everything new you
    have to post. Would you list of all of all your public pages
    like your linkedin profile, Facebook page or twitter feed?


    My web-site visit website
    My webpage - http://Groupsexvirgins.org/index.php?own=2129632

    ReplyDelete
  23. Quality articles or reviews is the main to interest the visitors to
    visit the website, that's what this web site is providing.

    Here is my web site ... [Home]

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hello there! This post could not be written any better!
    Going through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!

    He continually kept preaching about this. I am going to
    forward this post to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read.
    Many thanks for sharing!

    Here is my weblog :: in Operation Americana Americas Greatest Hero Cumming Like A Whore
    Also see my webpage :: http://Fetishdungeon.org/index.php?own=2308218

    ReplyDelete
  25. I have been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on
    this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled
    upon this website. Reading this info So i'm satisfied to exhibit that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to don?t forget this site and give it a look on a constant basis.

    My weblog :: More

    ReplyDelete
  26. great post, very informative. I'm wondering why the opposite experts of this sector do not understand this. You should proceed your writing. I'm confident,
    you've a great readers' base already!

    My web-site ... http://pornharvest.com/index.php?q=nubiles+zita&f=a&p=s

    ReplyDelete
  27. When I initially commented I clicked the "Notify me when new comments are added" checkbox and now each time a comment is added
    I get three e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
    Many thanks!

    My web page; Http://Www.Studywithplymouth.Ac.Uk/Moodle/User/Profile.Php?Id=24969

    ReplyDelete
  28. I simply couldn't depart your web site before suggesting that I extremely loved the usual information an individual provide in your guests? Is going to be again ceaselessly to check up on new posts

    Have a look at my web site; visit

    ReplyDelete
  29. First off I want to say awesome blog! I had a quick question in which I'd like to ask if you don't mind.
    I was interested to know how you center yourself
    and clear your head before writing. I've had a hard time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there. I truly do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or hints? Many thanks!

    My web blog - at Nubiles Net Natalia Robles Hot Virgin Model Natalia Robles Strips Off

    ReplyDelete
  30. Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in
    Yahoo News? I've been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Cheers

    Stop by my blog post ... Eighteen and prepared for a gangbang

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in truth was
    a leisure account it. Look advanced to more brought agreeable from
    you! However, how can we keep in touch?

    Feel free to surf to my web-site ... Www.Umotivateme.Com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Unquestionably imagine that that you said. Your favorite justification appeared to be
    on the web the easiest thing to consider of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed even
    as people consider issues that they just don't realize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest as neatly as defined out the entire thing with no need side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thanks

    my homepage ... Visit

    ReplyDelete
  33. I've been surfing online more than 4 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It's
    pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be much more useful than
    ever before.

    Feel free to surf to my homepage - Email Console

    ReplyDelete
  34. Whoa! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It's on a entirely different topic but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!

    Here is my page :: in porn star

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi there! This blog post could not be written much better!
    Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He continually kept talking about this. I'll send this post to him. Fairly certain he will have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!

    Here is my website her explanation - pornharvest.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Touche. Sound arguments. Keep up the good effort.

    My site :: http://pornharvest.com/index.php?m=2207663

    ReplyDelete
  37. Piece of writing writing is also a excitement,
    if you know after that you can write or else it is complicated to write.


    Here is my site - For Cam Karenlabuena

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi, i feel that i saw you visited my website thus i came to go back the want?

    .I'm attempting to to find issues to enhance my website!I suppose its good enough to use some of your ideas!!

    Here is my web-site ... quickest way to lose weight

    ReplyDelete
  39. Heya! I'm at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the superb work!

    Also visit my blog post http://www.livingwithrheumatoidarthritis.org/provailen-review-stop-your-arthritis-the-smarter-way

    ReplyDelete
  40. I leave a response whenever I like a post on a
    website or I have something to contribute to the conversation.
    Usually it's a result of the passion displayed in the post I browsed. And after this article "The Bridal Industry Confuses Me". I was moved enough to post a comment :-) I actually do have a couple of questions for you if it's
    allright. Could it be just me or do some of these remarks look
    like they are left by brain dead folks? :-P And, if
    you are writing on additional sites, I'd like to keep up with you. Could you make a list all of all your social pages like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?

    Feel free to visit my web blog; redbuck.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  41. I am not sure where you're getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for wonderful info I was looking for this information for my mission.

    my site: http://pornharvest.com/index.php?m=2189992

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi to every one, the contents existing at this web page are in fact remarkable for people experience, well, keep up the good
    work fellows.

    Feel free to surf to my webpage Email Console

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hello just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the images aren't loading properly. I'm not sure why but I
    think its a linking issue. I've tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.

    My website a photo

    ReplyDelete
  44. This design is steller! You certainly know how to keep a reader amused.
    Between your wit and your videos, I was almost
    moved to start my own blog (well, almost...HaHa!) Excellent job.

    I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more
    than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

    My web page :: http://pornharvest.com/index.php?m=2378280

    ReplyDelete
  45. I drop a comment whenever I especially enjoy a article on a website or I have something to add to the conversation.
    Usually it is a result of the sincerness displayed in
    the article I browsed. And after this post "The Bridal Industry Confuses Me".

    I was actually moved enough to drop a thought ;-) I do have a few questions for you if you tend not
    to mind. Is it simply me or does it appear like some of these remarks come across like they
    are written by brain dead visitors? :-P And, if you are writing at additional online social sites,
    I'd like to keep up with everything fresh you have to post. Could you make a list every one of all your public sites like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?

    My blog post - learn more here

    ReplyDelete
  46. I visited several web sites however the audio quality for audio songs existing at this website is really marvelous.


    My blog this guy

    ReplyDelete
  47. The specific dutch oven must have been came up with so that the crock pot as well as it
    for why there are additional uses for this key fact cookware, but you
    do need to be place to even use. Your nfl supplies Important products with assorted delivers, level, mishap cook
    dinner dishes options and prices. Likely to perfectly spacious household, sufficient enough as a way to prepare 8
    16 half inch garlic bread directly. For this reason drying out
    the fruits with taking out the river may very well extend as well manage quality that belong
    to the meat. Financial times can be found exhausting and in addition meals is increasing at
    asking price, brewing every individual find a extra cheap
    using grocery email lists.

    my homepage cool toaster

    ReplyDelete
  48. Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed
    account your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently fast.

    Check out my web blog - Full Article

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your
    content seem to be running off the screen in Opera. I'm not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I thought I'd post to
    let you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem fixed
    soon. Many thanks

    Also visit my site ... language translation albanian to english

    ReplyDelete

Gimme Gimme Some Lovin'