Dress Shopping

So I just started dress shopping, I just wondered, in stores like Davids Bridal's is it ok to just go in and look around or do I have to make an appointment?
I'm the type of person I like to look around on my own, My mom made the mistake of making an appointment to a store last weekend and just taking me (it was my first dress store) and when I got there the consultant tells me, in front of other clients, loud enough for the store to hear, 'well we don't carry dresses for YOUR SIZE' (I'm a size 18 or up).
I understand they don't carry it, but I'm sure you could pull me aside and say it nicely with out embarrassing me like that. I put my tail between my legs and just walked out and tried not to cry while the other clients just stared at me.
Thats particularly why I don't like when I have people following me around the store or suggesting things they like for me.
Anyway a week has passed and my wedding is coming quickly so I have to try this again. This time I prefer to do it my way, do you guys think its ok that I just walk in and look around?

Dress Shopping

I'm sorry you had to go through that! The consultant shouldn't have done that. I've never been to David's Bridal for a wedding dress but the other places I went to, I was able to walk around the store and pick out dresses that I wanted to try on. The consultants did walk around with me but they only pulled some dresses for me after seeing the ones I chose.

I would call David's Bridal and ask if you can just look around without having a consultant. It can't hurt!

Dress Shopping

How dare they do that! I'm sorry, but that was so BEYOND rude and disrespectful.

I only went to Bridal Reflections in Massapequa, so I'm not much help. But I walked around and picked out things I liked and my consultant pulled things for me as well.

Dress Shopping

That is not right. It amazes me how rude people can be. I think pretty much all bridal salons, even David's Bridal, ask that you make an appointment for when you come in. They will assign you a consultant, but they will let you walk around and browse on your own. You'll need the consultant to help you get in and out of the dresses - that can be difficult! But I'm sure if you let them know upfront that you would like some space while browsing, they should be able to back off.

Dress Shopping

I don't have any suggestions except that Bridal Reflections is a very professional shop and I have been very happy with them.
But I just have to say shame on that bridal shop for saying that to you!! How rude. Please don't let one horrible woman ruin what should be a fun and happy experience for you.

Dress Shopping

Wow, I'm so sorry you had to go through that!! Did you write a letter of complaint to the salon? I know it won't make it go away, but maybe a complaint will help the consultant learn from her mistake.

I shopped for a BM dress once at David's Bridal, and didn't need an appointment, I just went in and looked around. It may be different for bridal dresses, since most of them take a team effort to get in and out of, but give them a call and ask. If you do have to make an appointment and get a consultant, maybe letting them know ahead of time that you want to browse by yourself first may be helpful.

Dress Shopping

I went to bridal reflections in massapequa and hated it- I printed pics and explained 100 times that i wanted a strapless lace gown that is semi-fitted, not ball-gown like, and one that would look nice to add a sparkly belt to... they brought in all ballgowns, and I saw so many dresses that I wanted to try on but she didn't bring any of them in because she said 'you wouldn't like that one'... I walked out of there so disappointed. I ended up going to Pronovias in Manhattan- the dresses were in my price range, and they were really professional but allowed me to walk around and see what I liked, then after trying out and getting a feel for which style I responded well to, they would go back out and pick more of what I liked. I loved it there

Dress Shopping

dont go to DB in massapequa, especially without an appt!

i think it all depends on the consultant. there's a thread on here where people suggest good stores for normal sized samples

ETA- normal meaning NOT size ZERO!