Dress questions & experience (long)

I went to Davids bridal yesterday to buy the dress I saw last month. The consultant told me to come back in March because they were having a sale and the dress might be $200 off. She was right, the sale ends today so, I went and they did not have one dress left. So the consultant had me try on dresses cut the same style to figure out my size so they can order one for me. 1hour 15min later found the correct size and was ready to special order the dress. Guess what? Special order dresses have to be paid in full. Well that brought tears to my eyes, I don't carry that much cash on me & Amex will not get paid in full next month. So that was out of question. So I left and went to Saymels on Steinway. Found a beautiful dress, right size, free alterations. My question is, why are the designer tag not on the dress? When you ask who the designer is they can't tell you until the dress is purchased. Is this true? Is this like that ant other Bridal stores? Also I lied and said my wedding was August 4th (getting married October 7th) and they said the dress will be in 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding. If that was my true date would that be enough time for alterations?

Dress questions & experience (long)

From what I have read, it is illegal for dress shops to cut the tags out of dresses, but unfortunately some of them still do it. I read this in Bridal Bargains by Denise and alan fields. It was a very informative book. The book also mentioned that it is wise to tell them your wedding date is earlier than it is because a lot of times the stores will do exactly what you have described. Unfortunately weddings are big money producers for these people and they dont necessarily care that you get good service! Hope I have answered your questions.

Dress questions & experience (long)

Nicky; It is illegal to cut the tags from the dresses, but shops do it anyway, because too many brides use them to try on a dress, then order through discounters or over the internet. They are just trying to protect themselves which is understandable. I got my dress in Boston, where I live, and my shop told me they need 4-6 weeks for the fitting. The second is 2 weeks after the first, and they want some time to do a third if necessary and still have the dress done a week or two in advance. 3 weeks is cutting it pretty close. The book Alicia mentions is great - they also have a web page that tells you a lot about individual designers and their reputation for quality and being on-time with deliveries. The web address is http://www.bridalgown.com I would suggest you go to RK Bridal in the city - it's in the garment district, somewhere around 38th and 8th or thereabouts. They have rack after rack of most of the designers - all labeled, and you see if you can find your dress there. Their prices are good - they do discount. I called for a price and could have gotten my dress for about $100 less but decided to buy from the shop that had given me the good service and was local for doing my alterations. They are VERY crowded on Saturdays - definately give them a call to ask about times, appointments, etc. Good Luck!

Dress questions & experience (long)

If you found the dress you like and are at Saymel's and are happy with the price I would just stay there. They do a very good job and I know several people that have used them. I myself am going to RK Bridal and Saymel's to look for dresses.

Dress questions & experience (long)

I also went to David and had a similiar experience. I went to RK and found the dress I fell in love with at Saymels (even though there was no label) for about $300 less. However after adding alterations (max is $225), tolls, parking, etc, I wouldn't really be saving much for my hassle. Besides RK really couldn't compare with the service and attention at Saymels.

Dress questions & experience (long)

I too ordered my dress from Saymel's however when I asked who the designer was they told me before I placed the order? I suppose there are incidents when the bridal shop doesn't get the dress in on time which is why it's recommended to give them a date of at least 2 weeks before your actual wedding date. I'm getting married in August but told them my date is July. I'm lucky because I already got the call that the dress is in. I paid the balance but won't be going for a first fitting for sometime. It's a bit too early. I've had a couple of friends that ordered their dress and bridal party dresses from Saymels and have not had any problems. Good luck!

RK Bridal vs Saymels - my price difference was very small

I found my dress at Saymels and then went back to RK Bridal to price it there. RK was only $60 cheaper and I would have to budget for alterations at a max of $225. I ended up buying my dress at Saymels - they took excellent care of me during my three visits! However, I only gave my 'fake' date as being one week earlier than my real date - now I see that a lot of brides have given themselves a better time frame. Well, I must have faith that all will go well........ Good luck!

RK Bridal vs Saymels - Thanks all & Kathi

Thank's everyone for all of your input. I guess it really doesn't matter who the designer is as long as I like the dress. I will be going to Saymels on friday to order my dress then get the bridesmaids dress from Davids Bridal. Kathi, We're getting married and having the ceremony at Douglaston Manor in the afternoon. My co-working is getting married October 6th and I also know someone else who has our wedding date. Those dates are very popular this year

I got my dress at Saymels

They didn't have the tag on the dress. But I metioned the dress that I wanted to Charisols on Northern Blvd and she knew the dress I was reffering too. She would have ordered it for me if I was 100% sure it was the same dress. It would have saved me all of a $100 so I didn't bother. I was happy with Saymels. I did both fittings w/i a month of the wedding. They did it very fast. But all this comes with a price tag!

Better off at Saymels

My girlfriend got her dress and our bridesmaid dresses at Charisol's. Although they have better prices their service and alterations are not great. My other girlfriend got her dress at Saymels and had a much better experience.

Better off at Saymels

Karen, you are right. My friend went to Saymels for her bridesmaid dresses and the day of the wedding: one of the girls waist seam was riped open and she isn't heavy and the other girl's seam by the zipper was open also. I wouldn't want that hassle on my day

Julybride02 - Just to clarify

Did you mean Charisol's or Saymel's? Where did your friend have a bad experience?

Julybride02 - Just to clarify

My other girlfriend got her dress at Saymels and had a much better experience. (This is what you wrote Karen). I'm talking about Saymel's I wouldn't want to go through the hassel of dealing with rips and other things going on with my bridesmaid dresses on MY day.