I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

wenndypoo Posted: Apr 26, 2003 11:32 PM

I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

After what felt like forever searching (the loongest month of my life!) I found my dress! It is absolutley stunning, I just love it!

So here's my question: Were any of you ladies able to negotiate on the price of your dress?

And here's my dilema: I found the dress on netbride.com for about $800 less than the salon! The people at the salon were terrific, I felt they really went out of their way for me, and I know it sounds stupid, but I think I'd actually feel guilty if I didn't order from them! (Dumb, I know!) But after $2,600 for the dress, $250 for the tiara, $140 for the veil, sheesh, I am broke!!!
I've been very happy with the salon service so far, and I'd like to stay with them, but a girl has to save money somehow, right?

So should I try to negotiate with the salon? Get over my guiilt and buy online? Dish out lots of money for 'salon service'?

Thanks for your help!

(Sorry this is long and rambling, dress shopping just wore me out - I'm pooped!)

Stacey1403 Posted: Apr 26, 2003 11:41 PM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

$800 I say Netbride all the way! You still won't pay that much in outside alterations, and if you buy from the salon you still have to pay their alteration fee!!!!

KFA5477 Posted: Apr 26, 2003 11:44 PM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

i find my self being uncomfortable about ordering online
i like to speak to people face to face
what about alterations what will they cost if you get it online
i got my dress for 15% less on retail price

Stacey1403 Posted: Apr 26, 2003 11:46 PM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

My sister bought her dress online and had no problems whatsoever

Their are plenty of girls on here who can put you in touch with wonderful seamstresses

wenndypoo Posted: Apr 26, 2003 11:48 PM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot, they capped my alterations at $250, not including my bustle - eeeeek!
Thanks for your input. I feel somewhat comfortable ordering online, I know alot of people have done it.
Has anyone been successful negotiating with their salon?

Stacey1403 Posted: Apr 26, 2003 11:48 PM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

Netbride

jennbaby Posted: Apr 27, 2003 12:01 AM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

$800? That could be your limos, or mony towards flowers, or your HM...
NETBRIDE!!

Sunny Posted: Apr 27, 2003 12:51 AM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

I know how you feel about feeling guilty, but you have to do what is best for you! $800 is a lot of money. Order it online!

karen32 Posted: Apr 27, 2003 12:56 AM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

can you tackily tell the salon you love the dress and want to give them your business, but you found the dress cheaper elsewhere?? would they match the price? or maybe throw in free alternations, maybe a free veil or something??

if they aren't willing to negotiate, then i think netbride is the best option!

good luck!!!

Sunny Posted: Apr 27, 2003 12:58 AM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

Oh- I forgot to add- I bought my dress at a bridal suite and negotiated the price.

EvenEdan Posted: Apr 27, 2003 01:08 AM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

I negotiated the price of my dress big time!! I got about $700. taken off the price. Try to negotiate with the salon.

Marcela1654 Posted: Apr 27, 2003 01:46 AM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

I negotiated with the salon also. Actually most salons will match prices or at least try to match the price. You should call RK bridal and other salons to see if they have your dress and at what price. I found that many bridal salons were more willing to match prices from other stores versus online bridal salons.
Good Luck and Congrats on finding your dress!

julybride444 Posted: Apr 27, 2003 02:10 AM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

Most salons will not negotiate. They have higher costs (space, staff etc.) and they'll try to talk you out of ordering online by scaring you. But, you should do what works best for you! I've ordered plenty of things online (although not my wedding dress) without problems. Just make sure that they have a decent return policy. Best of luck!

butterfly20 Posted: Apr 27, 2003 02:52 AM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

you can always get your veil and tiara from the store you liked, theyll be getting some business that way

The Original 2nd-time-around Posted: Apr 27, 2003 08:47 AM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

I'd say tell the bridal salon the price that you were quoted from Netbride, and if they don't AT LEAST meet you half way ($400), go with Netbride. I've heard lots of people who have been very happy ordering from them.

Good luck and congrats on finding the dress

Tammy5-03 Posted: Apr 27, 2003 09:05 AM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

I couldn't get the salon to negotiate on the cost of the dress. I think maybe they went down about $100. I also felt a little guilty but then it went away after I saved about $900 with RK Bridal. The alterations were cheap so it was definitely worth it. Don't worry about the salon, they won't miss you.

WithThisRing Posted: Apr 27, 2003 09:19 AM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

Talk to the salon, ask them because you are spending so much would it be possible to do some type of package, maybe if you spend over x amount of dollars you get free alterations or maybe some extra's like the veil, pantyhouse, slip, etc...I've gone to a few places to try on dresses and I've tried to work in extra's with the dress. Some have been accomodating and others have been well this is the set price.

The place I am buying my dress from the dress isnt a name dress. Its made by the owner of the store strictly for her store so I cant even go on line and order it, but I am negotiating what is included. If I spend over 1000 dollars (which the dress is. Its 1800) I get a shawl, head piece and veil included. Since my train is chapel and I want cathedral its going to be extra money. I am working on how to deal with alterations and the extra money for the train.

So try and work out a deal. Maybe bring your BM's in and have them buy their dresses their which will bring in more business. If the person doesnt seem willing to negotiate or meet your needs tell her thank you and have a nice day. Then go home, get on netbride and order that dress.

As said above their are a lot of girls on here who can recommed seamstresses for alterations.

junebride04 Posted: Apr 27, 2003 09:21 AM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

Personally I would never order my wedding gown online. I would rather pay a little extra and have my head clear regarding my dress rather than deal with an online co.(especially w/a wedding gown!!). But that is just my opinon. Just a few things to think about: Have you considered where you are going to store your gown if you buy it online?? I know most bridal salons store the gowns at the right temperature. Also, can the Netbride guarantee you that your gown is an original? Also regarding alterations a lot of bridal salons will only alter a gown they have sold because they are busy servicing their own brides. Just giving you a few things to think about. I would def. try and negotiate with the salon. See if they could match the price for you. Good luck!

WithThisRing Posted: Apr 27, 2003 09:24 AM

Re: I found my dress!! But I need your help please!

I just thought of something, print out the picture with the price from netbride and bring it into the salon so they can see it for themselves as well.

Someone mentioned they will try and scare you no matter what they say remember you are the bride and be strong. Don't let them scare or intimidate you.

Good luck.